94111Chapman Johnson, to Governor John Floyd of Virginia to James Madison, 3 June 1833 (Madison Papers)
I have just received a letter from Mr. Madison, in which he says,— "It has been suggested that the governor may wait for Some regular notice of the death of Genl Breckinridge, before he fills the vacancy occasioned by it. I hope this is not the case—He has all the Evidence of the event possessed, by any of us,—and beyond That of the news papers, better means of ascertaining it, than I...
94112To James Madison from James Houston, 10 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 April 1804, Philadelphia. “Agreeable to Acts of Congress for Securing coppy rights of Books &c. I Send you the inclosed pamphlet My expectation are to make Some money for the purpose contempelated and then to have A Lottery by Some Lagislative body And have a fund to reward those who make New discouverys in Medcen that would be of general good to the people at large you may give it a...
94113To James Madison from Virgil Maxcy, 10 November 1822 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of inclosing you a pamphlet written in Defence of the Maryland Resolutions relative to Appropriations of Public Land for the purposes of education, and in answer to objections, which have been raised against them —and cannot but hope that a Proposition, promising if carried into effect, important results in favour of the stability of our Institutions, will meet with the...
94114To James Madison from Daniel Clark, 22 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 June 1802, New Orleans. Informs JM of the state of affairs in Louisiana “in compliance with your direction, to point out such objects as would require the interference of our Government, with this of Spain, to ascertain our rights, and procure redress, and at the same time to have your instructions to regulate my own conduct.” Notes that JM is already aware of “the disagreable predicament...
94115To James Madison from Richard Rush, 30 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
As a little exercise of the pen, I have just been throwing out a small pamphlet, of a copy of which I beg your acceptance. While at the bar, I had often occasion to perceive and lament the existence of a spirit too dependent and colonial. This little tract aims, as far as it goes, at showing that it is not justifiable. I was happy to hear from Mr Monroe a day or two ago, that his health is...
94116To James Madison from William Haslett Smith, 25 April 1806 (Madison Papers)
Through your polite Attention to my Letter of the 20th. Instant I have received the Treasurers Dft, in our Bank at Sight, for the amount of the Dft. inclosed you, for Acceptance. I have also to acknowledge a remittance of One Hundred and Twenty Dollrs. from Alexr. Sheppard. As you will observe the Check is drawn in your favor, and payable to your order. I am necessitated to return it for your...
94117To James Madison from Benjamin Rush, 23 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to revive a friendship, Once very dear to me, by addressing you upon a Subject highly interesting to the United States. The Commerce of our Country has suffered greatly by our Absurd Quarantine laws in the different States. These laws which admit the contagious nature of Our american yellow fever, have produced a reaction in the Governments of Europe which has rendered our Commerce...
94118To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo (Abstract), 24 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
24 March 1805, Philadelphia . Having given permission to Juan Bautista Bernabeu, Spanish consul in Baltimore, to travel to Spain, Yrujo has named Fausto de Foronda, vice-consul at Philadelphia, to deal with matters that might occur in Baltimore during Bernabeu’s absence. Yrujo tells JM this for his information so that he might grant the appropriate exequatur should he judge it necessary. RC (...
94119To James Madison from Nicholas P. Trist, 1 February 1828 (Madison Papers)
The servant overtook Mr R. So that you received your tardy letters yesterday evening. I now send the copies mentioned in the letter which accompanied them. When you next write, please mention whether my letters of the 11. 18. 29. have come to hand; & also a newspaper in which I carelessly enclosed a scrawl which, for various reasons, I should not like to have fallen into the hands of...
94120To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 1 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 February 1804, Leghorn. No. 2. Enclosed his accounts with the U.S. up to 31 Dec. 1803 with his 28 Jan. 1804 letter . “At present I send you a copy of a negotiation with Mr: Anthony Dugan for bills upon you for 5000 dollars at 5 ⅌C: discount on the ammount receiv’d which makes a considerable difference between the terms of this negotiation & that for 20,000 dollars negotiated by Messrs. Degen...
94121To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 7 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of 15. Novr. last—and beg you to accept my acknowledgments for your obliging attention to the Circumstances, which though merely of a private nature, to myself had made it my duty to decline the highly honourable office, to which you had called me, and had prevented my return to the United States, on receiving your permission to that...
94122To James Madison from Joseph Carleton, 16 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 May 1804, Office of Discount and Deposit, Washington. “The Letter which you did me the honor to write me on the 24th. Ultimo respecting certain funds in the hands of Mr. George W: Erving in London, having with your concurrence been referred to the Bank of the United States; the Board have been favored in course with an answer from that Party, empowering them to take immediate order for...
