Title: To James Madison from William Bradford, [13] October 1772
From: Bradford, William
To: Madison, James

My dear Jemmy
October [13th, 1772]. Philada

I now perform the promise I made of writing to you when you were last in Philadelphia. I should have given myself that pleasure sooner, had I not heard you were at the —— springs, which made me fearful my letters would miscarry & therefore thought proper to defer it untill I left college. I am now determined to deny myself no longer nor neglect a correspondence which promise me so much pleasure & improvement.
The value of a college-life like most other blessing[s] is seldom known but by its loss. I little thought I should have regretted my leaving Nassau-hall so much as I feel I do. But from the congratulations of all around me at my Deliverance (as they please to term it) I would be led to think there was more cause for Joy than sorrow; that I was leaving a state of Bondage and going to enter upon far happier scenes. If a collegiac-life is a state of bondage, like the good old Chinesian I am in Love with my chains. ’Tis the common fault of Youth to entertain extravagant hopes of Bliss in their future life. Tis this that makes us quit College without regret & rush with rapture on the stage of action. Hope is a flatterer we readily beleive; she present[s] the world to our view in a thousand Ideal charms & then tells us, as the prince of the Air did our Saviour, “All these shall be yours.” Yet, in my present disposition, I am so far from expecting Happiness hereafter that I look for little but trouble & anxiety. I leave Nassau Hall with the same regret that a fond son would feel who parts with an indulgent mother to tempt the dangers of the sea.
What business I shall follow for life I have not yet determined. It is a Matter which requires deliberation & as I am not pressed by Age I intend to be in no hurry about it. I propose making History & Morality my studies the ensuing winter, as I look upon them to be very necessary in whatever employment I may hereafter engage. “Gnothi se auton” was the celebrated maxim of the antients; & perhaps we shall not find an easier way of doing this than by the study of History. “Human nature is the same in every age if we make allowance for the difference of customs & Education, so that we learn to know ourselves by studying the opinions & passions of others[.]”
Our friend Philip has commenced author. He has published a poem intitled the “America Village” to which he has added three other peices. (1) On a winter Night (2) the miserable life of a pedagogue. (3) an Elegy on an Antient ducth [dutch] house in long Island. Each of these are written in a different kind of verse. I would send you the poem had I an opportunity! It is well worthy your perusal.
We had a numerous tho’ not very splendid commencement. Livingston was addmitted to a degree. I had some expectations of seeing you & Ross there. But alas!—You have doubtless heard of Poor Joe’s death.
I expect to hear soon from you. When you write be particular; nothing that concerns my dear Jemmy can be indifferent to one who esteems it his happiness to be able to subscribe himself &c.
Wm B——d.


Title: To James Madison from Philip Freneau, 22 November 1772
From: Freneau, Philip
To: Madison, James

Sir
Somerset County in Maryland November 22d: 1772.

If I am not wrongly informed by my memory, I have not seen you since last April. you may recollect I was then undertaking a School at Flatbush on Long Island. I did enter upon the business it is certain and continued in it thirteen days—but—“Long Island I have bid adieu, with all its bruitish brainless crew. The youth of that detested place, are void of reason and of grace, From Flushing hills to Flatbush plains, Deep ignorance unrivall’d reigns.[”] I am very poetical but excuse it— “Si fama non venit ad aures” if you have not heard the rumor of this story (which by the by is told in various Taverns and eating houses) you must allow me to be a little prolix with it. Those who employed me were some Gentlemen of New York. some of them were bullies, some merchants, and others Scoundrels: They sent me Eight children the eldest of whom was 10 Years. Some could read, others spell and a few stammer over a chapter of the Bible. these were my pupils and over these was I to preside. My Salary moreover was £40,—there is something else relating to that I shall not at present mention. after I forsook them they proscribed me for four days and swore that if I was caught in New York they would either Trounce or maim me: but I luckily escaped with my goods to Princetown—where I remained till commencement—so much for this affair. I have printed a poem in New York called the American Village, containing about 450 Lines, also a few short pieces added; I would send you one if I had a proper opportunity. the additional poems are,—1. a Poem to the Nymph I never saw—The miserable Life of a Pedagogue—and Stanzas on an ancient Dutch house on Long Island. As to the main poem it is damned by all good and judicious judges—my name is in the title page. this is called Vanity by some—but “who so fond as youthful bards of fame?” I arrived at this Somerset Academy the 18th: of October and intend to remain here till next October. I am assistant to Mr. Bracken[r]idge[.] This is the last time I shall enter into such a business. it worries me to death and by no means suits my “giddy’ wandring brain.” I would go over for the gown this Time two years—but the old hag Necessity has got such a prodigious gripe of me that I fear I shall never be able to accomplish it. I believe if I cannot make this out I must turn quack—and indeed I am now reading Physic at my leisure hours, that is, when I am neither sleeping, hearing classes, or writing Poetry—for these three take up all my time.
It is now late at night. not an hour ago I finished a little poem of about 400 lines, entituled a Journey to Maryland—being the Sum of my adventures. it begins—“From that fam’d town where Hudsons flood—unites with Streams, perhaps as good; Muse has your bard began to roam.” I intend to write a terrible Satire upon certain vicious persons of quality in N. Y—who have also used me ill—and print it next fall. it shall contain 5 or 600 Lines. Sometimes I write pastorals to shew my Wit. “Deep to the woods, I sing a Shepherds care, Deep to the woods, Cyllenius calls me there. The last retreat of Love and Verse I go—Verse made me mad at first and —— will keep me so.[”] I should have been glad to have heard from you before now; while I was at College I had but a short participation of your agreeable friendship and the few persons I converse with and yet fewer, whose conversation I delight in, make me regret the Loss of it. I have met with a variety of rebuffs this Year, which I forbear to mention. I look like an unmeaning Teague just turned out of the hold of an irish Ship. coming down hither I met with a rare adventure at Annapolis. I was destitute even of a brass farthing. I got clear very handsomely. could one Expect ever to see you again, if I travel through Virginia I shall stop and tallk with you a day or two. I should be very glad to recieve a Letter from you if it can be conveniently forwarded. In short ‘Non sum qualis eram” as Partridge says in Tom Jones. My hair is grown like a mop, and I have a huge tuft of Beard directly upon my chin. I Want but five weeks of twenty one Years of age and already feel stiff with age. We have about 30 Students in this academy, who prey upon me like Leaches. [“]When shall I quit this whimp’ ring pack, and hide my head in Acomack!” Shall I leave them and go “Where Pokomokes long stream meandring flows.[”] Excuse this prodigious Scrawl—without stile or sense. I send this by Mr. Luther Martin who will forward it to Col. Lee—and he to you I hope. Mr. Martin lives in Acomack in Virginia, this side the bay. Farewell and be persuaded I remain your
truly humble Servt and friend.
Ph. F-r-e-n-e-a-u


