Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 August 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Dr Sir
Philada. Aug: 17. 1786
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 objections which occur to me are—1. that if the temper & views of Congs. be such as you apprehend, it is morally certain they wd. not enter into the accomodation. Nothing therefore wd. be gained & you wd. have to combat under the disadvantage of having forsaken your first ground—2. If Congs. shd. adopt your expedient as a ground of negociation with G. & the views of S. be such as they must be apprehended to be, it is still more certain that it wod: be rejected on that side, especially under the flattering hopes which the Spirit of Concession in Congs. must have raised. In this event the patrons of the measure now before Congs. wd. return to it with greater eagerness, and with fresh argumts. drawn from the impossibility of making better terms, & from the relaxation into which their opponents will have been betrayed. It is even possible that a foresight of this event might induce a politic concurrence in the experimt. Your knowledge of all circumstances will make you a better judge of the solidity or falacy of these reflections than I can be. I do not extend them because it wd. be superfluous, as well as because it might lead to details which could not prudently be committed to the Mail without the guard of a Cypher. Not foreseeing that any confidential communications on paper wd. happen between us during my absence from Virga. I did not bring mine with me.


Title: To James Madison from Martha Jefferson Carr, 21 August 1786
From: Carr, Martha Jefferson
To: Madison, James

Sir
August 21. 1786.
Your kind attention to my Sons, excites in me an Anxciety to acquaint you with every change in their situations. They have both been placed agreeable to your appointments but by a letter which I have just receiv’d from my Eldest son I find he now only boards with Mr Maury, and at the particular request of Mr Wythe is going through a course of reading with him, laid down by his Uncle Jefferson. From the exalted Character of that Gentleman I think my Son highly honoured by his notice, but your approbation of every step of this kind that he takes, is necessary to my happyness. I must therefore Sir trouble you with a request that should you see any Impropriety in this change you will be so Obliging as to point it out, & rest assured that any plan you shall think proper to propose shall be punctually Observed. Should you favour me with a line in the month of September be pleased to direct to Monticello. The forwarding the Inclosed will Infinitely Oblige Sir Your very Humbe Servt
M Carr


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, ca. 31 August 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

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.


Title: Lodging Account from George Mann, 4–15 September 1786
From: Mann, George
To:

[4–15 September 1786]
Colonel Madison’s Bill—1786

Septr.
5
Lodging & Breakfast 3/9 Dinner 3/9
£0..
7..
6

wine 3/9 Punch 2/6 Porter 2/6
0..
8..
9

Punch 1/ Servt. Board 12/
0..
13..
0

6
Lodging & Breakfast 3/9 wine 2/6
0..
6..
3

Porter 2/6 Dinner 3/9. Servt. Grog 1/
0..
7..
3

Board for Servt. 6/
0..
6..
0

7
Lodging and Breakfast 3/9 Tea 1/10
0..
5..
7

Servt. Board 6/
0..
6..
0

8
Lodging and Breakfast 3/9 Servt. Board 6/
..
9..
9

9
Lodging and Breakfast 3/9 Punch 1/3
0..
5..
0

Dinner and Club 8/9 Tea 1/10 Servt. Board 6/
..
16..
7

10
Lodging and Breakfast 3/9 Tea 1/10

Servt. board 6/
..
11..
7

11
Lodging & Breakfast 3/9 Dinner 3/9 Club 5/
..
12..
6

Tea l/10 Servt. Board 6/
..
7..
10

12
Lodging & Breakfast 3/9 Dinner & Club 8/9
..
12..
6

Tea 1/10 Servt. Board 6/
..
7..
10

13
Lodging & Breakfast 3/9 Servt. Board 6/
..
9..
9

Stabling & hay 45/

Oats 56 Gallons @ 10 d. pr. 46/8
4..
11..
8

Omited the 4th. Punch 2/6 Supper 3/

Servt. do. 2/
..
7..
6

Hay and Oats 6/8
..
6..
8

14
Lodging & Breakfast 3/9 Dinner & Club 10/9
0..
14..
6

Servts Board 6/ Hay & Oats 11..8
0..
11..
8

£14..
5..
8

15
Lodging 1/Servt. /6

1..
6

£14..
7..
2

Contents Received in full
Geo. Mann.


Title: From James Madison to Ambrose Madison, 8 September 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, Ambrose

Dr. brotr.
Annapolis Sepr. 8th. 1786
I came to this place a day or two ago, where I found two Commsrs only. A few more have since come in, but the prospect of a sufficient no. to make the Meeting respectable is not flattering. I was sorry to find in Philada. that the unpunctuality of some of the purchasers of the Tobo. had put it out of the power of Mr. H. to supply me with all the money become due under the contracts. This unpunctuality, owing partly to causes which are felt every where, partly to the abolition of the bank, has extended itself to men who have scarcely before afforded room for complaint. The disappointment reduced me to the dilemma of either not executing the commissions for the family & failing in some of my engagements particularly in N. Y. or of leaving you still longer to parry your creditors. Disagreeable as the latter option was I could not but consider it as the lesser inconvenience. Mr. H. has promised to spare no efforts to get in the remaining payments as fast as possible, & to send or even bring them to Anapolis in case the Session here should be prolonged till a sum worth while shall be collected. If the Session should be so far shortened as to leave me time I propose to ride back to Philada. & be the bearer of it from thence myself. I shall probably write again to you from this place. I do not write now to my father because I have nothing worth the postage. You will let him know that most of the articles on his lists will probably soon be at Fredg. perhaps sooner than this reaches you. The West Inda. articles were dear & for that reason some of them are abridged in quantity. The other articles were cheap in general, which led me to add several beyond my commission, being well assured that if not wanted they may be either disposed of or exchanged with advantage. Immediately on the rect. of this write to me, mentioning the prices of Tobo. at Richd. & Fredg. & of W. Inda. articles: also the prospect of crops & of swine in particular: Address your letter still to Phila. from whence it will be sent here if the Meeting sd. not be adjourned. If it sd. it will probably find me there and [at] any rate taken care of. Yrs. affy.
Js. M Jr.


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 12 September 1786
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Phila. Sepr. 12. 1786.
I arriv’d here a few days since to press on the legislature of this State a seperation of the impost from the supplel: funds. I have the most satisfactory evidence they will reject the proposition. We proceed therefore further merely to discharge our duty. Both parties are united in opposition to it. To morrow we shall be recd. by the legislature. I am sorry I came on the business.
Before this you have recd. my letters informing of the subsequent progress & final close of the business which lately engagd us in Congress; or rather so far as it depended on their direction. By agreement nothing was to be done in it untill our return. I expect to sit out back in a day or two. It will depend much on the opinion of Jersey & Pena. as to the mov’ments of Jay, and that of Jersey much on that of Mr. Clark now with you at Annapolis. He put Hornblower in Congress & may turn him out agn., for he has no positive weight of his own. Clark has always been anxious for taking the western lands from us. I shod. suppose him inclin’d to turn it to the best acct. I conclude therefore that if he knows the delegation[,] especially his part of it[,] pursue a system of policy so contrary to his own, & to what is in effect the interest of his country, he wod. dismiss Mr. Hornblower. Perhaps you may be able to hint to Mr. Clark that Jersey except Symes was with the eastern States upon this occasion.
Mr. Henry of the Maryld. delegation has referr’d Mr. Stone to you for information upon this subject by my request. Mr. Stone is my friend and a very upright sensible man. You will shew him what part of my letters you find necessary.
The ablest men here believe & act on it, in the rejection of the proposition, that the refusal to seperate the 2. parts of the system endangers the govt., and that it will most probably induce a change of some kind or other. It is well for the southern States to act with great circumspection & to be prepard for every possible event—to stand well with the middle states especially. I sincerely wish you to suffer no anxiety and to put yourself to no inconvenience upon our private affair. I have no occasion for the money untill abt. the 5. or 10th. of Oct. to help to remove me to Virga., and even then it will be in my power to do without it, with tolerable convenience, if you shod. find it inconvenient to command it. Believe me it will put me to no inconvenience. My engagments are but few & those within my controul. Let me hear from you as often as possible. Remember me to Colo. Tucker & his lady, to the rest of yr. Colleagues & to Mr Stone & believe me sincerely yr. friend & servant
Jas. Monroe.
Colo. Grayson came with me in the interval to relax from business & meet his lady here. She is with him, but unfortunately he is afflicted with an extry. disease. The phisicians differ in the name. He is often delirious, is afflicted with st[r]ange fancies & apprehensions. In the morning he is better, than in the latter end of the day & night, at wh. time his infirmity rages. It is suppos’d by some to be the floating gout. Shippen calls it a bilious affection of the nerves. The very close attention he hath lately paid to business with the laborious exercise of the mind & want of that of the body I fear hath given birth to it. To day he hath been better than heretofore.


Title: Hamilton’s Report on the Annapolis Convention, 14 September 1786 (Abstract)
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To:

Abstract
14 September 1786, Annapolis. Drafted by Alexander Hamilton, with JM the chief witness as to authorship (JM to Noah Webster, 12 Oct. 1804, Madison, Writings [Hunt ed.]Gaillard Hunt, ed., The Writings of James
          Madison (9 vols.; New York, 1900–1910)., VII, 165). The full address is in Syrett and Cooke, Papers of HamiltonHarold C. Syrett and Jacob E. Cooke, eds., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (19 vols. to date; New York, 1961——)., III, 686–90, where an editorial note indicates that any alterations were most likely made in deference to Edmund Randolph’s objections.


