1To George Washington from James Madison, 25 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Amidst the Acclamations of Multitudes contending who shall applaud you most, accept, Sir, from us, that Tribute of Respect & Gratitude, in which none withhold but those who are your Enemies, only because they are Enemies to the Deliverer of their Country, and to the Friend of Mankind. We rejoice with you upon the Reduction of York: a Success, which all ascribe to wise Counsel, prudent Conduct,...
2To George Washington from James Madison, 29 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 22d inst: bearing testimony to the merits & talents of Mr McHenry. The character which I had preconceived of this gentleman was precisely that which your representation has confirmed. As Congress have not yet fixed the peace establishment for their foreign affairs and will not probably fill up vacancies unless there be some critical...
3To John Adams from James Madison, 3 February 1795 (Adams Papers)
I have been induced to this delay in acknowledging your letter of the 23d, inclosing one to you from Mr. Belknap of the 2d. Ulto. by a desire to obtain from my memory all the information it might have ever possessed in relation to the error in Docr. Kippis’ life of Capt: Cook. I was not a member of Congress till March 1780. It is probable therefore that, if his directions to American...
4To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 17 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose two letters from Monroe recd. since your departure. The intermediate ones referred to, of the 16 & 18. of Decr. are not yet recd. I inclose also a Letter of Decr. 24. from Armstrong; who I am pleased to find understands the language in which the honorable & honest policy of this Country ought to be expressed. you will find that I obey the wish of Govr. Claiborne in taxing you with a...
5To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 18 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have enclosed a Letter from Mr Bracken, who was appointed administrator for Mr Bellini, to Mr. Mazzei, which, he informs me, gives particular State of the affairs of our deceased Friend.—It appears from what Mr Bracken says, that there is Property remaining to the amount of nearly £300. A Certificate of the Death of Mr Bellini is forwards by this Post to Govr Page, with a Request, that he...
6To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 27 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I recd. on monday evening your favor of Mar. 23. with the return of Armstrong’s & Monroe’s letters first sent you. I cannot entirely despair that Spain notwithstanding the support given by France to her claim to W.F. may yield to our proposed arrangement, partly from its intrinsic value to her, partly from an apprehension of the interference of G.B. and that this latter consider may, as soon...
7To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 1 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I find by a letter just recd. from Mr. Tomkins that he declines the appointment lately given him; so that it will be necessary for you to think of another Successor to Judge Hobart. Writing at present without having the letter by me I can not inclose it A decree of Genl. Ferrand commanding at St. Domingo dated the 5th. of Feby. has just been forwarded from N. York, which transcends every...
8To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 5 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 1st. instant has been recd with the letters of James Monroe & Pinkney. I had a conversation yesterday with Turreau on the subject of Ferrand’s decree. He was perfectly rational and accomodating, expressed a wish to receive without delay a note from me on the subject, and promised to interpose as requested. He regretted that Logan’s motion to prohibit the trade with St. Domingo,...
9To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 22 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
By this Mail you will recieve the letters last received from Mr. Erving. No others have come to hand from any quarter worth troubling you with. Mr. Gallatin left Washington the day I believe you did. I am still detained here by the situation of Mrs. M’s complaint. The Doctr. does not claim less than seven or 8 days from this time, at least, in order to render the journey safe; and her recovery...
10To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
At the date of my last, I hoped by this time to be making ready for my journey on your track. A consultation of the Doctors Weems & Elgey on the situation of my wife’s knee has ended in the joint opinion that an operation is indispensable which can best be performed at Philadelphia; and that it is prudent to avoid delay as much as possible. We shall accordingly set off tomorrow, in order to...
11To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 2 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Having passed Dalton on the road, I have received the dispatches from M. & Pinkney under the delay of their coming hither from Washington. You will have recd. copies from Washington, according to instructions I left there. The business at Madrid has had an awkward termination, and if nothing, as may be expected, particularly in the absence of the Emperor, shd alleviate it at Paris, involves...
12To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 9 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I select the inclosed papers relating the ship N. Jersey from a mass of which this is but a certain portion. They will enable you to decide on the question to which alone the case is reduced. This is whether in the claims under the French Convention Insurers stand in the shoes of the insured. The printed memoire by DuPont (de Nemours) deserves to be read as a Chef d’oeuvre of the kind....
