11From James Madison to James Monroe, 28 April 1785 (Madison Papers)
I have written several letters within a little time past which were Sent to you partly by the post, partly by Mr. Burnley, a young Gentleman of this County. In one of the latter I inclosed a Cypher wch. will serve all the purposes of our future Correspondence. This covers a letter for Mr. Jefferson which you will be so good as to forwd. by the first packet or other equally eligible conveyance....
12From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 May 1785 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of May [8] came to hand a few days ago. It is fortunate that the variant ideas have been so easily accomodated touching the mode of surveying & selling the territorial fund. It will be equally so I think if you can dispossess the British of the Western posts, before the land office is opened. On this event and the navigation of the Mississippi will much depend the fiscal importance...
13From James Madison to James Monroe, 21 June 1785 (Madison Papers)
Finding from a letter of Mr. Mazzei that you have never been furnished with a copy of the Bill for establishing the Christian Religion in this State, I now inclose one, regretting that I had taken it for granted that you must have been supplied thro’ some other channel. A very warm opposition will be made to this innovation by the people of the middle and back Counties, particularly the...
14From James Madison to James Monroe, 28 July 1785 (Madison Papers)
I received yesterday your favour of the 12th. inst. The date of the preceding one was early in May. From this interval and your not acknowledging some of my letters I suspect that our correspondence suffers from some fault in the post office. This has certainly been the case with letters between Col. Grayson and myself. The part of your letter which has engaged most of my attention is the...
15From James Madison to James Monroe, 7 August 1785 (Madison Papers)
I received the day before yesterday your favour of the 26th July. I had previously recd. the Report on the proposed change of the 9th. art: of the Confederation, transmitted by Col: Grayson, and in my answer to him offered such ideas on the subject as then occurred. I still think the probability of success or failure ought to weigh much with Congress in every recommendation to the States; of...
16From James Madison to James Monroe, 9 December 1785 (Madison Papers)
Supposing that you will be at New York by the time this reaches it I drop a few lines for the post of today. Mr. Jones tells me he informed You that a substitute had been brought forward to the commercial propositions which you left on the carpet. The subject has not since been called up. If any change has taken place, in the mind of the House, it has not been unfavorable to the idea of...
17From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 December 1785 (Madison Papers)
Since my last by the preceding post the fate of the Assize laws has been determined by a negative in the H. of Delegates on the Bill on which its execution depended. The majority consisted of 63 agst. 49. A reform of the County Courts is the substitute proposed by the adversaries of the Assize, and if it can be put into any rational shape, will be received by the other side as auxiliary to the...
18From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 December 1785 (Madison Papers)
The proceedings of the Assembly since my last dated this day week have related 1. to the Bill for establishing Religious freedom in the Revisal. 2. a Bill concerning British debts 3. a Bill concerning the Proprietary interest in the Northern Neck. 4. for reforming the County Courts. The first employed the H. of Delegates several days; The preamble being the principal subject of contention. It...
19From James Madison to James Monroe, 30 December 1785 (Madison Papers)
The past week has been rendered important by nothing but some discussions on the subject of British debts. The bill brought in varied from that which miscarried last year 1. by adding provision in favor of the Creditor for securing payment at the dates of the instalments 2 by annexing a clause empowering the Executive to suspend the operation of the Act in case Congress should notify their...
20From James Madison to James Monroe, 22 January 1786 (Madison Papers)
Your favors of the 19th. Decr. and 7th. Jany. came both to hand by yesterdays mail. The Assembly adjourned last night after a Session of 97 days. If its importance were to be measured by the list of the laws which it has produced, all preceding Legislative merit would be eclipsed, the number in this instance amounting to 114 or 115. If we recur to the proper criterion no Session has perhaps...
21From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 February 1786 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 4 February 1786. Recorded in “Letters from J. M. [to] Mr. Monroe” (DLC) as “unimportant.”
22From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 February 1786 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. Feby. is just handed to me. Having but a moment to answer it I confine myself to the Paragraph relating to Mr. Scotts proposition. I thank you most sincerely for the attention you have given to my request on that matter. My opinion is not changed with regard to the policy of some such speculation, and I shall revolve well your communications. The difficulty however of...
23From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 March 1786 (Madison Papers)
I acknowledged some time since your favor of the 9th. of Feby. inclosing the plot and proposition from young Mr. Scott. I have only now to repeat on that subject that I wish him to place no expectation on one that may divert him from other negociations. If I find that my resources will make it worth while to renew the matter on my part, I will trouble you to obtain further explanations, unless...
