1To James Madison from Aaron Burr, 9 October 1800 (Madison Papers)
As Mr. Alston is already known to you no introduction or recommendation from me can be requisite. I have great pleasure however in expressing the high opinion which I entertain of his character and his talents. He is justly considered as a great acquisition to the Cause of republicanism. I had not the pleasure to see your friend Talliafero. The letter which you did me the favor to write in his...
2To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 31 May 1798 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you last on the 24th. since which yours of the 20th. is recieved. I must begin by correcting two errors in my last. It was false arithmetic to say that two measures therein mentioned to be carried by majorities of 11. would have failed if the 14. absentees (wherein a majority of 6. was ours) had been present. 6 coming over from the other side would have turned the scale, and this was...
3From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 October 1800 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed to you by Mr. Altson [ sic ] of S. Carolina, who proposes to call at Monticello on his return from a Northern tour. He will probably be made known to you by other introductions; but those which he has brought to me, as well as a short acquaintance with him make me feel an obligation to add mine. He appears to be intelligent, sound in his principles, and polished in his...
4To James Madison from John Dawson, 10 July 1797 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 10 July 1797. Mentioned in JM to Jefferson, 2 Aug. 1797 . Informs JM that James Monroe should be in Virginia within two weeks.
5From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 2 August 1797 (Madison Papers)
At the desire of Mr. Bringhurst I forward him to Monticello; and make use of the opportunity, the first that has offered, to return you the pamphlet you were so kind as to leave with me. I add to it a late Fredg. paper which has got hold of some important articles of later date than were brought by the last post, and which may therefore be new to you as they were to me. I have had nothing from...
6To James Madison from John Francis Mercer, 6 January 1800 (Madison Papers)
I was taken on the road & have been confind by a Cold & inflammatory fever ever since which prevented my going to Balto. I have writen on yesterday to get Notes discounted, (even by shaving if necessary) & shall certainly I expect forward you 400$ before the Assembly rises. I shall lose no time after I get it—altho’ I have been dissapointed in the rect. of Money for Articles sold for Cash at...
7To James Madison from Walter Jones, 27 July 1799 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Ogilvie, intending Soon to pass thro yr Part of the Country, is desirous of the acquaintance of a Person, whose Character he respects as much as yours—it is with pleasure I facilitate his wishes by this Introduction—he is a most ardent Lover of Science and republicanism, and is most assiduously employed in imparting the Principles of both to a respectable & increasing School of promising...
8To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 15 February 1798 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you last on the 8th. We have still not a word from our envoys. This long silence (if they have been silent) proves things are not going on very roughly. If they have not been silent, it proves their information if made public would check the disposition to arm. I had flattered myself, from the progress of the public sentiment against arming, that the same progress had taken place in...
9To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 22 May 1800 (Madison Papers)
I was charged by Mr. Charles Pinckney of South Carolina, with a message to you that entirely escaped my memory when I had the pleasure of seeing you; he begs that you will write to Colo. W. Hampton, and urge him to exert himself to secure the vote of S. Carolina to Mr. Jefferson, (if they vote for Genl. Pinckney, they had as well not vote for Mr. Jefferson). Mr. Pinckney so frequently...
10To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 2 March 1798 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you last on the 22d. since which I have received yours without date, but probably of about the 18th. or 19th. An arrival to the Eastward brings us some news which you will see detailed in the papers. The new partition of Europe is sketched, but how far authentic we know not. It has some probability in it’s form. The French appear busy in their preparations for the invasion of England:...
11To James Madison from Gabriel Duvall, 6 June 1800 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 13th. ulto. came duly to hand. A constant attendance in our General Court, has hitherto prevented me from acknowledging the receipt of it. I never had an Idea of undertaking a formal explanation or defence of the letter to Mazzei, imputed to Mr. Jefferson. As he has thought proper to be silent about it, it would be improper, perhaps indelicate, for any of his friends to...
12Virginia Resolutions, 21 December 1798 (Madison Papers)
JM’s writing of the Virginia Resolutions should be seen in the light of a long series of actions JM undertook to stop the progress of what he considered to be the wrongful interpretation of the Constitution he had done so much to create and have adopted. In JM’s mind, the abuse of the “necessary and proper” clause in the Constitution had led to the expansion of federal government power well...
13To James Madison from Andrew Skinner Ennalls, 9 February 1801 (Madison Papers)
I am favor’d with Yours of the 31 Jany. ⅌ Post Inclosing a Letter for Colo. Mercer which I reced. this day, and have delivered it Him, He having come to Town last Evening. Your Draught in Favor of Messrs. Vass & Dunbar at 15 Days sight I refuse[d] to Accept for want of Advise. A few Days after I recd. a Letter from Colo. Mercer of the Draft, I then waited on Mr. Jolly the Gentn. who presented...
