183201Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 20 February 1833 (Madison Papers)
The somersets which have been turned here since I last wrote have changed the aspect of things in more respects than one. It has opened prospects with regard to the prosecution of internal improvements, and among others the Chesapeake & Ohio canal, which will not be without their effect upon the value of property here. Should this new scheme be adopted, the inevitable effect will be a large...
183202James Madison to Ferdinand Rudolph Hassler, 22 February 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor with the accompanying Copies of your Report on Weights & Measures, & I have forwarded the two, one for Professor Patterson, & one for the University of Virginia; and shall dispose of the others as you desire. For the Copy alloted to myself, I return you my thanks. The decrepit state of my health, added to my great age & other causes, have prevented me from looking much...
183203James Madison to Thomas R. Dew, 23 February 1833 (Madison Papers)
I recd. in due time your letter of the 15th. Ult with the copies of the two pamphlets; one on the "Restrictive system"; the other on the "Slave question" The former I have not yet been able to look into; and in reading the latter with the proper attention I have been much retarded by many interruptions as well as by the feebleness incident to my great age increased as it is by the effects of...
183204[James Madison] to [John] Tyler], 1 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
In your Speech of February 6th 1833 you say "He (Edmund Randolph) proposed (in the Federal Convention of 1787) a Supreme National Government, with a Supreme Executive, a Supreme Legislature, and a Supreme Judiciary, and a power in Congress to veto State laws. Mr. Madison I believe, Sir, was also an advocate of this plan of govt. If I run into error on this point, I can easily be put right. The...
183205James Madison to Buckner Thruston, 1 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 13th. inst: was duly received, with a copy of Judge Cranche’s Memoir of President Adams; to which is annexed your Latin Epitaph embracing the coincidences in the lives & deaths of him & of President Jefferson. After an alienation through so long a period from classical studies, I may well distrust my competency to decide on the Latinity of the Epitaph. To the vein of just...
183206Jesse Torrey, Jr. to James Madison, 3 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have forwarded a copy of the first number of the National Library, by mail, and hope you will do me the special favour of reading it entirely, as soon as convenient, if you have not already done so. I presume that your age and state of health are such that you do not read or write much, nor participate much in public concerns. You may perhaps recollect the conversation respecting free...
183207William C. Rives to James Madison, 5 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty, at the moment of leaving here, to send you a printed sheet containing some observations made by me on a recent occasion of considerable interest in the Senate. It is not, without great diffidence, that I submit any attempt of mine to interpret the true doctrines of ’98 & ’99, & the just theory of our constitution, to the discriminating view of their founder; an indiscretion...
183208James Madison to Edward Everett, 6 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 24th ult: I should always feel pleasure in complying with your wishes. But in the present instance, besides that the task however abridged, would not accord with my prolonged indisposition, and other claims on the scanty intervals of relief, there is another obstacle, which I could not well get over. It will suffice to say of it, that it is nowise...
183209George Joy to James Madison, 7 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
Should the Bearer Mr. James C. Fuller extend his travels to the peaceful shades of your retreat, you will greatly oblige me by giving him such countenance and advice as you may judge useful to a Gentleman Farmer, of the Society of friends, seeking where in the U. S. he may best pitch his Tent. He goes with his Son to survey the whole ground and judge for himself of the expediency of shipping...
183210Josiah Quincy to James Madison, 10 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
My Son in law Benjamin D. Greene Esq of Boston, with his lady, and another of my daughters are about visiting the Southern States, with combined views of health and curiosity. In their excursion they are about to pass, in the vicinity of your residence, and have that wish, which is at once so natural and honorable, personally to know and to be permitted to pay their respects to one, who has...
183211Andrew Stevenson to James Madison, 10 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to make you personally acquainted with Mr Longacre of Phia! Mr L. as you well know—is one of the most eminent artists in our Country and is engaged in a national work of great interest! He is extremely desirous of taking himself a likeness of you for his Portrait Gallery, & goes to Montpelier for that purpose! I hope you will not object to sitting & I beg leave to recommend this...
183212James Madison to Baron Alexander von Humboldt, 12 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
Will you permit me, my dear Baron, after such an oblivious lapse of time, to recall myself to you by a few lines introducing Professor Hoffman, who fills with distinguished qualifications the Chair of Law in the University of Maryland. He is about to take a look at Europe; and will be particularly gratified by an opportunity of paying his respects to one, whose fruitful genius, philosophical...