Title: To James Madison from William Bradford, 1 March 1773
From: Bradford, William
To: Madison, James

My dear Jemmy,
N. Hall. March 1t. 1773.

You will pardon me for not writing sooner when I inform you that ever since I received your agreeable letter I have [been] roving from place to place without being able to find time to answer it. But I need make no apology, as I know your Goodness will excuse me without one. Puntuality [in] answering a letter is what Pope justly call[s] the ceremonial part of friendship which those who have a true taste for the substantial part can sometimes dispense with.
You alarm me, by what you tell me about your health. I beleive you hurt your constitution while here, by too close an application to study; but I hope ’tis not so bad with you as you seem to imagine. Persons of the weakest Constitutions by taking a proper care of themselves often out live those of the strongest. Pope, in his letters, is frequently complaining that his health was fast declining & that he looks upon himself as just on the threshhold of another world; yet you see he lived longer than the generallity of mankind do. You, I hope will yet enjoy many days as you seem designed by Providence for extensive usefulness. “Spare useful lives,” is a part of the Doctor’s petition I always heartily join.
The best thanks I can give you for your advice is to frame my conduct by it. Let me intreat a continuation of it, & be assured I shall always receive it with pleasure & Gratitude. I know not why, but so it is, that that advice of an absent friend makes a deeper impression on me & is more attended to [than] the wisest precepts of the wisest Philosopers.
I am afraid you will find me but a dull correspondent however I can be a faithful one. Some have an ingenious way of filling their letters with compliments & professions of regard which for the life of me I cannot obtain. Nor would I if I could. It is true, Compliments have been called the Smoke of Friendship, but I know not whether the metaphor will hold; for where there is smoke there must be some fire, but there may [be] compliments without the least degree of Friendship. Several times I sat down to write to you & as often rose up without being able to tell you any thing that was worth your hearing. When I began this letter I was going upon an old rule I have often heard “to say whatever comes uppermost,” But as that always is how heartily I love it is needless to tell you what you already know. I shall therefore give a short account of the several productions of the press in this part of the world.
(*Here an account of the piece[?] against[?] Dr Witherspoon precis[?] of the “candid remarks”) George Cockings has likewise published a peice which he has christened with the name of Tragedy. I beleive you have read part (I am sure you never read the whole) of his poem, called “War.” It may serve to give you some Idea of this Tragedy, when I tell that he seems to have designed it as a compendium of that. The stile is below criticism, & one would think he intended to burlesque blank verse by it. Mather’s psalms which you know are prose divided into six & eight feet, are far preferable. As to Sentiment there is none in it and the unities of time and place (If I rightly understand what they are) are grosly violated. I think it is Lord Kaims who observes “That change of time and place ought never to be indulged in the same act.” But in the middle of the last act the scene shifts from Quebec to London & the time is considerably advanced. He has, however, happily preserved all the Punctuality of an historian, which may serve to gratify the curiosity of those who desire to know how Quebec was taken. But [to] call this peice a tragedy is ridiculous for it has neither the spirit nor the body of Dramatic poetry.
Doctor Smith has published an oration which he delivered to the Philosophic Society: it is nothing extraordinary but seems to be (as he himself calls it) “a few loose thoughts thrown together in an evening or two.”
You see by my date that I have on[c]e more left the busy town to enjoy the quiet of a collegiac Life. If you would allow me to make use of the hackened simile (because it so well describe[s] my case) I would tell you that like Noah’s Dove I had again sought the ark because I found no resting place for my foot. I spend my time very agreeably & want nothing to compleat my happiness but your company & conversation. Write soon & beleive me yours
W—— B——d.