Title: To James Madison from Charles Thomson, 15 September 1786
From: Thomson, Charles
To: Madison, James

Sir
Office of Secretary of Congress
Sept 15th. 1786.
I have the honor to transmit to You herewith enclosed a copy of the proceeding of Congress in the appointment of a court for hearing and determining a matter in question between the States of South-Carolina and Georgia, by which You will be duly informed and notified that You are a Member of the court, and that it is summoned to meet at the city of New York on the third Monday in June next. As this court is constituted in the manner pointed out in the 9th. of the Articles of Confederation by nominating, striking out & by lot, and as the said Article declares that, “the persons whose names shall be drawn, or any five of them shall be Commissioners or Judges to hear and finally determine the Controversy, so always as a major part of the Judges, who shall hear the cause, shall agree in the determination” Congress rely on Your acceptance and attendance of which You will be pleased to transmit notice to this Office as soon as convenient. I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedient & most humble servt.
Cha Thomson


Title: To James Madison from Mary Bristow, 19 September 1786
From: Bristow, Mary
To: Madison, James

Sir
Spring Gardens.
London 19th. Septr: 1786
Tho’ I have not the honor of personaly knowing You, the benevolence of Your Character emboldens me to trouble You with a few lines to solicit Your power, and Influence with the Assembly of the States, in behalf of my Infant Son, whoes case is so truely hard! I will not trouble You with a long detail: but refer You to the Petition and Memorial presented by me, and the Two Gentlemen who are Guardians to my Children: and which (Through the humanity and goodness of General Washington) was laid before the Assembly of the States in 1784. From the tender Age of My Son, it was impossible for him to do Any act inimical to the Country, and surely the property of an Infant shou’d always be held sacred! and strongly protected by the Laws, and all good people. My Son has likewise an additional Claim (if any other cou’d be wanting) by being descended from a Native of Virginia, as his Great Grandfather was actualy born there. I am sure it will be quite unnecessary for me to say any more to a person of Your feelings, to induce You to support our just Claims, and to pleade my excuse for troubling You with this Letter. I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient Humble Servant
Mary Bristow


Title: To James Madison from Robert Johnson, 23 September 1786
From: Johnson, Robert
To: Madison, James

Dear Sr.
Fayette County Sepr. 23d. 1786
I take the liberty to inform you By letter that we have at present an Expedition Gone against the wabach Indins to the amt. of abt. 1200 Men and another to march in two Days against the Shawnees, who have Broke the articles of the treaty by stealing and Killing proved by Substantial witnesses, thus much for Indian affairs and our convention is To sit in a few Days and it is Expected we Shall Diturmine upon a Separation and of course Have another Eli[c]tion to Diturmine on what Laws Shall Gover[n] us after the separation and to Do the Great business of forming a Constitution and we think we are one fourth of the District in number and Seven counties now and I Expect Several petitions for a Division of Counties, and unless we obtain a Divison of our county we Shall have a very unequal Representation in forming a constitution. We Have a petition which is oblige[d] to wait untill our next court as it may be advertised according To Law after which time we Shall send as Quik as possible, and there is a petition prepared To take a small part of the county and part of Madison which I Expect will be offered before ours and I wish it to be Laid over untill the other is presented, for the Division of Fayett and the west End under the name of Versailles. I hope You wil be a frien[d] to our petition and if you would take the trouble by letter to Give me or some others in this Country your advice in forming a constitution with Some observations and objections which You probably May have against the Virginia Constitution. I am with Respect your M[o]st. obt.
Robt. Johnson


Title: From James Madison to Charles Thomson, 25 September 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Thomson, Charles

Sir
Philadelphia Sepr. 25th. 1786
I have been honoured with your favour of the 15th. instant inclosing a copy of the proceeding of Congress relative to a Controversy between the States of South Carolina and Georgia, and notifying my appointment as a member of the Court which is to hear and determine it. As I foresee nothing which will render my attendance on the duties of this appointment impracticable, you will please Sir, to communicate to Congress my respectful acceptance of it. I have the honour to be, Sir, with great respect Your Obedient & humble Servant
Js. Madison Jr


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 29 September 1786
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
New York Sepr. 29. 1786
Since my last it has been propos’d that each delegation be at liberty to communicate to the legislature of the State to wh. they belong the project of Mr. Jay & the proceedings of Congress thereon & negativ’d. The Journal has been handed to Mr. Jay. As yet he has said nothing nor have we information what course he means to take except from those here in his party, who affirm he will proceed. I wrote some weeks since to Colo. Mason upon this subject, at the time I wrote Govr. Henry, but have recd. no answer from him; from wh. circumstance as well as that of R. H. Lee’s being in the opposite sentiment, there is room to conjecture he is not with us. R. H. L. I conclude has been influenc’d by Arthur who has been intrigng. on the other side to serve his own purposes, & leaving the business of the treasury bd. to Billy Duer. Bland is also in the assembly so that possibly the party in favor of this project may have advocates with us. I hope Colo. Grayson hath recover’d. Be so kind as make my best respects to himself & lady & believe me yr. friend & servt
Jas. Monroe


Title: To James Madison from Caleb Wallace, 30 September 1786
From: Wallace, Caleb
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir,
Mercer County. Sept. 30. 1786.
I embrace the Opportunity by a Neighbour bound for Richmond, where I expect this will meet you, to thank you for your Favour of the 15 of March and for the printed Memorial and Remonst[r]ance accompanying it, in which the Opinions I have long since espoused are well arranged and supported. The unanimity of Sentiments that prevailed here a year ago in favour of a Seperation has since been interrupted by the Influence of some misguided Men amongst us who endeavoured to perswade the people that the Assembly of Virginia would never enforce the Revenue Law without procuring a Vent for their Commodities, at the same Time insinuating that if it should be the Case it will be more easy to evade the Burthens of the old Government than those of the New which will increase its Vigour as well as weight by a nearer approach. Sinnester Views have also been alledged against the Advocates for a Seperation—Injustice against the Terms prescribed by the Assembly—And a variety of such Suggestions. But Ideas more just and Rational again begin to prevail. You will find from a Petition forwarded to the Assembly that the Expeditions we are now carrying on against the Indians prevented a Convention at the Time directed, which induced the Members who convened to pray for a Prolongation of the Time in which Congress are to decide on the Question. We also concieve that as the State of Virginia have only ceeded to Congress the Lands on the N. W. side of the Ohio and not the River itself, The States which may be established on that Side cannot claim a Concurrent Jurisdiction thereon with us, and that Liberality on our Part only requires that the Citizens of the United States be permitted to enjoy the free Navigation thereof; whereas to allow them more would only lay the Foundation for Confusion and Discord. Therefore we Wish that the last Clause of the 7th. Article of the Act of Seperation may be repealed or so explained as to prevent the Consequences I have mentioned. Afterwards I do not expect the Convention will make any Objections to the Conditions proposed. The Expediency of the Seperation will then remain to be discussed which I hope will be done with due Candor and deliberation. The Incursions of the Savages to which the District will probably be subjected for some Years seems to forbid the Event we have in View, as it will weaken the Inhabitants of the District and prevent the Numerous Emigrations hither which might otherwise be expected. I can only say on the Reverse, that this was one of the Motives that induced me to accord with the Application for a Seperation and I am confirmed in my Opinion by the Exertions we are now constrained to make in the Military Way, that without an Executive Authority near at Hand great irregularity and Oppression must attend any attemps for defence, without the prospect of much execution being done. At all Events I am anxious for a Decission Pro or Con before the Existence of the Convention expires to relieve us from that State of Suspence which in the Mean Time will prevent us from doing much for ourselves or for the State or Union to which we belong. Therefore I am alarmed with the Apprehension that some of the Members elected to serve in the Convention, from a coolness to the Seperation, will not punctually attend the repeated Meetings that may be necessary on the Occasion, and that others will be prevented by the Urgency of Business abroad or that of self preservation at home, And beg leave to submit to your consideration the propriety of moving the Assembly for an additional Clause to the Act of Seperation to the following effect—That due Notice being given of the Time affixed for holding a Convention, if two thirds of the Members should not attend within three Days thereafter, then a Majority shall and may proceed to choose a President &c, and to determine on the Expediency of the proposed Seperation provided 18 at least of those present concur in Opinion. This would have composed part of the Petition before alluded to, but perhaps some of the absent Members might have thought it presuming. If however the Assembly should judge it proper they will not be liable to the same Imputation. I hope your friendly Attention to the Matters I have mentioned will not be wanting, And a Line in answer to this will be gratefuly received by, Dear Sir your sincere Friend & most obt. Servt.
Caleb Wallace


Title: Survey of Mohawk Lands, [October?] 1786
From: Madison, James
To:

[October? 1786]

Extending the 2 longest lines each to 160 chs makes
953 acres

extending lines 116 to 160 leaving the other 106
856

taking one at 116 the other 106
769

making theClosing line36 & parallelizing the two longest (160)
722

do.
do.
do. & sedating this parallelism
873

taking 2 long
lines
at 160 & 106,
the closing is
49 Chs.

do.
do.
at 160 each
do.
44
& nearly paral[l]el to back line

do.
do.
at 160 & 116
do.
43
do.
the quantity 875 acres

Land on Mohawk (Courses & distances)

chains

N.
48°
15″
E.
160

N.
43

E.
93

S.
31
15
E.
31–70 links

S.
40
15
W.
111

S.
48
15
W.
106

Line to the Beginning
36 chs.


