94741To James Madison from William Leigh Brent, 12 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
To a man of an independent mind, no situation is more mortifying than that of an "humble petitioner" for favors. But, when Interest combined with the wishes of a man’s friends urge him to assume that character, it is a Solemn duty he owes to himself and to his family, to comply; and however stern his notions as to the propriety of asking favors may be, they must Yeild to other considerations....
94742To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 20 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
My last to you was of Oct. 8. by the Count de Moustier. Yours of July 18. Sep. 6. & Oct. 24. have been successively received, yesterday, the day before & three or four days before that. I have only had time to read the letters, the printed papers communicated with them, however interesting, being obliged to lie over till I finish my dispatches for the packet, which dispatches must go from...
94743To James Madison from Edward Livingston, 19 May 1822 (Madison Papers)
The Pamphlet which I have the honor to submit to your perusal will disirve some Interest from the subject, altho’ little from the manner I fear in which it is treated. The efforts making for the improvement of Criminal Jurisprudence, in this part of the Union cannot but gratify those, who like you Sir, know how important that branch of Government is to the Liberties, as well as the happiness...
94744To James Madison from John Smith, 8 August 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of enclosing a Copy of Governor Harrison’s Letter of the 25th. ultimo, and of stating that the original will be forwarded to the Secretary of War. I am, with perfect Respect, &c. &c. &c. 25 July 1810, Vincennes. Reports that friendly Potawatomi chiefs are “forming a combination” of various tribes to disperse the Prophet and his “banditti” at Tippecanoe. Believes that some...
94745To James Madison from John Dawson, 12 February 1794 (Madison Papers)
It was with much pleasure I heard by the last evenings stage that the first of your resolutions had pervaild by a majority of five in the house of representatives, & most sincerely do I wish that they may ultimately succeed, fully convincd of this important truth “that the nation which commands our commerce, will have a weight in our public counsels.[”] The thing cannot be otherwise. Some of...
94746To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 22 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Nov. 22. 1782.” The inclosed cypher, tho’ not nicely executed or arm[e]d with every possible combination, is, I trust, sufficiently involved to serve, as a secure seal to our correspondences. I send it by the post, as the transactions of this week require no cover. Immediately on the receipt of your information that the appointment was renewed, I...
94747To James Madison from José Corrèa da Serra, 10 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
According to the permission you gave me I send you from this place my guesses on the branch of revenue which the U.S. could have in domains belonging to the union. But in Looking to the subject with attention I have found another instance of what you so justly observed to me, and what I have myself often experienced viz—that a foreigner who visits a country is apt to believe that what he does...
94748To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 21 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Samuel Smith. 21 July 1806, Baltimore. “Permit me the honor of introducing to you Mr. William Duer, just arrived from New Orleans, he has delivered me a letter from Mr James Brown highly favorable to him. I have found Mr. Duer a well informed Gentleman, he Can give you information respecting Orleans, if any is wanted. Your presenting him to the President will Conferr an Obligation on...
94749To James Madison from Claude Alexandre Ruelle, 5 November 1815 (Madison Papers)
Puis que la Bibliothèque du Congrès, ou M. Jefferson avait déposé le Manuscrit d’une Constitution de ma composition, a été détruite, j’ai l’honneur de vous en envoïer six Exemplaires imprimés, en vous priant de vouloir bien en faire, mettre trois au même dépot, et d’agréer l’hommage des trois autres. J’ai lû, Monsieur, dans un Message que vous adressâtes au Congrès, le 4 9bre. 1812, que les...
94750To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 26 December 1800 (Madison Papers)
All the votes are now come in except Vermont & Kentuckey, and there is no doubt that the result is a perfect parity between the two republican characters. The Feds appear determined to prevent an election, & to pass a bill giving the government to mr. Jay, appointed Chief justice, or to Marshall as Secy. of state. Yet I am rather of opinion that Maryland & Jersey will join the 7. republican...
94751To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 6 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour of acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 1st curt. with its inclosures, and shall take an early opportunity of laying them before His Majesty’s Government, to whom I have already mentioned the transaction they allude to. I have likewise taken measures to procure from Captain Douglas his statement of the details. Not that I pretend that any circumstances can justify...
94752To James Madison from George Rogers, 11 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
Being Enlisted as a Soldier In Your Army the 17th. of last March when In a State of Intocsication the Next Day we were Ordered for the Barracks of Carlisle where I have remaind since. My wife with four Small Children Remaind at Lancaster Penns untill Laterly that want Drave her away from it Expecting if She would Come up to the Barracks that She would be releivd By the Coming of Genl....