Title: From James Madison to William Bradford, 28 April 1773
From: Madison, James
To: Bradford, William

Dear Billey
Virginia Orange County April 28th. 73

I received your Letter dated March the 1st. about a Week ago and It is not more to obey your demands, than to fulfill my own desires that I give you this early answer. I am glad you disclaim all punctiliousness in our correspondence. For my own part I confess I have not the face to perform ceremony in person and I equally detest it on paper though as Tully says It cannot blush. Friendship like all Truth delights in plainess and simplicity & It is the Counterfeit alone that needs Ornament and ostentation. I am so thoroughly persuaded of this that when I observe any one over Complaisant to me in his professions and promises I am tempted to interpret his Language thus—As I have no real esteem for you and for certain reasons think it expedient to appear well in your eye, I endeavour to Varnish Falsehood with politeness Which I think I can do in so ingenious a manner that so vain a Blockhead as you cannot see through it. I would have you write to me when you feel as you used to do when we were under the same Roof and you found it a recreation and release from Business and Books to come and chat an hour or two with me. The Case is such with me that I am too remote from the Post to have the same Choice, but It seldom happens that an Opportunity Catches me out of a Humour of Writing to my old Nassovian Friends and you know What place you hold among them.
I have not seen a single piece against the Doctor’s Address. I saw a piece advertised for publication in the Phila. Gazette Entitled—Candid Remarks &c. and that is all I know about it. These things seldom reach Virginia and when they do I am out of the way of them. I have a curiosity to read those Authors who write with “all the rage of Impotence” When passion seems to commit a rape on the understanding and engenders a little peevish snarling offspring: not because there is any Excellence or wit in their Writings, but because they implicitly proclaim the Merit of those they are railing against and give them an occasion of shewing by their Silence and Contempt that they are invulnerable. I am heartily obliged to you for your kind offer of sending me some of These Performances. I should also willingly accept Freneau’s Works and the Sermons to Doctors in Divinity which I hear are published and whatever else you reckon worth reading. Please to note the Cost of the Articles for I will by no means suffer our acquaintance to be an expence on your part and I have nothing fit to send you to make it reciprocal.
In your next Letter be more particular as to yourself, your Intentions present employments &c. Erwin McPherrin &c &c—The Affairs of College. Is their Lottery like to come to any thing? There has happened no Change in my purposes since you heard from me last. My Health is a little better owing I believe to more activity and less Study recommended by the Phy[si]cians. I shall try if possible to devise some Business that will afford me a sight of you once more in Philada. within a Year or two. I wish you would resolve the same with respect to me in Virginia though Within a shorter time.
I am sorry my situation affords me nothing New Curious or entertaining to pay you for your agreeable information & remarks You being at the Fountain-Head of Political and Literary Intelligence and I in an Obscure Corner—You must expect to be greatly [the] loser on that score by our Correspondence. But as you have entered upon it I am determined to hold you to it, and shall give you some very severe admonitions whenever I perceive a remissness or Brevity in your Letters. I do not intend this as a beginning of reproof but as a caution to you never to make it necessary at all.
If Mr. Horton is in Philadelphia give him my best Thanks for his Kindness in assisting Mr. Wallace to do some Business for [me] not long ago.
I must reecho your pressing Invitations to [write soon which I] do with the more confidence as I have complied [with yours.]
I am Dear [Sir] Yours most unfeignedly
James Madison Junr.


Title: To James Madison from William Bradford, 27 May 1773
From: Bradford, William
To: Madison, James

My dear Jemmy
Philada. May 27. 1773.

Tis with pleasure I find myself able to give you ample information concerning your Nassovian Friends, many of whom are now in town attending the Synod. Mr. Ervin has been sometime licensed & I hear is very popular in the back parts of Pennsylvania. He has lately commenced a strict Cadoganite; yet [in] spite of Cadogan his health is much impaired and he seems to be in the first stage of a consumption. Our friend McPherrin is likewise fulminating from the pulpit. He is well and in one of his letters desires to be rememb[e]red to you. As to Breckenridge he is still in Maryland. I lately received a letter from him in which he expresses the tenderest concern for You[r] ill state of Health which I acquaint[ed] him with the last time I wrote. He complains of never hearing from you, tho’ he has frequently written—and suppose you cannot find an opportuni[ty.]
Keith, Debow & Allen are now in town applying to the presbetry. I could sincerely wish some way was fallen upon for the good of the church; & to prevent persons from “running their heads against the Pulpit (as Dr South says) who might have done their Country excellent service at the Tail of the plow.” For I am verily persuaded that these Gentn. are more capable of being benificial to the state by their hands than by their heads. It will perhaps surprize you to hear that the College has chosen Grier Tutor in the place of Mr Devins who has resigned. But it will surprise you still more to hear that Brian is married to Miss Amelia Horner—nay has been so ever since last summer tho’ they never acknowledged it till the Fruits of it appeared in a fine Daughter. He is licensed to plead & is now gone to Baltimore. What could be the reason of his marrying her would be hard to determine. It could not be Love—perhaps it was pity. Indeed I know no place so overstocked with Old-Maids as Princeton. So few are the marriages that one a Stranger would be tempted to think the barbarous Custom of burning the Living with the dead prevailed there as well as in the East.
With regard to my Situation I shall be more explicit in my next. Suffice it to say that I have not yet entered on any particular business but continue the study of History and Morality. I have for a long time been roving thro’ the regions of Science without steering any direct course. It is now high time “Contrahere Vela” & to confine myself to some limits and follow some settled method of study. As I am now about forming a Library of Books which I intend shall be my companions thro’ Life, I intend to be very carefull in admitting an unworthy member in it. Could you draw up a list of such books as are proper for a private Gentn. Library you would much oblige me by sending it. If I mistake not you have done it already.
News is at a stand—private scandal excepted—that you know can never want Votaries in so populous a city as this. There is now in the press a petit-peice ‘On the Management of Children” by Cadogan. When you are married I will send you one—or sooner, if you please
I am your &c &c
W—— B——d.

