16001To James Madison from William Harris Crawford, 5 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the President & will thank him to delay his nomination to the Senate for the present if there is no impropriety in this course. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM . At a later date JM added an asterisk here, and at the foot of the letter wrote: “Mr. Crawford’s, he was acting under a recess appt of the Executive.” Crawford’s nomination to the...
16002To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 5 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have received, my dear Sir, your invaluable communication of the 3d. instant. It is not in my power to express the sense, which I entertain of the notice taken of my services in the Treasury. For my own day, it will serve as a shield against the assaults of the envious, malicious, and inimical; and for the days of my Children, it will not be the least precious portion of their inheritance....
16003To James Madison from Waller Taylor, 5 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Convention which framed the Constitution for the new State of Indiana directed their President to send three Copies to this place; one to yourself, another to the President of the Senate, and the third to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. It has happened, either from the remissness of the President of the Convention in not sending them, or from their having miscaried if sent by...
16004Remission for Henrietta Gray, [5 December 1816] (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that a Certain Henrietta Gray, was at a Circuit Court, lately held for the County of Alexandria, in the District of Columbia, duly convicted of Larceny, and having been recommended to me as a fit object of Mercy. Now therefore, I James Madison, President of the United States of America, for divers good causes and considerations, me thereunto moving, do by...
16005Christopher Clark to Thomas Jefferson, 5 December 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
We are Verry much obliged by your friendly enquire of this morning M rs Clark is I trust better: the fever we have Rebuked if not Removed her debility is yet excessive but will sincerly hope be Restord by time The baby is well and thriving I avail myself of this occasion to express my deep Regret that the situation of the family has deprived us of the society of yourself and the young Ladies...
16006Thomas Jefferson’s Calculations of Latitude of Poplar Forest, 8 November–3 December 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Nov. 8. ° ′ ″ Nov. 9. ° ′ ″ Nov. 12. ° ′ ″ Nov. 13. ° ′ ″ Nov. 15.
16007To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 3 December 1816 (Adams Papers)
Mr Cobbett whose political opinions, as you know have undergone some changes since he was battling it in favour of the British Government in Philadelphia, has become the great champion of Parliamentary reform; and in order to increase the number of his readers among the labouring classes of the People, he has lately had recourse to the expedient of reprinting particular numbers of his weekly...
16008Annual Message to Congress, 3 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
In reviewing the present state of our country, our attention cannot be withheld from the effect produced by peculiar seasons; which have very generally impaired the annual gifts of the Earth, and threaten scarcity in particular districts. Such, however, is the variety of soils, of climates and of products, within our extensive limits, that the aggregate resources for subsistance, are more than...
16009Thomas Jefferson to Fitzwhylsonn & Potter, 3 December 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you from Monticello about the middle of October requesting to have some books bound and to be furnished with some others. I am now about returning to that place and shall be very glad to find them there on my arrival, or to recieve them as soon as possible afterwards. I shall most pressingly have occasion immediately for the collection of Virginia laws I requested. Accept the...
16010Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 3 December 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
We have been, my ever dearest Martha , now weather bound at this place since Sunday was sennight. we were then to have set off on our return home, but it began to rain that day, and we have had three regular N.E. rains successively, with intermissions of a single day between each. during the first intermission, mr Flower left us for Monticello , but by the way of the Natural bridge . by him I...
16011To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 2 December 1816 (Adams Papers)
If I don’t reply immediately to your kind Letters, pray attribute it to my being an Inquirer, & have little to communicate in Return; besides I have furnished You with so much Matter to discuss & explain that I have some fears of becoming oppressive. Your last very confidential Letter makes me eager to obtain more of them. When I sported the Character of Hutchinson, I started a Subject which I...
16012To James Madison from the General Assembly of Georgia, 2 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
The memorial and remonstrance of the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Georgia, in General Assembly met. Your memorialists, beg leave to address His Excellency the President of the United States, and to lay before him their views on a subject highly interesting to the people of this State, and entitled to the serious attention of the national government. This subject, to...
16013To James Madison from David George, 2 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to offer for your consideration Charles Henry George late Lieut, of the 40th Infantry for a reappointment in the United States Army, necesity has induced me to make the application and when you hear my condition perhaps you will not wonder at the freedom which I have taken in writing to you upon the subject. At the commencement of Mr Jefferson’s Presidency by the recommendation of...
16014To James Madison from James Monroe, 2 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I saw Mr de Neuville to day and explaind the cause, why, the article was not sent to the press. He was satisfied. I had mistaken his motive, in suggesting to me, his intention in writing another note. It was not, to press former demands or, relinquish them, but, leaving things where they were, to conciliate. If he writes any thing he will shew it to me, before making it official, as I have...