94123To James Madison from Matthew Livingston Davis, 14 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I inclose you a letter recd. two days since from Mr. Nathl. W. Strong. You will perceive, Sir, that it is a private letter, and not intended for the inspection of any person but myself. I have, however, deemed it the most correct and honorable mode, to let you understand explicitly and frankly, how far I am interested in the appointment of Mr Strong. Should our affairs be settled with Great...
94124To James Madison from Rufus King, 5 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 August 1802, London. Suggests that if the president consents to his return to the U.S., the same public ship could bring his successor and return King home. Realizes it is unlikely a frigate from the Mediterranean would be convenient, since “coming from that Quarter she might be liable to perform Quarantine which would occasion a long detention, as well as great Expense.” Requests to be...
94125To James Madison from James Monroe, 18 May 1818 (Madison Papers)
I send you within two papers which will give you the most full & correct information of the views of the allies respecting So. America, that we possess; I mean more particularly that which bears date at Moscow. Its authenticity may be relied on, as we are assur’d, by Mr Erving, by a later letter, than that which accompanied it. You will keep both till we meet, but when that will be, I cannot...
94126To James Madison from Isaiah Eiland, 31 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 August 1809. Salutes “honourd Madisson” and delivers a discourse on topics ranging from the “seeds of damnation” to “Bull bellowing Methodists.” Praises Washington and Joseph Warren and finishes by “wishing universal Success to republican equality [and] the rights of man.” Identifies himself as “a Minister of the Gospel ten years” who lives “within one mile of milledgeville” in Georgia. RC...
94127To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 24 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 July 1801, Philadelphia. Encloses letters and papers from Spain addressed to U.S. secretary of state, forwarded to him by Governor Beckwith of Bermuda, together with a copy of Beckwith’s covering note, which explains that they “having been opened at sea found their way to me in their present condition.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, NFL , Great Britain, vol. 2). RC 1 p.; docketed by...
94128To James Madison from Vincent Gray (Abstract), 4 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
4 May 1805, Havana . “Before this reaches you, you will have received information of the unheard of Violence committed on my person and office by the officers of this Government; without the Slightest ground for so doing. However I shall at present forbear making any remarks on Such proceedings so degrading to my nation and so injurious to my self and the American commerce to this place; and...
94129To James Madison from William L. Richardson, 8 January 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William L. Richardson. 8 January 1814, Wilmington, N.C. “The Petition of William L. Richardson a Native born Citizen of the United States. “Your petitioner respectfully represents, That he came to the Town of Wilmington N.C. and ordered a vessel to be loaded; That business of importance Called him to Charleston S. Carolina, where he was taken Sick and was unable to return before the...
94130To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 17 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 March 1804, Washington. Complained on 7 Mar. of the violation of the sovereignty of Charles IV by Section 11 of the Mobile Act and asked not only for satisfaction for the insult but also for the revocation of the cited section as injurious to the rights of Spain. As the time is now approaching when Congress, which alone can annul the cited section, will depart, and sufficient time has...
94131To James Madison from Thomas Law, [ca. January 1827] (Madison Papers)
Mr Law takes the liberty of submitting to Mr. Madisons perusal, a little pamphlet which is the key to a greater one, which may perhaps be posthumous. He trusts that it will amuse, if it does not give a higher satisfaction. Should it afford a moments Pleasure to Mr. Madison who rendered such active services to his Country by his essential aid in forming the Constitution, Mr Law who receives...
94132To James Madison from Alexander Smyth, 23 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
Some weeks since my feelings compelled me to address to you a note offering some justificatory evidence. I now present it. I beg you to be assured, Sir, that there is no man who would with more reluctance give you a moments trouble, or pain; but it is a duty I owe to myself, and a family whose interests I have sacrificed to the nation, to enable you fairly to appreciate my pretensions. I have...
94133To James Madison from John Giles, 5 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I hope, your Excellency, will not deem me intrusive, in occupying a few minnets of your time. I am not insensible, of the number, nor of the weight, and vast importance of those objects; which must necessarily, claim your attention, and engross your moments. But feeling, and appreciating, as I do, the benefits which flow from your government; I am urgd to offer, this small tribute of my warm...
94134To James Madison from James H. Blake, 14 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of soliciting for my Son Thos. H. Blake, now a resident of the State of Indiana, the appointment of District Attorney for that State; The letters herewith sent and others that I shall send in a Day or two, I trust will be satisfactory as to his competency for the Appointment. I will therefore only observe that my Son, who was a resident of this District during the war, and...
94135To James Madison from William Lee, 26 September 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 September 1802, Bordeaux. Lists vessels with the number of seamen discharged from them since his 10 Aug. dispatch, “making sixty nine seamen to whom may be added forty six strollers whose names are registered in the office as coming from different ports of the Republic which together with the seventy three I had in charge at the date of my last amounts to one hundred and Eighty Eight men...