14To James Madison from Hubbard Taylor, 3 January 1799 (Madison Papers)
Majr Welch’s starting sooner than I expected I have only time to inclose you a letter from Colo. Geo. Nicholas, to Colo. C. M. Thrusten, in answer to one written to B. Thrusten, who was desired to shew it to Colo. Nicholas. It is universally approved of in this state. You no doubt have seen the Resolutions passed by our assembly, there were only 3 descenting to one, 2 to another & only one to...
15To James Madison from William Taylor, Jr., 15 February 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have lately learnt that their is a Probability that the office of Marshal for this state will in a Short time be made vacant, and some of my friends have induced me by Persuasion, to apply for it. This has induced me to mention the circumstance to you and if you think my abilitys and fidelity intituled to it will feel under many Obligations to you for your attention. I have deemed it...
16From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 3 June 1798 (Madison Papers)
Friday’s mail brought me your favor of May 24. The letter from S. Bourne had previously reached us thro’ a Fredg. paper. It is corroborated I find by several accounts from different sources. These rays in the prospect will if I can judge from the sensations in this quarter, have an effect on the people very different from that which appears in the public counsels. Whilst it was expected that...
17From James Madison to David Gelston, 24 October 1800 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 October 1800. Acknowledged in Gelston to JM, 21 Nov. 1800 . Reassures Gelston that Virginia will cast all its electoral votes for Jefferson and Burr.
18“Signora Catoni” [Sarah McKean] to Dolley Madison, 3 August 1797 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 August 1797, Philadelphia. Acknowledges letter of 23 June [not found]. “In the first place you ask me for a description of the Drawing room, I now hasten to give it you—that we have none at all—for that old what shall I call her —with her hawks eyes, gave out that the weather was too warm, and it would affect her nerves, they must be very delicate of course, but I suppose we shall have it in...
19From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 January 1800 (Madison Papers)
The question on the Report printed, was decided by 60 for & 40 agst. it, the day before yesterday, after a debate [of] five days. Yesterday & today have been spent on Mr. Giles’ propositions, which with some softenings will probably pass, by nearly the same vote. The Senate is in rather a better state than was expected. The debate turned almost wholly on the right of the Legislature to...
20To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 23 August 1799 (Madison Papers)
With this you will recieve the IVd. nails desired in your memorandum, that is to say 25. ℔ weighing about 2½ ℔ to the M̶. Probably they yield something more than a thousand to that weight, not being so uniform as they ought to be. We are now working up some remnants of hoops of different breadths till the arrival of a supply of proper size from Philadelphia. They are 1/3 pr. ℔. consequently...
21To James Madison from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 3 September 1799 (Madison Papers)
In answer to your favour of the 25th Aug: permit me to address to you a copy of a circular letter which I have prepared to answer such inquiries as you have been good enough to make in the name of your friend. The young gentlemen from the Southward are chiefly culpable in the expences of clothing & horses. I am happy to hear of your health—but should be more pleased if the circumstances of our...
22To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 22 February 1798 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 12th. is recieved. I wrote you last on the 15th. but the letter getting misplaced, will only go by this post. We still hear nothing from our Envoys. Whether the Executive hear we know not. But if war were to be apprehended, it is impossible our envoys should not find means of putting us on our guard, or that the Executive should hold back their information. No news therefore is...
23To James Madison from Philip Norborne Nicholas, 23 May 1800 (Madison Papers)
Mr Macons return to Orange affords me an opportunity of mentioning to you a subject, in which I cannot but feel an interest. Since the assembly rose the executive have appointed me to the office of Attorney General. My acquaintance in the country is not extensive and I must depend upon my friends making my pretensions known to the members of the legislature. If it is compatible with your ideas...
24From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 March 1798 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of Mar: 2. with a continuation of the Gazettes, with an omission however of Feby. 23. I apprized you before of a like omission of Jany. 23. I think the Whigs acted very properly in attending the Birthnight on the principle of appropriating it to the person and not to the office of the late President. It is a pity that the nonattendance of the adamites is not presented...
25From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 June 1800 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 18 June 1800. Calendared by JM in his list of letters to Jefferson (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers) as concerning: “Hessian fly, its first appearance in Orange.” Listed in Jefferson’s Epistolary Record (DLC: Jefferson Papers) as received 24 June.