16015To James Madison from John G. Munn, 2 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
Yor partishioner begs leave to state that in the month of Augt. last he was driven by force to hand in the Resignation of 1st. Liet: in the 2nd: Regt: of Inft: in the Army of the United States by Majr: Worth of the same Regt: contary to his wishes and inclination. As it is in Majr: Worths own hand righting the undersigned humbly requests a nonexceptance of sd: Resignation as it was contary to...
16016To James Madison from John Parker and James True Jr., [ca. 2] December 1816 (Madison Papers)
We whose names are hereunto annexed, being representatives in the State Legislature from the Congressional District composed of the Counties of Fayette Woodford and Jessamine, recommend to your Consideration John T Mason Esqr for the Office of District Judge for the State of Kentucky. We do not hesitate to give our testimony in favour of Mr. Masons claims to this Office, and to say that his...
16017To James Madison from John Faulkner and Others, [ca. post–2 December 1816] (Madison Papers)
We the undersigned members of the Legislature of Kentucky do cordially recommend Robert Trimble Esqr. to the president of the United States, as a proper person to fill the office of district judge of the United States, for the District of Kentucky. He once filled a Seat on the bench of the Supreme court of this state for Some time; and resigned the office on account of the inadequate...
16018Memorandum on John T. Mason and Robert Trimble, [post–2 December 1816] (Madison Papers)
Mess True & Parker Reptivs Fayette County Mr Bomar Senator from Woodford. Benj. Mills lives at the same place Paris—& Says what any good mans acquaintance would Say. George Walker personal & would not object to the other. Thomas Montgome[r]y, a proof of this being a party question as well as many others. Hubbard Taylor. Ve[r]y good man & influential in his part &c. but will make no bustle. He...
16019John Barnes to Thomas Jefferson, 2 December 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
from the receipt of your last fav rs date, 12 h Oct r your proposed Absense from Monticello for six weeks, via Bedford —from the 19 th my present,—would probably meet your return— I have now to detail—the several, unexpected distressing Vexsatious tryals, my feelings and patience, has experiencd: suffic i ently roused
16020Ambrose Spencer to Thomas Jefferson, 2 December 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be delivered to you by Doc t Stewart of this City; he has requested of me, an introduction to you & I have presumed on the small acquaintance I had the honor to form with you twelve years ago, to comply with this request. Doc t Stewart is a gentleman of respectable standing & acquirements, & any acts of civility you may shew him will be thankfully & gratefully received. RC ( MHi );...
16021To James Madison from Constant Freeman and Others, [post–1 December 1816] (Madison Papers)
We the undersigned do respectfully recommend Mr. Edward Wyer for the vacant Consulate at Hamburg. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Wyer”). Undated; conjectural date assigned based on evidence in n. 1. Several other letters recommending Wyer for appointment were written to James Monroe in November and December 1816 (ibid.). JM nominated Wyer to the consulate in Hamburg on 28 Jan....
16022To James Madison from William McIntosh, [post–1 December 1816] (Madison Papers)
The Speakers of our Nation have appointed me the leader of this deputation, and directed me to council with you, this day I meet & talk with you, our head men, (Speakers of the Nation) have instructed me to let you know every thing & to speak to you in truth. General Washington our first Father, appointed an agent to assist and relieve us in our necessities, we have seen him & know his value,...
16023To James Madison from William McIntosh and Yoholo, [post–1 December 1816] (Madison Papers)
This is what happened to us and I told you all. I called on you to help us and you Sent your Armies amongst us with Generl. Jackson who drove our enemies away. General Jackson having beaten our enemy you appointed us to meet and hold a treaty I was appointed and did collect my people, when General Jackson told us, that he was Going to take away all The Land from The Hostiles, it is the Land of...
16024To James Madison from J. W. Simonton and Others, [November 1816] (Madison Papers)
The undersigned memorialists, citizens of the United States, in behalf of themselves and others, respectfully represent; That in the prosecution of their lawful concerns, they have sustained a pecuniary loss to a considerable amount, by the arrest, seizure, and actual confiscation of their property, by Henry Christophe, lately styled President, but now King of Hayti, as fully and particularly...
16025To James Madison from David B. Douglass, 30 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
I am requested to transmit to your excellency a copy of a correspondence which was had at this place on the arrival of Gen. Swift to assume this Comd. viz. The address of the Academic staff on the occasion, and the Gen’s answer I have the honor to be with Great respect sir Your Obt Hbl. Servt RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , D-110:9). Docketed as received in the War Department in...
