89101To James Madison from Caesar A. Rodney, 6 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
If you recollect, when at Washington we spoke of publishing the pamphlet of Theirry, & the late elaborate answer of Moreau Lisly, which was translated by Mr. Baker. You will perceive by the enclosed, that, as I then stated, the Delegate from the Orleans Territory, is willing to defray the expence. But on reflection I feel some delicacy on this subject. As Mr. Livingston is constantly loading...
89102To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 28 October 1785 (Madison Papers)
Seven o’clock, and retired to my fireside, I have determined to enter into conversation with you; this is a village of about 5000 inhabitants, when the court is not here and 20,000 when they are, occupying a valley thro’ which runs a brook, and on each side of it a ridge of small mountains most of which are naked rock. The king comes here, in the fall always, to hunt. His court attend him, as...
89103To James Madison from Josef Yznardy, 9 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
Craving your very kind attention to what I had the honor of addressing you on the 8t. August last, the object of the present will be to enclose you Copy of an official Letter from his Danish Majesty’s Minister at Madrid to the Consul residing at this City, by which you will be informed of War been declared with England; and to you that it is reported here this day that Copenhagen has been...
89104To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 7 April 1795 (Madison Papers)
As soon as I returned from Loudoun I wrote you a letter which I supposed wod. be in time for you to answer about the time I shod. leave Fredericksburg for this place, that is that I might receive the answer by that time—yours of the 3d. inst. I have this moment recd. and can only inform you that I had requested information respecting the Rock Castle land as well as other things—and informed a...
89105To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 27 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 July 1801, Cap Français. No. 4. Reports that Toussaint has just arrived from Gonaïves, where he apparently spoke with British agent who had recently returned from Jamaica. Notes that British agent has not yet communicated with him; Lear will await his initiative. Expects to hold discussions with Toussaint “this Evening.” Comments on high reputation of Stevens—“he Appears to have served the...
89106To James Madison from Isaac Briggs, 18 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to introduce to thee, two of my young friends from Philadelphia, who will hand to thee this letter—William J. Paxson and William S. Warder. With the former, I have been acquainted from his infancy. He has acquired a fund of knowlege, general and particular, superior to most young men at the age of twenty one. Superior in amount—superior in accuracy of arrangement. These are the...
89107From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 18 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 9th. inclosing a paper from Mr. Triplet. The case is stated so imperfectly that it is impossible for me to take any step for bringing it before Congress, if that should be proper. Mr. R. Morris I am told will be here soon, and I shall endeavour then to supply the omitted circumstances. In the meantime Mr. Triplet may either make out a fuller statement & forward...
89108To James Madison from Nathaniel Searle Jr., 6 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
The imminent & increasing danger of hostile attack to which the State of Rhode-Island is exposed, induced the General Assembly at their Session in June last to request his Excellency the Governor, again to require of the United States the means of her security & defence. In conformity to this request his Excellency the Governor, by & with the advice of the Council of War, has directed me to...
89109To James Madison from James McHenry, 5 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
I did not learn till just now that you lodged in Town last night or I should have taken the liberty to have requested you to have called down, My brothers indisposition confining me almost entirely to his bed chambre. Col. Ballard formerly of your State is desirous of seeing you. He will have some business with Congress in which your good opinion may be of infinite service to him. He is...
89110To James Madison from Joseph B. Parsons, 29 April 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 April 1812, Washington. Confident of JM’s humanity, takes the liberty of stating a number of grievances under which he still labors. The first is “a violent outrage” committed on him by a marine on duty on 4 July 1802 near the Washington Navy Yard. Describes how the marine “stabbed a bayonet upwards of nine inches into the trunk of his body.” Was taken for dead but recovered, though for...
89111To James Madison from James Monroe, 8 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have yours of the 6th. I am willing & ready to act in either character alluded to. The effect on public opinion would be greater, if indeed any useful effect might be expected from it, by appointing me to command, than merely making a visit to the country. In the latter case, I would do every thing in my power to promote an organization of the forces, to digest their plan of operations, &...
89112To James Madison from George Graham, 20 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Acting Secretary of War has the honor to submit to the President, the report made by the Commissioner of Claims, relative to his proceedings under the act, “authorizing the payment for property lost, captured, or destroyed by the Enemy, while in the military service of the United States, and for other purposes.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 14A–D1); letterbook copy...
89113To James Madison from James Sullivan, 11 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1803, Boston. “If I had an idea of what its commonly called the making of interest I should not possess confidence enough in the weight of my own character to attempt it: but in an extensive government, information, as to men qualified for offices must be had through some channel or other.” Encloses a letter signed by men “respectable and friendly to the present administration” and...