183213James Madison to William C. Rives, 12 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have recd your very kind letter of the 6th. from Washington; and by the same mail, a copy of your late speech in the Senate for which I tender my thanks. I have found as I expected, that it takes a very able and enlightening view of its subject. I wish it may have the effect of reclaiming to the doctrine & language held by all from the birth of the Constitution, & till very lately by...
183214James Madison to David Hoffman, 14 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
I recd. in due time your letter of the 14th. ult: which not requiring an immediate answer, I yielded the more readily to other claims on my attention. I inclose you a few lines which will make you known to Baron Humboldt, the only personal acquaintance, within the scope of your request, and since the deaths of Mr Lay & Mr. Bentham, I have no epistolary ones that would be so. You will not I am...
183215James Madison to Daniel Webster, 15 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
I return my thanks for the copy of your late very powerful speech in the Senate of the United States. It crushes "nullification" and must hasten an abandonment of "Secession". But this dodges the blow by confounding the claim to secede at will, with the right of seceding from intolerable oppression. The former answers itself, being a violation without cause, of a faith solemnly pledged. The...
183216James Madison to Roberts Vaux, 16 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison with his respects to Roberts Vaux, thanks him for the historical Discourse of Mr. M cCall. It well merited the praise bestowed on it by the Society before which it was delivered. A like task as well executed in every State, would of themselves be a historical treasure; and might guide while they prompted researches, not as yet too late, but rapidly becoming so. RC (Biblioteca...
183217James Madison to Jesse Torrey, Jr., 18 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. my worthy friend your letter of the 3d. inst. having previously recd. & read the printed paper to which it refers. It appears to breathe the same benevolent spirit, and to have the same patriotic views with all of your writings which I have seen. How far such a publication would be patronized, and reward your labours, I can not, in my retired situation, undertake to judge. The...
183218Joseph C. Cabell to James Madison, 20 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
Having discovered from the direction of the debate that it would be unnecessary and probably imprudent to use your letter to Judge Roane, in the discussion in the House of Delegates upon the subject of federal relations, and being hardly pressed by the opposition to my measures respecting the connection of the waters, I decided to suspend my communications with you till the end of the session,...
183219Benjamin O. Peers to James Madison, 22 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
Being engaged at present in making "a thorough revision of the Laws Course of studies &c" of Transylvania University, at the instance of the Board of Trustees who have recently elected me to the Presidency of this Institution; I am extremely anxious to avail myself of so favourable an opportunity to introduce such improvements as may have been made in other Colleges, together with such as may...
183220Joseph C. Cabell to James Madison, 27 March 1833 (Madison Papers)
In my late note from Warminster, covering the James River pamphlets, I indicated my intention to write you again very shortly. I attended Nelson Court on Monday, & came down in yesterday’s stage to this place. Having passed to-day at the University, I was preparing to take Montpellier in on way to Fredericksburg & Corrottoman & thence to Wms.burg. But hearing this evening that the Steam Boat...
183221James Madison to Joseph C. Cabell, 1 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I received by the last mail yours from Albemarle with the documents referred to. That from Nelson with its accompaniments, had previously come to hand. I regret much my loss of a visit which I was so near being favored with. Besides the personal gratifications it would have afforded me, we could not well have been together without touching on topics not personal, and on which our ideas might...
183222James Madison to Henry Clay, 2 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
Accept my acknowledgements for the copy of your Speech on the bill modifying the Tariff. I need not repeat what is said by all, on the ability and advantage with which the Subject was handled. It has certainly had the effect of an Anodyne on the feverish excitement under which the public mind was laboring; & a relapse may happily not ensue. There is no certainty however that a surplus revenue...
183223James Madison to William Allen, 10 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I inclose a draft on the Bank for $100. to which please to add as much from the balance in your hands as will discharge what is due for discounts on the Turnpike arrangement. What can my shares in the Turnpike be now sold for? FC (DLC) .
183224James Madison to Thompson & Homans, [10] April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. the 3 last Vols: of the Encyclopaedia Americana transmitted by you, and inclose a Check in payment for them. The 2d. Vol. which I take for granted was red. has strangely disappeared from my Library, and I am of course anxious to replace it. You will oblige me much by enabling me to do so. I understand that this may be done, if an early application be made. The cost will be...
183225Samuel Martin to James Madison, 10 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
It is with Some pleasure I can Say it is very probable a bill can be got up next Session for the purpose of reducing the postage The past Session it was lost by the Casting Vote of Speaker Stevenson a Vote that would disgrace any respectable member of the Cherokee Council I calculate on a vast deal of good arising from it In France & England it will be a Subject of discussion in their...