24From James Madison to James Monroe, 19 March 1786 (Madison Papers)
I am just favored with yours of the 11 & 16. of Feby. A newspaper since the date of the latter has verified to me your inauguration into the mysteries of Wedlock, of which you dropped a previous hint in the former. You will accept my sincerest congratulations on this event, with every wish for the happiness it promises. I join you cheerfully in the purchase from Taylor, as preferable to taking...
25From James Madison to James Monroe, 9 April 1786 (Madison Papers)
I am favoured with yours of the 18th. of March. My last answered your preceding one relating to your territorial speculation. I hope it has been reced. I forgot to intimate to you, though I presume it would have been superfluous, that it will be well in every purchase to ascertain by information as far as possible, the proportion of land which lies on the river and comes within the description...
26From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 May 1786 (Madison Papers)
I was favored a few days ago with yours of the 28th. ult. I am under great obligations for your kindness in the affair with Taylor. My late letters will have informed you of my wishes that you may fully partake of the bargain entered into already, as well as of every future adventure in that quarter. The encouragement you give me to expect your company has in a manner determined me to...
27From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 June 1786 (Madison Papers)
At the date of my last I expected I should by this time have been on the Journey which promises the pleasures of taking you by the hand in New York. Several circumstances have produced a delay, which I did not calculate upon, and which are like to continue it for eight or ten days to come. My journey will also be rendered tedious by the route which I shall pursue. I have some business which...
28From James Madison to James Monroe, 21 June 1786 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 31th. ult. did not come to hand till two days ago. As I expect to see you in a short time, I will suspend the full communication of my ideas on the subject of it till I have that pleasure. I cannot however forbear in the mean time expressing my amazement that a thought should be entertained of surrendering the Missisipi and of guarantying the possessions of Spain in America ....
29From James Madison to James Monroe, 11 July 1786 (Madison Papers)
I reached this yesterday afternoon, not without sensible effects of the extreme heat of the four last days of my journey. A little repose will I hope soon refit both me & my horses for prosecuting it towards N. York. Before I set out however I wish to know from you, for I have forgotten, the precise sum which you have paid to Taylor, with the residue of the debt & the time at which it is to be...
30From James Madison to James Monroe, 12 [11] August 1786 (Madison Papers)
I called at Hunts at Trenton but he had come a few days before to this City. On my arrival last night I sought him out and find that he has disposed of two of the Horses belonging to the Sett on which you relied. The fourth horse he had never actually procured, but had him within his reach in case a bargain had been concluded with you. One therefore of that Sett only remains. His price would...
31From James Madison to James Monroe, 15 August 1786 (Madison Papers)
I inclose herewith a letter for Mr. Jefferson, in which I have communicated the matter agreed on between us. As I thought it best to put it in cypher, I have not left the letter unsealed as I intended for your perusal, but subjoin an extract of the paragraph relating to that subject “My trip to N. Y. was occasioned cheifly by a plan concerted between Col M. & myself for a purchase of land on...
32From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 August 1786 (Madison Papers)
I have your favor of the 14th. inst. The expedient of which you ask my opinion has recd. as it deserved all the consideration which the time & other circumstances would allow me to give. I think that in the present State of things, such an arrangement would be beneficial & even pleasing to those most concerned in it; and yet I doubt extremely the policy of your proposing it to Congs. The...
33From James Madison to James Monroe, ca. 31 August 1786 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 31 August 1786, Philadelphia. JM expressed his anxiety at being unable to repay Monroe the money he had advanced on their purchase of Mohawk lands. Mentioned in Monroe to JM, 12 and 25 September 1786 .
34From James Madison to James Monroe, 11 September 1786 (Madison Papers)
I have two letters from you not yet acknowledged, one of the 1st the other of the 3d. inst. Nothing could be more distressing than the issue of the business stated in the latter. If the affirmative vote of 7 States sd. be pursued it will add the insult of Trick to the injury of the thing itself. Our prospect here makes no amends for what is done with you. Delaware N. J. & Va. alone are on the...
35From James Madison to James Monroe, 5 October 1786 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday your favour of the 2d. inst: which makes the 3d. for which my acknowledgments are due. The progression which a certain measure seems to be making is an alarming proof of the predominance of temporary and partial interests over those just & extended maxims of policy which have been so much boasted of among us and which alone can effectuate the durable prosperity of the Union....
