1201From James Madison to Daniel Carroll, 10 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 10 April 1788 . Mentioned in JM to Washington, 10 Apr. 1788 . Acknowledged in Carroll to JM, 28 Apr. 1788 . Urges speedy adoption of the Constitution by Maryland. A delay there could prove fatal to ratification in Virginia.
1202From James Madison to Cyrus Griffin, 10 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 10 April 1788 . Acknowledged in Griffin to JM, 28 Apr. 1788 . Requests Griffin to send The Federalist No. 69 (No. 70 in the McLean The Federalist, A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the New Constitution, by a Citizen of New-York. Printed by J. and A. McLean (New York, 1788). edition), omitted as enclosure with his last letter. Adoption of the Constitution in...
1203From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, ca. 10 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 10 April 1788 . Alluded to in Hamilton to JM, 11 May 1788 . Prospects for the Constitution in Virginia. Requests Hamilton to send copies of the first volume of The Federalist .
1204From James Madison to James Mchenry, ca. 10 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 10 April 1788 . Mentioned in JM to Washington, 10 Apr. 1788 . Urges speedy adoption of the Constitution by Maryland. A delay there could prove fatal to ratification in Virginia.
1205From James Madison to [Charles Pinckney?], ca. 10 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 10 April 1788 . Mentioned in JM to Washington, 10 Apr. 1788, and Griffin to JM, 28 Apr. 1788 . Adoption of the Constitution in South Carolina is of critical importance in determining the question in Virginia.
1206From James Madison to Benjamin Franklin, 20 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose herewith a letter from Mr. Limozin of Havre de Grace. The external address to me, was made on a supposition of my being an attending member of Congress; and as I find from a note within the letter, in order to make me acquainted with the circumstances which were to be laid before Congress. With the highest respect and esteem I have the honor to be Sir, Your most...
1207From James Madison to Cyrus Griffin, 20 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 20 April 1788 . Acknowledged in Griffin to JM, 12 May 1788 . Requests pamphlets and debates on the Constitution to be sent to Jefferson. Requests copy of the debates of the Massachusetts convention.
1208From James Madison to John Brown, 21 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 21 April 1788 . Acknowledged in Brown to JM, 12 May 1788 . Prospects for the Constitution in Virginia. Requests statement of the foreign and domestic debt ( Carrington to JM, 28 May 1788 ).
1209From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 22 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
Being just acquainted by a letter from President Griffin that Mr. Paridise is in N. York and proposes to sail in the first packet for France I drop you a few lines which will go by that conveyance if they arrive at N. York in time; which however I do not much expect. The proposed Constitution still engrosses the public attention. The elections for the Convention here are but just over and...
1210To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 22 April 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Being just acquainted by a letter from President Griffin that Mr. Paridise is in N. York and proposes to sail in the first packet for France I drop you a few lines which will go by that conveyance if they arrive in N. York in time; which however I do not much expect. The proposed Constitution still engrosses the public attention. The elections for the Convention here are but just over and...
1211From James Madison to George Nicholas, 17 May 1788 (Madison Papers)
I received your favor of the 9th. inst: several days ago, but have never been able till this moment to comply with the request it makes on the subject of the Mississippi. Many considerations induce me to believe that there is not at present any dangerous disposition to sacrifice the right of the U. S. to the common use of that navigation. The discussions and enquiries which have taken place on...
1212From James Madison to John Brown, 27 May 1788 (Madison Papers)
I am much obliged by your favor of the 12th. instant and particularly by the documents covered by it. Similar information to that you recite from Kentucky had reached us from the same quarter. Having not heard of the meeting for instructions being actually held, I indulge some hopes that it may not have taken place, and that the delegates will bring to the Convention no other fetters than...
1213To George Washington from James Madison, 4 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 2d Ulto was not recd till my arrival here on monday evening. I found, contrary to my expectation that not only a very full house had been made on the first day, but that it had proceeded to the appointment of the President & other officers. Mr Pendleton was put into the chair without opposition. Yesterday little more was done than settling some forms and Resolving that no...