183226William Drayton and Others to James Madison, 11 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
At the period of the Revolution of the Acordada, which compelled the Congress of Mexico to reverse the election of Pedraza and place Guerrero in the Presidential Chair, the City was taken by assault, and the army of Guerrero attacked and plundered the houses of the European Spaniards, who are peculiarly odious to the native Mexicans. Many of these persons had taken refuge in the house of the...
183227H. Huntington, Jr. to James Madison, 12 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to address you on the subject of a History of the United States—more particularly that portion of it, subsequent to the War of the Revolution—In the great questions which now agitate the country or which have for the last few years, reference is constantly had to debates on the adoption of the constitution, & the Virginia resolutions. With the early History of the country...
183228George P. Morris to James Madison, 13 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I, intend, in the course of the coming Summer, to publish a Splendid National Engraving, containing the likenesses of all the Presidents,executed in the best manner, and by the most eminent Artists, a beautiful design has been furnished by Weir, and some of the heads have been already engraved by Durand. They have been copied from original paintings, politely furnished either by the...
183229Benjamin F. Pepoon to James Madison, 13 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
As an American Citizen, and one of the Committee to carry into effect the objects mention’d in the enclosed Circular I have taken the liberty of addressing one to you— Beleiving as I do that if exertions are not made, to the Contrary our young people will grow up with cold feelings towards the General Government I know of no one to whom I could more properly address myself than to the "Father...
183230John Griscom to James Madison, 17 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
The author of the accompanying Volumes has very often regretted that he did not comply with his inclination to present a Copy of them to President Madison at an early period after their publication. They are not offered to him at the present time from any belief that he will be interested in the books themselves, but only as a testimonial of his sincere regard & esteem for one whom he has long...
183231William Cabell Rives to James Madison, 18 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have trusted to your goodness to suggest the existence of involuntary & uncontrolable causes for the delay which has occurred in acknowledging your kind & most gratifying letter of 12th ult. Immediately after the adjournment of congress. I went to join my family in the county of Nelson, where I had not yet seen, since my return to the country, a numerous circle of friends & relations. In...
183232James Madison to George P. Morris, 22 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 13th. requesting the loan of a Likness taken of me by (Stuart) and it would be agreable to me to follow the example of those who have complied with your wishes. But there is a serious obstacle in the aversion of Mrs Madison to whom the Portrait belongs, to trust it to a shift of hands, and an alternate conveyance by Land & by Water: and there is no known or...
183233James Madison to Frank Carr, 23 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. from Mr. Peers President of the Transylvania University, a request of such information concerning the University of Virga as might be useful to him in revising the code of the former, a task committed to him by its Trustees. I am unwilling to decline altogether a compliance with an application which has so laudable an object; and as doing the best I can in my decrepit condition, I...
183234James Madison to Benjamin O. Peers, 23 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 13 inst was duly received and I shd. have felt a pleasure in more promptly acknowledging it. But such is the decrepit state of my health added to my great age, and a recurrence of interruptions which I cannot avoid, that I must rely on those apologies for the delay. The best I can now do in answer to your request, will be to forward thro’ the Secy to the Board of Trustees,...
183235Robert B. Randolph to James Madison, 24 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I make no apology for the liberty I take of addressing a letter to you. Being a Virginian by nature, habit and character yourself, you will readily I am sure appreciate the feelings of one of her sons in surrendering to you the commission it was so much my honor and pride to receive from you: I was of course first commissioned as a midshipman and served with diligence and faithfulness until I...
183236James Madison to H. Huntington, Jr., 25 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have recd Sir, your letter of the 12. Inst: Passing by other remarks applicable to the scope of it, I may refer to my very advanced age & chronic indisposition, as more than a sufficient answer to the enquiry you make. With friendly respects Draft (DLC) .
183237George Washington Bassett to James Madison, 25 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
The President of the United States will assist in laying the Corner stone to the Monument, proposed to be erected to the memory of the Mother of Washington near this place: on the 7th of May next. The Monummental Comme. respectfully request the pleasure of your company upon that interesting occasion. I have the honor to be Dear Sir, with high consideration, yr. obt. st. RC (DLC) .