94136To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 17 and 24 February 1783—Missing Letters (Madison Papers)
Letters not found ( LC : Force Transcripts, fol. 8729). 17 and 24 February 1783 . About 1850 a clerk of Peter Force, engaged in copying letters of Edmund Pendleton, wrote: “MSS. McGuire’s. Edmund Pendleton } Edmundsbury, Feby 17. 1783 to James Madison “(This letter is much stained, & some of it illegible) “Another letter dated ‘E[d]mundsbury Feb. 24, 1783,’ is in the same condition. “There...
94137To James Madison from Moses Robinson, 31 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1801, Bennington, Vermont. Offers congratulations on election and JM’s appointment. Recommends Anthony Haswell to publish U.S. laws in Vermont in place of Samuel Williams of Rutland, who has opposed Republican sentiments. Recounts Haswell’s tribulations under the Alien and Sedition acts. Suggests misconduct in post office has interfered with delivery of newspapers from Philadelphia...
94138To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 12 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
I send by this post the act of our Assembly past last Saturday entiteld [ sic ] an Act Concerning the Territory of Columbia—and the City of Washington. I refer you to it. The very great advantages of this Law will be strikeing. It gives some relief to my mind which has indeed been much oppressd by the disagreable business we have lately had on hand. I am sorry for the Chagrin which it must...
94139To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 16–17 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Words encoded by Randolph in the official cipher are italicized. The letter lacks both cover and docket. Mr. F. Webb, who left this place yesterday for Phila., is the bearer of a bill for 20 £ Penna. currency. I have requested him to deliver it to you. As it was not put into my hands, after it was drawn, I wish you may not meet with some impediment in the negotiation...
94140To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 26 March 1814 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed from Dr. Brown is this moment come to hand, and supposing it may possibly be of some importance I send it off immediately to the post office on the bare possibility it may get there in time for the mail of this morning. If it fails it will have to wait there 4. days longer. Ever affectly. yours FC ( MHi : Coolidge Collection). Enclosure not found, but see n. 1. Jefferson evidently...
94141To James Madison from the Reverend James Madison, 1 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
I cannot refuse so favourable an oppy. as this wh. Col. Griffin offers, of writing a Line or two. It afforded me great Satisfaction to hear of your Election, especially as I had urged you, by a Letter written previous to the last of the Legislation, respecting the Elections, to permit yourself to be proposed for this District. I rejoice that you are in a Situation, which enables you to be...
94142To James Madison from Henry Lee, 25 October 1786 (Madison Papers)
You now have the report from the secretary of war mentioned in my last letter & omitted. The opinions I conveyed then relative to the eastern commotions are daily supported by additional intelligence. The eastern gentlemen here are confirmed in sentiments on this matter and beleive that the discontents will never be settled but by the sword. Perhaps their apprehensions may have some operation...
94143To James Madison from Elisha Tracy, 26 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I feel myself verry happy in being able to state that from a carefull observation during my Journey home & since here—I find the people of the U: States, much less agitated & more disposed to acquiesce in a declaration of War, than my fears had led me to expect—in N: York where I feared much clamour, little or none appeared & things appear verry quiet in this State. Much enquiry is...
94144Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 24 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you several letters which must have been intended for the office, & not the person named on the back. they belong therefore to your files, and I will pray you particularly as to those asking office on this & all other occasions to consider me merely as the channel of conveyance, & not as meaning to add an atom of weight to the sollicitations they convey. unless indeed I know any...
94145To James Madison from William Jarvis, 25 October 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 October 1802, Lisbon. Last wrote on 15 Oct. enclosing a copy of a 30 Sept. letter from Gavino and his own 14 Oct. note to the Portuguese government. Encloses Portuguese reply. “I am very sorry it was not given in season to enable us generally to profit by the explanation, but I am inclined to think that the delay was intended to prevent large orders being given & large quantities being...
94146To James Madison from J. Beale Bordley, 24 July 1798 (Madison Papers)
I have long wanted an opportunity for introducing to you my little Essays on Husbandry; especially because, as Mr. Volney informed me, your attentions are greatly in that way. With this by a Colo. Adams, are five Essays: Sketches on Rotations of Crops, last Edition—Answers to Queries of the Board of Agriculture, London—Design of a mere Grass Farm—Another on Pasturing & soiling Cattle—and one...
94147To James Madison from Thomas Storm and Others, 29 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
The death of John Smith Esqr. Marshall of New York has created a vacancy in the Office To which place we the undersignd recommend Jonathan E Robinson Esqr. of this City. Mr Robinson was bred a Lawyer has been an uniform and strenuous supporter of the Genl Government is a man of irreproachable Charracter and eminently qualified to fill the Station. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under...
