1To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 6 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Apl. 6. 1782.” Our friend Mr. Jameson resigned his seat in Council on saturday last: before he left this place he desired I would acknowledge the receipt of your favors as they come to hand: I shall do so with much pleasure, and transmit our Weekly papers, while I continue here: those of the present day contain very little of importance. Indeed there...
2To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 11 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The Honobl. James Madison of Congress Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM, “May 11. 1782.” I am exceedingly obliged by the friendly sentiments in your last respecting my late appointment. I have not been long enough in it to determine whether it will be attended with less inquietude than the former, but I think I discover a greater degree of trouble. Mr. Webb...
3To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 20 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by JM, “Apl. 20th 1782.” I sent on your favor which came by Post on Thursday to our friend Mr. Jameson, who is still at York; & doubt not he will replace the money immediately which was so kindly advanced his Nephew. I know he lodged thirty pounds with Mr. Foster Webb, before he left Richmond; and expected Mr. Webb would have been in Philadelphia by this...
4To James Madison from Jacquelin Ambler, 18 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing, but the letter is docketed by JM, “May 18. 1782.” The paper which you were so kind to send me does indeed contain intelligence of most interesting concern to us. had the lust for exorbitant power, and the prejudices of that haughty infatuated Nation been thus corrected four years ago, she would then have had good ground for the hope which some...
5Barbé-Marbois Letter Written with Jm’s Collaboration, 9 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( Pennsylvania Packet , 11 June 1782; also Virginia Gazette Virginia Gazette, or, the American Advertiser (Richmond, James Hayes, 1781–86). , 22 June 1782). David C. Claypoole, editor of the Packet , introduced the letter to his readers with this foreword, probably supplied by JM: “The following Extract of a Letter written from Philadelphia, by a Gentleman in Office to one of the...
6Count Bieniewsky to Virginia Delegates, 31 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS (Virginia State Library). Bieniewsky’s proposals and the translation of them were enclosed by the Virginia delegates in their letter of 4 June 1782 to Harrison ( q.v. ). The document in French is docketed, “Count de Beniouskys Proposals [June 4. 1782].” The document in English is in the hand of Theodorick Bland. Having “acquired French” in his sojourns abroad, Bland was probably also the...
7Amendment to Motion on John Laurens’ Mission, [12 July] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 36, I, 347). Docketed, “Mr. Blands and Mr Scots Motion July 12. 1782.” In Bland’s hand, except for the passage written by JM and designated in n. 2, below. The background and outcome of Colonel John Laurens’ mission as a special minister of the United States to France have already been summarized ( Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al .,...
8John Bradford to Virginia Delegates, 20 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
Copy (Virginia State Library). This copy, in JM’s hand, is docketed by him, “Letter from J. Bradford Boston March 20th. 1782 to J Madison & J Jones relating to certain Stores belonging to Virginia No. 1. 1782. March 20th.” The Virginia delegates enclosed the copy in their letter of 23 April 1782 to Harrison . Your favor under the 5th. currt. reached me last evening by the post, to which I beg...
9Report on Settlement of Accounts, [20 and 27 February] 1782 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 19, IV, 347–49). Docketed: “Report of Mr Cornell Mr Montgomery Mr Madison On a letter of 18 from superintendant of finance[.] Read Debated 26. The two last paragraphs recommitted[.] Passed Feby 27th 1782.” JM wrote all of the report except two passages mentioned below in notes 4 and 5. The Committee to whom was referred a letter from the Superindt. of Finance of the 18th....
10Motion on Supplies for Southern Army, [7 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( JCC Worthington Chauncey Ford et al ., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, 1904–37). , XXII, 244). On motion of Mr. [James] Madison, seconded by Mr. [Ezekiel] Cornell, Resolved, unanimously , That a committee be appointed to confer with the Superintendant of finance and Secretary at War, on the practicability and means of procuring...
11Revised Reply of President of Congress to La Luzerne, [ca. 8–12] May 1782 (Madison Papers)
Draft ( LC : Papers of Continental Congress Miscellany, Folder 103). Apparently in the hand of a clerk, except for the suggestions of JM. The repeated Instances of Friendship which the United States of America have received from His Most Christian Majesty give him too just a title to their affections to permit them to be indifferent to any event which interests his happiness. Be assured Sir...
12Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 9 February 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Charles Hay. You will find by the inclosed that the Executive have had under their Consideration the Situation of the Continental Troops and the Staff Departments now in this State, which is so truly distressing both to them and us, that I want Words to give you a just Idea of it. The State you will know from my former letters and your own Sufferings...
13Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 6 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Charles Hay. My letters that you miss were sent to the Post Office, and I suppose must have been either mislaid or taken away by Some curious Tory, who will meet with but little gratification in reading them, as they containd nothing of consequence, indeed that Seems to be the Case on both Sides. When I came to the government I found the...
14Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 12 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Charles Hay. It certainly would forward the recruiting service much to have cloths lodged with every person appointed to that business, but as it would be attended with great trouble and expence and perhaps some loss to send them into every County, I think it will be sufficient if an order can be obtained from the War Office permiting the Executive...
15Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 6 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Archibald Blair. Our Assembly has passd a Law for the seisure of Brittish Goods on Land but the Execution of it is suspended untill other States shall do the same I beg the favour of You when this happens to give me information that proper steps may be taken to enforce the Law here. your favor by the last post came to hand too late for the Assembly I...
16Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 11 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Thomas Meriwether, who had succeeded Charles Hay as assistant clerk of the Council of State on 7 May 1782. I have inclos’d for your perusal a letter to Mr Morris and one to the Chevalier, which you’l please to seal and deliver after reading, and use your endeavours to obviate any difficulties that may be started by the Minister if in your power. I am...
17Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 18 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Thomas Meriwether. We are obliged to you for your communications of the 4th. Instant; I hope there can be no doubt of America’s complying strictly with her engagements to our Allies; there is none here every person that I converse with seems to think it our Interest as well as duty. Our Assembly is at last doing duty and from the complexion of the...
18Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 15 January 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Charles Hay. The inclosed resolution of the Assembly just came to hand directing no money to be paid or specifics delivered but by special order of Congress or the Financier General You will please therefore to put it in such a train that Congress may avail themselves of any supplies we may be able to furnish them. I am &c That is, specific...
19To James Madison from Benjamin Harrison, 19 January 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC (Maine Historical Society, Portland). In the hand of Archibald Blair, clerk of the Council of State. Addressed to “The Hon. Mr. Jas. Madison.” The Executive have appointed Mr Madison and Mr Andrews commissioners to meet those of Pensylvania, to run and finally settle the boundary line betwixt this State and that; in order to do it with accuracy, some astronomical Observations are necessary,...
20Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 23 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Charles Hay. A privateer belonging to this State has seized a flag in one of the Ports of North Carolina, and brought her into this Country, libelled and condemned her in our Court of Admiralty, which has given such offence to Govr Burke that he once intended to send an armed force to carry her back. I hope he has given over this rash design on a...
21Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 22 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Thomas Meriwether. The plan laid for bringing over the Stores is most unaccountably frustrated by the Assembly. Our deficiency in arms and Ammunition is so truely alarming that I feel real distress, whenever I think of our situation. If you cannot get them brought over by our good friends the French they will probably remain where they are til the...
22Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 4 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Charles Hay. Addressed to “The Virginia Delegates in Congress.” I am much obliged to you for your favor by the last post; the intelligence is agreable tho’ there is no immediate prospect of arriving at the wished for period; yet it will come in time. Who is fully informed of their being in an error, will open their eyes. We wish not to have the...
23Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 27 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of William Tatham, assistant clerk of the Virginia Council of State, and directed to “The Virginia Delegates in Congress.” A Mr. Linctot of the Illinois was appointed Indian Agent in that Country by Governor Jefferson on behalf of this State. It appears by his Accounts and some Letters of Colo. Broadheads who commanded at fort Pitt that he also acted in...
24Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 29 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Written by Thomas Meriwether. Addressed to “Virginia Delegates. Congress.” There was nothing in my Letter taken from the post that can be of any service to the Enemy nor any thing that can amuse the public[.] I confess to You the Buisness you mention in cypher in your last has turn’d out much as I expected it wou’d do. It has never been attended to here. the...
25Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 1 March 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Charles Hay. The resolutions of Congress you inclosed me respecting the beef to be provided by this State, for Genl Greene’s Army, is by no means as full as it ought to be, and cannot be complyed with, even if our Circumstances were much more flourishing than they are. I some time ago forwarded a resolution of our Assembly, forbidding any specific...
26Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 8 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Thomas Meriwether. I am much obliged to you for your communications by the last post. I hope the difficulties thrown in the way of our supplies will be removed by the resolutions of the Assembly, If they should not let me beg of you to use every endeavour to satisfy the Minister that payment will be made according to agreement and that the stores are...
27Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 11 January 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Charles Hay, assistant clerk of the Council of State. We have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 1st instant and to inform you that the packet by Captain Irish did not get to hand time enough for the assembly which rose on the fifth. They have passed a bill for raising 3000 men. We have no doubt of getting them provided...
28Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 11 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). Addressed to “Virga. Delegates.” The handwriting is that of Archibald Blair through the word “Counties” in the first paragraph. The copying was completed by Thomas Meriwether. When Count Rochambeau was about to leave this State He call’d on Government for 1000 Men to garrison the Towns of York & Gloucester. his request has in part been comply’d with[.] about 520...
29Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 27 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Charles Hay. By some queries that have been presented to the Attorney General there is reason to apprehend that the people who inhabit the lands that were in dispute with the State of Pennsylvania are likely to suffer, not only in the property of their lands but by a reversal of the decrees of the Courts whilst they were look’d on as subjects of this...
30Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 19 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
FC (Virginia State Library). In the hand of Archibald Blair. I enclose you a copy of the direction of a Letter dated 14th. May which came to me from Winchr. three days ago which I shou’d not have open’d but for its being frank’d by Mr. Livingstone, I am really concernd that so little care should have been taken in Communicating the Birth of a Dauphine to me, it may perhaps induce a belief in...