13To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors of the 4 & 7th. instant have come duly to hand. Letters from C. Pinkney to the 10th. of June have been forwarded to You thro’ Washington. They confirm the idea that Spain emboldened by France, is speculating on the presumed aversion of this Country to war, and to the military connection with G.B. They shew at the same time that Spain herself not only does not gain at war, but...
14To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 1 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I recd. yesterday yours of the 25th. The letter from Turreau appeared to me as to you, in the light of a reprehensible intrusion in a case where this Govt. ought to be guided by its own sense of propriety alone. Whether it be the effect of an habitual air of superiority in his Govt. or be meant as a particular disrespect to us is questionable. The former cause will explain it, and the latter...
15To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose herewith sundry communications which I recd. yesterday. One of them is from Monroe at Paris, who appears by a letter from Erving to have arrived at London the latter end of July. A letter from Armstrong went for you by the last mail. He seems to have moderated the scope of his former advice as to Spain. In that now given, there is in my judgment, great solidity: If force should be...
16To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 23 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
One of those decisive Facts has occurred, which I have thought worth communicating to you. Whilst I was, during this Month, in Montgomery Cy., Major Preston informed me, that in attempting to dig a Well, some Time this Summer, at a Salt Lick in Wythe Cy., the Labourers struck upon the Contents of the Stomack of a Mammoth. They were found about 5 Feet & 1/2 under Ground, lying upon a Lime-Stone...
17To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 30 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly recd. your favor of from which I learn your purpose of meeting the Heads of Depts. in consultation on the 4th. of Ocr. It is no little mortification that it will not be in my power to obey the summons. Mrs. M’s afflicted knee which has already detained me so long, tho’ I trust perfectly healed, is in so tender a state, and the whole limb so extremely feeble, that she could not be...
18To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 5 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
At the date of my last I entertained hopes of being at this time half way to Washington. Instead of that I am unable to say when I shall be able to commence the journey. The ride which we took in order to train Mrs. M. for it has been succeeded by sensations & appearances which threaten a renewal of her complaint in some degree & in some form or other. I flatter myself that as the appearances...
19To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I recd. duly your favor of the 11th. at this place, where I am still very painfully detained by the situation of Mrs. M. The appearance of her knee is still equivocal; I am afraid discouraging as to a very prompt and compleat cure. I am the less able however to pronounce on this point, as the Dr. has been prevented by indisposition from seeing his patient for several days, and I cannot be...
20To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Doctor Park of this city is setting out with his daughter, on a trip Southwards and proposes to be in Washington before he returns. He is an old acquaintance in the family of Mrs. Madison and is truly an amicable & respectable man. That he may present his respects with the greater facility I have asked him to accept a few lines making him known to you. With sentiments of respectful attachment...
21To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The decrease of the fever in the City had induced me to return with Mrs. M. to it, with a view to place her in a situation that would justify me in leaving her for a while. She is likely to be detained several weeks longer, before the Docr. will approve of her entering on a journey; but I hope she is now or will be in a day or two advanced towards her recovery beyond the occasion of particular...
22To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
(a) after ‘others’—the insertion of “with commissions”—seems necessary, as others refers to the armed vessels—not to commissns. (b) Instead of “under the controul”it may be well to insert some such phrase as “unreached by any controul” in order not to sanction a plea agst. indemnification, drawn from an acknowledgment on our part that the enenormities were uncontroulable. (c) “as unprofitable...
23To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 27 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Resol. 1. [substitute within any part of the former Louisiana comprehended in the delivery of possession thereof to the U.S.] 2. [omit]—[substitute as may consist with the honor of the U. States] this change will look less towards advances by the U.S. to effect ” the adjustment. 4. [omit, as embarrassing and unefficacious ] 5. [quer. if not unnecessary and provided for by the preceedg. Resol.]...
24To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 27 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
J. M. with respectful complts to the Presidt. suggests an attention to the last paragraph in the Rept. to him concerning interpolations, lest it should not square with what was represented in the first Message agst Spanish outrages on the high seas. The report was to go to the Presidt. on saturday or yesterday. A Baltimore paper has published yrujo’s letter to the Dept. of State commenting on...
