1751To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 23 February 1797 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Jefferson left this yesterday morning before the arrival of the Stage so that your letter to him by the mail is returned—he meant to take one of the Stages at Alexa. leaving his horses there untill his return. Dr Shipen who came in the stage met him about 3 miles above Falmouth. After the receipt of your letter finding the examination continued I went up Town and missed of Green who was...
1752Indirect Taxes, [23 February] 1797 (Madison Papers)
On 19 January 1797 the Treasury Department had recommended that the ad valorem duty on several items, including “cotton goods, not stained or colored,” be increased from 10 to 12 ½ percent but subject to some provision for the protection of the business of printing cotton goods. The House Ways and Means Committee on 23 January reported resolutions in favor, which were taken up in a Committee...
1753To James Madison from William Eve, 27 February 1797 (Madison Papers)
I hope you will pardon the liberty I now take in begging your attention to the inclosd. power Atto. when you reflect that the smallness of the Sum to be recd., would not be a sufficient inducement for me to be at the expence of a Journey to Philada. on that business only. I hope therefore you will be so very obliging as to call at the Treasury of the United States, and receive the Interest due...
1754From James Madison to Joseph Chew, 28 February 1797 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 28 February 1797. Acknowledged in Chew to JM, 31 Mar. 1797 (DLC). Encloses a letter to Chew from James Madison, Sr. Also discusses disposal of Chew’s Kentucky lands.
1755To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 3 March 1797 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Green and Mullin will republish the Citizen and I observe the 1st. Number in Greens last paper. I have to number four and wish you to have the following numbers inserted in Baches’s paper as from them I can have them republished withot. your inclosing them and being subjected to postage. I understand you will be voted for to represent the County of Orange and will be elected unless you...
1756Release of Lafayette, [3 March] 1797 (Madison Papers)
On 2 March, Harper (South Carolina) had moved a resolution that the House inform the president of the United States that it would “see with the highest satisfaction, any measures which he may deem expedient to adopt towards effecting the restoration of their said fellow-citizen to liberty” ( Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States … (42 vols.;...
1757To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 3 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
I am obliged by yr. two kind favrs. of the 8th. & 19th. Past. I was indeed surprised, & in some measure Chagrined at the tardy Assembling of the members of the fœdral legislature, betraying a want of Zeal Which is rather unfavorable, tho’ it might, & I hope did, proceed from causes less reprehensible, & which may be manifested by future dilligence. Before this time the Government will have...
1758To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 9 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
I am to thank you for several favrs. & inclosures, the last May the 17th. I am much pleased with your new Gazzette, which I think promises to be as respectable as it’s name sake of London. The tardy progress of yr. revenue System, has I imagine produced all the mischief it was capable of, in letting the Spring importations escape it’s operation; however I do not mean to insinu[a]te blame to...
1759To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 15 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have recieved a Letter from my nephew Nathaniel Pendleton junr. of Georgia stating his information that besides the Judges of the Superior Court, one Fœdral Judge is to be appointed in each State I suppose for the trial of suits within the Appellate Jurisdiction: That he had written to his friends in New-York to sollicit for his appointment to that in Georgia, & as he had not...
1760To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 3 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
Yr. Obliging favr. of the 21st. past, is just come to hand. The question concerning the power of removing Officers was important, and ’twas much better to investigate it fully, tho’ at the expence of a weeks discussion, than take a wrong step in it. I concur in Sentiment with the Decision. The Argument that the Power of removal should follow that of Creation, has weight, but is abundantly...
1761To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 2 September 1789 (Madison Papers)
Besides several Packets of papers I am indebted for your two favrs. of July 15th. & Augt. 21st. reced. since my last. I congratulate you upon having got through the Amendments to the Constitution, As I was very Anxious that it should be done before yr. Adjournment, since it will have a good effect in quieting the minds of many well meaning Citizens, tho’ I am of Opinion that nothing was...