I have sent you a bundel of pamphlets by the posts. I hope they will reach you.


Title: From James Madison to William Bradford, 10 June 1773
From: Madison, James
To: Bradford, William

My dear friend,
June 10th. —73. Orange County.

I had the pleasure of Mr Wallace’s Company & your letter on Tuesday last. He left me to Day but not without requesting me to make mention of his kind remembrance of you when I should write to you. He professes a warm affection for you and you know the sincerity of his professions. I am much obliged to you for your information concerning my friends. I received a Line or two with yours from Mrss Ervin & McPherrin who confirm what you say of them. I hope the fortitude & Zeal with which they enter on the ministerial Duties will procure them esteem and success. As you have a communication with Mr Brackinridge tell him I write to him by every opportunity and by no means to ascribe his not hearing from me to any want of affection or endeavours in me; for I often lament our unlucky situation. Keith Debow &c I wish well but I adopt your opinion of them and had rather see them at the rustic employment you assign them than in the pulpit. Nevertheless it ought to be acknowledged that spiritual events are not limited or proportioned always to human means; yet granting this in its just extent it must be observed that the best human means should be ever employed otherwise it would look like a lazy presumptious dependance on Providence. Grier is a worthy fellow and I am pleased with his preferment; Tho’ his want of Majesty and Oeconomy may be unpromising, he has integrity & Industry two very useful requisites. Poor Brian has been long intoxicating his brain with Idleness & disapation. I hope this larger draught of folly he has now taken will sober him again. I seriously pity him.
The little bundle of pamphlets is not yet come to hand. Perhaps they may be yet lying at Fredg. I shall be better able to inform you in my next whether they have miscarried or not. You ask my sentiments on the application of your talents; friendship will not allow me to refuse my advice poor as it is; yet in so delicate & important a matter Prudence requires I should hear from you again before I give it; especially as the list of books you desire will fill up the remainder of my paper. I have selected for you the following out of a Catalogue Dr Witherspoon sent me at my request. The whole is too large to be transcribed here. You shall have it hereafter if you notify your want of it. [Here was the Catalogue.] So for the Doctor[;] what follows I have occasionally noted for my own use: some of them I have not read[.] you have given me a task for which I am wholly unqualified. If they do not answer you must blame yourself—(The Catalg)[.] Mr Wallace tell[s] me you are very sedate and philosophic which makes me love you better than ever I did: I am so myself.
Farewell
J—— M—— Jr.


Title: Indenture, 16 June 1773—Summary
From: Madison, James
To:

16 June 1773. JM, James Madison, Sr., Ambrose Madison, and Francis Madison were witnesses to a deed of sale of a farm in Orange County to Henry Gaines by William and Mary Daingerfield. These witnesses, with the exception of James Madison, Sr., also attested a receipt whereby William Daingerfield acknowledged that he had been paid £28 by Gaines for the property. Strangely, £78 is the price stated in the indenture. The Daingerfields lived in Spotsylvania County.


Title: To James Madison from William Bradford, 12 August 1773
From: Bradford, William
To: Madison, James

Dear Jemmy,
Abington August 12th 1773.

