1261To James Madison from Fontaine Maury, 18 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have recived your two favors with their respective Inclosures, which have been forwarded. I am happy to hear you are so near being prepared to proceed to business under the new System & I will be much obliged to you to inform me when you expect any thing will be done with respect to the General Impost, and whether or not, you suppose the Interest on Final Settlement Certificates will be...
1262Import Duties, [18 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
FitzSimons proposed duties on teas that discriminated between those imported from India and China in American ships and those imported in foreign vessels or from countries other than India or China. Mr. Madison Felt a reluctance in being obliged to state his reasons why he doubted the policy of the proposed measure. What, said he, is its object? It is not to add to the revenue, for it will in...
1263From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 19 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
My last was committed to Majr. Rogers of your County who embarked some days ago from this place for Virginia. I have been since favored with yours of the 7th. instant; and am much & truly gratified with the proof it contains of your good health. We have not yet either the President or Vice President on the ground. The former is expected in a few days. The latter we are told will certainly come...
1264From James Madison to the Reverend James Madison, 19 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 19 April 1789. Acknowledged in the Reverend James Madison to JM, 5 May 1789 . Reports that Congress has begun its work and that there is less disagreement “between the different Parties” than he had expected.
1265To James Madison from Nathaniel Gorham, 20 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
I must beg you to excuse my freedoms: it is with a good intention that I am led to mention that the idea of 6 Cents pr Gallon on Mollasses excites a considerable degree of uneasiness here—not that any objcect [ sic ] to that duty on what is consumed in the Country—but only as it will injure the distillery & consequently the Fishery. The answer that a suitable draw back upon Rum will be...
1266John Churchman’s Petition, [20 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
A committee had recommended a cautious approach in supporting Churchman’s proposed scientific expedition to Baffin Bay (see Samuel Stanhope Smith to JM, 26 Mar. 1789 and n. 2). Mr. Madison . I wish that the committee had stated the expences attending a voyage to Baffin’s Bay, for the purpose of discovering the cause of the magnetic variation as proposed by Mr. Churchman, that the House might...
1267Import Duties, [20 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
FitzSimons proposed a drawback of six cents per gallon on exports of rum distilled in the United States. Mr. Madison Was sorry the gentlemen from Massachusetts were absent, because they could give authentic information with respect to the quantity. He had in his hands a state of the exports from Massachusetts, which he believed to be pretty accurate, from January 1, to December 31, 1787. From...
1268To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 21 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
Having for some time felt a great deal of anxiety about the consequences to the United States, which appear likely to rise out of the Affairs of the Western Country I have turned my attention a good deal to considering that Subject, and as I know you also have had a very great solicitude about it I shall trouble you with such thoughts or facts relating to it as I think may possibly be of use....
1269Tonnage Duties, [21 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
The tonnage duty on vessels belonging to subjects of countries having a commercial treaty with the United States, or belonging partly to such subjects and partly to United States citizens, was under debate. Goodhue moved for a sixty-cent rate. Mr. Madison . Some gentlemen have seemed to call in question the policy of discriminating between nations in commercial alliance with the United States,...
1270To James Madison from Griffin Stith, 22 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
However improper it may be to interrupt the attention which may be devoted to more important concerns; you will not, I am pursuaded, be less disposed to indulge a solicitation which can only proceed from my wishes to serve the interests of a friend, so far as they are found not incompatible with those of the community. Mrs. Grace Bowdoin, the present proprietor of the ferry from this shore to...
1271To James Madison from John Swanwick, 22 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
This Letter will I expect be presented to you by my Brother in Law Mr. James B. Nickolls of Portsmouth in Virginia who goes to New york with a view of solliciting the appointment of Collector of Customs at Norfolk in the State of Virginia. He is a very worthy Amiable Young man perfectly well qualified for the office in every respect, and as such I can freely recommend him, appealing also in...
1272To James Madison from Thomas Pleasants, Jr., 23 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure of writing to you in last Month by Colo. Wm Heth. This you will receive by Mr William Vannerson, who hath for some time been engaged by Mr Ross, and myself in the settlement of our affairs; and now visits New-York upon business with Mr William Hunter jr of Alexandria, Who hath been for some time past in that City: it is of importance to us, and as Mr Hunter is well known,...
1273To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 23 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
I was this morning favored with yours of the 12th. instant, as I had been many weeks before with your other from Alexa. I did not recollect, that I had omitted to acknowledge the receipt of the latter until you expressed a doubt of its miscarriage. I confess, it strikes me, as expedient, that a temporary arrangement of impost should be made. The merchants, (I am told and I believe with truth)...
1274Import Duties, [24 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
Formal consideration of the Committee of the Whole report was now before the House. Several representatives argued that the proposed fifteen-cent duty on Jamaica rum was too high. Mr. Madison . The question is not whether the whole scale of duties agreed to in the committee shall be reduced, but whether the particular duty on the article of spirit; I will not differ with the gentlemen...
1275To James Madison from William Bingham, 25 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
I will make no Apology to you for the small Portion of Time that the Perusal of this letter may claim from more valuable Avocations. By Letters I have received from Europe, I am induced to think that Strong Impressions on the public Mind, will be made by the first legislative Acts of Congress, which will display in Some Measure, the Character of our new Government. I am afraid we Shall be...