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 2 October 1786
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
New Yk. Octr. 2. 1786
I have lately seen Taylor—he has a right to 4,000 acres of land in an undivided tract of 40.000 which he wishes to sell & will take six shillings pr. acre, ½ at the time of concluding the bargn. & the balance 12. months afterwards. The tract is distinguish’d in the maps by the name of Funda’s patent. It lies near fort Stanwix, adjoins the river above it & runs within two miles of the Mohawk down some miles below it. If I recollect the good lands abt. the fort, above & 20. miles below it extend further from the bank of the river than elsewhere or lower down. I do suppose the paymt. of the first sum might be put off untill Feby next. The lands of the Baron lie further I believe from the river & are for sale at 8./. pr. acre. I have it in contemplation to move to day that the report from Annapolis be referr’d to a Committee. I am persuaded the Eastern States will not grant an unlimited commission, but wod. accede to it if its objects were defind, or rather this is the language of those whom they have here. We mov’d that the injunction of secrecy be taken off & that each delegation be at liberty to communicate the proceedings on a certain subject to their legislature, which was negativ’d. The States in opposition were fearful of giving a dangerous wound by referring a subject to wh. they were competent in any degree to the view of their constituents, to the Confeder[a]tion. To prevent a ratification, to wh. poin[t] I apprehend they will bring it, will be a difficult thing. Mr Ramsay has recanted & join’d. Mr Kean applauds the project & is with them & our worthy colleague altho’ he votes generally with us at length speaks agnst us, & give[s] every opposition in his power. Sincerely yr. frien[d] & servant
Jas Monroe
I shod. write Colo. Grayson but hope he is by this on his way here; if the contrary shod. be the case make my best respects to himself & family.


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 5 October 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir
Philada. Octr. 5th. 1786.
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. Should the measure triumph under the patronage of 9 States or even of the whole thirteen, I shall never be convinced that it is expedient, because I cannot conceive it to be just. There is no maxim in my opinion which is more liable to be misapplied, and which therefore more needs elucidation than the current one that the interest of the majority is the political standard of right and wrong. Taking the word “interest” as synonomous with “Ultimate happiness,” in which sense it is qualified with every necessary moral ingredient, the proposition is no doubt true. But taking it in the popular sense, as referring to immediate augmentation of property and wealth, nothing can be more false. In the latter sense it would be the interest of the majority in every community to despoil & enslave the minority of individuals; and in a federal community to make a similar sacrifice of the minority of the component States. In fact it is only reestablishing under another name and a more spe[c]ious form, force as the measure of right; and in this light the Western settlements will infallibly view it.
I have considered with attention the paragraph in your last which relates to the further offer of Taylor. It seems to be an inviting one & probably would turn out a good one, yet there are strong objections agst. purchasing in the dark or on a vague knowledge of the situation. There would be hazard in the experiment if both parties were on a level, but there would perhaps be rashness in it where one of them proceeds on full information. Circumspection seems also more necessary in proportion to the indulgences proposed in the payments, as they suggest other motives for selling than mere pecuniary difficulties. These objections may indeed be lessened by taking information at second hand, and by supposing the partial payment in hand as the ruling motive of the Seller. But still they have considerable weight; and when added to two others are decisive with me agst. an immediate contract. I draw the first of these from the numerous disappointments to which I find pecuniary matters in the present state of things are liable, and the mortifications which they involve. The second I draw from a reflection that if we should at the date of future payments have in our hands the means of discharging them, they will as ready money then command as good bargains as can now be made on credit. These remarks you will observe only lye agst. further speculations at present. The expediency of them under favorable circumstances I view in as strong a light as ever I did, and am happy to find your attention kept up to the subject, and that you are gathering information relative to it.
I fear I shall be obliged to accept of your very friendly procrastination of the repayment which ought long ago to have been made. The disappointments which have prevented it, contribute to my delay here at this time, and will together with a vicarious business which I have undertaken for a particular friend, probably spin it out a few days longer. If any thing occurs before I set out or on the road I shall not fail to write. Col. Grayson is still here. For a week he has been nearly well. His symtoms of yesterday prove that he has remains of his disorder which require his attention. Martin did not make his report from Milligan as to the lottery tickets. Pray send me the information in your next. Complts. to yr. family. Adieu
Js. Madison Jr
Seal & present the inclosed if you please.


Title: To James Madison from Henry Lee, 19 October 1786
From: Lee, Henry
To: Madison, James

My dear sir:
New York 19th. Ocr. 86
In our letter of this date to the Assembly you will know our sentiments on the interesting subject of finance. I am persuaded if the suggestions meet the approbation of the Legislature and any plans calculated on the principles of our letter, should be properly executed much good will accrue to the state.
We omitted one subject which involves the respectability of our country viz that of a well disciplined & well appointed militia. This matter having been under consideration very often & meeting with different issues, we have declined renewing it now, presuming that the difficultys which did obstruct the formation of a proper system are still alive, & will continue to operate with similar effect. But really when we look around us here, & observe the exertions in these countrys to acquire this national defence, we lament the indifference which pervades our country on this important subject. I transmit for the perusal of those who wish information on military arrangements the report of the secretary of war relative to the organization of Militia. This performance does honor to the genius of the secretary, but its utility depends entirely on the execution, which in the situation of American affairs we apprehend will be subject to much difficulty. The eastern commotions are becoming very serious, Massachusetts contains 75,000 men from 16 to 60, the five seditious countys possess 40,000 of this number, upon a fair calculation I beleive we may reckon that state divided for & against Government.
The legislature is now in session but have taken no measures yet to reconcile or to subdue.
Indeed their difficultys are so numerous and pressing and their ways & means so disproportionate that I imagine they know not what to do, & will be obliged to trust too much to the chapter of accidents, for the U. S. who ought to be able to aid the governments of particular states in distresses like these are scar[c]ely able to maintain themselves. The insurgents are taking all the necessary arrangements to prepare for the last appeal. Their ostensible object is the revision of the constitution but they certainly mean the abolition of debts public & private, a division of property & a new government founded on principles of fraud & inequity, or re-connexion with G. B. Congress have received authentic information touching these points and are now in consultation how to ward off the blow. The enclosed papers will inform of many particulars relative to this unhappy affair. You continued a long time in Philada. we hear, this unexpected movement gives eye to various suggestions all tending to prove that you are in full gallop to the blessed yoke. In all your intentions you possess the best wishes of your friend for their accomplishmts.
H: Lee Jnr


Title: To James Madison from Henry Lee, 25 October 1786
From: Lee, Henry
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
New York 25th Ocr. 1786
You now have the report from the secretary of war mentioned in my last letter & omitted.
The opinions I conveyed then relative to the eastern commotions are daily supported by additional intelligence. The eastern gentlemen here are confirmed in sentiments on this matter and beleive that the discontents will never be settled but by the sword. Perhaps their apprehensions may have some operation in their judgement: but, whether so or not is immat[e]r[i]al, for it is unquestionably true that present appearances portend extensive national calamity. The contagion will spread and may reach Virginia.
The objects of the malcontents are alluring to the vulgar and the impotency of government is rather an encouragement to, than a restraint on, the licentious. Carrington left us a few days past to visit Col. Grayson, whose situation demanded this attention. This leaves me alone, tomorrow I expect his return, when I hope Grayson and his family will arrive.
His misfortune is truely lamentable but will soon yield I trust to relaxation from business and the company of his friends. Yours affec:
H: Lee Jnr


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., ca. 26 October 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James, Sr.

ca. 26 October 1786, Fredericksburg. Concerning family affairs and articles to be sent from Philadelphia to Orange. Mentioned in JM’s letter of 1 November 1786 to his father.


Title: Resolution Providing for Election of the Governor, 30 October 1786 (Abstract)
From: Madison, James
To:

Abstract
30 October 1786. JM moved that the House, on 2 November, elect with the Senate a governor of Virginia for the ensuing year, beginning 13 November. JM carried the approved resolution to the Senate (JHDVJournal of the House of Delegates of the
          Commonwealth of Virginia; Begun and Held at the Capitol, in the City of Williamsburg.
        Beginning in 1780, the portion after the semicolon reads, Begun and
          Held in the Town of Richmond, In the County of Henrico. The journal for each session
        has its own title page and is individually paginated. The edition used is the one in which
        the journals for 1777–1786 are brought together in two volumes, with each journal published
        in Richmond in either 1827 or 1828 and often called the “Thomas W. White reprint.”, Oct. 1786, p. 12).


Title: Notes for Debate on Commercial Regulations by Congress, [ante 31 October] 1786
From: Madison, James
To:

[ante 31 October 1786]
⟨J. M. In Virga. Legislature previous to Convention of 1787⟩
Genl. [Regns. neces]sary, whether the object be to

1. Counteract fore[ign?] [p]lans
2. encourage Ships & seamen
3.  manufactures
4. Revenue
5. frugality—[articles of luxury most easily run from State to State]
6. Embargo’s in war—Case of Delaware in late war—

necessary to prevent contention amg States

1. Case of French provinces, Neckar says 23,000 patrols employd. agst. internal contraband
2. Case of Massts. & Cont.
3. Case of N. Y. & N. J.
4. Pa. & Delaware
5. Va. & Maryd. late regulation
6. Irish propositions

Necessary to—Justice & true Policy

1. Cont. & N. Hamps:
2. N. J.
3. N. C.
4. Western Country.
Necessary—as a system convenient & intelligible to foreigners trading to U. S.
Necessary as within reason of federal constitution, the regulation of trade being as imprable by States as—peace, war, Ambrs.—&c.
Treaties of Commerce ineffectual without it
Safe with regd. to the liberties of the States.

1. Congs. may be trusted with trade as well as war &c.
2. power of Treaties involve the danger if any—
3. Controul of States over Congs.

4. example of Amphyctionic league. Achean do. Switzerld. Holland, Germany—
5. peculiar situation of U. S. increase the repellent power of the States
Essential to preserve fedl. Constitution

1. declension of fedl. Govt.
2. inadequacy to end, must lead States to substitute, some other policy. no institution remaining long when it ceases to be useful, &c.
3. policy of G. B. to weaken Union
Consequences of dissolution of Confederacy. 1. appeal to Sword in every petty squabble—2. Standing armies beginning with weak & jealous States. 3. perpetual taxes—4 sport of foreign politics—5. blast glory of Revolution.