1762To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 2 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
I should have sooner acknowledged yr. obliging favr. of March 4th., but was taken wth. a Cold about the time of it’s receipt, which, as usual, brought on a fever & short breathing, from which I am but now relieved. I thank you for your Attention to Dr. Murrow’s application. The Secretary’s Plan of finance is really too deep for my comprehension, I cannot however accord with his position that...
1763To James Madison from La Forest, 2 April 1790 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 April 1790, New York. Introduces Dr. Vacher, who served in the Revolutionary War and who has long been employed in the King’s Hospital in France. Vacher has business for which he desires JM’s support. RC ( InU : Lafayette Papers). 1 p. Docketed by JM. Calendared as letter not found in PJM Robert J. Brugger et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Secretary of State Series (1 vol. to date;...
1764From James Madison to Benjamin Rush, [3 May 1790] (Madison Papers)
… Your hint as to addresses from the H. of Rep. to the National Assembly was perfectly new. I am far from thinking that such a measure might not be formed as [to] do credit to this Country and good to both…. Printed extract (Parke-Bernet Catalogue No. 468, “The Alexander Biddle Papers” [1943], pt. 1, item 151). See PJM Robert J. Brugger et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Secretary of...
1765To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 21 July 1790 (Madison Papers)
I am indebted to you for two or three Letters, besides Packets of papers, An Arrear probably as convenient to you in yr. Congressional Engagements, affording little liesure for reading uninteresting letters, as it was unavoidable by me, having been for more than 3 weeks closely confined in Attending the Court of Appeals, wherein we dispatched much buisiness [ sic ], none worth communicating as...
1766To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 15 January 1791 (Madison Papers)
I have just received yr. very obliging favr. of the 2d. & have particularly to thank you for yr. Judicious Ansrs. to my several queries on the Subject of British debts, which I can truly say will have great weight with me; whether they will prove Satisfactory in removing my doubts, my head is not in a condition to decide, being just got through a Violent fever, with which I was taken on my...
1767To James Madison from James Pendleton, 26 February 1791 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 February 1791, Culpeper County. Encloses a certificate of military service of a “near neighbour,” Zachariah Delaney, to enable him to collect pay owed him as conductor of military stores with the Southern Army. Asks JM, in a postscript, to take care of the certificate “if it cannot be now drawn.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 217, Miscellaneous Treasury Accounts, item 1221). RC 1 p. Franked...
1768From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 August 1791 (Madison Papers)
Since I learnt that you are not to start for Virginia till the beginning of next month, I have been less in a hurry to shift myself to Philada. from this place, which I have reason to believe the more favorable of the two, at this season, to my health, as well as the more agreeable in the present state of the weather. I now propose to suspend my departure till monday next, and have therefore...
1769To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 9 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
Having spent 6 days in Richmond in hearing two Gentn. on each side argue the great Question respecting the recovery of British debts, I have for yr. amusement thrown together what I recollect of the General heads of the Argument, which may not comprehend the whole of those since I took no Notes, & give it from a faulty memory. They spake well on both sides, but Mr. Henry was truly great, & for...
1770For the National Gazette, [ca. 12 December 1791] (Madison Papers)
Dependent Territories Are of two kinds. First —Such as yield to the superior state at once a monopoly of their useful productions, and a market for its superfluities. These, by exciting and employing industry, might be a source of beneficial riches, if an unfavorable balance were not created by the charge of keeping such possessions. The West Indies are an example. Second —those, which, though...
1771To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 8 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
Your obliging favr. of the 21st. past has just made it’s way hither through the Frost, and with it’s inclosures, was a high treat in my present houseburnt state. I think anticipating the taking another Census, & shortning the Operation of any fractional inconvenience arising from the former, a happy expedient, & more constitutional than any Arrangement of those fractions, which it seems to me...
1772To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 14 March [1792] (Madison Papers)
I am further Obliged by yr. Esteemed favr. of the 21st. & the Papers, a feast to a recluse shut up from Intelligence for a long spell of frosty weather. Yr. sudden Animadversions on the Subject of bounties to Classes of men in a few States, prove you needed not any hints from me on the Occasion, nor had I a conception you did, when I hazarded my thoughts on that important affair, or do so, on...
