James Madison Letters for the years 1785 thru 1835

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

Orange, VA - 11 July 1785

I agree perfectly with you in thinking it the interest of this country to embrace the first decent opportunity of parting with Kentucky, and to refuse with firmness to part with any more of our settlements beyond the Alleghany.

Orange, VA - 26 July 1785

I have a letter from the Marquis, but dated as far back as March. It was accompanied with a Copy of a French memorial to the Emperor, which seems to have stifled the War in its birth

Orange, VA - 7 August 1785

Much, indeed, is it to be wished, as I conceive, that no regulations of trade, that is to say, no restrictions on imposts whatever, were necessary.

Orange, VA - 20 August 1785

The machinations of Great Britain, with regard to commerce, have produced much distress and noise in the Northern States, particularly in Boston, from whence the alarm has spread to New York and Philadelphia.

Orange, VA - 23 August 1785

I do not smile at the idea of transplanting myself into your wilderness. Such a change of my abode is not, indeed, probable, yet I have no local partialities which can keep me from any place which promises the greatest real advantages.

Philadelphia, PA - 23 October 1785

During my stay at New York I had several conversations with the Virginia Delegates, but with few others, on the affairs of the confederacy.

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.

Richmond, VA - 15 November 1785

Mr. Wythe desired me to present you with his most friendly regards. He mentioned the difficulty he experiences in using his pen as an apology for not giving these assurances himself.

Richmond, VA - 9 December 1785

No decisive vote has been yet taken on the assize bill. I conceive it to be in some danger, but that the chance is in its favour. The case of the British debts will be introduced in a day or two.

Richmond, VA - 24 December 1785

The Bill for the payment of British debts is nearly a transcript of that which went through the two Houses last year, except that it leaves the periods of instalment blank, and gives the creditor an opportunity of taking immediate execution for the w

Richmond, VA - 30 December 1785

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

Richmond, VA - 22 January 1786

The bill which is considered at New York as a compliance with the requisitions of Congress, is more so in appearance than reality. It will bring no specie into the Treasury, and but little Continental paper.

Richmond, VA - 22 January 1786

The only one of these which was pursued into an Act is the Bill concerning Religious freedom.

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.

Orange, VA - 19 March 1786

The Question of policy, you say, is whether it will be better to correct the vices of the Confederation by recommendation gradually as it moves along, or by a Convention.

Orange, VA - 19 March 1786

The step taken by New Jersey was certainly a rash one, and will furnish fresh pretexts to unwilling States for withholding their contributions.

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.

Orange, VA - 13 May 1786

I think, with you, that it would have an odd appearance for two Conventions to be sitting at the same time with powers in part concurrent.

Orange, VA - 4 June 1786

I expected I should by this time have been on the journey which promises the pleasure of taking you by the hand in New York.

Orange, VA - 21 June 1786

I cannot, however, forbear in the mean time expressing my amazement that a thought should be entertained of surrendering the Mississippi, and of guarantying the possessions of Spain in America.

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

Philadelphia, PA - 15 August 1786

I did not see General St. Clair, and if I had, my acquaintance is too slender to have warranted my broaching a conversation with him.

Philadelphia, PA - 17 August 1786

It has occurred to Grayson and myself to propose to Congress that negociations be carried on with Spain upon the following principles: ...

Annapolis, MD - 11 September 1786

Our prospect here makes no amends for what is done with you. Delaware, New Jersey, and Virginia, alone are on the ground; two Commissioners attend from New York, and one from Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia, PA - 5 October 1786

he predominance of temporary and partial interests over those just and extended maxims of policy which have been so much boasted of among us, and which alone can effectuate the durable prosperity of the Union.

Richmond, VA - 30 October 1786

I find, with pleasure, that the navigation of the Mississippi will be defended by the Legislature with as much zeal as could be wished.

Richmond, VA - 1 November 1786

Paper money was the subject of discussion this day, and was voted, by a majority of 84 against 17, to be "unjust, impolitic, destructive of public and private confidence, and of that virtue which is the basis of Republican Government."

Richmond, VA - 1 November 1786

The Report from the Deputies to ANNAPOLIS lies on the table, and I hope will be called for before the business of the Mississippi begins to ferment.