Title: From James Madison to George Washington, 1 November 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmond Novr. 1. 1786
I have been here too short a time as yet to have collected fully the politics of the Session. In general appearances are favorable. On the question for a paper emission the measure was this day rejected in emphatical terms by a majority of 84 vs 17. The affair of the Missisippi is but imperfectly known. I find that its influence on the federal spirit will not be less than was apprehended. The Western members will not be long silent on the subject. I inculcate a hope that the views of Congress may yet be changed, and that it would be rash to suffer the alarm to interfere with the policy of amending the Confederacy. The sense of the House has not yet been tried on the latter point. 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. Mr. Henry has signified his wish not to be reelected, but will not be in the Assembly. The Attorney & R. H. Lee are in nomination for his successor. The former will probably be appointed, in which case the contest for that vacancy will lie between Col. Innes & Mr. Marshal. The nominations for Congs. are as usual numerous. There being no Senate yet it is uncertain when any of these appointments will take place. With the sincerest affection & the highest esteem I am Dear Sir Yr. Obedt. & humble Servt.
Js. Madison Jr.


Title: Outline for Speech Opposing Paper Money, [ca. 1 November 1786]
From: Madison, James
To:

Editorial Note
JM had long anticipated that an emission of paper currency would be attempted in the October 1786 session of the Virginia legislature (JM to Monroe, 4 June 1786). He made two sets of notes opposing paper money, one an expanded version of the other. Since the dating and order of preparation are matters of conjecture, the briefer of the two texts has been placed first and the date on which the pro-paper-money petitions from Brunswick and Campbell counties were rejected has been assigned to both documents.

[ca. 1 November 1786]
Paper emission

Unequal to specie. Bank notes. Stock. navy bills.

objectn.tallies. Spanish paper. use less.
Unjust either to Credts. or dbtrs

1. alloy
2. weights & measures
3. brass made for silver by Romns.
4. Case of dbtrs to other States

unconstitutional.
1 property seed. by bill of Rights

2. trial by Jury.

Antifedl.

Unnecessary.
1. produce will bring specie

2. paper in Tobo. notes Warrts. &c

Hurtful.
1. by luxury increase, not cure the evil of scarcity of specie

2. destroy confidence public & private

3. source of dissention between States see Confedn. as to regulation of coin

4. enrich collectors, speculators &—

5. vitiate morals

6. reverse the end of Govt. by punishing good Citizens & rewarding bad

7. discourage foreign commerce &c

8. dishonor our Repub[lic] [in?] the eyes of mankind.

Examples of other States & during war
Objectn.Paper good formerly
answer.1 not true in N. E. Va. Maryd. 12 to 20 P[er] C[t.]
2. confidence then
3. principles of money not then understood Such wd. not then nor now do in Europe

advantages from rejectg paper
1. Distinguish the State & its credit
2. draw commerce & specie
3. Set honorable example to other States


Title: To James Madison from Ambrose Madison, Ca. 1 November 1786
From: Madison, Ambrose
To: Madison, James

ca. 1 November 1786. Mentioned in JM’s letter of 8 November 1786 to Ambrose. Concerned family financial affairs and transactions with Mr. Anderson. Alluded to the advertisement of the Reverend Balmain’s marriage.


Title: From James Madison to Nicholas Lewis, 4 November 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Lewis, Nicholas

4 November 1786. Mentioned in Nicholas Lewis’s letter of 26 November 1786 to JM. Included Walker Maury’s account against Jefferson for the tuition and board of Peter Carr.


Title: To James Madison from George Washington, 5 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th. Novr. 1786.
I thank you for the communications in your letter of the first inst. The decision of the House on the question respecting a paper emission, is portentous I hope, of an auspicious Session. It may certainly be classed among the important questions of the present day; and merited the serious consideration of the Assembly. Fain would I hope, that the great, & most important of all objects—the foederal governmt.—may be considered with that calm & deliberate attention which the magnitude of it so loudly calls for at this critical moment: Let prejudices, unreasonable jealousies, and local interest yield to reason and liberality. Let us look to our National character, and to things beyond the present period. No morn ever dawned more favourable than ours did—and no day was ever more clouded than the present! Wisdom, & good examples are necessary at this time to rescue the political machine from the impending storm. Virginia has now an opportunity to set the latter, and has enough of the former, I hope, to take the lead in promoting this great & arduous work. Without some alteration in our political creed, the superstructure we have been seven years raising at the expence of much blood and treasure, must fall. We are fast verging to anarchy & confusion! A letter which I have just received from Genl Knox, who had just returned from Massachusetts (whither he had been sent by Congress consequent of the Commotion in that State) is replete with melancholy information of the temper & designs of a considerable part of that people. Among other things he says, “there creed is, that the property of the United States, has been protected from confiscation of Britain by the joint exertions of all, and therefore ought to be the common property of all. And he that attempts opposition to this creed is an enemy to equity & justice, & ought to be swept from off the face of the Earth.” Again “They are determined to anihilate all debts public & private, and have Agrarian Laws, which are easily effected by the means of unfunded paper Money which shall be a tender in all cases whatever.” He adds, “The numbers of these people amount in Massachusetts to about one fifth part of several populous Counties, and to these may be collected, people of similar sentiments from the States of Rhode Island, Connecticut, & New Hampshire so as to constitute a body of twelve or fifteen thousand desperate, and unprincipled men. They are chiefly of the young & active part of the Community.”

How melancholy is the Reflection, that in so short a space, we should have made such large strides towards fulfilling the prediction of our transatlantic foe! “Leave them to themselves, and their government will soon dissolve.” Will not the wise & good strive hard to avert this evil? Or will their supineness suffer ignorance and the arts of self interested designing disaffected & desperate characters, to involve this rising empire in wretchedness & contempt? What stronger evidence can be given of the want of energy in our governments than these disorders? If there exists not a power to check them, what security has a man of life, liberty, or property? To you, I am sure I need not add aught on this subject, the consequences of a lax, or inefficient government, are too obvious to be dwelt on. Thirteen sovereignties pulling against each other, and all tugging at the foederal head will soon bring ruin on the whole; whereas a liberal, and energetic Constitution, well guarded, & closely watched, to prevent incroachments, might restore us to that degree of respectability & consequence, to which we had a fair claim, & the brightest prospect of attaining. With sentiments of the sincerest esteem & regard I am Dear Sir Yr. most Obedt. & affect Hble servt.
Go: Washington


Title: Bill Providing for Delegates to the Convention of 1787, [6 November]
From: Madison, James
To:

[6 November 1786]
Whereas the Commissrs. who assembled at Annapolis on the 14th. day of Sepr. last for the purpose of devising and reporting the means of enabling Congress to provide effectually for the commercial interests of the U. States, have represented the necessity of extending the revision of the federal System to all its defects, and have recommended that deputies for that purpose be appointed by the several Legislatures to meet in Convention in the city of Philada. on the 2d. day of May next; a provision which seems preferable to a discussion of the subject in Congress, where it might be too much interrupted by the ordinary business before them, and where it would besides be deprived of the valuable counsels of sundry individuals who are disqualified by the Constitutions or Laws of particular States, or restrained by peculiar circumstances from a seat in that Assembly: And Whereas the General Assembly of this Commonwealth taking into view the actual situation of the Confederacy, as well as reflecting on the Alarming representations made from time to time by the U. S. in Congress, particularly in their Act of the [fifteenth] day of Feby. last, can no longer doubt that the crisis is arrived at which the good people of America are to decide the solemn question, whether they will by wise and magnanimous efforts reap the just fruits of that Independence which they have so gloriously acquired, and of that Union which they have cemented with so much of their common blood; or whether by giving way to unmanly jealousies and prejudices, or to partial and transitory interests they will renounce the auspicious blessings prepared for them by the Revolution, and furnish to its enemies an eventual triumph over those by whose virtue & valour it has been accomplished: And Whereas the same noble and extended policy, and the same fraternal & affectionate sentiments which originally determined the Citizens of this Commonwealth to unite with their brethren of the other States in establishing a federal Government, cannot but be felt with equal force now as motives to lay aside every inferior consideration, and to concur in such farther concessions and provisions as may be necessary to secure the great objects for which that Government was instituted, and to render the U. States as happy in peace as they have been glorious in war. Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and it is enacted by the authority of the same that ⟨[seven] commissioners be appointed by joint ballot of both Houses of Assembly, who or any⟩ [three] ⟨of them⟩ be and they ⟨are hereby⟩ appointed and authorized as deputies from this Commonwealth to meet such deputies as may be appointed and authorized by other States, to assemble in Convention at Philada. as above recommended: and to join with them in devising and discussing all such alterations and further provisions as may be necessary to render the federal Constitution adequate to the exigences of the Union, and in reporting such an act for that purpose to the U. S. in Congress, as when agreed to by them, and duly confirmed by the several States, will effectually provide for the same. And the Governor is requested to transmit forthwith a copy of this Act to the U. S. in Congs. and to the Executives of each of the States in the Union.
And Be it further enacted that in case of the death of any of the sd. deputies, or of their declining their appts. the Executive are hereby authorised to supply such vacancies.


Title: From James Madison to William Grayson, ca. 7 November 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Grayson, William

ca. 7 November 1786. Mentioned in Grayson’s letter of 22 November to JM. Referred to the election of the Virginia delegates to Congress and inquired after Grayson’s health.