I have just returned here from Philada where I have been this week past in a constant hurry occasioned by the marriage of a Sister. I now sit down to answer your agreeable Letter which I could not do sooner altho I greatly desired it; but I hope you will not follow a bad example but reprove my long delay by an early answer; for as I expect soon to determine what profession I shall engage in for Life I am earnest to have the sentiments of so valuable a friend on that subject before I fix my choice. The chief design of my coming to Mr Treat’s where I now am was to have Liberty to examine with attention the several callings in Life; every one has its peculiar inconveniences and I am desirous of obtaining a clear Idea of them, that when I enter into public Life I may know what I have to fear and what to expect.
Could I think myself properly qualified for the ministry I should be at no loss what choice to make, As I have always borne in mind that I was born for others as well as for myself I have always been desirous of being in that station in which I could be of most use to my fellow-creature: And in my opinion a divine may be the most useful as well as the most happy member of society. But as there are some insuperable objections to my entering that state My choice is now divided betwixt Law Physic and Merchandize. If I am rightly acquainted with my own genius it points rather to the first than to either of the others. From my childhood my choice has always [been] hovering betwixt Law & divinity, whereas I have constantly had an aversion to physic & trade. But I hope I have diligence enough to overcome this aversion and make all of them equally agreeable & easy. To consult a childs genius in putting him to business is an old rule which however, I beleive, may often be dispenced with; for besides the difficulty and uncertainty in attaining the knowledge of any one’s Genius we should remember the advice of an old Philosopher on this very subject, “Optimum eligi facile & suave illud faciet consuetudo.” These consideration[s] determined me not to engage rashly in the Study of the Law but to examine the others callings with impartiality and see (supposing my genius the same for all) which would be the most eligible state. The grand objection urged against Law is, that it is prejudicial to morals. It must indeed be owned that the conduct of the generallity of lawyers is very reproachable but that ought not to make their profession so as it is not the necessary consequence of it. Nor do I think there are more temptations in the study of the Law than in Merchandize. As gain is the sole pursuit of the merchant he is much more likely to contract an inordinate desire of wealth than the Lawyers, whose pursuit is as much after fame as Wealth; indeed they are both improper pursuits yet generosity and Benevolence are the product of the one[;] Extortion & Selfishness of the other. Why should a Lawyer be more dishonest than a Merchant? If he is he certainly mistakes his true interest. Honesty is a surer tho’ perhaps a slower way of rising than dishonesty. It leads to reputation and reputation to wealth. Besides as I heard Dr Witherspoon once observe, a man of known probity will have great weight with the Judges and his very appearing in a cause will influence them in its favour. It is then the Lawyers interest to be honest & next to the divine can there be a more useful member of society than an honest Lawyer. Can there be a nobler character than his whose business it is to support the Laws of his country & to defend the oppresed from the violence of the Oppresor: whose whole Life is spent in actions which tend to the public good, in wiping away the tear from the eye of affliction in bringing offenders to Justice or calming the fears of accused innocence? Yet there is one objection against the Study of the Law which has great weight with me. It is overstocked. This indeed holds equally strong against physic tho’ it can never do so against Trade. There is so vast a crowd of competitors that I fear it requires greater abilities, & fortune than I possess to rise above or perhaps keep equall with them. “For tho’ every crowd has this peculiar quality that over their heads their is room enough yet how to get there is the difficult point; for (continues the humourous dean) it is as difficult to get quit of number as of Hell.” “Evadere ad auras &c”
Thus I have fully given you my sentiments on this subject and now desire your unreserved opinion, which you think the wisest choice Law Physic or Merchandize. Beleive me my friend I do not ask your sentiments to pay you the usual compliment on such occasions. It is probable they will have great influence in determining my choice and I request as a test of your friendship that you will be open and unreserved.
I had a great many things to tell you when I sat down but I have been led into too great a length already. You shall never have occasion “to reprove me for remissness or brevity.” I never finish without relunctance. While I am writing to you I feel in a manner, in you[r] company & that was always to[o] agreeable to be soon relinquished. I am pleased with an observation I once met with in the Letters between Henry & Frances. [“]Writing releives absence—Tis strange that the very action which marks it most should make us feel it least”: but seeing I am forced to conclude I comfort myself with the hopes of hearing soon & frequently from you. Beleive me to be
W—— B——d.


Title: From James Madison to William Bradford, 5–6 September 1773
From: Madison, James
To: Bradford, William

Dear Sir
Virginia Orange County [5 September 1773]

If I did not love you too well to scold at you I should begin this with upbraiding your long silence contrary to your express promise and my earnest Solicitations. The Bundle of Pamplets you sent by the Post has miscarried[.] I would not trouble you with sending them again but perhaps if you would enquire of the Post they might still be discovered. I expect this will be handed to you by Mr. Erwin who has been kind enough to extend his Journey this far whose praise is in every mans mouth Here for an excellent Discourse he this Day preached for us. He will let you know every thing that Occurs to me worth mentioning at Commencement or Philadelpha if you should not attend the Commencement. Gratitude to him and friendship to yourself and Others with some Business perhaps will induce me to visit Philaa and Princeton in [the] Spring if I should be alive and should have health sufficient. I set too high a Value on Mr. Erwin’s Company to write much to you now and besides have the like office of Friendship to several other Friends.
I am Dr. Sr. Yours most Affectionately
James Madison Junr.
Sept 6th. 1773


Title: To James Madison from William Bradford, 24 September 1773
From: Bradford, William
To: Madison, James

My Dear Jemmy,
Philada. Sept. 24. –73.

I was on the point of expostulating with you for you[r] long silence when I receiv’d your[s] of Sept 6 by the hands of our worthy friend mr Ervin. I am surprized & chagrined to find you have not received a letter I wrote about six weeks ago. You may remember you promised to give me you[r] sentiments about my employing my talents provided I explained myself more fully upon that head. Eager to have the advice of so valuable a friend upon a point of so much importance to me, I wrote to you as soon as time would permit & desired a speedy answer. I told you &c &c. [here was a short abstract of the last letter]. But the careless post it seems not content with losing the Pamphlets has also lost my letter. I hope, however, it may be still lying at Fredg. & should you receive it you will answer it soon; if you should not this
may perhaps be serviceable to you in giving you[r] opinion which of the Different callings you think I had best follow.
About two month[s] ago I wrote to mr Wallace & according to his orders directed the Letter to your Care. I hope you have received and forwarded it. If that has miscarried too: I know not what I shall do. Mr Wallace has, perhaps already begun to entertain the same disadvantageous opinion of me, which I am afraid my supposed Silence made you entertain. Yet methinks it would have been kinder had my friend attributed his not hearing from me to some other cause than my not writing; for you must not Suppose that I would willingly neglect a correspondence with which my interest and happiness are so nearly connected. However I can forgive you as the indulgence with which you treat the remissness you thought me guilty of gives me a pleasure I sensibly feel.
I would willingly have deffered writing till after commencement which will begin in a few days. But I cannot bear to lay under the imputation of remissness and want of friendship so long. I shall therefor conclude this, as the post is upon the point of setting of[f], with assuring you that I am as much as ever your sincere friend.
W—— B——d.


Title: From James Madison to William Bradford, 25 September 1773
From: Madison, James
To: Bradford, William

My dear friend
Septr. 25th 1773.