94148To James Madison from John Drayton, 12 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
Through the politeness of my friend Paul Hamilton, Secretary of the Navy, I have the honor of presenting you, a copy of my View of So: Carolina; which, You will do me a favor, by accepting. It, was published, during my former administration; and, is not without many errors. But, still I hope, it contains information, not unworthy of your attention. I avail myself sir, of this opportunity, to...
94149To James Madison from Israel Whelen, 18 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 May 1801, Philadelphia. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 13 May regarding George Washington cargo for Algiers; reports that timber, gunpowder, nails, and spikes are still to be procured. Pledges to do all in his power to hasten ship’s departure. RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Purveyor’s Office, Philadelphia). RC
94150To James Madison from John Gardiner, 20 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
As it is possible that the resolution of Congress passed 14th. Augt. 1776 may have escaped your recollection, I take the liberty of pointing to it, beleiving that if the resolution was now to be, published in our Newspapers, & numerous copies of it (on oiled paper) set afloat near the squadrons of the Enemy, it would induce numbers of their men to desert, who are now doubtfull of the reception...
94151To James Madison from Frederick Jacob Wichelhausen, 7 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave of referring you to my last respects of the 2nd. July, wherewith I had the honor of transmitting you the semi-annual report of 1802. Since that time nothing has occurred at this city, which in my opinion deserved an immediate communication to the US. Under the 1st. December I have been favored again, with a circular letter from your Department, signed by M. Dan: Brent, under date...
94152To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 22 March 1781 [1782] (Madison Papers)
The roads have been hitherto so bad, that we have been able to accomplish no more of our journey, than about 80 miles. Tomorrow we shall see Baltimore; and unless my arrangements miscarry, I shall revisit Richmond on Sunday se’ennight. For a few minutes this afternoon I thumbed the body of Maryland laws. In the preface to Bacon’s edition of them, I found a recital of an act of the Lords...
94153To James Madison from Henry Dearborn, [ca. 12 April] 1804 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed is a copy of a letter from the President of the United States, which he requested me to communicate to you and the other gentlemen. I am Sir with the highest esteem your Huml. Servt. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). RC undated; date assigned on the basis of replies to Jefferson’s letter from Dearborn, Gallatin, and Smith dating from 14 to 16 Apr. ( DLC : Jefferson Papers);...
94154To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 8 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 March 1811, New Orleans. Forwards a memorial from the Legislative Council and House of Representatives of the Orleans Territory. RC and enclosures ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Claiborne. Printed in Rowland, Claiborne Letter Books Dunbar Rowland, ed., Official Letter Books of W. C. C. Claiborne, 1801–1816 (6 vols.; Jackson, Miss., 1917). , 5:173. For...
94155To James Madison from William Cranch, 7 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
Understanding that Mr. Alexander Moore is an applicant for the office of Register of Wills for the County of Alexandria, vacant by the resignation of his father, and that he has in fact discharged the duties of that office for some time past to general satisfaction, I take the liberty of suggesting the convenience and propriety of appointing him to fill this vacancy. As far as I am acquainted...
94156To James Madison from Thomas Barclay, 22 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 December 1802, Washington. “Being out of business for a length of time it is much my wish to be employed in your Office as a Clerk, if there should be a vacancy and you should think me deserving.… I have been unfortunate in trade and have a large family to support I am therefore obliged to solicit your assistance.” Would be happy with any situation and could give satisfaction “in a short...
94157To James Madison from the Chevalier Pierrugues, 2 October 1815 (Madison Papers)
Chargè par mon gouvernement de preparer la rectification et l’embelissement de la 2e. ville de france, je crus devoir Saisir cette occasion pour poser les bases d’un traité complet Sur l’art de Bâtir les villes. C’est de ce ier essai, Monsieur le president que j’ose vous offrir un exemplaire; veuillès bien ne pas dedaigner cet hommage dictè par ma haute admiration pour le peuple des etats...
94158To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 12 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your two letters of the 4th. & 7th. were recieved by the last mail. I now inclose you the rough draught of the letter to the emperor of Russia. I think there must be an exact facsimile of it in the office, from which mr. Short’s must have been copied; because that the one now inclosed has never been out of my hands appears by there being no fold in the paper till now, and it is evidently a...
94159To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 27 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I embrace a favourable opportunity offered by Mr. D’Arcy, who goes passenger in the Schooner Fox to Philada. to write you a few lines, and enclose a Copy of my last of the 25th. inst. which covered a Copy of the Constitution formed for the Island. I would forward another Copy by this Opporty., was it practicable for me to get it; but that seems to be out of the question at present. I hope to...
94160To James Madison from Benjamin Waterhouse, 29 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have taken the liberty of transmitting to you the narrative accompanying this, in hopes that you may find fifteen minutes leisure for its perusal. It is the only step I could take in lieu of a journey to Washington. To what I have said there, I will only add here, that when I began to reform that very disorderly Marine-hospital, I was embarrassed at the very threshhold, for want of rules &...