1773To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 28 April 1792 (Madison Papers)
I know not whether this will find you in Phila. but I steal a moment to acknowledge, & thank you for 2 Packets received since I came here. The Presidents getting the Representation Bill placed on constitutional ground by his Negative, and the Stand made by the Judges agt. an unconstitul. Law, seem [to] give Genl. pleasure; Some few present Members of Our Assembly, & those who have imbibed...
1774Notes on the Draft of Thomas Jefferson’s Letter to George Hammond, [ca. 16 May 1792] (Madison Papers)
George Hammond, the first British minister to the United States, arrived in Philadelphia in October 1791 and presented his credentials to President Washington on 11 November. Some two weeks later, Secretary of State Jefferson attempted to ascertain the minister’s powers to settle American differences with Great Britain with respect to the failure of the former mother country either to fulfill...
1775To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 28 November 1792 (Madison Papers)
Your favr. of the 14th. with the Packet of papers by Mr. Hoomes was a banquet indeed for which you’l please to accept my warmest Acknowledgements. It was the more so, as my Appetite for that kind of food had not been gratified for the Summer past, in consequence of my having taken it into my head that the tax on papers was unconstitutional, as tending to give Government a power over the...
1776Deed of Sale, 16 September 1793 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 September 1793, Orange County, Virginia. Indenture by which JM purchases from Elizabeth Chew for £3 about thirty acres of land in Orange County, part of the Black Level tract. Letterbook copy ( Vi : Orange County Courthouse Records). 2 pp. Witnessed by James Taylor, James Taylor, Jr., and Roger Bell. Recorded at Orange County Court on 23 Sept. 1793 by James Taylor, clerk of the court.
1777From James Madison to Tench Coxe, [ca. 13 January 1794] (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison presents his thanks to Mr. Coxe for the paper sent him a few days ago on the subject of sugar, tob. whale oil and rice. Mr. M will be further obliged to him for any aids he may possess toward an elucidation of the amt. of re-exports from G. B. If Mr. Coxe can add brief & early answer to the following queries, Mr. M. will also be sensible of the favor. 1. Of the grain & flour of...
1778Memorandum from Hubbard Taylor, [ca. 22 August 1794] (Madison Papers)
Memo. for Colo. James Madison Jur. A Madison 1000 Acres of Land On panther Creek adjoining Majr John Lee. A. Madison, 1000 Acres Do. Do. adjoining his other tract, both of the Tracts lies, 4 Miles from Green River, about 20 Miles from the Mouth, & about 6 Miles from the Ohio, the Land is of a good quality lies level, & the extream part from the Creek is inclinable to be sandy, it is well...
1779From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 December 1794 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 December 1794, Philadelphia. Introduces Robert S. Van Rensselaer, who “proposes to make a tour through some parts of Europe, and wishes for an opportunity of being made known to you.” RC ( MH ). 1 p. Addressed by JM to Monroe, “Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States / Paris,” and marked “Mr. Van Renselaer.” Calendared as letter not found in PJM Robert J. Brugger et al., eds., The...
1780To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 30 January 1795 (Madison Papers)
I have to thank you for two favrs. covering some Papers and the Anti-Lee Pamphlet. I recollect to have seen in the course of the Summer a Puff in some paper recommending it to the Voters to chuse representatives of the principles of that Gentn., who had distinguished himself from his Colleagues for true patriotism, but little immagined he would have ventured on a Serious Address to his...
1781Circular Letter from George Washington and Others, ca. 14 February 1795 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 14 February 1795, Philadelphia. Solicits subscriptions for Giuseppe Ceracchi’s proposed monument to the American Revolution. Encloses a description. Printed copy ( Historical Magazine , 3 [1859]: 234–36). Addressed to JM, with the note, “From a copy in the hands of Peter Force, Esq.” Dated 14 June 1795, probably in error; date here assigned on the basis of the copy printed in Syrett and...