25Pardon for Richard Quince Haskins, 1 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States of America, To all who shall see these presents, Greeting:— Whereas Richard Quince Haskins, Scriviner, of the Town of Boston in the District of Massachusetts was convicted before the Circuit Court of the United States, for the said District, at its last June term, of certain misdemeanors in relation to the Post Office establishment of the United...
26To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The reasons given by the Attorney General against the decision of the Louisiana Commissioners referred to in the President’s note of this date, appear to establish conclusively the illegality of that decision. Still as there are no circumstances justifying a presumption that the error had a corrupt source, and as it is sufficiently presumeable in my view that it would be corrected by the...
27From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 18 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
By virtue of the act, entitled, “an act making Provision for defraying any extraordinary expences attending between the U States and foreign nations,” passed on the 13th. February 1806., and of which the annexed is an official exemplification, I Thomas Jefferson, President of the U States of America, Do hereby authorize and empower Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury of the U States, to...
28To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Pinkney is now with us collecting his outfit of information, and is to sail from Baltimore on Sunday the 18th. instant. This being an earlier day than was anticipated, it has become necessary to hasten the conclusion of all the Documents he is to take with him, the provisional as well as the positive. With this view they are now forwarded for your signature by an Express who we hope will...
29To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 17 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The communications which will be forwarded by Mr. Smith seem to render it certain that the frigates from the Medn. cannot be expected till the fall, and consequently that the plan of sending Mellimelli in the Chesapeake is frustrated. It also appears that the Xebeck for which we are pledged has been sold at Malta. Will it not be best in this state of things to equip a small vessel here which...
30To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 22 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The express returned with the documents for London the night before the last, and the despatches arrived in Baltimore yesterday morning in due time for the intended embarkation of Mr. Pinkney. Herewith are letters from Mr. Monroe of Mar 31. & apl. 3. with their accompaniments. I observe in an English paper of Mar. 31. a paragraph under the “Hague” Mar. 25. (I believe), saying that Mr....
31To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 26 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 19th. by express, was duly recd. For the result of the consultation among us on the mediterranean arrangements, I refer to what you will doubtless learn from Mr. Smith. I inclose letters from Armstrong, Bowdoin, Lee & Forbes. That from A. is particularly interesting. Altho there is a tint in it which is not agreeable, it serves a further proof that the plan laid would have...
32To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 28 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The last mail brought me yours inclosing the letters to you from P. Edwards & Mr. Gallatin, which I retain for your return. The supplemental instruction to A. & Bowdoin had not escaped attention. Subpœnas have this day been served on Genl. Dearborn, Mr. Smith & Myself. The absence of Mr. Gallatin postpones the service on him. Mr. Wagner, Docr. Thornton, & Mr. Duncanson, & Mr. Bradley of...
33To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The vessel for the Bey of Tunis is a small one purchased by Capt: Preble in the Mediterranean. The first cost can not be ascertained in the absence of the Upper Clerks of the Navy Dept. It is supposed not to have exceeded a very few thousand dollars. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
34To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 25 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter from the Mayor of N. York shews that coercion alone will rid us of the Tunisians in revolt agst Melimelli. I have written to the Mayor that it is desireable that he should have them sent on to Boston, by any means which he may be able to apply. I believe it will be found necessary to take the course thought of before your departure for conveying the presents &c to Tunis;...
35To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 25 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have thought it not amiss to add to the letter written yesterday to the Mayor of N. York the suggestions of which a copy is inclosed. In the liberty of giving your sanction to the use of legal force, I was governed by my recollection that you considered nothing wanted to authorize force here in sending the Tunisians on board the Franklin but the requisition of the Ambassador which was...
36To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 28 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The Essex arrived yesterday morning, and I recd from Commodore Rodgers the inclosed letter from Mr. Lear. The account current to which it refers happened not to be put up with the inclosures. The general view of the Mediterranean affairs given by Rodgers strengthens the favorable one presented by Lear. Cathcart writes that Mellimelli had accepted a reimbursement of the cost of the...
37To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 4 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letters from Cathcart & Mellimelli explain the unexpected & perplexing determination of the latter with respect to the Franklin. The least evil left to our choice has been thought to be that of chartering a vessel at Boston. Cathcart has accordingly been instructed to do so. It has been thought proper also to take advantage of a vessel going from Alexa. to Boston, for sending the...