16026William Sampson to Thomas Jefferson, 30 November 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Geo Ensor An old friend fellow student and Colleague of mine, whom I formerly knew for a gentleman and scholar, sent me lately in memory of our antient friendship, several works of his pen. He requested me if I thought such a gift Could be acceptable to you to forward a Copy of that entitled, “Defects of the English Law,” and one of that entitled “ on National Government.” In looking for...
16027Richard N. Thweatt to Thomas Jefferson, 30 November 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 22 nd inst. I received only three days ago—Being abscent in the country with my family prevented my receiving it before— With respect to your box, I had previously Sent it to Richmond , addressed to the care of Mr Gibson , whom I had seen, and who informed me that he would contrive it to you if I would send it over to you him —I trust by this time it has reached you in Safety—I...
16028John D. Vaughan to Thomas Jefferson, 30 November 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I fear you will think me bold in thus addressing a gentleman who does not know me; and who perhaps has never seen me. But y upon your benevolence and your intimacy with my father, Doctor John Vaughan of Wilmington Delaware I rely. Sir upon this ground I am emboldened to write to you and ask a favour which if granted shall never be forgotten. I wish to enter the Navy and I solicit you Sir to...
16029From James Madison to James Monroe, [ca. 29 November 1816] (Madison Papers)
It will be proper to take the steps suggested by Mr. Joy for obtaining further information. My enquiry as to Nootka Sound had reference to the grounds of the Brit. claim there, and its analogy to that of the U.S. at the mouth of Columbia. See Vancouvre’s acct. of the B. proceedings at Nootka: also Capt: Morris’s communication to Mr Graham Ocr. 24. 1816. RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). Undated;...
16030To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 29 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
I am requested by Mr. W. G. D. Worthington to join his other friends in Soliciting an appointment Suitable to his State of health, which has been injured by too great application to his duty as Clerk in the Comptroller’s Office. He wishes a Consulate. I have written him that there are none in Europe that will be useful to any except a Mercht. now Vacant, but that if Tunis or Tripoli be Vacant,...
16031Robert Turner to Thomas Jefferson, 29 November 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Although I have not the honour of being personally acquainted with you, I have taken the liberty of enclosing to you, a paper containing my ideas concerning the earth, which was were lately published in this Town. As you have have no doubt thought much on the same subject, I shall consider it a great favour, if you will examen the theo r y in the enclosed, and honour me with your opinion of...
16032To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 28 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
As you are Shortly to leave the busy scenes of public life, to enjoy the calm repose of a philosophic retirement, sweetened by the consciousness of having faithfully discharged for a long term of years the duties incumbent on the various elevated stations to which the public voice has called you, I beg leave to tender you the tribute of my thanks for the confidence you have been pleased to...
16033To James Madison from Benjamin Joy, 28 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
In accordance with the wish you expressed to me when at Washington, for information respecting Capt Kendricks purchase of Lands from the Indians on the North West coast of this continent, I have been making search among the late Mr Barrells papers for proof of that purchase; and altho’ the Deeds are not found, there is ample proof of their having been duly made & recorded in Massa. Some...
16034James B. Pleasants to Thomas Jefferson, 28 November 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been informed that the State of Virginia is about to improove the facility of intercourse b e tween its Citizens, on this subject I have spent much thought & should give the preference to roads over canals. I do not mean to dogmatise; & I know my name will give no sanction to my theory, if I do not give rational conclutions, from clear facts, I do not call for attention, the expence...
16035From James Madison to Richard Rush, 27 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison requests a consultation with the Heads of Departments today at 12 OC and that they remain to dinner with him. RC ( PHi : Richard Rush Papers). Addressed by JM on verso “The Attorney General” and docketed there by Rush, possibly at a later date: “(And remain to dinner). Mr. Madison Nov: 1816— Cabinet meeting in which the annual message to congress (being his last) was read and...
16036Francis W. Gilmer to Thomas Jefferson, 27 November 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I owe many apologies both to you and to Mr Dupont for having delayed until now the translation of the treatise of Mr. Quesnay . I have however almost ever since I received it, been engaged in the courts: having recently commenced the practice of the profession, I have found the forms of judicial proceedings require much of my attention, I have too, to make my way thro’ a thick rank of counsel...
16037Thomas Jefferson to John Patterson, 27 November 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer of this mr George Flower is an English gentleman farmer, on a tour thro’ the US. to look for a settlement for his family and friends. he wishes to see what we consider the best course of farming as adapted to the particular circumstances of our country. on this ground I address him to yourself am and mr Randolph . in return for any information you give him of that kind he will give...