183238James Madison to John W. Maury, 29 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
The mail has just brought us information, in one case under your own hand and name, that you have safely reached the land of your birth. I welcome you to it; and hope at an early day to welcome you at my own domicil, where I shall be able to express all the feelings awakened by your unexpected and gratifying visit. Meantime accept from Mrs. M. and myself all our best wishes. Copy in the...
183239James Madison to Nicholas P. Trist, 29 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I observe that you have received the appointment of Consul at Havanna. I doubt not that you have well weighed the pro and the con; and I sincerely wish that the scale of the former may preponderate more in reality, than it may have done in contemplation. I am much in the arrears of the thanks due for your successive communications. It has been the effect of my continued hopes that your...
183240John H. J. Browere to James Madison, 29 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
Six years have elapsed since my visit to you at Montpellier. The <urbanity> attentions and Kindly feelings expressed towards me, will be forgotten but in death. The treatment I received was in accordance with your universally acknowledged characteristics, and therefore must be placed to the account of your native principles of philanthropy. The motives inducing my visit to...
183241James Madison to George W. Bassett, 30 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 25th. inst: which requests my Company at the laying of the Corner Stone of the proposed monument to the memory of the Mother of Washington I feel much regret that my very advanced age, to which is added a continued indisposition, will not permit me to be present; on an occasion commemorative of the mother of him who was the father of his own Country, and has...
183242James Madison to Robert B. Randolph, 30 April 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have recd your letter of the 24th. inst. inclosing your Commission as Lieutenant in the Navy of the U.S. I advert with pleasure to the gallant services rendered to your Country under that appointment; But as the relation in which I stood to the Commission expired with the official character in which it was issued, it seems most proper that it should be replaced in the hands to which it...
183243James Madison to John H. J. Browere, 1 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison has recd. the very kind & polite letter of Mr. Browere dated Apl. _______ & regrets that his state of health is such as to forbid his encouraging the prospect of his sitting again for a Bust, or painting, however he might desire to oblige Mr Browere. J. M hopes Mr Browere has not forgotten his promise of bringing or sending the Bust of Mrs M which he wishes to possess. He also...
183244R. H. C. Taylor to James Madison, 1 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
The heirs of my father the late Majr Wm Taylor Sr. have a Claim against the State of Virginia for Services rendered during the Revolutionary war. To obtain which it is material that we afford living evidence of his Service and rank, a memn in his own hand says that he joined Col. Talliaferros Company as a minute man in 1775. Soon after the battle of the great or long bridge he was taken into...
183245Monroe T. Allen to James Madison, 3 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
The presiding officer of an university most probably being the proper person for one to address on business pertaining to it, and understanding that your honor fills the place of rector of the University of Virginia, I have come to the conclusion of very respectfully requesting of you a copy of the catalogue of the studies pursued both before and after entering the university: the fact being...
183246Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 3 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
I intended that you should first hear from myself , of the plunge I have taken; but this step has but added to the pressure of things to be done, which was before intolerably great, by requiring that many should be immediately dispatched which might otherwise have waited a little—besides no small addition to the pressing agenda arising from the step itself. Mrs. Trist had, several days before...
183247James Madison to [John Griscom], 4 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
I recd. in due time your letter of the 17th. Ult: with the Copy of your two Vols. entitled "year in Europe. I have made some progress in the perusal of them; eno’ to satisfy me that the objects & observations which they present, well merit the entire perusal I have in view. But as I may be much retarded in it by the feeble state to which age & desease have reduced me, and by other claims on my...
183248Roberts Vaux to James Madison, 4 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
Allow me by this note to introduce the Marquis Charles Torrigiani of Florence, who is passing through our Country to enquire concerning its institutions, & observe the condition of our Citizens. He seeks especially to enjoy the society of individuals distinguished in the National career, and I commend him as worthy of thy regard should he be so fortunate as to be presented to thy notice. RC...
183249Nicholas P. Trist to James Madison, 6 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
At the recommendation of Commodore Elliot, (a gentleman of great intelligence who knows all about the West Indies, and Havana particularly) I have purchased a volume of letters, which none of us will have time to read for a couple of weeks or more. I have dipped into it, & think it will prove entertaining to Mrs Madison & yourself, independently of the interest the subject will derive from its...
183250Alexander Garrett to James Madison, 7 May 1833 (Madison Papers)
Above I send for your approval my check on the President & Directors of Literary Fund of Virginia, for Five thousand dollars, part of the annuity due the University the currrent year. This check is drawn rather earlier than heretofore practiced, to explain which, and for the purpose of affording you information in relation to the money of the University, in the hands of Baring & Brothers of...