26To James Madison from James Monroe, 4 June 1800 (Madison Papers)
I have yours of the 23d. ulto. by Fredbg. We had hear⟨d⟩ of yr. indisposition and inferrd from yr. not mentioning ⟨it⟩ it had been slight, and were happy to learn from Mr. Maco⟨n⟩ that altho’ it was more serious than we supposed, you h⟨ad⟩ recovered entirely yr. health. Every ⟨an⟩ticipati⟨on⟩ of th⟨e⟩ views of the admn. in this State seems to have been verified, or so many facts established as...
27To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 12 February 1801 (Madison Papers)
The H. of R. has been in conclave ever since 2. oclock yesterday. At 10. P.M. 17 ballots had been tried, & were invariably 8. 6. & 2 divided. I have not heard from the Capitol this morning. I can venture nothing more by the post but my affectionate salutations, to yourself & mrs. Madison. P. S. 1. P.M. The H. of R. suspended the balloting from 7. to 12. this morning, & after trying a few more...
28To James Madison from John Moody, 7 January 1799 (Madison Papers)
Although My Acquaintance with you is a Very Small [one] I have taken the liberty To Address you. In Porcupines Paper of 27h. & 28h Decmber is a piece under the Signature (of a True federalist Though a Virginian) Dated the 10h. of December Implicating a Number of My frends Incoludeing you and myself in a Very Scurillious Manner. As I am Not a Publick Speaker on Politicks and Persueing the...
29To James Madison from Alexander Fowler, 19 February 1801 (Madison Papers)
Believing, as I do, that you know my conduct and exertions in the cause of truth and liberty , to have been pure, uniform, disinterested and decissive, on all occassions, and in all situations, I take the liberty to sollicit your countenance, and protection, should an opportunity intervene, whereby you could introduce my name to Mr. Jefferson. On my arrival from Europe in 1778, I had the...
30To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 7 June 1798 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you last on the 31st. since which yours of the 27th. of May is received. The alien bill, when we had nearly got through it, on the 2d. reading, (on a report from the commee. of the whole) was referred to a special committee, by a vote of it’s friends (12) against 11. who thought it could be rejected on the question for the 3d reading. It is reported again, very much softened, and if...
31To James Madison from James Yard, 28 October 1800 (Madison Papers)
On the 20th. Inst. I forwarded by the Schooner Elizabeth, James Allen Master, 20 Cases of Madeira Wine containing in all 22 Dozn.—put up with great Care. As I had mislaid your Letter of Directions I was forced to address these Cases to a Mr. Wm Wilson with orders to hold them at your Disposal which I hope may prove of no Inconvenience. This Gentleman is Said to be a respectable Man at...
32To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 9 November 1800 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed you by mr. Erwin, a gentleman of Boston, with whom I became acquainted last winter on a letter of introduction from old Saml. Adams. He is sensible, well informed & strongly republican, wealthy & well allied in his own state & in England. He calls to pay his respects to you. I inclose you two letters which the Govr. sent me by him for perusal. It is a pity that a part of...
33From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 August 1797 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 3d. arrived safe yesterday. I will converse with Col. Monroe, as you desire, on the subject of his letter to you, & listen to all his reasons for the opinion he gives. My present conviction is opposed to it. I have viewed the subject pretty much in the light you do. I consider it moreover as a ticklish experiment to say publickly yes or no to the interrogatories of party spirit....
34From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 January 1800 (Madison Papers)
My last informed you of the result of the debates on the justifying Report of the Select Committee. I am now able to add that of Mr. Giles’s resolutions. The question on the whole was decided in the affirmative by a little upwards of a hundred against less than fifty. The vote was rather stronger on some of the particular resolutions, for example the instruction for disbanding the army. The...
35To James Madison from John Dawson, 7 September 1797 (Madison Papers)
I left Philaa. on the 1st. & arrivd here on the 5. In the morning I shall go to Richmond for a few days to arrange some private matters. The result of the enquiries of the committee has been more favourable than I expected, and will be a bitter pill to the British minister, our Secretary of state & their faction. We have deemd it proper not to make our proceedings public, untill laid before...
36From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 28 August 1799 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 28 August 1799. Listed in JM’s record of letters written to Jefferson (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers) as well as Jefferson’s Epistolary Record (DLC: Jefferson Papers).
37To James Madison from Richard Terrell, 24 September 1799 (Madison Papers)
Not hearing from you at the District Court respecting the Bills in Chancery I delivered from my Neighbours Colo. Taylor & Mjr. Croghan, have sent the Bearer to bring any commands you may favor them with by me. I think I mentioned to you the wish of Colo. Taylor for you to correct any impropriety in the Bills & return them with the Answers, as from that circumstance they have not yet been...