16038Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 27 November 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer mr George Flower is an English gentleman farmer, on a tour of the US. to look for a settlement for his family and friends. he was the travelling companion of mr Birkbeck thro’ France in the tour we possess, and brings me letters from M. de la Fayette and de Lasteyrie who speak in the highest terms of his worth. he is well informed of the affairs of Europe , and particularly of...
16039Thomas Jefferson to Robert Rives, 27 November 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer mr George Flower is an English gentleman, a farmer, looking out for a position in the US . to which he may bring a family from that country. he is on his return from the Westward and I have advised him to take his course thro the rich country below the blue ridge , and add the liberty of recommending him to your attentions. he was the travelling companion of mr Birkbeck whose tour...
16040From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
The Newspapers, throughout the Continent are announcing to Europe and America, Somewhat imprudently, that you are recalled and to be made Secretary of State. I know not whence this comes: but whether true or false, I hope it is true. And if it is true, I hope You will accept the Office of Secretary of State. If there is no Truth in it I hope you will demand your Recall and come home. And if...
16041From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 26 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
I think I will not give to any passenger any Letters, unless a Letter of introduction, for however urgent they are to be charged with them, I find frequently that they lay months before they are deliverd. If my Letters cannot have the Novelty of youth to recommend them, They will lose their most valuable quality, and be very dull in their old Age—like a twice told tale, and very like, better...
16042From Abigail Smith Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 26 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
I am indebted to you for several very entertaining Letters, while I have not any thing in return to amuse you with. Some marriages amongst the young folk are taking place, miss E Gerry last week to a Major Townsend. Susan was at the visit party. She is well married it is Said. a daughter of doctor Hoolbrooks to a mr Vincet, Brother to mrs E Everet who was lately in England. miss Hoolbrook is...
16043From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 26 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
Last week I sent you a number of the Monthly Theological Repository, containing some Speculations of Mr Van der Kemp and Mr Jefferson—With this Letter I enclose to my Father the numbers just published of the Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews—Presuming that you know the History and Character of those Publications from Cobbett, you will sufficiently understand them to be in the Nature of Lawyer’s...
16044To James Madison from Jared Mansfield, 26 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
Understanding, that Daniel Symmes Esq. Register of the Land Office in Cincinnati is about to resign that place, & that his brother Mr Peyton S. Symmes is a Candidate for succeeding him, I beg leave to offer my testimony in favour of the appointment of this Gentleman. While acting as Surveyor General, I had the means of knowing his youthful character; It was promissing in the highest degree;...
16045William Sampson to Thomas Jefferson, 26 November 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
An antient colleague and fellow student of mine has, in sending me as an authors gift several Copies of his political works, made it a request that I should present one of them to you; entitled , “ On National Government .” I have so recently received these donations that I have not had time yet to peruse them, nor should I willingly presume to forestall your better judgement upon the merit of...
16046From John Adams to Richard Rush, 25 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favour of the 18th: and thank you has your “Idea”; Your reasoning upon it is that of a modest prudent philosopher & Statesman. It is more; It is classical enough for a member of the Academy of inscription and Belle letters. I who am neither Philosopher Statesman or Academician, would if I had power cause medals to be struck of every conflagration, Massacre, prison stripe,...
16047From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 25 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
We need not fear that Mr Hutchinsons Character will be injured with Posterity—His every Virtue, and his every Talent and his every Service will be recorded in polite Language, and blazened in Splendid colours; when we, poor Beings who resisted him shall be thrown in Shades of blackness of darkness in the back ground.— I may not live to see, but you may live to see, or if you should not your...
16048To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 25 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
I recieve here, dear Sir, your favor of the 4th. just as I am preparing my return to Monticello for winter quarters; and I hasten to answer to some of your enquiries. the Tracy I mentioned to you is the one connected by marriage with La Fayette’s family. the mail which brought your letter brought one also from him. he writes me that he is become blind & so infirm that he is no longer able to...
16049To James Madison from William Plumer, 25 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to congratulate you on the success of the republicans in this State in the choice of Electors & representatives to Congress; and of the prospect of great unanimity in the approaching presidential election. I avail myself of this opportunity of presenting you with a copy of my speech to the legislature at the opening of their present session. I have the honor to be with much respect...
16050Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 25 November 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieve here, dear Sir, your favor of the 4 th just as I am preparing my return to Monticello for winter quarters; and I hasten to answer to some of your enquiries. the Tracy I mentioned to you is the one connected by marriage with La Fayette ’s family. the mail which brought your letter brought one also from him . he writes me that he is become blind & so infirm that he is no longer able to...