- letter to Murray
Philadelphia, PA - 18 January 1797
James Madison letter to Mr. Murray...This country is extremely agitated by pecuniary distresses, and the mercantile troubles which begin to thicken.
- letter to Philip Mazzei
Philadelphia, PA - 7 July 1781
James Madison letter to PHILIP MAZZEI
- letter to Edmund Randolph
Philadelphia, PA - 1 May 1781
A letter which I received a few days ago from Mr. Jefferson gives me a hope that he will lend his succor in defending the title of Virginia.
- letter to Edmund Pendleton
Philadelphia, PA - 25 December 1781
It gives me great pleasure to hear of the honorable acquittal of Mr. Jefferson. I know his abilities, and I think I know his fidelity and zeal for his country so well, that I am persuaded it was a just one.
- letter to James Madison
Philadelphia, PA - 20 May 1782
If Mr. Jefferson will be so obliging as to superintend the legal studies of William, I think he cannot do better than prosecute the plan he has adopted.
- letter to James Madison
Philadelphia, PA - 1 January 1783
The negotiations for peace are said to be going on under the late commission to Mr. Oswald, which authorizes him to treat with commissioners from the thirteen United States.
- letter to Thomas Jefferson
Philadelphia, PA - 11 February 1783
The time of Congress since you left us has been almost exclusively spent on projects for a valuation of the land, as the federal articles require, and yet I do not find that we have got an inch forward
- letter to Thomas Jefferson
Orange, VA - 16 March 1784
Another question which several times during my serv.e in Congress exercised their deliberations was, whether seven States could revoke a Commission for a Treaty issued by nine States, at any time before the faith of the Confederacy should be pledged
- letter to Thomas Jefferson
Orange, VA - 25 April 1784
Will it not be good policy to suspend further Treaties of Commerce till measures shall have taken place in America which may correct the idea in Europe of impotency in the federal Government in matters of Commerce?
- letter to George Washington
Richmond, VA - 2 July 1784
The arrangement which is to carry you to Europe has been made known to me by Mr. Short, who tells me he means to accompany or follow you.
- letter to Thomas Jefferson
Richmond, VA - 3 July 1784
A trial was made for a State Convention, but in a form not the most lucky. The adverse temper of the House, and particularly of Mr. Henry, had determined me to be silent on the subject.
- letter to Thomas Jefferson
Orange, VA - 20 August 1784
The act which produces most agitation and discussion is that which restrains foreign trade to enumerated ports.
- letter to Thomas Jefferson
Philadelphia, PA - 7 September 1784
The relation in which the Marquis stands to France and America has induced me to enter into a free conversation with him on the subject of the Mississippi.
- letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 15 September 1784
The information I have here received convinces me that I cannot accomplish the whole route I had planned
- letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 11 October 1784
The Marquis was received by the Indians with equal proofs of attachment as have been shewn him elsewhere in America.
- letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 17 October 1784
It seems that most of the Indian tribes, particularly those of the Iroquois, retain a strong predilection for the French
- letter to James Monroe
Richmond, VA - 8 January 1785
I fear, a revival of those intrigues and contests of ambition which have more than once distracted and dishonoured the National Councils.
- letter to Edmond Randolph
Orange, VA - 10 March 1785
I learn from an intelligent person lately from Kentucky, that the Convention there produced nothing but a statement of grievances
- letter to James Monroe
Orange, VA - 12 April 1785
The appointment of Mr. Adams to the Court of Great Britain is a circumstance which does not contradict my expectations.
- letter to Thomas Jefferson
Orange, VA - 27 April 1785
I thank you much for your attention to my literary wants.
- letter to James Monroe
Orange, VA - 28 April 1785
I hear frequent complaints of the disorders of our coin, and the want of uniformity in the denominations of the States.
- James Madison letter to James Monroe
Orange, VA - 21 June 1785
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 throu
- James Madison letter to George Washington
Richmond, VA - 11 November 1785
Your letter for the Assembly was laid before them yesterday. I have reason to believe that it was received with every sentiment which could correspond with yours.
- James Madison letter to Thomas Jefferson
Richmond, VA - 22 January 1786
The only one of these which was pursued into an Act is the Bill concerning Religious freedom.