94753To James Madison from Samuel Spring, 20 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
The intimacy which subsisted between us in Collegiate Life, so readily recognised lately at your seat, encourages me to address you on a subject interesting to the most worthy, and influential citizens of this circle. If I exceed the bounds of propriety, it is hoped your known candour will attribute it to erroneous judgment rather than to any partial, sinister motive. For I expect to express...
94754To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 18 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
I return you the papers recieved yesterday. Mr. Erskine complains of a want of communication between the British armed vessels in the Chesapeake or off the coast. If by off the coast he means those which being generally in our waters, go occasionally out of them to cruise or to acquire a title to communicate with their Consul it is too poor an evasion for him to expect us to be the dupes of....
94755To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 30 December 1794 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 30 December 1794. Acknowledged in JM to Pendleton, 8 Jan. 1795 . Congratulates JM and his wife on their marriage.
94756To James Madison from James Monroe, [February 1816] (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully submits to the President the ⟨propriety of⟩ nominating to the ⟨Senate this⟩ gentleman as consul for the Island of St. Thomas. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Harrison, Robert M.”). Undated; written on the verso of Robert Monroe Harrison to Monroe, 6 Jan. 1816 (ibid.; 3 pp.); in a clerk’s hand, docketed by Monroe. Harrison was seeking the...
94757To James Madison from Dominick A. Hall, 18 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 September 1804, Columbia, South Carolina. “Some time since I had the honor to receive a letter from the President of the United States, desiring to be informed as soon as possible, whether I would accept the office of District Judge of the territory of Orleans. I immediately sent an answer that should he be pleased to make the appointment I would accept it. As I have not received a...
94758To James Madison from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 30 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
In my conversation with Mr. Munroe on the subject of the accounts demanded by congress, he mentioned that it was your understanding that my Salary, as surveyor of the public Buildings should be lowered to 1500$ in consequence of its increase on account of the Navy Department, & should cease altogether on the 1st. of July 1811. That it was sometime before my interview with you in July proposed...
94759To James Madison from the Citizens of Fayette County, Kentucky, 15 August 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 August 1812. “As the people of the United States being citizens of a free goverment, have a natural, unalienable and constitutional right at all times peaceably to assemble and express their oppinions respecting public measures—and as it is Justly deemed highly important in the present interesting crissis, that all good citizens should yield their support to the war in which we are now...
94760To James Madison from Michael Weyer, 7 March 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 March 1810, Cumberland, Allegany County, Maryland. Lists for JM “Statutes &c. noted in the holy Scriptures” with relevance to “Some Particular affairs of our time.” RC ( DLC ). 4 pp.
94761To James Madison from John George Jackson, 11 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
I had intended from the time I received the Presidents Proclamation to set out for Washington on the 12th. or 13th. of this Month that I might unquestionably attend Congress on the first day of the Session, & with this view I had been conforming all my arrangements. A severe attack of the Influenza (which has extended thro’ the whole Country) for a while rendered my plans doubtful but it...
94762To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 17 February 1814 (Madison Papers)
In my letter of yesterday I forgot to put the inclosed one from mr Mill, which I now send merely to inform you of his wishes, and to do on it what you find right. He is an excellent young man, modest, cautious & very manageable. His skill in architecture will be proved by his drawings & he has had a good deal of experience. He married a daughter of Colo. Smith of Winchester formerly (perhaps...
94763To James Madison from Mathew Carey, 16 May 1821 (Madison Papers)
By this day’s mail, I take the liberty of sending you a set of papers, intended to prove the pernicious effects of our present policy on the best interests of the agriculturists generally. Hoping it may meet with your approbation, I remain, respectfully, Your obt. hble. Servt. RC and enclosure ( DLC ). Addressed in an unidentified hand to JM, and franked. The RC , docketed by JM, is written on...
94764Robert J. Dillon to James Madison, 26 May 1829 (Madison Papers)
I write the following with mingled feelings of joy and fear: of joy, in the hope that you will deign to answer me, and of fear, lest I may be reproached with the charge of rashness and of folly. The important part you have acted in our national councils, and the veneration I have always attached to the reputation of our venerable Ex. Presidents, have induced me to intrude on the privacy of...