1782To James Madison from Hubbard Taylor (Enclosure), [9 August 1795] (Madison Papers)
A Madisons Lands 1000 Acres Panther’s Creek 1000 Do. Do. both Patented 500 Do. Elk horn. Platt retd to W. Green Location on sandy made by H Green: W. Green can give information respectg it & they are to have one half the land one fourth of 1000 Acres (Deed to H. Taylors Devisees) at the mout[h] of Locust Creek on the Ohio—part of Mercer Survey. 1000 Acres Military Lands Ms ( DLC ). Docketed...
1783Memorandum from Richard Henry Lee, 14 May 1789 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 May 1789. “The Committee of the Senate appointed to confer with a Committee of the House of representatives upon the Subject of Title have agreed to give it as their opinion to the Senate—That for preserving harmony with the H. of Representatives it will be proper for the present to follow the practise of that House in presenting their Address to the President of the United States without...
1784To James Madison from John Walker, 2 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for your favor of the 8th ult: with its inclosures; But little have I to give you in return. We have at length been blessed with a fine rainy season, after one of the most alarming droughts I remember, which was, as far as I could hear, almost universal; but the rain, I hope, has been as general, & if frequently repeated, we may still make a plenty of bread, tho’ the crops of...
1785To James Madison from Richard Bland Lee, 30 September 1789 (Madison Papers)
I called on you to day, but was unfortunate enough not to see you, as well to take leave of one of my most esteemed friends and dearest patriots to his country, as to communicate a wish, in the success of which I feel myself very much intereste⟨d⟩ that, you would be good enough to mention to the President, in case American affairs should require Ministers at the courts of London or Versailes,...
1786From James Madison to Benjamin Rush, 3 May 1790 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 May 1790, New York. “Your hint as to addresses from the H. of Rep. to the National Assembly was perfectly new. I am far from thinking that such a measure might not be formed as do credit to this Country and good to both.” Printed extract (Parke-Bernet Catalogue No. 468, “The Alexander Biddle Papers” [1943], pt. 1, item 151). See Rush to JM, 24 Apr. 1790 , PJM William T. Hutchinson et al.,...
1787From James Madison to Joseph Chew, 29 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 2d. instant came duly to hand a few days ago: Your preceding one of the 13th. July to my father was recd. by him whilst I was in Virginia last fall. I know it was his intention to answer it, and if I can trust my memory, think he did so. Sure I am that if he did not the omission was not occasioned by any decay of his friendship & affection to you. I recollect also that he...
1788From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 September 1792 (Madison Papers)
The Bearer waits on you for the Bag of Coffee brought round from Philada. with your Stock. Inclosed is the letter from E. R. referred to in his to you; to which is added a long one from D. C. for the sake of one or two particulars mentioned in it. You may either return them by the Bearer, or bring them with you as may be most convenient. On my arrival at Mr. J. Walker’s I found that Docr....
1789From James Madison to George Joy, 3 April 1795 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of 1st. May 1794 was not received by me till it was too late to answer it last fall. I make use of the earliest Spring oppy. to return you my thanks, particularly for the valuable collection of Treaties which was recd. at the same time. The copy for Mr. Jefferson was duly forwarded, and I am desired to make you his acknowledgments also. I find you were right in supposing him not to...
1790To James Madison from George Washington, [ca. March 1791] (Madison Papers)
If under the existing circumstances of the newly established Bank you can add other & fitter characters than some who are proposed in the enclosed letter, you would oblige me by naming them, & returning the enclosed in an hour or two. Yrs sincerely Tr ( MH : Jared Sparks Collection of American Manuscripts, vol. 24). Undated; conjectural date assigned based on evidence in n. 1. The only...
1791From James Madison to William Branch Giles, 3 April 1795 (Madison Papers)
I have not forgotten my promise to drop you a few lines on the arrival of the Treaty in case it shd. happen during my stay here; but have hitherto omitted to write because, the arrival of the Treaty has not added a particle to the public knowledge of its contents. You will have known that the Senate are to meet for the purpose of receiving the communication on the 8th. of June. I am chiefly...