- James Madison letter to Thomas Jefferson
Orange, VA - 18 March 1786
Since I have been at home I have had leisure to review the literary cargo, for which I am so much indebted to your friendship. The collection is perfectly to my mind.
- James Madison letter to Thomas Jefferson
Orange, VA - 12 May 1786
Your notes having got into print in France, will inevitably be translated back and published in that form, not only in England but in America, unless you give out the original.
- James Madison letter to Thomas Jefferson
Philadelphia, PA - 12 August 1786
My ride through Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, was in the midst of harvest. I found the crops of wheat in the upper parts of the two former considerably injured by the wet weather
- James Madison letter to Thomas Jefferson
Richmond, VA - 4 December 1786
The recommendation from the meeting at ANNAPOLIS, of a plenipotentiary Convention in Philadelphia in May next, has been well received by the Assembly here.
- James Madison letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 15 February 1787
The principal proceedings of subsequent date relate, as nearly as I can recollect, 1 st , to a rejection of the Bill on crimes and punishments, which, after being altered so as to remove most of the objections, as was thought, was lost by a single vo
- James Madison letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 19 March 1787
What may be the result of this political experiment cannot be foreseen. The difficulties which present themselves are, on one side, almost suflficient to dismay the most sanguine, whilst on the other side the most timid are compelled to encounter the
- James Madison letter to Thomas Jefferson
unknown - 23 April 1787
The vigorous measures finally pursued by the Government of Massachusetts against the insurgents had the intended effect of dispersing them. By some it was feared that they would re-embody on the return of favorable weather. As yet, no symptom of such
- James Madison letter to Thomas Jefferson
Philadelphia, PA - 15 May 1787
The number as yet assembled is but small. Among the few is General Washington, who arrived on Sunday evening, amidst the acclamations of the people, as well as more sober marks of the aifection and veneration which continues to be felt for his charac
- James Madison letter to Thomas Jefferson
Philadelphia, PA - 6 June 1787
The day fixed for the meeting of the Convention was the 14th ultimo. On the 25th, and not before seven States were assembled, General Washington was placed, una voce, in the chair. The secretaryship was given to Major Jackson.
- James Madison letter to Thomas Jefferson
Philadelphia, PA - 18 July 1787
The Convention continue to sit, and have been closely employed since the commencement of the session. I am still under the mortification of being restrained from disclosing any part of their proceedings.
- James Madison letter to Thomas Jefferson
Philadelphia, PA - 6 September 1787
A Government will probably be submitted to the people of the States, consisting of a President, cloathed with Executive power; a Senate chosen by the Legislatures, and another House chosen by the people of the States
- James Madison Jr letter to George Washington
New York, NY - 14 October 1787
No decisive indications of the public mind in the Northern and middle States can yet be collected. The reports continue to be rather favorable to the act of the Convention from every quarter
- premium contentJames Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 24 October 1787
You will herewith receive the result of the Convention, which continued its session till the 17th of September. I take the liberty of making some observ.ions on the subject, which will help to make up a letter, if they should answer no other purpose.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 9 December 1787
The annexed list of trees will shew you that I have ventured to substitute half a dozen sorts of apples in place of the pippins alone, and to add 8 other sorts of American Trees, including twenty of the Sugar maple.
- James Madison Jr letter to George Washington
New York, NY - 20 January 1788
The Count de Moustier arrived here a few days ago, as successor to the Chevalier De La Luzerne.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 19 February 1788
The public here continues to be much agitated by the proposed federal Constitution, and to be attentive to little else. At the date of my last, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, had adopted it.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
Orange, VA - 22 April 1788
The proposed Constitution still engrosses the public attention. The elections for the Convention here are but just over and promulged.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 24 July 1788
I returned here about ten days ago from RICHMOND, which I left a day or two after the dissolution of the Convention. The final question on the new Government was put on the 25th of June.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 10 August 1788
My last went off just as a vote was taken in the Convention of this State, which foretold the ratification of the new Government. The latter act soon followed, and is inclosed.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 23 August 1788
The event, whatever may have been its cause, with the tendency of the circular letter from the Convention of New York, has somewhat changed the aspect of things
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 21 September 1788
The circular letter from the New York Convention has rekindled an ardor among the opponents of the federal Constitution for an immediate revision of it by another General Convention.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 8 October 1788
There is no doubt that General Washington will be called to the Presidency. For the vice Presidency are talked of principally Mr. Hancock and Mr. Adams.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 17 October 1788
The States which have adopted the New Constitution are all proceeding to the arrangements for putting it into action in March next.