Richmond, VA - 8 November 1786

The intelligence from General Knox is gloomy indeed, but it is less so than the colours in which I had it through another channel.

Richmond, VA - 16 November 1786

The House of Delegates have done little since my last, and what was then done is still ineffectual for want of a Senate.

Richmond, VA - 24 November 1786

The House of Delegates have just passed a bill making Tobacco receivable in the tax at the market price at the several Warehouses to be fixt by the Executive.

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.

Richmond, VA - 7 December 1786

In admitting Tobacco for a commutable, we perhaps swerved a little from the line in which we set out. I acquiesced in the measure myself as a prudential compliance with the clamours within doors and without

Richmond, VA - 12 December 1786

The inclosed paper will give you a knowledge of the mode and terms on which Tobacco is made a Commutable. It also contains some Resolutions of importance relative to the navigation of the Mississippi.

Richmond, VA - 21 December 1786

We hear nothing from any of the other States on the subject of the federal Convention. The ice seems to have intercepted totally the Northern communication for a considerable time past.

Richmond, VA - 24 December 1786

Your observ.ions on Tobacco as a commutable in the taxes are certainly just and unanswerable. My acquiescence in the measure was against every general principle which I have embraced

Richmond, VA - 9 January 1787

The district bill, of which I formerly made mention, was finally thrown into a very curious situation, and lost by a single voice. I refer you for its history to Col. Pendleton, who was here at the time, and is now with you.

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

New York, NY - 21 February 1787

The objects now depending and most immediately in prospect are: 1. The Treaty of Peace. The Secretary of foreign Affairs has very ably reported a view of the infractions on both sides, his exposition of the contested articles, and the steps proper to

New York, NY - 24 February 1787

If the contents of the newspapers of this place find their way into the Gazettes of RICHMOND, you will have learnt that the expedition of General Lincoln against the insurgents has effectually dispersed the main body of them.

New York, NY - 18 March 1787

Recollecting to have heard you mention a plan formed by the Empress of Russia for a comparative view of the Aborigines of the new Continent, and of the N. E. parts of the old, through the medium of their respective tongues

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

New York, NY - 1 April 1787

The general attention is now directed towards the approaching Convention. All the States have appointed deputies to it except Connecticut, Maryland, and Rhode Island.

New York, NY - 16 April 1787

Conceiving that an individual independence of the States is utterly irreconcileable with their aggregate sovereignty, and that a consolidation of the whole into one simple republic would be as inexpedient as it is unattainable, I have sought for midd

New York, NY - 19 April 1787

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.

New York, NY - 22 April 1787

I do not learn that any symptoms yet appear of a return of the insurgent spirit in Massachusetts. On the contrary, it is said that the malcontents are trying their strength in a more regular form.

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

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

Philadelphia, PA - 27 May 1787

Every reflecting man becomes daily more alarmed at our situation. The unwise and wicked proceedings of the Governments of some States, and the unruly temper of the people of others, must, if persevered in, soon produce some new scenes among us.

Philadelphia, PA - 27 May 1787

Contrary to every previous calculation, the bare quorum of seven States was not made up till the day before yesterday.

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.

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.

Philadelphia, PA - 28 July 1787

I am sorry that I cannot gratify your wish to be informed of the proceedings of the Convention. An order of secrecy leaves me at liberty merely to tell you that nothing definitive is yet done, that the Session will probably continue for some time yet

Philadelphia, PA - 4 September 1787

The Convention has not yet broken up, but its session will probably continue but a short time longer. Its proceedings are still under the injunction of secrecy.

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

Philadelphia, PA - 20 September 1787

The privilege of franking having ceased with the Convention, I have waited for this opportunity of inclosing you a copy of the proposed Constitution for the United States.

Orange, VA - 26 August 1807

The country news consists of the ravages made by the late deluges of rain. Almost all the mill-dams have been swept away, with all the wheat and hay in low situations.

Montpelier, VA - 19 August 1808

The law of nations leaves neutrals free to allow or refuse the sale of prizes, provided the same rule be applied to all the belligerents.