1214From James Madison to Rufus King, 4 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
I thank you sincerely for your favor previous to your leaving N. York. The information in it is agreeable an[d] useful. Our Convention met on Monday. I did not arr[ive] till the evening of that day. Mr. Pendleton had been unanimously put into the chair. The debates commenced to day. The Govr. has declared the day of previous amendments past, and thrown himself fully into our scale. M—s—n &...
1215From James Madison to George Washington, 4 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 2d. Ulto. was not recd. till my arrival here on monday evening. I found, contrary to my expectation that not only a very full house had been made on the first day, but that it had proceeded to the appointment of the President & other officers. Mr. Pendleton was put into the chair without opposition. Yesterday little more was done than settling some forms and Resolving that no...
1216From James Madison to Nicholas Gilman, 4 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 4 June 1788, Richmond . Gilman to John Sullivan, 12 June 1788: “A letter from Mr. Madison dated Richmond July [June] 4th contains the following observations—vizt ‘Mr. Pendleton was put into the chair without opposition—yesterday it was unanimously agreed that no general or particular question should be taken until the whole had been debated clause by Clause and the debate...
1217General Defense of the Constitution, [6 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
On 5 June, Patrick Henry leveled a lengthy attack on the Constitution. This evoked a Federalist rebuttal in general terms by Governor Randolph and JM’s point-by-point refutation. Mr. Madison then arose—(but he spoke so low that his exordium could not be heard distinctly). I shall not attempt to make impressions by any ardent professions of zeal for the public welfare: we know the principles of...
1218From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 6 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 6 June 1788 . Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 17 June 1788 . Reports gains for Federalists at the Virginia convention, but cannot predict the outcome.
1219Weaknesses of the Confederation, [7 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
At Henry’s invitation, Randolph defended the direct taxing powers and the system of representation established by the Constitution. As on 6 June, JM followed the governor, this time to justify the creation of a national revenue system and point out defects in the Articles of Confederation. Mr. Madison . Mr. Chairman—In considering this great subject, I trust we shall find that part which gives...
1220To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 9 June [1788] (Hamilton Papers)
The Heat of the weather &c. has laid me up with a bilious attack; I am not able therefore to say more than a few words. No material indications have taken place since my last. The chance at present seems to be in our favor. But it is possible things may take another turn. Oswald in Phila. came here on Saturday; and has closet interviews with the leaders of the opposition. Yours affcy. ALS ,...
1221From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 9 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
The Heat of the weather &c. has laid me up with a bilious attack: I am not able therefore to say more than a few words. No material indications have taken place since my last. The chance at present seems to be in our favor. But it is possible things may take another turn. Oswald of Phila. came here on saturday; and has closet interviews with the leaders of the Opposition. Yours Affely. RC (...
1222From James Madison to Rufus King, 9 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have been for two days & still am laid up with a bilious attack. Writing is scarcely practicable & very injurious to me. I can only say to you therefore appearances have not changed sensibly since my last. I think we have a majority as yet; but the other party are ingenious & indefatigable. I wish you all happiness & am Yrs. RC ( NHi ). Addressed in an unidentified hand. Docketed by King.
1223From James Madison to Cyrus Griffin, ca. 9 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 9 June 1788 . Mentioned in Carrington to JM, 17 June 1788 . Alluded to in Griffin to JM, 18 June 1788 . Reports his indisposition.
1224From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 11 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
On my arrival which was the second day of the Convention, I found yours of the ult: the papers contained in which I have disposed of in the manner most likely to be of service. I should have acknowledged the favor sooner; but have not been well since I recd. it, and for several days preceding yesterday was confined to my room with a bilious attack. I am now able to resume my seat in the...
1225Outline of Speech in Support of Direct Taxation, [11 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
direct taxation necessary—practicable—safe—œconomical. I. necessary. 1. for punctuality—credit—suppose war & most to feared &c—free ships free goods. 2. conditl. taxn. produce failure from 3 distrust of concurrent exertions amg. Sts who will deliberate 4. Some Sts less in danger & less willing to exert. 5. Contests between Congs & Sts. 6 effect of being punishment & St. on side of people....