94765To James Madison from Lachlan or Zachariah Vowles, 27 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Dunbar has been in the habit for several years last past, of sending to Norfolk, from time to time, small parcels of Green or undried Indian Corn Meal, which the inhabitants of that place & Portsmouth regularly want, & in Summer more than any other Season, in so much that the price has, in some instances been 9 @ 10S. P bushell notwithstanding the supplies occasionally from James River as...
94766From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 11 July 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you my No. 6. on the 3d inst. Since that I have received your No. 4. of June 29. The President sets out this afternoon, which being a day sooner than was expected, will enable me to set out a day sooner, to wit on Friday afternoon. This however will produce no other effect than to enable me to rest a day at George town and thereby ensure my being with you as I had mentioned on Saturday...
94767To James Madison from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 6 July 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 July 1810, Washington. Expresses views about that part of the law appropriating $20,000 for public buildings which relates to the “fireproofs” to be erected in the public building west of the President’s House. Observes that the only security that can be attained in safeguarding records from fire is against “fire from without,” since it is evident that in the case of “persons using the...
94768To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 3 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
The President once mentioned to me that he expected he shou’d find it necessary to remove the Post master Genl. from his office; at that time he spoke of a respectable gent. who he had thought of for that place, this conversation took place early in the winter, I do not know what his determination, may now be, if it shou’d be to make a change in that department, and he wou’d confide it to me I...
94769To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 6 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 August 1801, Bristol. Since his last dispatch, has received no letters from JM. Reports grain harvest probably will be abundant and potato crop is promising. Consequently, grain and flour prices have declined and may go lower. Encloses newspapers, London prices current, and last year’s report on Bristol infirmary. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bristol, vol. 2). 1 p. Enclosures not found. A full...
94770To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 20 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed are recommenda⟨tions⟩ of Doctor Elnathan Judson, for the office of Surgeon’s mate in the 40th Regiment of infantry, commanded by Colo Joseph Loring. The father of this young Gentleman I know, his character is truly respectable, & he is firmly attached to the existing Government of the U States. The recommendations of his son are such, as I presume can leave not a doubt of his...
94771To James Madison from Anthony Merry, 15 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have had the Honor to receive your Letters of the 3rd, 7th, and 23rd. of last Month, with their several Inclosures. In order to reply to them, it was necessary, Sir, for me to apply for Information on the different Subjects of their Contents to His Majesty’s Consul General at New York, and to the Captains of His Majesty’s Ships against whom the Complaints which you have stated to me are...
94772Jesse 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...
94773To James Madison from Robert Fulton, 17 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
While making the experiments in France and England on Torpedo Attack, they were constantly opposed by the majority of persons interested in the marine, and it needs but little penetration to discover that the gentlemen of the Marine at Washington are not favorable to it. I excuse them as a would a Pope who rejected a profession of faith which might destroy his infalibility; But the nation and...
94774To James Madison from George Joy, 29 May 1822 (Madison Papers)
I left town before it was known what Letter Bags might float ashore from the Albion; some having found their way at intervals to London. On my return Mr Rush has informed me that he has every reason to suppose there were Despatches on board her for him; and as two regular Ships have since arrived, I send this merely to apprize you that anything you may have favored me with by that Conveyance...
94775To James Madison from James Taylor, 16 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
On the 4th. Ulto I wrote to Mr. Graham and inclosed a Certificate from And: F. Price which I requested Mr. G. to shew to you. This statement cannot fail to convince any one who sees it that my statement is correct with regard to J Smith. Genl. Carbery reached this quarter about the 8th. Ulto: He came over & expressed to a friend of mine great regret that I could believe for one moment that he...
94776To James Madison from John Graham, 29 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you, that the Court left Barcelona on the 8th. Inst. for Valencia, and on the same day Mr. Pinckney resumed his Journey for Italy. I accompanied him to Barcelona for the purpose of being presented as Chargé des Affaires, during his absence, in which capacity I am at present recognized. About ten days ago I returned to Madrid, and should have written you sooner, but...
94777To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 25 March 1800 (Madison Papers)
Your’s of the 15th. is safely recieved. I percieve by that that I had by mistake sent you Ramsay’s Eulogy instead of Cooper’s smaller pamphlet, which therefore I now inclose, merely for the last paper in it, as the two first were in the copy I first sent you. I inclose also mr. Nicholas’s amendment this day proposed to the bill concerning President & V. P. formerly sent you. We expect it will...
94778To James Madison from George W. Erving, 16 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 May 1803, London . No. 15. “ Private .” Presumes King, who is still in London, has kept JM informed of the state of negotiations between France and Great Britain. War now appears inevitable. Andréossy left London “at 5 o clock this Morning,” and Whitworth is at Boulogne on his way to London. “An Embargo is laid, letters of marque are preparing, & all the orders & movements of the government...