38To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I left Washington on the morning of the 6th. and ended my journey on Saturday evening. Having received no communications from the office before the mail which arrived the day before yesterday, and concluding that your trip to Bedford was probably undertaken about this time I have been the less in a hurry to trouble you with a letter. I now inclose several papers transmitted by Mr. Wagner....
39To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 30 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Among the papers enclosed is a letter from the District Attorney of N.Y. enquiring whether Ths. Lewis of the Leander is to be brought to trial. I have put under an unsealed cover to Mr. Wagner, an answer in the affirmative, which if approved may be forwarded from Monticello. I see no reason for dismissing the indictment in this case, more than there was for doing so in the case of Ogden, after...
40To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 4 September 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I recd. by last mail your favor of the 28. ult. & now forward such communications from Washington as have been recd. since my last. The freak of Mellimelli exceeds all the preceding vexations. I have written to Wagner to save us from the persecution of a visit from him, in case he should not be faced about at Baltimore; and to give Lear the functionary at Tunis an explanation of the adventure....
41To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 22 September 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Among the enclosures is a letter from Turreau, requesting a loan, to be applied to the equipment of the damaged ships of war now in our ports. I have sketched an answer for your consideration & correction. It is the more necessary to be explicit in the refusal, as the case may be followed by others of greater extent, and resulting from Combat as well as casualties. I have proceeded on the...
42To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 27 September 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 23. with its accompaniments came duly to hand. I have adopted your amendment to the letter to Turreau. He may fairly be told that no appropriation has such an object as he presents, because the legislature can not be presumed to have contemplated it; particularly taking into view the line of neutrality hitherto pursued. At the same time it is not remiss to avoid narrowing too much...
43From James Madison to Nathan Sanford, 1 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
The President directs that you enter a nolle prosequi on the indictment found in the Circuit Court for the District of New York, against John Thomas for the murder of John Gern, on board the British Brig Fox, on the high Seas, and that you cause him to be liberated. Should he be willing, on your suggestion, to leave the United States immediately for any of the British dominions, it will be...
44From James Madison to Nathan Williams, 3 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Sepr. 5. was received during my recess in Virginia; and having been communicated to the President, & taken a circuit in getting back, could not be conveniently acknowledged, till my return to this place; since which it has been displaced from my attention by a crowd of other objects, and an indisposition from which I am yet not completely recovered. I now beg you to accept my...
45From James Madison to Edward Livingston, 4 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have received your favor of the 22d. of Septr. and return you thanks for the document you have had the goodness to communicate in it; being With much respect, Your most obedt: Servt: Mem: Letters, making the same acknowledgment (in the same words) were written at the same time, to D. Clark & John Watkins both of New Orleans. DNA : RG 59—DL—Domestic Letters.
46From James Madison to Robe and Gardner, 4 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 25 August was duly received, and the subject of it belonging to the Treasury Department, it was communicated accordingly. Information has since been desired from the Collector, but it is not probable, that any room will be found for interposing. I am &c. DNA : RG 59—DL—Domestic Letters.
47From James Madison to Robert Williams, 4 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you, that the accounts, of late received from the South Western Quarter of the United States, of which the Mississippi Territory makes a part, render it proper, in the opinion of the President, that you should immediately repair to your government. On your arrival there, you will find in the hands of Mr. Meade, the instructions, which have been given, relative to the...
48From James Madison to Charles Haumont, 5 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
Your letter enclosing one, unsealed, to the Emperor of the French, came duly to hand; but upon reflecting on its subject and your relation to the French functionaries here, I feel a regret that your wish could not be gratified, as it x could not be deemed proper to give the package a conveyance to the Emperor’s hands in the mode you desired. For this late return of it, I must offer the apoloy...
49From James Madison to Richard Shippey Hackley, 5 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
Should the port of St. Lucar, which, it is understood, has been lately made a free port, have a preference in view, the President authorizes me to tender it in exchange for the Consulate at St. Andero, which you have obtained. I have transmitted a package to the Collector of the Customs at New York, addressed to any Consul of the United States in Spain. Should it be your intention to embark...
50From James Madison to Collector of the Customs at New York, 6 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State requests the Collector of the Customs at New York to be pleased to put the enclosed in the hands of some trusty person going to Spain. Should Mr. Richard S. Hackley apply for it, it may be given to him. DNA : RG 59—DL—Domestic Letters.