- James Madison Jr letter to George Washington
New York, NY - 21 October 1788
The Count Moustier and the Marchioness Brehan are to set out this day for Mount Vernon. I take it for granted you are not only apprised of the intended visit, but of the time at which the guests may be expected.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
Philadelphia, PA - 8 December 1788
This will be handed to you by Mr. Gouverneur Morris, who will embark in a few days for Havre, from whence he will proceed immediately to Paris. He is already well known to you by character
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
Philadelphia, PA - 12 December 1788
There will be seven representatives of the federal party, and one a moderate anti-federalist.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 29 March 1789
I was then on my way to Virginia. The elections for the new government commenced shortly after my arrival.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 9 May 1789
The deliberations of the House of Representatives have been chiefly employed on the subject of an Impost. Opinions have been considerably divided on the quantum of duties that would be practicable
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 23 May 1789
My last inclosed copies of the President's inaugural Speech, and the answer of the House of Representatives. I now add the answer of the Senate.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 27 May 1789
My former will have made known to you the obstacles to a licence for your visit to America. The new authority has not yet taken up your application.
- James Madison Jr letter to Edmund Randolph
New York, NY - 24 June 1789
My last stated a question relating to the power of removal from offices then on the anvil of the House of Representatives.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 30 June 1789
By this conveyance you will receive permission, through Mr. Jay, to make your proposed visit to America. I fear it will not reach you in time for your arrival here before the commencement of the windy season
- James Madison Jr letter to Edmund Pendleton
New York, NY - 23 September 1789
The pressure of unfinished business has suspended the adjournment of Congress till Saturday next.
- James Madison Jr letter to George Washington
Georgetown, MD - 4 January 1790
After being detained 8 or ten days beyond the intended commencement of my journey by the critical illness of my mother, I am now subjected to a further delay by an attack on my own health
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 24 January 1790
The business of Congress is as yet merely in embryo. The principal subjects before them are the plans of revenue and the Militia, reported by Hamilton and Knox.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 4 February 1790
The idea which the latter evolves is a great one, and suggests many interesting reflections to Legislators, particularly when contracting and providing for public debts.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 14 February 1790
We proceed slowly in business. The Report of Mr. Hamilton has been, of late, the principal subject of debate. On the foreign debt the vote has been unanimous.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 8 March 1790
The present subject of deliberation is the proposed assumption of the State debts. Opinions are nearly balanced on it.
- James Madison Jr letter to James Monroe
New York, NY - 1 June 1790
The funding bill for the proper debt of the United States is engrossed for the last reading. It conforms in substance to the plan of the Secretary of the Treasury.
- James Madison Jr letter to James Madison
Philadelphia, PA - 13 February 1791
am glad to find that my sister Hite has withdrawn herself from the region of the small-pox. It gives me particular pleasure, also, to learn that my mother's health has been so far restored.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 1 May 1791
From conversations which I have casually heard, it appears that among the enormities produced by the spirit of speculation and fraud, a practice is spreading of taking out administration on the effects of deceased soldiers and other claimants leaving
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 12 May 1791
I had seen Paine's pamphlet, with the preface of the Philadelphia Editor. It immediately occured that you were brought into the Frontispiece in the manner you explain.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 27 June 1791
Mr. Adams seems to be getting faster and faster into difficulties. His attack on Paine, which I have not seen, will draw the public attention to his obnoxious principles more than everything he has published.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 10 July 1791
The Bank shares have risen as much in the Market here as at Philadelphia. It seems admitted on all hands now that the plan of the institution gives a moral certainty of gain to the subscribers
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 13 July 1791
Beckley has just got back from his eastern trip. He says that the partizans of Mr. Adams's heresies in that quarter are perfectly insignificant in point of number; that particularly in Boston he is become distinguished for his unpopularity
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 4 August 1791
Stock and scrip continue to be the sole domestic subjects of conversation.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
New York, NY - 8 August 1791
It is surmised that the deferred debt is to be taken up at the next session, and some anticipated provision made for it.
