1The Virginia Plan, 29 May 1787 (Madison Papers)
The Federal Convention plunged into its momentous assignment without great delay chiefly because a prepared outline for a new government was ready for the delegates’ consideration—the so-called Virginia Plan. JM never claimed to be the author of this plan, but his guiding influence in the Virginia caucus, which drafted the resolutions, is beyond dispute. Some weeks before the delegates...
2To James Madison from Cyrus Griffin, ca. 3 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 3 June 1788 . Mentioned in Brown to JM, 7 June 1788 . Encloses resolution of Congress concerning the independence of Kentucky.
3To James Madison from Henry Lee, 29 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
This letr. is written purposely to inform you of the project mentioned to you in New york concerning the land at the Great falls. The quantity is 500 acres, the price may be called 4,000£ with the incumbrance of an annual rent of 150£ sterling. The advantages infinitely exceed that of any spot of ground in the U. States. The canal runs thro the land, & the bason is in the land, the situation...
4General 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...
5To James Madison from Edward Carrington, 1 November 1788 (Madison Papers)
Being cut off from the occurrences in the Assembly I have nothing to write you upon, but the prospect as to my reelection. The Apostacy of one of our Delegates in the Convention, and the wavering conduct of the other, have re-animated the Spirit of Anti-federalism in the County to such a degree that much work is to be done before my object will be secured —the issue of the ten days for which...
6Notes on Debates, 20 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
Nothing of consequence done Ms ( DLC ). Most of this session was spent considering a report on instructions to the superintendent of Indian affairs. The report came from a committee, headed by William Irvine, on which JM served ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XXXII, 66–69).
7To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 21 October 1787 (Madison Papers)
I recd. your letter acknowleging the rect. of the three papers in the Gazetteer. At the request of Mr. Wilson, Dr. Rush and another friend or two I added a 4th. paper, calculated to shew the general advantages & obviate some of the Objections to the System. It was desired by these Gentlemen for the purpose of inserting in one of several handbills, which it was proposed to circulate thro our...
8From James Madison to William Short, 24 October 1787 (Madison Papers)
I offer you my sincere acknowledgments for your two favors of May 7th. and Augst: 1. The latter has been rendered particularly valuable by the acquaintance it has afforded me with Monsr. Crevecoeur who has already verified the character under which you present him. The paper which I inclose for Mr. Jefferson will shew you the result of the Convention. The nature of the subject, the diversity...
9Deed of Gift of Orange County Lands, 19 August 1784 (Madison Papers)
This indenture made the nineteenth day of August One Thousand Seven hundred eighty four Between James Madison the Elder of the County of Orange of One Part And James Madison the Younger his Son of the sd. County of the Other Part Witnesseth that the Said James Madison the elder in Consideration of Paternal affection and of five Shillings the Receipt of which is hereby Acknowledged Doth by...
10Bill Providing for Installment Payments on British Debts, 19 December 1785 (Madison Papers)
Whereas by the 4th art: of the Definitive Treaty of peace between the U. S. of America & G. B. it was stipulated among other things by the contracting parties, “that Creditors on either side shall meet with no lawful impediment to the recovery of the full value in sterling money of all bona fide debts heretofore contracted”. Be it therefore enacted by the Genl. Assembly that so much of all...