36From James Madison to James Monroe, 30 October 1786 (Madison Papers)
I drop you a few lines rather as a fulfilment of my promise than for the purpose of information, since they go by Mr. Jones who is much better acquainted with the politics here than myself. I find with pleasure that the navigation of the Misspi. will be defended by the Legislature with as much zeal as could be wished. Indeed the only danger is that too much resentment may be indulged by many...
37From James Madison to James Monroe, 30 November 1786 (Madison Papers)
The Resolutions on the Misspi. were taken up yesterday & passed unanimously thro’ the H. of D. They are as pointed as the case would admit, tho’ less so than some wished. I have not been able to get a copy for you. As soon as I can I will inclose them to you. Draw on me if you please for 100 dollrs. which I have on hand for you. I am sorry that some disappts. here have disabled me from...
38From James Madison to James Monroe, 21 December 1786 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 16th. inst: came to hand too late the evening before last to be then answered. The payment of the 100 drs. here was perfectly convenient, and I have put that sum into the hands of Mr. Jones to be applied to the use which you have directed. This payment added to the 100 drs. paid in Philada. leaves still a balance of 137½ according to my memorandm. which is subject to your...
39From James Madison to James Monroe, 11 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
I got to this place two days ago after a very tedious journey. I had the pleasure to find the family with which you are connected well, but full of complaints agst. your epistolary failures. I became your apologist as far as I could, but have agreed to give you up if you do not give future proofs of repentance & amendment. I have already intimated to you the urgency of Mazzei on the subject of...
40From James Madison to James Monroe, 25 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have received your favor of the 5th. inst. and have attended to the several objects suggested in it. Mordecai having given up all his effects to the Assignees can do nothing for his creditors. He tells me that a dividend will certainly be made in April & not before, and that he shall pay about 15/. in the pound. I have applied also to Crowley, and having little confidence in my own judgment...
41From James Madison to James Monroe, 19 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
No definitive steps are yet taken for the transportation of your furniture. I fear we shall be obliged to make use of a conveyance to Norfolk as soon as one shall offer. I have examined the workmanship of the man in Chappel Street. The face of it is certainly superior to that of your workman. Whether it may prove much so for substantial purposes, I do not undertake to say. Should Mrs. Monroe...
42From James Madison to James Monroe, 30 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
Seeing little chance of a direct conveyance of your furniture to Fredg. we have availed ourselves of one to Norfolk for which it embarked a few days ago under address to the care of Col. Parker. It was accompanied with a certificate protecting it from the duties. I inclose the charges here, which amount to £89..12. of this currency. I did not add the side board, because I wished not to obtain...
43From James Madison to James Monroe, 10 June 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have been discouraged from answering sooner your favor of by the bar which opposes such communications as I should incline not less to make than you must do to receive. One of the earliest rules established by the Convention restrained the members from any disclosure whatever of its proceedings, a restraint which will not probably be removed for some time. I think the rule was a prudent one...
44From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 14 September 1788 . Acknowledged in Monroe to JM, 24 Sept. 1788 . Discusses the act of Congress establishing New York as the first seat of the new government.
45From James Madison to James Monroe, 5 November 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have your favor of the 26. Ult. The reflection you make on the Resolutions concerning the Mississipi is not an unnatural one under the impressions left on your mind by the former proceedings on that subject. The Resolutions were certainly & bona fide, meant however to counteract the tendency of those proceedings, and hand over the subject to the new Government under favorable circumstances....
46From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have been favored with yours of April . The newspapers will have given you some idea of our proceedings, though in a state always mutilated, and often perverted. The Impost is still the subject of deliberation. The general quantum of duties has at some periods been a source of discussion. At others, the ratio of particular duties, have produced still more of it. The proper one between rum &...
47From James Madison to James Monroe, ca. 5 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 5 July 1789. Acknowledged in Monroe to JM, 19 July 1789 . Reports passage of impost and tonnage bills by Congress.
48From James Madison to James Monroe, 9 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have been some days in debt for your favour of the 19th. Ult. Notwithstanding the time I have been here Taylor has never made any application on the subject of our purchase nor have I ever found that he has himself been in the City. Whence his silence has proceeded I am not able to say. It has frequently occurred to me to write to him, and I should probably have done so long since; had I not...