94779To James Madison from Robert W. Fox, 5 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert W. Fox. 5 April 1806, Falmouth. “I think it proper to inform thee that there is sent in here to day by the Virago Sloop of War the American Ship Nanking Capt Uran with 2700 Bbls of Flour from Norfolk bound to Cowes for the order of a house in London.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Falmouth, vol. 2). 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Fox; docketed by Wagner.
94780To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 9 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the 6th. inst. at a public Audience, I delivered my Letter of Credence to the first Consul. He did not appear much pleased with the provisional Ratification; but intimated that the Exchange of Ratifications would not meet with insurmountable Difficulties. He expressed a great Regard for the new Administration of the United States. On the same day Mr. Joseph Bonaparte informed me that as...
94781To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 22 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 22 July 1806, Boston. “I was hond. with your esteem’d favor of the 15th. inst. this morning, & immediately paid into the hands of the Ambassador the sum of 2643 dollars, the amount of cash paid by him for the articles sent to Washington, and have taken his receipt for the same in full of all demands: I made use of every suggestion mentioned in your letter, & many...
94782To James Madison from George Mason, 10 December 1827 (Madison Papers)
While in Washington, a short time since, I was requested by your connection Mrs. Cutts, to forward to you, some Copies of the enclosed Memorial —as you had expressed to her a wish to possess them. It is with great pleasure I comply—& avail myself of the first mail on my return home to do so. I hope they will reach you in due season & good condition. With your kind permission, I will seize this...
94783To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 26 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 September 1801, Algiers. Complains that the dey and the prime minister have requested four times that he provide a passport for over 250 crewmen from the two Tripolitan cruisers blockaded at Gibraltar. The crewmen, to avoid capture and starvation, had escaped and made their way to Oran. The dey wishes to return them by ship to Tripoli, but the port is under American blockade. Is determined...
94784To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 3 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
Mr Leonard delivered on the 26th. April your favor of the 31. January together with a triplicate of the Same. The duplicate, which I suppose has been Sent by some other conveyance, has not yet reached me, so that till his arrival I had had no letter from you Since the 15th. January. I also recd. by the same Messinger your favor of the 7th. Feby. Nothing could be more happy than the arrival of...
94785To James Madison from Daniel William Coxe, 29 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 January 1803, Philadelphia. “Supposing it possible that you may not have received officially the enclosed Royal Order to the Intendant to deliver up Louisiana to France, I take the liberty of forwarding it to you, with an Assurance that ’tis genuine & may be perfectly relied on, having been received from, & translated by one of my concerns at New Orleans.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, CD...
94786To James Madison from David Gelston, 12 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 December 1809, New York. Has delivered pipe of brandy to Mr. Forrest and paid the enclosed waybill for $54.11. The Phoenix Insurance Company was consignee. RC and enclosure ( DLC ). RC 1 p. Enclosure 1 p.
94787To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 21 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 21 May 1806, New Orleans. “I have yielded to the wishes of Governor Grand Pré, and have permitted Passports to be given to such of the Citizens of the United States as may travel through the settlement of Baton Rouge, and who may apply for Passports at my Office. These Passports are without Seal, and signed by my Private Secretary. This is done in order to save...
94788To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 14 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 July 1801, Lisbon. No. 51. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 21 May and reports that he has notified Portuguese foreign ministry of impending arrival of U.S. naval force in Mediterranean. Discusses peace negotiations between Portugal and Spain and likelihood that Britain will be forced to surrender its influence with Portuguese. Understands “from good authority” that Anthony Merry’s mission to...
94789To James Madison from Richard Claiborne, 29 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Richard Claiborne. 29 August 1806, New Orleans. “It is now within a few minutes when letters must go to the Post office, that I have waited to give you some information from Nachitoches, in case any should arrive; but no dispatches are received from Governor claiborne, nor do we hear any thing more of the Governor of Tazus and his 900 men. “The City of New Orleans is in perfect...
94790To James Madison from George W. Erving (Abstract), 20 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
20 April 1805, London . No. 52. “I have the honor herewith to transmit— “1st. An Affidavit made by George Pitman late a mariner on board the vessel ‘Harry & Jane’ belonging to Joseph Young of Portland Massachusetts relating to the engagement of said vessel in the Slave carrying trade prohibited by law. “2d my certificate that the Master of said vessel has not complied with the law in...