89114To James Madison from Robert S. Bickley, 8 May 1810 (Madison Papers)
It has been represented to me by my friend Doctr. Seybert & other Gentn. Members of Congress, that it was understood the Hotel could be purchased for about ten thousand Dollars, in consequence of which the sum appropriated was only twenty thousand Drs. The bill Authorises the President to buy or build an house for public Offices, I believe it cannot be denied that it was the general wish of...
89115To James Madison from Cyrus Griffin, 5 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1801. Indisposition prevented his going to Richmond when JM was last there. Encloses a medal as token of friendship and “high consideration,” knowing JM has a collection of them. RC ( DLC ). 1 p.; in Stuart Griffin’s hand (see Cyrus Griffin to JM, 29 July 1801 ); docketed by JM. Cyrus Griffin served with JM in the Continental Congress in 1780 and was a district court judge in Virginia,...
89116To James Madison from David Montague Erskine, 6 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit to you an Extract of a Letter from Captain Sir Robert Laurie Bart, respecting some British Seamen, Deserters from His Majesty’s Service, stated to be now serving on board the United States Frigate Chesapeake; and beg to request that the Government of the United States will cause such Steps to be taken as may be thought proper on the Occasion. I have the Honor to...
89117Memorandum from George Turner, 20 December 1791 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Abstract. 20 December 1791. “Account of Indians inhabiting the North-Eastern parts of the Territory N. W. of the Ohio—Collected from good information.” Lists the locations, nations, tribes, and numbers of families of Indians. Ms ( DLC ). Two pages, in Turner’s hand, with three dockets by JM; one docket dates this document 10 Dec, another reads: “Indians, accounts of them from Judge Geo: Turner...
89118To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 27 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
Tr ( LC : Force Transcripts). Another copy is in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society , 2d ser., XIX (1905), 153–54. An extract, also taken from the missing original, is in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892), p. 90. Your favr of the 14th conveyed a very unexpected piece of Intelligence in the entire revolution of the British Ministry, an event which I once thought...
89119To James Madison from Edward Hempstead, 31 March 1814 (Madison Papers)
A deep sense of duty, alone, impels me to intrude a few remarks upon you, on a subject of vital importance to the future prosperity, if not, to the future existence of the Missouri Territory. These are occasiond by an address subscribed by the Delegation in Congress from the State of Ohio, (with an Individual exception) and by the Delegate from the Indiana Territory. This proposes among other...
89120To James Madison from John Mitchell, 21 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 July 1804, Le Havre. “Since mine of the 5h. I have received the Returns from Dieppe of the Vessells enterd at that port [not found] & forward it ⅌ this Occasion. This Day the Embargo is raised and I hope the Vessells detaind at fecamp & Dieppe will be able to sail. I forward the last News papers from Paris.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Havre, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received in October.
89121To James Madison from Thomas Lehré, 29 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
In a letter I wrote you on the 27th. Inst. in great haste, just as the mail was closing, I informed you that a very numerous meeting of the Citizens of this City, & its vicinity, took place on that day in Saint Michaels Church. That they appointed a Committee to draw up a Report, which Committee withdrew & between 12 & 1 oClock on the same day made their Report. I also then gave you my...
89122To James Madison from Benjamin H. Rand, 16 December 1821 (Madison Papers)
I have just Published an elegant Edition of the Farewell Address of the late President Washington. If you will condescend to give a Copy of it a place in your Library, you will confer a particular favour on Your Obedient & Very Humble Servant The Work alluded to I have forwarded to the care of Mr Wm Browne of Georgetown D.C. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM. Rand’s engraved broadside of Washington’s...
89123To James Madison from DeWitt Clinton, 21 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor of enclosing documents to establish the Citizenship of a son of Mr Bloodgood (a respectable citizen of this place) impressed or imprisoned by the British and in his behalf I solicit your good offices with the American Minister at London to obtain his release I enclose you two setts of documents in order that they may, if you think proper, be sent by different conveyances....
89124To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 1 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 26th. has found me here, on my way to Washington. I shall spend but a few days before I proceed thither, in the hope that I may be enabled to render such further services in my former station, as may be acceptable to you. With sentiments of the highest respect and attachment, I remain, Dr. sir, Your most humble servt. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM. Letter not found. Wagner had...
89125To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 3 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I can gather no news from the Officers of the Neptune worth communicating. Mr. Crawford has told you all that is important of our own affairs, and of the affairs of Europe when he left it. The newspapers will tell you, as soon as this letter can reach you, of the dreadful battle of the 15, 16, 17. & 18: of June. The carnage must have exceeded anything in the history of battles. The Duke of...
89126To James Madison from William Billings, 21 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. inst. I have received, the information you request, I here state as far as comes within my knowledge. The Vessels that are licenced from the Bahama Islands are all from New Providence and mostly belong to British Subjects. The licence runs in this way—the Collector of the Customs which is now the Governor pro tem. grants those licences for the term of three Months, and...