Title: From James Madison to Ambrose Madison, 8 November 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, Ambrose

Dr Brother
Novr. 8th [1786]
I have yours by Mr. Parker. I can by the time you mention pay the money to the Treasr. or settle it with him, but I do not chuse to treat with him about the matter before hand, farther than to tell him that I will be answerable by that time. To ask a favor wd. be improper. I shall have a demand on the Treasy. independt. of my wages on the 2d of Decr. If on these grounds The Sheriff be willing to let you have the money, you may take it & give me notice. Can’t Father spare you the £80 for immediate purposes? 200 Drs. will certainly be in my hands at the time I mentioned if the Treasy. be not totally destitute. And I have some hope of a previous supply of a sum at least equal to that. I can’t answer by Mr. P. what relates to Anderson. Mr. Balmain’s advertisemt. will be sent to the Printer, but he will be pd. for it. I beg you to throw no little matters of business into my hands that can possibly be avoided, havg. no time to attend to them. Yrs
Js. M Jr


Title: From James Madison to George Washington, 8 November 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmd. Novr. 8th. 1786
I am just honoured with your favor of the 5th. inst. The intelligence from Genl. Knox is gloomy indeed, but is less so than the colours in which I had it thro’ another channel. If the lessons which it inculcates should not work the proper impressions on the American Public, it will be a proof that our case is desperate. Judging from the present temper and apparent views of our Assembly, I have some ground for leaning to the side of Hope. The vote against Paper money has been followed by two others of great importance. By one of them sundry petitions for applying a scale of depreciation to the Military Certificates was unanimously rejected. By the other the expediency of complying with the Recomm[end]ation from Annapolis in favor of a general revision of the federal System was unanimously agreed to. A bill for the purpose is now depending and in a form which attests the most federal spirit. As no opposition has been yet made and it is ready for the third reading, I expect it will soon be before the public. It has been thought advisable to give this subject a very solemn dress, and all the weight which could be derived from a single State. This idea will also be pursued in the selection of characters to represent Virga. in the federal Convention. You will infer our earnestness on this point from the liberty which will be used of placing your name at the head of them. How far this liberty may correspond with the ideas by which you ought to be governed will be best decided where it must ultimately be decided. In every event it will assist powerfully in marking the zeal of our Legislature, and its opinion of the magnitude of the occasion. Mr. Randolph has been elected successor to Mr. Henry. He had 79 votes. Col. Bland had 28. & R. H. Lee 22. The Delegation to Congress drops Col. H. Lee, a circumstance which gives much pain to those who attend to the mortification in which it must involve a man of sensibility. I am even yet to learn the ground of the extensive disapprobation which has shewn itself. I am Dear Sir most respectfully & Affecty Yr. Obedt & hble. Servt.
Js. Madison Jr.


Title: From James Madison to Henry Lee, 9 November 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Lee, Henry

Dear Sir
Richmond Nov. 9th 1786—
The last mail went out at a time when I was so engaged that I could not drop a line to you. The task of first conveying to you the result of the elections for Congress has therefore probably been performed by some of your other friends. The Superiority which your reflection and firmness will maintain over the vicissitudes incident to public life, forbids any suggestions which may be calculated to abate a sensibility with regard to them. I will only assure you that the indelicacy of the Situation in which your country has placed you is Severely felt by those whose esteem you would most value.
The enclosed paper contains all the Legislative information worth giving you. Present my respectful compliments to Mrs. Lee, and assure yourself of my sincerest wishes for your happiness. Yrs affey—
Js. Madison Jr.


Title: From James Madison to Ambrose Madison, 16 November 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, Ambrose

Dr brothr.
Richmd. Novr. 16. 1786
I have yours by Majr. White. You need not take the Tobo. of Mr Cowherd on the terms he requires. I do not think them unreasonable but I presume the Tobo. is not of the Mountain quality. If it shd. be of the first quality and can be got down in time to go to Philada this fall I would agree to take it in case my own added to it & a few Hhds from yourself & my father making in the whole about a dozen could be got down in time. I would pay for the latter the same as to Mr Cowherd, or replace it with other Tobo. as may be most convenient to you or my father. I wd prefer waggoning the Tobo. if possible. If Mr. Lawson has not procured the books I wish him not to do it now at all. I shall not need them immediately and am put in a train by Mr Jefferson of getting books from London on the best terms possible. I have nothing to add as to the 200 Hhds. Whether any thing will be done on it will not be decided probably before I go thro Philada. I shall take Orange on my way thither. I will speak to Col Campbel on the subject of the land, & write you by the first oppy. as I will also as to money in case I receive any. I have expectation of receiving some in a day or two. The loss of Col Taylors buttons is a perfect mystery. I put them myself in the bag containing the gold wrapt up in a bit a paper. Examine the bag again. The payment of the specie tax is to be commuted for Tobo. if a bill depending should pass. There is some uncertainty however in the case. The indents will still be receivable and should be provided by those who have them not. Yrs. &c
Js. M. Jr.


Title: To James Madison from George Washington, 18 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

My Dr. Sir,
Mount Vernon 18th. Novr. 1786.
Not having sent to the Post Office with my usual regularity, your favor of the 8th. did not reach me in time for an earlier acknowledgment than of this date.
It gives me the most sensible pleasure to hear that the Acts of the present Session, are marked with wisdom, justice & liberality. They are the palladium of good policy, & the only paths that lead to national happiness. Would to God every State would let these be the leading features of their constituents characters: those threatening clouds which seem ready to burst on the Confederacy, would soon dispel. The unanimity with which the Bill was received, for appointing commissioners agreeably to the recommendation of the Convention at Annapolis; and the uninterrupted progress it has met with since, are indications of a favourable issue. It is a measure of equal necessity & magnitude; & may be the spring of reanimation.
Altho’ I have bid a public adieu to the public walks of life, & had resolved never more to tread that theatre; yet, if upon an occasion so interesting to the well-being of the confederacy it should have been the wish of the assembly that I should have been an associate in the business of revising the foederal System; I should, from a sense of the obligation I am under for repeated proofs of confidence in me, more than from any opinion I should have entertained of my usefulness, have obeyed its call; but it is now out of my power to do this with any degree of consistency—the cause I will mention.
I presume you heard Sir, that I was first appointed, & have since been rechosen President of the Society of the Cincinnati; & you may have understood also that the triennial Genl. Meeting of this body is to be held in Philada. the first monday in May next. Some particular reasons combining with the peculiar situation of my private concerns; the necessity of paying attention to them; a wish for retirement & relaxation from public cares, and rheumatic pains which I begin to feel very sensibly, induced me on the 31st. ulto. to address a circular letter to each State society informing them of my intention not to be at the next Meeting, & of my desire not to be re-chosen President. The Vice President is also informed of this, that the business of the Society may not be impeded by my absence. Under these circumstances it will readily be perceived that I could not appear at the same time & place on any other occasion, without giving offence to a very respectable & deserving part of the community—the late officers of the American Army.
I feel as you do for our acquaintance Colo. Lee; better never have delegated, than left him out; unless some glaring impropriety of conduct had been ascribed to him. I hear with pleasure that you are in the new choice. With sentiments of the highest esteem & affectn. I am &c.
Go: Washington


Title: To James Madison from Caleb Wallace, 20 November 1786
From: Wallace, Caleb
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir,
Danville. Novr. 20. 1786.
The Hurry of our Supreme Court forbids my now writing to you as fully as I wish to do. At present I only take the Liberty of observing, that alarmed with the multiplied Depredations committed by the Indians in this Quarter, our Militia embraced the Encouragement given by the Executive to carry on two Expeditions as the only likely Measure to disconcert the Combinations that a Number of the Savage Tribes were entering into against the Western Frontiers. Of Course Impressments became indispensable, which through the Ignorance or Zeal of some of the Officers were not made strictly agreeable to the Rules of Law and Propriety in every Instance. Therefore a Number of the most judicious of my Acquaintances are anxious to obtain an Act of Indemnity so far as they were made for Articles really necessary for the Troops and applied to their Use:  and in this Way to prevent any Advantages that might otherwise be taken at Law, and which would certainly damp that Valour that it is highly probable may again be necessary for the Preservation of our Frontiers. At the same Time we wish the Militia Law could be made more explicit and more adequate to our defence which would either prevent such irregularities in future or render them less excuseable. I shall only add that if you coincide with us in Sentiment your favourable Attention to this Matter will be gratefully acknowledged by, Dr Sir Your most obt. Servt.
Caleb Wallace
P. S. It is said that Quantities of Spiritous Liquors were impressed and other Acts of Compulsion exercised which were not indispensably necessary. These must be considered as Wanton outrages which we do not wish to have excused where they can be certainly distinguished and excepted.
C. W


Title: To James Madison from James Madison, Sr., ca. 20 November 1786
From: Madison, James, Sr.
To: Madison, James

ca. 20 November 1786. Mentioned in JM’s letter of 7 December 1786 to his father. Made business inquiries of JM as to who was to receive the tobacco for Anderson’s brother; the discount rate of indents in Richmond; and whether these loan office certificates for his tax payments were obtainable.


Title: To James Madison from Abraham Clark, 23 November 1786
From: Clark, Abraham
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir,
New York Novr. 23d. 1786
You desired me to inform you of the sentiments of the Legislature of New Jersey respecting the Western Country: this I have waited some time to do with Certainty but am not able to do it fully. I am not in the Legislature and much a Stranger to their present System of Politicks, but as yet believe they are generally of the same Sentiments with my self, which you are fully Acquainted with so far as relates to the Mississipi. I every day expect Instructions which I am told will be to my Wishes on that head.
After seeing you in Philada. I had an interview with some of the principal members of the Assembly of Pennsa. who appeared no ways friendly to the late Resolution of Congress and purposed at the meeting of the present Assembly to attempt Obtaining instructions, to their Delegates on that head; there are two members just Arrived from Philada. Messrs. Meredith & Bingham; the present members in their delegation are the same as last year except Mr. Bingham in the place of Colo. Bayard whose time of service had expired, this looks as if their Conduct the last year met with Approbation.
With great Sattisfaction I saw your name in the Delegation from Virginia, and till within a few minutes expected to see you here in a short time, till Colo. Grayson informed me he thought you would not come soon.
There are now Seven States in Town tho’ Six only can attend, as Mr. Nash from N. Carolina is confined by Sickness. I am, Sir Your Obedt. Hume. Servt.
Abra: Clark
P. S. Mr. Schurman is here with me.


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 24 November 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James, Sr.