I received yours of the 12 August and give you this repeated Testimony of my punctuality. I got your letter to Mr Wallace at the same time much worn and abused. I have given it a new coat & shall forward it as soon as a safe Opportunity serves.
Since you first hinted to me your suspence as to the settled business of your life, I have partook of your anxiety & [though it] has been often in my thoughts I feel a backwardness to offer my opinion in so critical a matter and the more so for the weight you are pleased to give it. I have too much esteem and affection for you and am too conscious of my want of capacity and experience to direct in so important an Affair. I must therefore premise that it is my earnest request that you would act the candid open friend as well as in rejecting as in asking advice; for I consult nothing but your real interest, and am sensible of my insufficiency to be a counsellor much more a preceptor. You forbid any recommendation of Divinity by suggesting that you have insuperable objections therefore I can only condole with the Church on the loss of a fine Genius and persuasive Orator. I cannot however suppress thus much of my advice on that head that you would always keep the Ministry obliquely in View whatever your profession be. This will lead you to cultivate an acquaintace occasionally with the most sublime of all Sciences and will qualify you for a change of public character if you should hereafter desire it. I have sometimes thought there could not be a stronger testimony in favor of Religion or against temporal Enjoyments even the most rational and manly than for men who occupy the most honorable and gainful departments and are rising in reputation and wealth, publicly to declare their unsatisfatoriness by becoming fervent Advocates in the cause of Christ, & I wish you may give in your Evidence in this way. Such Instances have seldom occurred, therefore they would be more striking and would be instead of a “Cloud of Witnesses.[”] If I am to speak my Sentiments of Merchandize, Physic and Law I must say they are all honorable and usefull professions and think you ought to have more regard to their Suitableness to your Genius than to their comparative Excellence. As far as I know your endowments I should pronounce Law the most eligeble. It alone can bring into use many parts of knowledge you have acquired and will still have a taste for, & pay you for cultivating the Arts of Eloquence. It is a sort of General Lover that wooes all the Muses and Graces. This cannot be said so truly of commerce and Physic & therefore less Learning & smaller understanding will do for them. The objection founded on the number of Lawyers should stimulate to Assiduity rather than discourage the Attempt. I greatly commend your determined adherence to probity and Truth in the Character of a Lawyer but fear it would be impracticable. Misrepresentation from a client or intricacy in a cause must often occasion doubt and ignorance till the matter has been considerably debated at the bar; Though it must be allowed there are a thousand cases in which your rule would be safe and highly commendable. I must add after all that if you should enter on a mercantile State (to which peculiar reasons for ought I know may advise) I should be loth to disapprove.
Mr Wallace is not yet settled. He meditate[s] a tour to the South about the last of October which will take up several months I imagine. These few particulars I receivd by a letter from him about three weeks ago.
As you have access to New books & have frequent accounts from home, I should be thankfull if you would let me know whenever you light on any worth recommending to a friend. I expect in your next to have a narrative of College affairs and such [other things] as you could not crowd in your last.
We have a very great scarcity of circulating cash in this colony which has reduced the price of provisions & other commodites more than half: I do not meddle with Politicks but this Calamity lies so near the heart of every friend of the Country that I could not but mention it. I do not often write to you in haste but it has happened so now & you must excuse it for it is far from being owing to any Abatement of the Friendship & Affection of Your old &c.
JM Jnr.


Title: From James Madison to William Bradford, 1 December 1773
From: Madison, James
To: Bradford, William

My kind friend
Dec. 1. 1773.

I have had the gratification of receiving both your letters, and the Pamphlets sent by Wilkinson. It is a reflection I am naturally led into whenever I write to you that I always have occasion to be returning my thanks for some kindness received without being able to retaliate. Gratitude is the only fund I can pay you out of which I am sensible your generosity accepts as sufficient: but at the same time Friendship likes it not to be behind hand in favours. My Consolation however is that if I am in debt, it is to a liberal Benefactor who thinks as little of his friendly offices as I think much of my Deficiencies.
I am glad you have rescued yourself from your anxiety and suspence and have come to a determination to engage in the study of the Law, which I hope you had better reasons for chusing than I could suggest. I intend myself to read Law occasionally and have procured books for that purpose so that you need not fear offending me by Allusions to that science. Indeed any of your remarks as you go along would afford me entertainment and instruction. The principles & Modes of Government are too important to be disregarded by an Inquisitive mind and I think are well worthy [of] a critical examination by all students that have health & Leisure. I should be well pleased with a scetch of the plan you have fixed upon for your studies, the books & the order you intend to read them in; and when you have obtained sufficient insight into the Constitution of your Country and can make it an amusement to yourself send me a draught of its Origin & fundamental principals of Legislation; particularly the extent of your religious Toleration. Here allow me to propose the following Queries. Is an Ecclesiastical Establishment absolutely necessary to support civil society in a supream Government? & how far it is hurtful to a dependant State? I do not ask for an immediate answer but mention them as worth attending to in the course of your reading and consulting experienced Lawyers & Politicians upon. When you have satisfied yourself in these points I should listen with pleasure to the Result of your reserches.
You recommend sending for the Reviews as the best way to know the present State of Literature and the Choicest Books published. This I have done and shall continue to do: but I find them loose in their principals [and] encourage[r]s of free enquiry even such as destroys the most essential Truths, Enemies to serious religion & extreamly partial in their Citations, seeking them rather to Justify their censures and Commendations than to give the reader a just specimen of the Authors genius. I can rely with greater confidence on you[r] judgment after you have read the Authors or have known their Character from you[r] judicious friends. I am meditating a Journey to Philada which I hope to accomplish early in the spring if no unforeseen hindrances stop me. I shall bring a brother with me to put to school somewhere there, perhaps at Mr Smith’s. I need not say how far the desire of seeing you and others is a powerful Inducement and that my imagination daily anticipates the pleasure of this Tour. who were the authors of the Sermons you sent me? what is the exchange with you now & what is it likely to be in the spring? Write speedily & forgive my troublesome questions, I am Dr Sir, Your &c.
JM Junr.