Montpelier, VA - 31 August 1808

What does Canning mean by declaring that no communication whatever had been received from this government subsequent to the return of Mr. R. ?

Montpelier, VA - 28 June 1809

The conduct of the British government in protesting the arrangement of its minister surprises one, in spite of all their examples of folly.

Montpelier, VA - 30 June 1809

If the sketch of Erskine's instructions be faithful, it shows as clearly that Canning was determined to prevent an adjustment as that Erskine was to effect it.

Montpelier, VA - 25 September 1809

I had entered into the same train of ideas with yours as to the probable state of Jackson's situation and wishes.

Montpelier, VA - 14 August 1810

I understand that the measures taking by the Bank of the United States for provisionally winding up its affairs are likely to bear hard on the other banks, and that the evil will be increased by the drain on the latter for paying the bonds

Montpelier, VA - 22 August 1810

The appointment for the revenue cutter at New Orleans is approved, and so noted to the Treasury Department, and a commission for Freeman ordered to be made out without delay.

Montpelier, VA - 5 September 1810

It appears that Brown, partly by the application of the Alien law, partly in consequence of his operations under a fictitious name, had fallen completely under the power of PInkney

Montpelier, VA - 12 September 1810

I have received your favor of the 5th, enclosing one from Mr. Astor.

Montpelier, VA - 14 September 1811

The accounts by the John Adams fortify the ground on which we stand as to the cessation of the French decrees, but are liable to unfavorable remarks in several points of view.

unknown - 0 August 1812

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Washington, MD - 8 August 1812

The communications from the British government, lately received through Baker, are of a curious character.

Washington, MD - 15 August 1812

I expect Mr. Monroe every moment; and Mr. Pinkney being within call, I shall be able to decide with the best advantage the several important questions on hand.

unknown - 5 April 1813

It is determined finally to associate Mr. Bayard in the Mission Extraordinary to St. Petersburg.

Montpelier, VA - 11 September 1815

It was not much to be expected that the British government, on the pinnacle of its elevation, would look with solicitude on her relations to the United States.

Washington, MD - 12 April 1816

Will it be most agreeable to you to proceed on your mission to France? or are you willing again to take charge of a Department heretofore conducted by you with so much reputation and usefulness

Montpelier, VA - 30 August 1816

Mr. Dallas seems to have made up his mind to retire early in October from the department in his hands

Montpelier, VA - 24 April 1824

candor obliges me to add that I can not concur in the extent to which the pending bill carries the tariff, nor in some of the reasoning by which it is advocated.

Montpelier, VA - 25 February 1825

I must not let the session of Congress close without returning my thanks for the printed documents for which I was indebted, as appeared, to your friendly politeness.

Montpelier, VA - 12 August 1825

I have received the copy of your oration delivered at Bunker Hill

Montpelier, VA - 24 March 1827

Its object is to obtain from Mr. Gallatin a small service for our university, and that with as little delay as may be.

Montpelier, VA - 6 January 1828

I have duly received the copy of your address politely forwarded to me.

Montpelier, VA - 15 March 1830

I return my thanks for the copy of your late very powerful speech in the Senate of the United States. It crushes "nullification," and must hasten an abandonment of secession.

Montpelier, VA - 9 October 1830

I have just been favored with yours of the 22d ultimo, inclosing a copy of your address delivered at Cincinnati.

Montpelier, VA - 22 March 1832

I know only that the Tariff, in its present amount and form, is a source of deep and extensive discontent ; and I fear that, without alleviations, separating the more moderate from the more violent opponents, very serious effects are threatened.

Montpelier, VA - 2 April 1833

May there not be a more important alleviation in embryo an assimilation of the employment of labor in the South to its employment in the North?

Montpelier, VA - 0 June 1833

It is obvious that the Constitution meant to allow the President an adequate time to consider the bills, etc., presented to him, and to make his objections to them ; and on the other hand, that Congress should have time to consider and overrule the o

Montpelier, VA - 31 January 1835

War is the more to be avoided, if it can be done without inadmissible sacrifices, as a maritime war, to which the United States should be a party, and Great Britain neutral, has no aspect which is not of an ominous cast.