Hond. Sir
Novr. 24. 1786.
The H. of D. have just past a bill makg. Tobo. recievable in the tax at the market price at the several Warehouses to be fixt by the Executive. There is a proviso that the highest price shall not exceed 28/. An equality of price throughout was contended for which I disapproved 1. because I think it wd. have been unjust. 2 because the bill could not have been carried in that form. I was not a[n]xious for its success in any form, but acqueisced in it as it stands as the people may consider it in the light of an easement and as it may prevent some worse project in the Assembly. I have in my hands about 300 dollrs. in indents the property of a friend in Philada. which may be applied to your taxes at the market value if you chuse to take them. A call of the House stops me.
Js. M. Jr.


Title: From James Madison to John Blair Smith, ca. 25 November 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Smith, John Blair

ca. 25 November 1786. Mentioned in John Blair Smith’s letter of ca. 10 December 1786 to JM. Related information concerning the political condition of the United States, probably news of Shays’s Rebellion. Inquired after the progress of Dabney Carr at Hampden-Sydney Academy.


Title: Resolutions Reaffirming American Rights to Navigate the Mississippi, 29 December [November] 1786
From: Madison, James
To:

Editorial Note
The issue of the free navigation of the Mississippi had long occupied JM’s mind, and his concern had been aroused in the summer of 1786 when Monroe had kept him informed of the proceedings in Congress on the Jay-Gardoqui negotiations in an almost continuous stream of letters. By August JM was deeply disturbed at what the consequences would be of Jay’s negotiating away the Confederacy’s rights to the river in return for limited trading rights and of Congress’s sanctioning such an agreement with Spain. In expressing his apprehensions to Jefferson, JM anticipated the reaction in the Virginia assembly. He feared that the proposed treaty with Spain would rekindle Virginians’ jealousy of the northern states, foster antagonism toward federal measures, and alienate altogether the people on the western waters from the federal government. Worst of all, even an unsuccessful attempt by the northern states in Congress to ratify the treaty might be “fatal … to an augmentation of the federal authority, if not to the little now existing. My personal situation is rendered by this business particularly mortifying. Ever since I have been out of Congress I have been inculcating on our assembly a confidence in the equal attention of Congress to the rights and interests of every part of the republic and on the western members in particular, the necessity of making the Union respectable by new powers to Congress if they wished Congress to negociate with effect for the Mississipi” (12 Aug. 1786 [partly in code]).
Once in the October 1786 General Assembly session, JM’s major concern was to forward the proposals made by the Annapolis convention for a thorough reform of the Articles. Despite the antifederal sentiment caused by the Mississippi issue, the House implemented the Annapolis recommendations early in November, before the western issue arose. When the Mississippi question was introduced by a petition of the Kentucky delegates in the House, the widely shared grievance found expression in a series of four resolutions, which were reported out of a Committee of the Whole and carried to the Senate by Thomas Mathews (JHDVJournal of the House of Delegates of the
          Commonwealth of Virginia; Begun and Held at the Capitol, in the City of Williamsburg.
        Beginning in 1780, the portion after the semicolon reads, Begun and
          Held in the Town of Richmond, In the County of Henrico. The journal for each session
        has its own title page and is individually paginated. The edition used is the one in which
        the journals for 1777–1786 are brought together in two volumes, with each journal published
        in Richmond in either 1827 or 1828 and often called the “Thomas W. White reprint.”, Oct. 1786, pp. 66–67).

Both Rives and Brant assert that JM was the author of these resolutions (Life of Madison, II, 138–42; Madison, II, 399). The evidence is circumstantial, but the attribution seems justified by JM’s long concern in the matter. Moreover, the style of the resolutions supports the contention that JM at least in part was the author. In a proprietorial tone JM informed Washington that although the resolutions were considered too pointed by some members of the Senate, “they certainly express in substance the decided sense of this Country at this time on the subject, and were offered in the place of some which went much farther and which were in other respects exceptionable” (7 Dec. 1786). By proposing resolutions less extreme and provocative in their language than those first presented, JM perhaps served as a moderating influence in the Committee of the Whole on 29 November.
The resulting resolutions embodied JM’s thoughts not only on the Mississippi, but also on the American confederacy. In unequivocal terms they asserted the right of the United States to “the free and common use of the River Missisippi” and the equal rights among the various parts of the confederacy. Further, the revision of the federal government and even the survival of the Union itself were staked upon the outcome of the negotiations with Spain. These instructions, to be forwarded to the Virginia delegates in Congress, were an emphatic statement against Jay’s treaty proposals and a call for equity and unity among all sections of the country.

In the House of Delegates,
Wednesday, the 29th. of December [November] 1786.
Resolved, that the common right of navigating the River Missisippi, and of communicating with other Nations through that Channel ought to be considered as the bountiful Gift of Nature to the United States as Proprietors of the Territory watered by the said River and its eastern Branches; and as moreover, secured to them by the event of the late Revolution;
Resolved, that the Confederacy having been formed on the broad basis of equal rights in every part thereof, to the protection and guardianship of the whole, a sacrafice of the rights of any one part, to the supposed or real interests of another part, would be a flagrant violation of Justice, a direct contravention of the end for which the foederal Government was instituted, and an alarming innovation of the System of the Union.
Resolved, that the Delegates, representing this State in Congress, be instructed in the most decided terms, to oppose any Attempt that may be made in Congress to barter or surrender to any Nation whatever the right of the United States to the free and common use of the River Missisippi; and to protest against the same as a dishonorable departure from that comprehensive and benevolent policy which constitutes the vital principle of the Confederacy; as provoking the just resentments and reproaches of our Western Brethren, whose essential rights and interests would be thereby sacraficed and sold; as destroying that confidence in the Wisdom, Justice and liberality of the foederal Councils which is so necessary at this Crisis, to a proper enlargement of their authority; and finally, as tending to undermine our repose, our prosperity, and our Union itself; and that the said Delegates be further instructed to urge the proper Negotiations with Spain, for obtaining her concurrence in such regulations touching the natural and common use of the said, as may secure the permanent harmony and affection of the two nations, and such as the wise and generous policy of his Catholic Majesty will perceive to be no less due to the interests of his own Subjects, than to the just and friendly views of the United States.


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, 30 November 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Pendleton, Edmund

Dear Sir
Richmond. Novr 30th. 1786.
Your favor of the 19th. inclosing a bill for amending a defective law gave me particular pleasure as it involved a proof of more health than report had allowed you. I anxiously wish that a blessing the smallest degree of which in your hands is always producing good to your Country may in the fullest manner be re-established. You are not wrong in supposing apprehensions in many of danger from accelerating a dispensation of Justice. Having always myself been of Opinion that this was the only proper remedy for our diseases, & that delay would only render them less susceptible of any remedy, I have ventured once more to contend for a reform in our general system of Justice, and have obtained leave to introduce a bill for that purpose. I have thought it necessary however to depart in some measure from the Assize plan which was my own choice, and to accede to the views of those who prefer a more compleat jurisdiction in the new tribunals. Should this bill meet with a better fate than its predecessors, an amendment of the County Court Law will be of less urgency. In a contrary event, the draught which you have been so good as to prepare will be peculiarly valuable.
The Senate have sent down the Bill making Tobo. a commutable with some material amendments. The disposition of the H. of D. in favor of the Measure is however too strong to suffer an abortion of it; and it is said besides that the Senate will not be inflexible in case of inflexibility in the other House. Our Revenue business according to usage lies back. The additional experience of every Session convinces me that it will not be extricated from its present confusion, unless the task shall be undertaken by one or a few heads in the recess of the Assembly. The Revised Code has been resumed, and a considerable proportion of bills left at the last Session, has been got through. The Criminal bill on which we were wrecked formerly has been shunned till yesterday. It will receive its doom tomorrow, in a form somewhat different from that in which it stands in the Code. Some of the alterations, are I think for the better, some evidently for the worse. Our near approach to the end of the Code makes it necessary to ponder well the manner in which it ought to be wound up. The conclusion which I have come to is that the changes which have taken place in some of the bills passed, the changes which will be requisite in those which have, as difficulties from subsequent circumstances have occurred, been skipped over for the time, and the incoherence of the whole, with the laws of posterior date to the digest, render it indispensable that a supplemental revision & adjustment should precede the Ultimate fiat to the system. Under this Conviction I have it in view to propose the appointment of a Committee on the model of that of whose labours, we are availing ourselves. What most embarrasses me is the difficulty of finding proper successors, & the cruelty of throwing the residuary burden on any of the Original labourers.
The inclosed Act marks the present temper of the Assembly towards our Continental system. The deputies are not yet appointed under it. It is proposed to select such as will give dignity to the experiment & at the same time be most likely to gain a ratification of the result from those to whom it will be reported. Genl. Washington’s name will probably be placed in the front of the appointment.
You have probably had some intimation of the project before Congs. for bartering the navigation of the Missippi to Spain. Our Western Representatives having been apprized of it called the attention of the Assembly to the danger in a very emphatical Memorial; in consequence of which a pretty pointed remonstrance was yesterday agreed to unanimously by the H. of Delegates. To say nothing of the merits of the project, the season at which it has been brought forward in Congs. was of all possible ones the most ill chosen. With my sincerest wishes for your happiness I remain Dear Sir Yr. Affect Servt.
Js. Madison Jr.


Title: Resolution to Select Commissioners for a Federal Convention, 30 November 1786
From: Virginia House of Delegates,Madison, James
To:

In the House of Delegates. Thursday November 30th 1786
Resolved that this house will on Monday next proceed by joint Ballot with the Senate, to the Choice of seven Commissioners, to meet such Commissioners as may be appointed by the other States in the Union, at a Convention to be held in the City of Philadelphia in May next, for the Purpose of revising the foederal Constitution.