49From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
An answer to your favor of the 5th. has been delayed by my hourly expectation of hearing from Taylor. A few days ago he came to Town and I have had an interview and settlement with him. The balance with the interests at 7 PerCt. was 864 dollars. He has not however executed the conveyance for want of some chart which he could not get here, but has entered into bond to do so by August, with good...
50From James Madison to James Monroe, 1 June 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 19th. of May has been duly received. The information relating to your little daughter has been communicated as you desired. I hope she is by this time entirely recovered. Your friends in Broad way were well two evenings ago. I have paid the money to Taylor, and hope you will take the time you intimate, for replacing my advances on your account. The assumption has been revived...
51From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 June 1790 (Madison Papers)
You will find in the inclosed papers some account of the proceedings on the question relating to the seat of Government. The Senate have hung up the vote for Baltimore, which, as you may suppose, could not have been seriously meant by many who joined in it. It is not improbable that the permanent seat may be coupled with the temporary one. The Potowmac stands a bad chance, and yet it is not...
52From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 July 1790 (Madison Papers)
You will find by one of the Gazettes herewith sent, that the bill fixing the permanent seat of Government on the Potowmac, and the temporary at Philadelphia, has got through the Senate. It passed by a single voice only, Izzard and Few having both voted against it. Its passage through the House of Representatives is probable, but attended with great difficulties. If the Potowmac succeeds, even...
53From James Madison to James Monroe, [25?] July 1790 (Madison Papers)
After all the vicissitudes through which the assumption has passed, it seems at present in a fair way to succeed as part of the general plan for the public debt. The Senate have included it among their amendments to the funding bill, and a vote of yesterday in the House of Representatives indicates a small majority in favor of the measure. In its present form it will very little affect the...
54From James Madison to James Monroe, 12 April 1791 (Madison Papers)
Your note of the 8th. March left in Philada. was not put into my hands till the 24th. I immediately took the proper steps for complying with the desire of Mr. Brackenridge, and now inclose the information obtained for him. The Books are to be had according to the Editions & prices annexed to his list of Mr. Rice of this City. Should Mr. Brackenridge be satisfied with them, which in most...
55From James Madison to James Monroe, ca. 17 September 1792 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 17 September 1792. Acknowledged in Monroe to JM, 18 Sept. 1792 . Encloses a draft of the article that Monroe revised and Dunlap’s Am. Daily Advertiser published on 22 Sept. Also encloses excerpts from Jefferson’s correspondence that were quoted in this article (see Monroe to JM, 9 Oct. 1792 ).
56From James Madison to James Monroe, 11 October 1792 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. was yesterday delivered by the Bearer. The letter from N. Y. is truly embarrassing. My present view of the subject of it, is precisely that stated in your remarks. It is proper however that we shd. see one another before any answer be given, and that we shd. in the mean time weigh the subject in every scale. I will lose no time in dropping down to Fredg: but it can not...
57From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 April 1793 (Madison Papers)
I understand by the waggoner charged with bringing up our several articles from Fredericksburg and who returned on friday that the Vessel had not sailed from Philada. when last heard of; but was expected at Fredg. by the time of his getting down again. As he set out with another load immediately, he is probably there by this time, and may be looked for here about wednesday or thursday. It will...
58From James Madison to James Monroe, 15 April 1793 (Madison Papers)
Since sealing the inclosed I have a letter from Mr. Jef—son of Aprl. 7. He says war is certainly declared between Engd. & F. & inclosed a newspaper which gives the acct. The decln. commenced on the part of the latter, and seems to be grounded on its alledged actual existance on the part of the former. “An impeachment (says Mr. J.) is ordered here agst. Nicholson the Comptroller, by a vote...
59From James Madison to James Monroe, 15 September 1793 (Madison Papers)
Since I parted from you I have had several letters from Mr. J. in which all the facts involving Genét are detailed. His conduct has been that of a madman. He is abandoned even by his votaries in Philada. Hutcheson declares that he has ruined the Republican interest in that place. I wish I could forward the details I have recd. but they are too confidential to be hazarded by the casual...
60From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 October 1793 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed are two Newspapers one of which contains the Resolutions proposed at Fredg. and a letter from Bourdeaux which is not uninteresting. You will find also two pieces one from Alexanda. & another answering it which as connected with the present crisis may be worth reading. At Culpeper Court, the proposed meeting took effect, Genl. Stephens in the Chair. The result as stated to me, is not...