- James Madison Jr letter to Heney Lee
Philadelphia, PA - 15 April 1792
You know already that the President has exerted his power of checking the unconstitutional career of Congress.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
Orange, VA - 12 June 1792
I have from Kentucky down to the 8th May. Little depredations from the savages continue to be complained of. The people, however, are chiefly occupied with the approaching distribution of the new offices.
- James Madison Jr letter to Edmund Randolph
Orange, VA - 13 September 1792
That I wished and recommended Mr. Freneau to be appointed to his present Clerkship is certain. But the Department of State was not the only, nor, as I recollect, the first one, to which I mentioned his name and character.
- James Madison Jr letter to Edmund Pendleton
Philadelphia, PA - 6 December 1792
It appears, on the whole, that the combination against the revolution, and particularly against their new Republic, is extremely formidable, and that there is still greater danger within from the follies and barbarities which prevail in Paris.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
Orange, VA - 12 April 1793
The refusal of Dunlap in the case you mention confirms the idea of a combined influence against the freedom of the press.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
Orange, VA - 8 May 1793
I anxiously wish that the reception of Genet may testify what I believe to be the real affections of the people. It is the more desirable, as a seasonable plum after the bitter pills which it seems must be administered.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
Orange, VA - 27 May 1793
I feel for your situation, but you must bear it. Every consideration, private as well as public, requires a further sacrifice of your longings for the repose of Monticello.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
Orange, VA - 13 June 1793
I observ. that the newspapers continue to criticise the President's proclamation, and I find that some of the criticisms excite the attention of dispassionate and judicious individuals here.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
Orange, VA - 17 June 1793
I fell in two days ago with French Strother, who was returning circuitously from RICHMOND. He had seen W. C. Nicholas on his way, and spoke of him as among the decided friends of the French cause.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
Orange, VA - 19 June 1793
It is mortifying to the real friends of the President that his fame and his influence should have been unnecessarily made to depend in any degree on political events in a foreign quarter of the Globe
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
unknown - 29 June 1793
Much will depend on events in Europe; and it is to be regretted that the popularity of the President or the policy of our Government should ever be staked on such contingencies.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
unknown - 18 July 1793
I have read over the subject which you recommend to my attention. It excites equally surprise and indignation, and ought certainly to be taken notice of by some one who can do it justice.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
unknown - 22 July 1793
From his conversation, his sentiments are right and firm on the French Revolution, and in other respects I discovered no symptoms of heresy.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
unknown - 30 July 1793
Do you know what is the idea of France with regard to the defensive quality of the guaranty, and of the criterion between offensive and defensive war, which I find differently defined by different jurists; also, what are the ideas of the President on
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
unknown - 5 August 1793
Your account of the ticklish situation with respect to Genet in the 14 th is truly distressing. His folly would almost beget suspicions of the worst sort.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
unknown - 11 August 1793
The task on which you have put me must be abridged, so as not to go beyond that period. You will see that the first topic is not yet completed.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
unknown - 20 August 1793
I am just setting off to Monroe's, and hope to prevent the trouble of an express from Monticello with the letter referred to in it. I have already acquainted you with the immediate object of this visit.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
At Col. Monroes - 22 August 1793
The whole piece was more hurried than it ought to have been, and these paragraphs penned in the instant of my setting out, which had been delayed as late as would leave enough of the day for the journey.
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
unknown - 27 August 1793
I have since seen the RICHMOND and the Philad'a papers, containing, the latter, the certificate of Jay & King, and the publications relating to the subject of it; the former, the proceedings at RICHMOND, dictated, no doubt, by the cabal at Philad'a
- James Madison Jr letter to Thomas Jefferson
unknown - 2 September 1793
The conduct of Genet, as developed in these, and in his proceedings as exhibited in the newspapers, is as unaccountable as it is distressing. The effect is beginning to be strongly felt here
- James Madison Jr letter to James Monroe
unknown - 15 September 1793
Since I parted from you I have had several letters from Mr. Jefferson, in which all the facts involving Genet are detailed. His conduct has been that of a madman.
- James Madison Jr letter to James Monroe
Orange, VA - 29 October 1793
I send the little balance of tea due to Mrs. Monroe, which I intended, but failed, to procure before my late trip.