Title: From James Madison to Martha Jefferson Carr, December? 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Carr, Martha Jefferson

December? 1786. Mentioned in Mrs. Carr’s letter to her brother, Thomas Jefferson, written 2 January 1787 (Boyd, Papers of JeffersonJulian P. Boyd et al., eds., The Papers of
          Thomas Jefferson (19 vols. to date; Princeton, N. J., 1950——)., XV, 632). JM informed Mrs. Carr that her letter to Jefferson, which JM had agreed to forward to Paris, although written “the first of May has not yet left Virginia.” In this missing letter JM informed Mrs. Carr that her son Peter was “going on well” in his school work. “He adds too that Mr. Smiths Account of Dabney is favourable.”


Title: Notes on the Pennsylvania Road Act of 1772, [December? 1786] (Abstract)
From: Madison, James
To:

Abstract
[December 1786?]. From JM’s letter to Jefferson of 19 June 1786 it is apparent that he was dissatisfied with the “present vicious plan of repairing” roads and was seeking a more efficacious way to keep public highways in better condition. JM’s abstract of the Pennsylvania 1772 act “for opening and keeping in repair public roads” in his hand probably was made during the October 1786 session of the General Assembly (Mitchell and Flanders, Pa. Statutes at Large, VIII, 185–94). He appears to have used the Pennsylvania statute books in preparing other legislation at this time (Bill concerning the Collection of Duties, 8 Jan. 1787). Francis Corbin, who served on several committees with JM, reported to Richard Henry Lee on 20 January 1787 that legislation on roads “has been left untouched—not owing to my inattention … but to Mr. Madison’s having undertaken to bring in a Bill upon that Subject—which however he had not time to complete” (ViU: Lee Family Papers). Hunt printed this document as a 1772 item, misinterpreting JM’s heading (Madison, Writings [Hunt ed.]Gaillard Hunt, ed., The Writings of James
          Madison (9 vols.; New York, 1900–1910)., I, 13–15) which gave the date and title of the Pennsylvania law. Conceivably, JM might have used these notes when he started writing a Resolution for Opening Roads to Market Towns, ca. 30 December 1784, but this is only conjecture (Papers of MadisonWilliam T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The
          Papers of James Madison (9 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——)., VIII, 207–8).


Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 4 December 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Richmd. Decr. 4. 1786.
Your last favor which was of the 25th of April, has already been acknowledged. My last inclosing a letter from Mrs. Carr, was dated a few days ago only. It was put into the hands of Mosr. Chevalier who has gone on to N. York, whither I shall forward this to his care. It is to embark in the packet which will sail on the 15th. inst.
The recommendation from the Meeting at Annapolis of a plenipotentiary Convention in Philada. in May next has been well recd. by the Assembly here. Indeed the evidence of dangerous defects in the Confederation has at length proselyted the most obstinate adversaries to a reform. The unanimous sanction given by the Assembly to the inclosed compliance with the Recommendation marks sufficiently the revolution of sentiment which the experience of one year has affected in this Country. The deputies are not yet appointed. It is expected that Genl. Washington, the present Govr. E. Randolph Esqr. & the late one Mr. Henry will be of the number.
The project for bartering the Missipi to Spain was brought before the Assembly after the preceding measure had been adopted. The report of it having reached the ears of the Western Representatives, as many of them as were on the spot, backed by a number of the late officers, presented a Memorial, full of consternation & complaint; in consequence of which some very pointed resolutions by way of instruction to the Delegates in Congs. were unanimously entered into by the House of Delegates. They are now before the Senate who will no doubt be also unanimous in their Concurrence.
The question of paper money was among the first with which the Session opened. It was introduced by petitions from two Counties. The discussion was faintly supported by a few obscure patrons of the measure, and on the votes it was thrown out by 85. vs 17. A petition for paying off the public securities according to a scale of their current prices, was unanimously rejected.
The Consideration of the Revised Code has been resumed & prosecuted pretty far towards its conclusion. I find however that it will be impossible as well as unsafe to give an ultimate fiat to the System at this Session. The expedient I have in view is to provide for a supplemental revision by a Comtee who shall accomodate the bills skipped over, and the subsequent laws, to such part of the Code as has been adopted, suspending the operation of the latter for one year longer. Such a work is rendered indispensible by the al[te]rations made in some of the bills in their passage, by the change of circumstances which call for corresponding changes in sundry bills which have been laid by, and by the incoherence between the whole code & the laws in force of posterior date to the code. This business has consumed a great deal of the time of two Sessions, and has given infinite trouble to some of us. We have never been without opponents who contest at least every innovation inch by inch. The bill proportioning crimes & punishments on which we were wrecked last year, has after undergoing a number of alterations, got thro’ a Committee of the Whole; but it has not yet been reported to the House, where it will meet with the most vigorous attack. I think the chance is rather against its final passage in that branch of the Assembly, and if it should not miscarry there, it will have another guantlet to run through the Senate. The bill on the subject of Education which could not safely be brought into discussion at all last year, has undergone a pretty indulgent consideration this. In order to obviate the objection from the inability of the Country to bear the expence, it was proposed that it should be passed into a law, but its operation suspended for three or four years. Even in this form however there would be hazard in pushing it to a final question, and I begin to think it will be best to let it lie over for the supplemental Revisors, who may perhaps be able to put it into some shape that will lessen the objection of expence. I should have no hesitation at this policy if I saw a chance of getting a Committee equal to the work of compleating the Revision. Mr. Pendleton is too far gone to take any part in it. Mr. Wythe I suppose will not decline any duty which may be imposed on him, but it seems almost cruel to tax his patriotic zeal any farther. Mr. Blair is the only remaining character in which full confidence could be placed.
The delay in the administration of Justice from the accumulation of business in the Genl Court and despair of obtaining a reform according to the Assize plan, have led me to give up this plan in favor of district Courts; which differ from the former in being cloathed with all the powers of the Genl. Court within their respective districts. The bill on the latter plan will be reported in a few days and will probably tho’ not certainly be adopted.
The fruits of the impolitic measures taken at the last Session with regard to taxes are bitterly tasted now. Our Treasury is empty, no supplies have gone to the federal treasury, and our internal embarrassments torment us exceedingly. The present Assembly have good dispositions on the subject, but some time will elapse before any of their arrangements can be productive. In one instance only the general principles of finance have been departed from. The Specie part of the tax under collection is made payable in Tobo. This indulgence to the people as it is called & considered, was so warmly wished for out of doors, and so strenuously pressed within that it could not be rejected, without danger of exciting some worse project of a popular cast. As Tobo. alone is made commutable, there is reason to hope the public treasury will suffer little if at all. It may possibly gain.
The Repeal of the port bill has not yet been attempted. Col. Mason has been waited for as the hero of the attack. As it is become uncertain whether he will be down at all, the question will probably be brought forward in a few days. The repeal were he present would be morally certain. Under the disadvantage of his absence it is more than probable. The question of British debts has also awaited his patronage. I am unable to say what the present temper is on that subject, nothing having passed that could make trial of it. The repeated disappointments I have sustained in efforts in favor of the Treaty make me extremely averse to take the lead in the business again.
The public appointmts. have been disposed of as follows: The contest for the Chair lay between Col. Bland & Mr. Prentis. The latter prevailed by a majority of near 20 votes. Mr. Harrison the late Speaker lost his election in Surry which he represented last year; and since has been equally unsuccessful in his pristine County Charles City where he made a second experiment. In the choice of a Governor Mr. E. Randolph had a considerable majority of the whole in the first ballot. His competitors were Col. Bland & R. H. Lee, each of whom had between 20 & 30 votes. The delegation to Congs. contained under the first choice Grayson, Carrington. R. H. Lee. Mr. Jones & myself. Col. H. Lee of the last delegation was dropt. The causes were different I believe & not very accurately known to me. One of them is said to have been his supposed heterodoxy touching the Mississpi. Mr. Jones has since declined his appointmt. &. Col Lee has been re-instated by an almost unanimous vote. A vacancy in the Council produced by the Resignation of Mr. Roane is filled by Mr. Bolling Starke. Cyrus Griffin was a candidate but was left considerably in the rear. The Attorney Generalship has been conferred on Col. Innis. Mr. Marshal had a handsome vote.
Our summer & fall have been wet, beyond all imagination in some places, and much so every where. The crops of corn are in general plentiful. The price up. The Country will not exceed 8/ or 10/. In this district it is scarcest & dearest, being already as high as 12/ or 15/. The Crop of Tobo will fall short considerably it is calculated of the last years. The highest & lowest prices in the Country of the new Crop are 25/ & 20/. A rise is confidently expected. My next will be from N. Y. whither I shall set out as soon as the principal business of the Session is over. Till my arrival there I postpone communications relative to our national affairs, which I shall then be able to make on better grounds, as well as some circumstances relative to the Affairs of this State, which the hurry of the present opportunity restrains me from entering into. Adieu.
Js. M. Jr.