89127To James Madison from Henry Lee, 10 September 1792 (Madison Papers)
Some few days after my late domestic calamity which stings me to the quick, I left this place on a visit to the southwestern frontier in obedience to the dutys of my present office, & therefore never got your letr. of July 22d. until my return. It would not have been in my power to have made the trip you suggest, altho my desire of seeing you would have been a powerful incitement. From the...
89128To James Madison from William Kirkpatrick, 1 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Kirkpatrick. 1 July 1806, Málaga. “I have not written to you since the 15. January last, nothing of any consequence having occurred to render my communications interesting. Towards the end of January our Military Commander, of the Marine Department came forward with the preposterous demand on the French, Dutch, & Danish Consuls and me that we should recur to his Tribunal for all...
89129To James Madison from William Waters, 29 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letters will best convey to you the cause of the mournful correspondance of which they relate. My Son continues very much disabled and in constant pain, though more than nine months have elaps’d Since the injury. I am advised by many respectable gentlemen to solicit his promotion to a Lieutenancy in the Navy, the object of such promotion to be sure will be more for past services...
89130From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 2 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I overtook the President at Baltimore, and we arrived here yesterday, myself fleeced of seventy odd dollars to get from Fredericksburg here, the stages running no further than Baltimore. I mention this to put yourself and Monroe on your guard. The fever in Phila. has so much abated as to have almost disappeared. The inhabitants are about returning. It has been determined that the President...
89131To James Madison from Philip P. Barbour, 10 December 1822 (Madison Papers)
I received your letter with the one from Mr. Taylor enclosed; I fear it will be not practicable to effect his object. It seems to have been the opinion of the Attorney General, that a pensioner once stricken from the roll, cannot be re-instated by the Secretary of War; there are many in this situation; the subject was before the house at the last session, & will I think be resumed at this;...
89132To James Madison from James Monroe, 27 July 1817 (Madison Papers)
I am so far on my route westward, after having extended my tour to the East, as far as Portland, whence I return’d to Dover in N Hamshire, & came thence, by Concord, & Hanover, into Vermont, at windsor, & by montpelier, & Burlington to this place. I visited yesterday Rouse’s point, which is within a few hundred yards of the boundary line. I met her⟨e⟩ Genl Brown, and to morrow we proceed,...
89133To James Madison from Robert Smith, [29 October] 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have not yet sufficiently regained my health to give the necessary attention to Mr Jackson’s last letter. But it appears to me that we can’t consider it a satisfactory explanation, especially after having so solemnly declared that to be satisfactory it must shew not merely a violation of instructions but must moreover shew reasons strong & solid. What then are the reasons which we can admit...
89134To James Madison from Andrew Skinner Ennalls, 9 February 1801 (Madison Papers)
I am favor’d with Yours of the 31 Jany. ⅌ Post Inclosing a Letter for Colo. Mercer which I reced. this day, and have delivered it Him, He having come to Town last Evening. Your Draught in Favor of Messrs. Vass & Dunbar at 15 Days sight I refuse[d] to Accept for want of Advise. A few Days after I recd. a Letter from Colo. Mercer of the Draft, I then waited on Mr. Jolly the Gentn. who presented...
89135To James Madison from James Swan, [25 June] 1801 (Madison Papers)
… I had the honor of writing you by Mr. Pichon, requesting your protection in my being named to the Council Generalship in France. Now that you are Secretary of State, I may do it, with more direct effect. If Mr. Skipwith wishes to be re-named, and the President consents, I withdraw all pretensions. Indeed I will stand in the way of no one, unless you should think I could serve the interest of...
89136To James Madison from Thomas FitzSimons, 9 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Thomas FitzSimons. 9 August 1806, Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. “I am requested by a Number of the Merchts of this City to represent to the President of the US. the unwarrantable Conduct of the Commanders of vessells under French, and Spanish Colors in the west Indias particularly those who Cruize in the Neighbourhood of St. Domingo & Cuba. Scarce an American Vessell is met with...
89137To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne (Abstract), 26 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
26 March 1805, New Orleans . “I am Honored with the receipt of your Letter of the 25th Ultimo, and shall be particularly attentive to its contents. The Marquis of Casa Calvo is yet in this City, and I believe contemplates remaining for Some time; there at present exists between the Marquis and myself a friendly intercourse, and I shall embrace an early opportunity to make to him the...
89138To James Madison from Charles Caldwell, 15 February 1828 (Madison Papers)
A knowledge of the deep and lively interest you take in the literature and science of our country, is the reason of my troubling you with this letter. I am about to make an effort to procure from the legislature of Kentucky additional funds for the uses of Transylvania university. To aid me in this, a knowledge of the amount of monies granted by other States to similar institutions, will be...