38From James Madison to James Monroe, 9 June 1798 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of yesterday was duly delivered by your servant; and I herewith inclose the copies you request, of the papers formerly transmitted to me. The originals I shall forwd. to Mr. D. as you suggest. I send also your letter to Van Staphorst & his answer, which I found with the other papers & which may possibly be of use now or hereafter in refreshing your memory or otherwise. The other...
39To James Madison from Henry Tazewell, 18 March 1798 (Madison Papers)
Soon after my arrival here, I recd. your favour with several inclosures. The inclosed Letters were delivered, as directed, and I should have acknowledged the receipt of your Letter at an earlier period—but for an indisposition which has kept me very much confined during the whole Winter. As the Weather becomes more mild, and the Climate more like that to which I have been accustomed—my health...
40To James Madison from John Knapp, 9 July 1800 (Madison Papers)
The moment no doubt is approaching, when we have reason to expect a change in Administration—under the present, I can never obtain a favor, my political opinions & sentiments are too well understood, to promise any thing, unless they are relinquished which never can be—but the period I hope is not far distant when Republicans will have the Government of this Country in their hands, & the idea...
41From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 January 1799 (Madison Papers)
According to a promise in my last, I inclose a copy of the rates at which McGeehee works. I inclose also a few observations on a subject which we have frequently talked of, which are submitted to your entire disposal, in whole or in part, under the sole reserve of the name of the author. In Gordon’s History Vol. IV p. 399–400, is a transaction that may perhaps be properly referred to in the...
42To James Madison from the Right Reverend James Madison, 23 February 1801 (Madison Papers)
I recd your Favr. enclosing Mr Patton’s Letter, and am greatly obliged for your Kindness in making those necessary Inquiries respecting the Land. The Sum demanded is beyond my Means. I could not, in my Purchase exceed 2000 £ for the Land alone; the other necessary Expences informing a Settlement would be considerable, & must be attended to as well as the Land. Mr Geo. C. Taylor has written to...
43Foreign Influence, [23 January] 1799 (Madison Papers)
The public attention has been much employed for some time, on the danger of foreign influence, and of divisions between the government and the people. The jealousy which has been awakened on these subjects, has however, been exclusively directed towards one foreign nation. To be honorable to our character, and adequate to our safety, it ought to be pointed to every quarter where danger lurks,...
44To James Madison from James Monroe, 6 November 1800 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you two days since by my servant who was to put the letter in the post office at charlottesville. This will be presented by Mr. Ervin a young man of merit from Boston. I saw him in Paris, but on some ground wh. I forget refused him my passport, in consequence whereof we did not become acquaint⟨ed. He pub⟩lished my book in Engld., of which he sent me a copy. Last winter he was...
45From James Madison to James Monroe, [ca. 10 November] 1800 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Erwin proposing to set out in the morning without my again seeing him, I think proper to add to the few lines with which he is already charged, that our interview closed without any allusion to the secondary object of the election. If I had not expected, as intimated by you, that he would bring on the subject, it would no doubt have dropt from me. As it is possible he may draw some...
46To James Madison from John Dawson, 13 August 1797 (Madison Papers)
By the mail on Thursday I recievd your favour of the Int. On the 12 of the last month we sent a messenger to Tennessee for some persons & papers, & have good reason to conclude that we shall get some material testimony from that quarter. For his return I wait, & shall on it set out for Virginia, if I can escape the fever which is pretty prevalent here, notwithstanding the heavy rains which we...
47To James Madison from Stevens Thomson Mason, 16 January 1800 (Madison Papers)
If any information it may be in my power to furnish you or any services I can render you here, should be deemed by you a sufficient equivalent, I shall be happy in future in being numbered among your correspondents. The present moment however affords nothing interesting. The fate of Mr Nicholas’s motion for disbanding the additional army, you will have seen in the newspapers. As also the...
48To James Madison from Montesquieu, 12 September 1797 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 12 September 1797. Calendared as a three-page letter in the lists probably made by Peter Force (DLC, series 7, container 2); however, no correspondence has been located between JM and Charles Louis, baron de Montesquieu (1749–1824), grandson of the famous French philosopher.
49To James Madison from John Dawson, 1 February 1800 (Madison Papers)
This will find you on your farm & I hope with restord health. According to practice we have had a bankrupt law before us for many days. The final question on it is pospond untill tuesday week, & the fate of it uncertain —tho I much fear that it will pass—you well know what they can do by time—there was a majority of 20 agt it when introducd. You observe by the papers that there is a small...
50To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 30 September 1799 (Madison Papers)
I Will Be obliged to you to favour me with an answer to my last, (if recieved) on the subject of the absolute necessity of your State Legislature passing at their next session an act to declare that the Electors of a President & Vice President shall be elected by joint Ballott by your State Legislature in the manner it is done in this State—this act must Be passed at your next session or it...