1226Power to Levy Direct Taxes, [11 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
Technically, Sections 1 and 2 of Article I of the Constitution were still under discussion. “We have sat eight days, [and] so little has been done,” George Nicholas complained, “that we have hardly begun to discuss the question regularly” ( Robertson, Virginia Debates David Robertson, Debates and Other Proceedings of the Convention of Virginia (2d ed.; Richmond, 1805). , p. 173). Mr. Madison ....
1227Power to Levy Direct Taxes; the Mississippi Question, [12 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
The first and second sections of Article I were still nominally the order of the day. JM replied to Grayson’s speech that began on 11 June and continued the next day. Mr. Madison . Mr. Chairman—Finding, sir, that the clause more immediately under consideration still meets with the disapprobation of the honorable gentleman over the way (Mr. Grayson ) and finding that the reasons of the...
1228General Defense of the Constitution, [12 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
JM replied to another of Henry’s sweeping attacks on the Constitution. Mr. Madison . Mr. Chairman, Pardon me for making a few remarks on what fell from the honorable gentleman last up. I am sorry to follow the example of gentlemen in deviating from the rule of the house: But as they have taken the utmost latitude in their objections, it is necessary that those who favor the government should...
1229To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 13 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Richmond, June 13, 1788. On June 25, 1788, Hamilton wrote to Madison: “I am very sorry to find by your letter of the 13th that your prospects are so critical.” Letter not found. ]
1230To George Washington from James Madison, 13 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of came to hand by the mail of Wednesday. I did not write by several late returns for two reasons; one the improbability of [your] having got back to Mount Vernon; the other a bilious indisposition which confined me for some days. I am again tolerably well recovered. Appearances at present are less favorable than at the date of my last. Our progress is slow and every advantage is...
1231From James Madison to Rufus King, 13 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
I am tolerably well over the bilious indisposition which confined me at the date of my last. The progress of the Convention is extremely slow; though from the impatience of the members, I think the Session will not be long. The issue of it is more doubtful than was apprehended when I last wrote. The ostensible points of opposition are direct taxation, the imperfect representation in the H. of...
1232From James Madison to George Washington, 13 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of came to hand by the mail of Wednesday. I did not write by several late returns for two reasons; one the improbability of having got back to Mount Vernon; the other a bilious indisposition which confined me for some days. I am again tolerably well recovered. Appearances at present are less favorable than at the date of my last. Our progress is slow and every advantage is taken of...
1233The Mississippi Question, [13 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
Henry asked for information from those delegates who had served in Congress when a treaty with Spain covering navigation rights on the Mississippi had been debated. Henry Lee, Monroe, and Grayson spoke ahead of JM. Mr. Madison . Mr. Chairman—It is extremely disagreeable to me to enter into this discussion, as it is foreign to the object of our deliberations here, and may, in the opinion of...
1234From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 13 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 13 June 1788 . Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 25 June 1788 . Apparently reports that the Federalists’ prospects at the Richmond convention depend upon favorable votes within the Kentucky delegation.
1235From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 13 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 13 June 1788 . Mentioned in Hamilton to JM, 25 June 1788 . Describes the critical outlook for ratification of the Constitution at the Richmond convention.
1236Power to Regulate Elections, [14 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
After Sections 4 and 5 of Article I were read, Monroe asked why the regulation of elections for members of Congress was under the “ultimate controul” of the national legislature, “and also why there was an exception as to the place of electing senators” ( Robertson, Virginia Debates David Robertson, Debates and Other Proceedings of the Convention of Virginia (2d ed.; Richmond, 1805). , p....
1237Salaries for Congress and Eligibility for Federal Offices, [14 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
Henry complained that Article I, Section 6, was dangerous in allowing members of Congress to fix their own salaries and to be appointed to federal offices. Mr. Madison . Mr. Chairman—I most sincerely wish to give a proper explanation on this subject, in such a manner as may be to the satisfaction of every one. I shall suggest such considerations as led the convention to approve of this clause....
1238Power of Congress to Regulate the Militia, [14 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison . Mr. Chairman—The honorable gentleman has laid much stress on the maxim, that the purse and sword ought not to be put in the same hands; with a view of pointing out the impropriety of vesting this power in the general government. But it is totally inapplicable to this question. What is the meaning of this maxim? Does it mean that the sword and purse ought not to be trusted in the...