89139To James Madison from William Savage, 4 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 February 1804, Kingston, Jamaica. Last wrote on 13 Oct. by the schooner John for Alexandria. Has since received JM’s letter of 7 June with a document regarding Thomas Holland and a letter for him. The frigate Decade , with Holland reportedly on board, has “long since left this Station.” Had Holland been transferred to another ship “I am Confident I should have hear’d ⟨of⟩ him.” The “Three...
89140To James Madison from John H. I. Browere, 24 June 1826 (Madison Papers)
Yours of this month came to hand, the evidence of your personal good will is duly appreciated. Mrs Browere begs me to tender to yourself and Lady Madison congratulations of health, and to render thanks for her condescension. Our young daughter has been named Dolley Madison Browere. The rehearsal of which will daily remind me of the flattering reception its father met with, while a transient...
89141To James Madison from Josiah Blakeley, 20 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 May 1804, Santiago de Cuba. “On the 9th. April last died in this city, Alexander Frazier, who called himself of Baltr. But, I believe ’tis certain he was not a native american, if a citizen. I had several times seen Sd. Frazier, but Knew very little of him. Some say he was born in germany, others in Holland, by his Speech I took him for a scotch man. But, as I understood he called himself...
89142To James Madison from the Citizens of Darlington District, South Carolina, 18 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 July 1812. Approve the declaration of war against Great Britain and report the following resolutions, “which were unanimously adopted.” “To avenge insult, and repel injury, is characteristic of a great and magnanimous people: To Suffer them with impunity, bespeaks pusillanimity, and invites to repetition. Great Britain compelled to acknowledge us independent, has always manifested towards...
89143To James Madison from William Jarvis, 10 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 August 1802, Lisbon. No. 2. Forwards a duplicate of his last dispatch of 3 Aug. and part of the accompanying documents. Mentions that an American ship which arrived after a twelve-day voyage from Cadiz spotted nothing suspicious. “A letter from a private House in Cadiz” informed him that the emperor of Morocco had suspended hostilities against the U.S. for six months. “Another private...
89144To James Madison from Anthony Charles Cazenove, 16 July 1818 (Madison Papers)
Your very obliging favor of 8th. instr. is received, in answer to which regret I have no correspondent in Portugal from whom to order the quarter cask of very good Port, & one of best quality dry Lisbon you wish to have. But if you will depend upon my procuring them for you here or ordering them when a good opportunity presents itself, have but little doubt of being able to succeed to your...
89145To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, [27 February] 1803 (Madison Papers)
I send the letter, which is longer than I expected, and of which I have no copy. I will, therefore want it lent again to me, when you shall have done with it, in order that I may transcribe it. The classes of american citizens in whose favor we should assume payment of french debts seem to be 1st. those whose property shall have been taken in Europe or the West Indias or elsewhere by or under...
89146To James Madison from Maury & Latham, 13 September 1820 (Madison Papers)
We beg leave to inform you that by the Scipio, Capt Drummond, for Norfolk, we shipped the goods you directed should be purchased, and consigned them to Mess Moses Myers & Son, requesting them to receive Mess Mackay & Campbells instructions respecting them. We judged it best to send them to Norfolk as there may be no vessel from hence to the Rappahannoc this twelvemonth. We must apprize you...
89147Anthony Morris to James Madison, 2 December 1828 (Madison Papers)
In your favor of the 27th Ulto, received this morning, I perceive with particular pleasure the proof of your entire restoration to health. All my household here truly rejoice with me on this happy Event, and return to you and to Mrs. Madison our most sincere thanks for your kind recollections. It appears from the records of the public debt kept here, that the S. O. Certificate for $73.93....
89148To James Madison from Jonathan Williams, 9 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
The object of this is to complain to the Chief magistrate of my Country, of the many outrageous sceenes of robery which are committing upon the high seas by American Citizens and in some measure under the cognizance of the American Government. Seven vessels have already been fitted out in the port of Baltimore, manned & commanded almost entirely by American Citizens and owned by American...
89149To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 28 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 July 1801, Lisbon . No. 52. Acknowledges receipt, on 25 July, of JM’s letter of 1 June informing him that the American legation in Portugal will be closed as an economy measure. Has applied for an audience with Portuguese foreign ministry to take leave. Comments on the constitutional prohibition against his receiving gifts from the government. Notes that Portuguese minister to U.S. is about...
89150To James Madison from James Monroe, 18 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the Eleventh inst, requesting the President to communicate to the House any information in his possession and which it may not be improper to divulge in relation to the omission or refusal of the French government to accredit the Minister Plenipotentiary sent by the United States to that Court, or of...