51From James Madison to George Washington, 16 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have been honoured with your letter of the 31 of March, and find with much pleasure that your views of the reform which ought to be pursued by the Convention, give a sanction to those which I have entertained. Temporising applications will dishonor the Councils which propose them, and may foment the internal malignity of the disease, at the same time that they produce an ostensible...
52From James Madison to George Washington, 9 January 1785 (Madison Papers)
I have now the pleasure of confirming the expectations hinted in my last concerning the result of the measures which have been favoured with your patronage. The Bill for opening the Potowmac has passed precisely on the model transmitted from Maryland, the last conditional clause in the latter being rendered absolute by a clause in the former which engages this State for fifty shares in the...
53From James Madison to George Washington, 10 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
Having seen a part only of the names returned for the Convention, and being unacquainted with the political characters of many of them, I am a very incompetent prophet of the fate of the Constitution. My hopes however are much encouraged by my present conjectures. Those who have more data for their calculations than I have, augur a flattering issue to the deliberations of June. I find that...
54From 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...
55From James Madison to George Washington, 11 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
The Newspaper inclosed with the letter which follows, comprises the information brought me by the mail of yesterday. “I inclose a Newspaper containing the propositions communicated by Mr. Hancock to the Convention, on thursday last. Mr. Adams who contrary to his own sentiments has been hitherto silent in Convention, has given his public and explicit approbation of Mr. Hancocks propositions. We...
56From James Madison to George Washington, 5 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
On our journey hither we have fallen in with the Bearer of the Electoral Votes of Georgia. They are unanimous as to the President and are all thrown away on individuals of the State as to the Vice President. The Representatives were not chosen when the Gentleman set out, but the election was to take place in a day or two after. General Matthews, he tells us will be one, Mr. Baldwin another, &...
57From James Madison to George Washington, 8 November 1786 (Madison Papers)
I am just honoured with your favor of the 5th. inst. The intelligence from Genl. Knox is gloomy indeed, but is less so than the colours in which I had it thro’ another channel. If the lessons which it inculcates should not work the proper impressions on the American Public, it will be a proof that our case is desperate. Judging from the present temper and apparent views of our Assembly, I have...
58From James Madison to George Washington, 28 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
The information which I have by the Eastern mail rather increases than removes the anxiety produced by the last. I give it to you as I have recd. it in the words of Mr. King. “Our Convention proceeds slowly. An apprehension that the liberties of the people are in danger, and a distrust of men of property or education have a more powerful effect upon the minds of our opponents than any specific...