Title: To James Madison from B. Johnston, 4 December 1786
From: Johnston, B.
To: Madison, James

Sir
Richmd. 4th. Decr. 1786
Permit me Sir through this mean’s (to save a long information by Personal interview) to inform you of a Peice of conduct, which at a Nother day may prove injuriou’s to the State of Virginia. “Some time ago the state of Virga. appointed a Mr. Parker Surveyor for the Commonwealth, to Assist in Surveying the Land ceeded to Congress, for that purpose Capt. Hutchings was to Superintend, that business.” The Gentlemen (or Most of them) Met in the year 1785. & in the Winter declined. They have Met again and are Now surveying, there being No Capt Parker, or any other for the state of Virginia, Capt Hutchings ‘Agreeable to a Resolution of Congress’ has Appointed a Deputy for the state of Virginia Who Probably may not be an Inhabitant of Virga. And as at Another day Virginia may Want a Categorical Account of the proceedings to the Westward, I thought it my duty to inform you, or some other knowing hand, that you may the More Maturely consider thereof. Excuse the Liberty I’ve taken and believe me to be Sir Yr. Mo. Obdt Hble Servt.
B. Johnston


Title: Bill for Completing the Revision of the Laws, [ca. 4 December] 1786
From: Madison, James
To:

[ca. 4 December 1786]
For compleating the Revision of the laws Be it enacted by the General Assembly that a Committee to consist of three persons shall be appointed by joint ballot of both Houses (two of whom to be a quorum) who shall take into consideration such of the bills contained in the Revisal of the laws prepared & reported by the Committee appointed for that purpose in the year 1776. as have not been enacted into laws; shall examine what alterations therein may be rendered necessary by a change of circumstances or otherwise, and shall make such report thereupon to the next meeting of the General Assembly as the said Committee shall judge proper.
And be it enacted that the said Committee shall also take into Consideration all acts of Assembly passed since the Revisal aforesaid was prepared; and shall have full power and authority to revise, alter, amend, repeal, or introduce all or any of the said laws, to form the same into bills, and report them to the General Assembly.
And to prevent any delay which may happen in the proceedings of the said Committee, by the death or disability of any member thereof, Be it enacted that if either of the said members should die, refuse to act, or be disabled by sickness from proceeding in the said work, it shall be lawful for the remaining members to appoint some other person in his stead, which person so appointed is hereby declared a member of the said Committee, in like manner as if he had originally been appointed by joint ballot of both Houses.
And Be it enacted that the said Committee shall have power to meet at such times and places as they shall think proper for the purposes aforesaid, to appoint a Clerk for their ease and assistance, and to send for any copies of records to the Clerk in whose custody they are, which such Clerk is hereby directed forthwith to transmit to them.
Provided that such bills [so] to be prepared and reported by the Committee to be appointed as aforesaid, shall be of no force or authority untill they shall have gone through their several readings in both Houses of Assembly, and been passed by them in such manner and form, as if the same had been originally introduced without the direction of this Act.
[And to the end that the laws passed as well at the present as at the last Session of General Assembly in consequence of the Revisal reported as aforesaid, may be duly promulged, and may commence in their operation at one and the same time: Be it enacted that the operation of the several Acts passed at the last Session of the General Assembly, of the following titles, to wit, “An Act concerning election of Members of the General Assembly—An Act concerning the public Treasurer—An Act concerning seamen—An Act directing the course of descents—An Act concerning Wills; the distribution of intestates estates; and the duty of Executors and administrators—An Act for regulating conveyances—An Act to prevent frauds and perjuries—An Act concerning the dower and Jointures of Widows—An Act for the preservation of the estates of Ideots and Lunatics—An Act providing that wrongful alienations of lands shall be void so far as they be wrongful—An Act to prevent the circulation of private Bank Notes—An Act to prevent losses by pirates, enemies, and others, on the high seas—An Act concerning Estrays—An Act for the restitution of stolen goods—An Act for preventing infection of horned Cattle—An Act for improving the breed of horses—An Act for licensing and regulating Taverns—An Act concerning public Roads—An Act concerning slaves—An Act declaring what persons shall be deemed Mulattoes—An Act concerning Aliens—An Act directing what prisoners shall be let to bail—An Act declaring that none shall be condemned without trial, and that Justice shall not be sold or deferred—An Act concerning Mill dams, and other obstructions of water Courses—An Act concerning Servants—An Act for apprehending and securing Runaways—An Act to enable Guardians and Committees, to perform certain Acts for the benefit of those who are under their care—An Act concerning Guardians, Infants, Masters, and Apprentices—and, an Act for the restraint, maintenance and cure of Persons not sound in mind[”]—shall not commence on the first day of January 1787. as directed by the said Acts respectively; but the operation of each and all of the said Acts shall be and the same is hereby suspended untill the  day of ]
And that the operation of each and all of the Acts passed at the present General Assembly of the following titles, to wit, ⟨“An act forbidding and punishing affrays: An act for licensing Counsel Attornies at Law & proctors: An act against Conspirators: An act concerning Partitions and joint rights & Obligations: An act for recovering demands of a small Value in a summary way: An act providing that an infant may sue by his next friend; An act for speedy recovery of money due from certain persons to the public—An act providing that actions popular prosecuted by Collusion shall be no bar to those which be pursued with good faith; An act for preventing vexatious and malicious prosecutions and moderating amercements: An act concerning treasons felonies & other offences committed out of the jurisdiction of this Commonwealth: An act for punishing disturbers of religious worship & Sabbath Breakers: An act prescribing the punishment of those who sell unwholesome meat or drink—An act to encourage the apprehending of horse stealers—An act declaring when the death of persons absenting themselves shall be presumed—An act for reforming the method of proceeding in writs of right An act directing the method of trying slaves charged with Treason or felony: An act for the Suppression & punishment of riots routs and unlawful Assemblies An act providing a mean to help and speed poor persons in their Suits An act against usury. An act directing the method of proceeding against & trying free persons charged with certain Crimes[”]⟩ shall [in like manner] be suspended untill the [said]  day of
And be it enacted that the Act passed at the last Session of General Assembly entitled “an Act concerning Escheators,” being rendered superfluous by the subsequent passage of an Act entitled “An Act to extend the operation of an Act entitled ‘an Act concerning Escheators’ to the several counties in the Northern Neck,[”] shall be & the same is hereby repealed.


Title: Warrant for Service in House of Delegates, [5 December] 1786
From: Madison, James
To:

[5 December 1786]
The Commonwealth to James Madison (Orange) Dr

To 41 Days attendance to the 5th Decr inclusive
}
20.10

Travelling 150 Miles coming & returning
}
3

£23.10.


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 7 December 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James, Sr.

Hond Sir
Richmd. Decr. 7th. 1786
Yours by Mr. Porter has been handed to me. I have not had an oppy. of enquirg. of Mr. Anderson concerning the person who is to recieve Tobo. for his brother. I mentioned before that the rate of indents here was about a dollar in the pound. Whether I can get the certificates for your taxes I can not say, nor do I know the rate at which they pass. Mr Jones has returned hither & declines his appt. to Congs. Fresh butter will be very acceptable the supply formerly sent being already out. No other article of provision is wanted, as we dine at a Tavern. I prepare to go from Fredg. to N. York in the Stage, & shall consequently take no horses with me. When I shall set out I can not now decide, but expect to leave this before Christmas sometime. The representation of the State in Congs. during the Winter will be so precarious that I shall be able to stay a day or two only in Orange. I have other reasons also of a public nature for wishing to hasten my journey, and a private one arising from the probable increase of the cold in case of delay. Tell my brother Ambrose, I wish him to sound Mr. Cowherd as to the possibility of his making a payment before the first of Jany. instead of the time fixed. I will abate a reasonable interest, and be obliged to him into the bargain. My affections to the family. Yr. dutiful Son
Js. Madison Jr.
I wish my cloaths so far as they may require little amendmts. to be put in order before I get [to] Orange, that I may not be detained on that score.


Title: From James Madison to George Washington, 7 December 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richmond Decr. 7th. 1786
Notwithstanding the communications in your favor of the 18th. Ult: which has remained till now to be acknowledged, it was the opinion of every judicious friend whom I consulted that your name could not be spared from the Deputation to the Meeting in May in Philada. It was supposed that in the first place, the peculiarity of the mission and its acknowledged pre-eminence over every other public object, may possibly reconcile your undertaking it, with the respect which is justly due & which you wish to pay to the late officers of the army; and in the second place that although you should find that or any other consideration an obstacle to your attendance on the service, the advantage of having your name in the front of the appointment as a mark of the earnestness of Virginia, and an invitation to the most select characters from every part of the Confederacy, ought at all events to be made use of. In these sentiments I own I fully concurred, and flatter myself that they will at least apologize for my departure from those held out in your letter. I even flatter myself that they will merit a serious consideration with yourself, whether the difficulties which you enumerate ought not to give way to them.
The affair of the Mississippi which was brought before the Assembly in a long Memorial from the Western Members & some of the Officers, has undergone a full consideration of both houses. The Resolutions printed in the papers, were agreed to unanimously in the H. of Delegates. In the Senate I am told the language was objected to by some members as too pointed. They certainly express in substance the decided sense of this Country at this time on the subject, and were offered in the place of some which went much farther and which were in other respects exceptionable. I am entirely convinced from what I observe here, that unless the project of Congs. can be reversed, the hopes of carrying this State into a proper federal Sytem will be demolished. Many of our most federal leading men are extremely soured with what has already passed. Mr. Henry, who has been hitherto the Champion of the federal cause, has become a cold advocate, and in the event of an actual sacrifice of the Misspi. by Congress, will unquestionably go over to the opposite side. I have a letter from Col. Grayson of late date which tells me that nothing further has been done in Congs. and one from Mr. Clarke of N. Jersey, which informs me that he expected every hour, instructions from his Legislature for reversing the vote given by the Delegates of that State in favor of the Project.
The temper of the Assembly at the beginning of the Session augured an escape of every measure this year, not consonant to the proper principles of Legislation. I fear now that the conclusion will contradict the promising outset. In admitting Tobo. 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 & without, and as a probable means of obviating more hurtful experiments. I find however now that it either had no such tendency, or that schemes were in embrio which I was not aware of. A bill for establishing district Courts has been clogged with a plan for installing all debts now due, so as to make them payable in three annual portions. What the fate of the experiment will be I know not. It seems pretty certain that if it fails the bill will fail with it. It is urged in support of this measure that it will be favorable to d[e]btors & creditors both, and that without it, the bill for accelerating Justice would ruin the former, and endanger the public repose. The objections are so numerous and of such a nature, that I shall myself give up the bill rather than pay such a price for it. With unfeigned affection & the higst. respt. I am Dr. Sir Yr. Obedt. & hble servt.
Js. Madison Jr