1276Import Duties, [25 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
A fifteen-cent duty on Jamaica rum was approved. The House then took up the twelve-cent duty on other spirits. Smith (Maryland), in order to introduce the principle of discrimination between treaty and nontreaty countries, moved for a six-cent per gallon duty on French brandy ( Gazette of the U.S. , 29 Apr. 1789). Mr. Madison . Discriminations however small may have a good political effect;...
1277To James Madison from James Monroe, [ca. 26] April 1789 (Madison Papers)
I was favord with yours upon my return a few days since from the districts of Staunton & Charlotte ville—which will apologize for your not hearing from me sooner. The Judges, Mrs. Monroe and our child were of the party, so that you will readily suppose there was some variety in the entertainment. The arrangment of the business of the genl. court, into the districts, having not been...
1278Import Duties, [28 April] 1789 (Madison Papers)
Goodhue, Gerry, and Thatcher of Massachusetts objected to the six-cent duty on molasses as ruinous to the Massachusetts fishing industry and rum distillers and burdensome to the poor. Mr. Madison . I shall make no observation, Mr. Speaker, upon the language of the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Thatcher) because I do not conceive it expresses either the deliberate temper of his own mind, or...
1279To James Madison from John Walker, 29 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 29 April 1789. Calendared in the lists probably kept by Peter Force (DLC: Madison Miscellany). The two-page letter was offered for sale in the Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892), which listed items from the McGuire collection of JM’s papers.
1280From James Madison to Jacob Read, [17 February 1784] (Madison Papers)
… You will receive this from the hand of Mr. James Maury, who wishes to be known to Congress as a candidate for their favorable notice at the time of filling up consular missions to Europe. The confidence I have in his qualifications for such a service induces me to recommend him in the warmest terms to my friends remaining in Congress and to you in particular. He is a gentleman of sound...
1281To James Madison from George Washington, 3 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
I returned yesterday from Annapolis, having conducted the Marquis La Fayette that far on his way to New York, and left him proceeding on the road to Baltimore, on Wednesday last. This trip afforded me opportunities of conversing with some of the leading characters in the different branches of the Legislature of Maryland, on the subject of inland navigation, and the benefits which might arise...
1282From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 20 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have received and forwarded your letter and pamphlet to Mr. King. The latest information from Boston makes it probable that every aid to the federal cause will be wanted there. The antifederal party have forced such reinforcements in the Insurgents, and the province of Maine which is afraid of creating obstacles to her separation, that there is the most serious reason to apprehend the...
1283To James Madison from Mann Page, 24 January 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 January 1789. Listed in the Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 694 (1892).
1284To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 29 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
I am now, tho’ in a feeble state, just able to acknowledge the receipt of yr. two favrs. of the 8th. & 13th., a smart fever prevented my writing by Last post, which I hope the Bark has removed. Sr. Guy Carltons Enquiry into the forgery had probably a double view of screening the Offenders, & of exposing his predecessors in Office, I fear nothing of Justice entered into his motives. I am sorry...
1285To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 6 October 1783 (Madison Papers)
Since my last yr. sevl. favrs. of Augt. 24th. & 30th. & Sepr. 20th. have reached me, the two former filling up the Chasim I supposed in yr. letters. The question touching Garrison’s in time of peace, is in it’s nature delicate as well as difficult, and therefore I don’t Wonder there should be diversity of Opinions about it. They seem useful & indeed necessary, & yet have their certain evils,...
1286To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 20 October 1783 (Madison Papers)
I am now, probably for the last time, to pay you my respects, as the time approaches fast (too fast) when you are to quit Congress, & return to yr. Countrey & friends—pray accept my warmest acknowledgements for the pleasure you have afforded me in continuing a long Correspondence, upon such disadvantageous terms, as my Sterile returns occasioned: however I did my best, & you accepted it; and...
1287To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 18 December 1784 (Madison Papers)
I am unwilling at all times to intermeddle with the business of the legislature, & particularly concerned when under a necessity of making application to a particular friend of that body, but when I am impelled to it by the situation of a distressed Neice, & a family of her small Children, I know your own feelings will suggest my Appology. She is the unfortunate wife of Philip Davis, who is...
1288Draft of Bill Providing Funds for a James River Canal, [ca. 18 December 1784] (Madison Papers)
Wher[e]as the opening & extending the navigation of James River from tide water to will greatly enhance the value of Lands within a certain extent on each side thereof, as well as facilitate the communication with the Country on the Western Waters & extend the trade of the Commonwealth, and it is reasonable that those who are to be immediately & principally benefited by such a work sd....
1289To James Madison from Lafayette, [8 February 1785] (Madison Papers)
… [France has ordered] two large Armies to get in readiness … in Flanders and … in Alsace.… I hope matters will be compromised and a War avoided…. Your Ministers will write you more than I can respecting their negotiations…. Our friend Mr. jefferson has been unwell but now feels better…. Remember me to the Governor and all friends in Virginia.… Printed extract (Charles Hamilton Catalogue No....
1290Amendments to a Bill for Proportioning Crimes and Punishments, [ca. 10 December 1785] (Madison Papers)
Sect. XV. strike out remainder of the clause after “maim him” in line 2d. and insert “shall be condemned to hard labour in the public works for such term not exceeding six —— years, and shall forfeit to the sufferer such proportion of his lands and goods not exceeding one half —— as a Jury shall assess. Sect. XVI. strike out the whole sect. & insert “Whosoever shall counterfeit any coin...