1239To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 16 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of the 8th. is just come to hand. I mentioned in my last that Oswald had been here in consultation with the Antifedl. leaders. The contents of your letter confirm the idea that a negotiation for delay is [on] foot between the opposition here & with you. We have conjectured for some days that the policy is to spin out the Session in order to receive overtures from your Convention; or if...
1240From James Madison to Alexander Hamilton, 16 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 8th is just come to hand. I mentioned in my last that Oswald had been here in consultation with the Antifedl. leaders. The contents of your letter confirm the idea that a negociation for delay is [on] foot between the opposition here & with you. We have conjectured for some days that the policy is to spin out the Session in order to receive overtures from your Convention; or if...
1241Power of Congress to Direct Military Forces, [16 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
Henry continued his harangue against the powers granted Congress under Article I, Section 8, dwelling particularly on the power to raise armies and to call forth the militia to execute the laws and suppress insurrection. Mr. Madison . Mr. Chairman—I will endeavor to follow the rule of the house; but must pay due attention to the observations which fell from the gentleman. I should conclude,...
1242Power of Congress over Federal District, [16 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
The power of Congress to exercise exclusive legislation over the federal district was dangerous, Henry warned, especially in conjunction with its power to make all laws necessary and proper to carry its powers into execution. Mr. Madison . Mr. Chairman—I am astonished that the honorable member should launch out into such strong descriptions without any occasion. Was there ever a legislature in...
1243Slave Trade and Slaveholders’ Rights, [17 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
The importation of slaves until 1808, guaranteed by Article I, Section 9, was attacked by Mason as “a fatal section, which has created more dangers than any other.” Mason said “this infamous traffic” would continue, but those who already owned slaves had “no security for the property of that kind” ( Robertson, Virginia Debates David Robertson, Debates and Other Proceedings of the Convention of...
1244To George Washington from James Madison, 18 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
No question direct or indirect has yet been taken, by which the state of parties could be determined. of course each is left to enjoy the hopes resulting from its own partial calculations. It is probable the majority on either side will not exceed more than 3, 4, 5 or 6. I indulge a belief that at this time the friends of the Constitution have the advantage in point of number. Great moderation...
1245From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 18 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
No question has been yet taken by which the strength of parties can be ascertained. Each hopes for victory. There will not probably be half a dozen for a majority on either side. I hope & think that if no accident happens the Constitution will carry the point. But when the balance is so extremely nice, it is improper not to mingle doubts with our expectations. A few days will probably decide...
1246From James Madison to Rufus King, 18 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
No question has yet been taken by which real strength of parties in our Convention can be measured. There is not a majority of more than three or four on either side. Both sides claim it. I think however it rather lies as yet in favor of the Constitution. But it is so small as to justify apprehensions from accidents as well as change of opinion. An unwillingness to risk a positive decision on...
1247From James Madison to George Washington, 18 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
No question direct or indirect has yet been taken, by which the state of parties could be determined. Of course each is left to enjoy the hopes resulting from its own partial calculations. It is probable the majority on either side will not exceed more than 3, 4, or 5 or 6. I indulge a belief that at this time the friends of the Constitution have the advantage in point of number. Great...
1248Method of Electing the President, [18 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
The Antifederalists maintained that the electoral college created by Article II, Section 1, would result in the choice of a president by less than a majority of those eligible to vote. Mr. Madison . Mr. Chairman—I will take the liberty of making a few observations which may place this in such a light as may obviate objections. It is observable, that none of the honorable members objecting to...
1249Powers of the President, [18 June] 1788 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison , adverting to Mr. Mason’s objection to the president’s power of pardoning, said, it would be extremely improper to vest it in the house of representatives, and not much less so to place it in the senate; because numerous bodies were actuated more or less by passion, and might in the moment of vengeance forget humanity. It was an established practice in Massachusetts for the...
1250To Alexander Hamilton from James Madison, 20 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
Our debates have advanced as far as the Judiciary Department against which a great effort is making. The appellate congnizance of fact, and an extension of the power to causes between Citizens of different States, with some lesser objections are the topics chiefly dwelt on. The retrospection to cases antecedent to the Constitution, such as British debts, and an apprehended revival of the...