Title: To James Madison from William Bradford, 25 December 1773
From: Bradford, William
To: Madison, James

My dear Sir,
Philada. Dec. 25. 1773.

The gratefull manner in which you mention the few trifles I sent you gives me a most sensible pleasure as it [is] a new proof of you[r] friendship. Beleive me my freind I esteem it [a] favor that you put it in my power to oblige; & therefore the best way of showing your gratitude will be to command me freely when I have it in my power to serve you.
I am glad to hear you intend to cultivate an acquaintance with the Law as I promise myself much pleasure and improvement from your remarks upon it. I agree with you that every gentleman who has health & Leisure ought to have a tolerable acquaintance with the Laws & constitution of his Country: yet it is no uncommon thing to find persons of rank & fortune who are utter strangers to both. Blackstone remarks (and every man who is conversant with the world remarks) that there is no nation under heaven that have so valuable a constitution as the English & no nation who [are] so ignorant of the constitution of their Country. ’Tis in this point I find myself very deficient & I verily beleive I know more of the constitution of Antient Greece & Rome than of that of Great-Britain. This was owing to my ignorance of the English History which I had determined (rashly indeed) not to read till I had read all that precceeded it. I finding it impossible to be an universal Historian I propose reading Hume History as soon as time will permit.
I am at present endeavouring to gain an insight into the Practice of our Courts & therefore have not time to investigate the principles of Government & the English constitution with that accuracy I intend hereafter to do. Any Question you may propose on that subject will be highly acceptable: not that I can give you a satisfactory answer, but because it will make me attend to points, which tho important, I might pass over without paying the attention they deserve. You will Give me Liberty in my turn to consult you on any difficulty I may meet with & thus make your correspondence as instructive as entertaining. Scipio used daily to thank the Gods that they had introduced him to the Acquaintance of Polybius; nor have I less reason to be thankful that I once enjoyed your company and now you[r] correspondence.
Mr Breckingridge is well & still in Maryland Mr Freneau passed thro’ here a few days ago but I could not get a sight of him. He intends sailing next spring for England to take Orders. All your friends this way are well. But I am sorry to inform you that you have lost another of your fellow-Graduates; I mean Neddy Chesman. His exit was very sudden. He took to his bed on Sunday Evening & the next Saturday was a Corps. Tis just too weeks since he died.
I have enquired & find the Exchange to be at 79. but it is probable it will be lower in the spring. I will inform you how it is, should I write again before I see you. I need not tell you what pleasure Your intention of coming this way gives me. Pray do not let any thing but absolute Necessity frustrate it.
I enclose you an account of the Destruction of the Tea at Boston. We have taken a more gentle but full as effectual a method of avoiding the duty. [Th(en) an account of the Arrival of Capt Ayers, treatment of him & his departure.]
I am Dr Sir
W B Junr


Title: From James Madison to William Bradford, 24 January 1774
From: Madison, James
To: Bradford, William

My worthy friend,
Jan 24. 1774

Yours of the 25 of last month came into my hands a few days past. It gave singular pleasure not only because of the kindness expressed in it but because I had reason to apprehend the letter you recd. last from me had miscarried and I should fail in procuring the intelligence I wanted before the Trip I design in the Spring.
I congratulate you on your heroic proceedings in Philada. with regard to the Tea. I wish Boston may conduct matters with as much discretion as they seem to do with boldness: They seem to have great Tryals and difficulties by reason of the obduracy and ministerialism of their Governour. However Political Contests are necessary sometimes as well as military to afford excercise and practise and to instruct in the Art of defending Liberty and property. I verily believe the frequent Assaults that have been made on America[,] Boston especially [,] will in the end prove of real advantage. If the Church of England had been the established and general Religion in all the Northern Colonies as it has been among us here and uninterrupted tranquility had prevailed throughout the Continent, It is clear to me that slavery and Subjection might and would have been gradually insinuated among us. Union of Religious Sentiments begets a surprizing confidence and Ecclesiastical Establishments tend to great ignorance and Corruption all of which facilitate the Execution of mischievous Projects. But away with Politicks! Let me address you as a Student and Philosopher & not as a Patriot now. I am pleased that you are going to converse with the Edwards and Henry’s & Charles &c&c who have swayed the British Sceptre though I believe you will find some of them dirty and unprofitable Companions unless you will glean Instruction from their follies and fall more in love with Liberty by beholding such detestable pictures of Tyranny and Cruelty. I was afraid you would not easily have loosened your Affections from the Belles Lettres. A Delicate Taste and warm imagination like yours must find it hard to give up such refined & exquisite enjoyments for the coarse and dry study of the Law: It is like leaving a pleasant flourishing field for a barren desert; perhaps I should not say barren either because the Law does bear fruit but it is sour fruit that must be gathered and pressed and distilled before it can bring pleasure or profit. I perceive I have made a very awkward Comparison but I got the thought by the end and had gone to[o] far to quit it before I perceived that it was too much entangled in my brain to run it through. And so you must forgive it. I myself use to have too great a hankering after those amusing Studies. Poetry wit and Criticism Romances Plays &c captivated me much: but I begin [to] discover that they deserve but a moderate portion of a mortal’s Time. and that something more substantial more durable more profitable befits a riper Age. It would be exceeding improper for a labouring man to have nothing but flowers in his Garden or to determine to eat nothing but sweet-meats and Confections. Equally absurd would it be for a Scholar and man of Business to make up his whole Library with Books of Fancy and feed his Mind with nothing but such Luscious performances
When you have an Opportunity and write to Mr. Brackinridge pray tell him I often think of him and long to see him and am resolved to do so in the Spring. George Luckey was with me at Christmas and we talked so much about old Affairs & Old Friends that I have a most insatiable desire to see you all. Luckey will accompany me and we are to set off on the 10th. of April if no disa[s]ter befalls either of us. I want again to breathe your free Air. I expect it will mend my Constitution & confirm my principles. I have indeed as good an Atmosphere at home as the Climate will allow: but have nothing to brag of as to the State and Liberty of my Country. Poverty and Luxury prevail among all sorts: Pride ignorance and Knavery among the Priesthood and Vice and Wickedness among the Laity. This is bad enough But It is not the worst I have to tell you. That diabolical Hell conceived principle of persecution rages among some and to their eternal Infamy the Clergy can furnish their Quota of Imps for such business. This vexes me the most of any thing whatever. There are at this [time?] in the adjacent County not less than 5 or 6 well meaning men in close Goal for publishing their religious Sentiments which in the main are very orthodox. I have neither patience to hear talk or think of any thing relative to this matter, for I have squabbled and scolded abused and ridiculed so long about it, [to so lit]tle purpose that I am without common patience. So I [leave you] to pity me and pray for Liberty of Conscience [to revive among us.]
I expect to hear from you once more before I see you if time will admit: and want to know when the Synod meets & where: What the Exchange is at and as much about my friends and other Matters as you can and think worth notice. Till I see you Adieu.
JM

NB Our Correspondence is too far advanced to req[uire a]pologies for bad writing & [b]lots.

January 24. 1774
Your Letter to Mr. Wallace is in my hands and shall be forwarded as soon as possible. I hear nothing from him by Letter or fame.


Title: To James Madison from William Bradford, 4 March 1774
From: Bradford, William
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir,
March 4. 1774. Philada.

I purposely delayed answering yours of January 24th to this time that I might be better able to give you the Intelligence you wanted. I hope however it will reach you before you set out and perhaps time enough to be answered.
I agree with you that a Student of Law should not to[o] much indulge his taste for polite-Learning as it has a tendency to make the mind averse to severer Studies. Yet the Lawyer as well as the Divine has this advantage that every kind of Learning will be benificial to him in his profession: where as to most others it can at best be but ornamental. Some parts of the Law are indeed dry & disagreeable enough; but you should not call it a barren Study—Far from it: It bears Golden fruit, my friend. Rather say the Belles letters are unprofitable—

“For what’s the worth of any thing
“But as much money as ‘twill bring.”    Butler.

Or allow it to be a barren study; even then it will but the more resemble those cou[n]tries that abound [in] Gold: It is this that attracts so many to engage in the profession & that makes them pore over the dry Pages of Littleton and Coke with more pleasure than those of Homer or Cicero. They had rather with Eneas seek the Golden branch, even in a desert, then loll on the sides of Parnassus tho’ surrounded with flowers. Helicon may be pure and refreshing indeed but ’tis Patoclus with his golden sands that has charms for them. But for my own Part I must confess that with all this rich encouragement I cannot apply myself so closely as I would wish to do: but I hope that as I advance the journey will be plesanter.
I received a Letter a few days ago from Finley in which he tells me that Breckenridge is sick and the disorder he labours under a dangerous one: But the ludicrous manner in which he mentions it inclines me to think it is not so bad as he would have me imagine. Of Ervin Mr McPherrin &c I have hear[d] nothing new. Doctor Witherspoon was down a few days past & informed me that Dod was married to a Girl in Brunswick: but he put the Cart before the horse: he was a father before he was an husband. I beleive it was the Girls friends that forced the Old fellow’s head in the noose. Linn is married to one of the Daughters of that Mr Blair who resided some time at Princeton. ’Tis said Reese intends to follow the example but (to use the news-paper stile) this wants confirmation.
I am sorry to hear that Persecution has got so much footing among you. The discription you give of your Country makes me more in love with mine. Indeed I have ever looked on America as the land of freedom when compared with the rest of the world, but compared with the rest of america Tis Pennsylvania that is so. Persecution is a weed that grows not in our happy soil: and I do no[t] remember that any Person was ever imprisoned here for his religious sentiments however heritical or unepiscopal they might be. Liberty (As Caspipina says in his Letters) [is] the Genius of Pennsylvania; and it[s] inhabitants think speak and act with a freedom unknow——I do indeed pity you; & long to see you according to your own expression, “breathing our purer air.” The Synod will meet here about the middle of may. You will then have an opportunity of seeing most of your Nassovian friends, and higthing the felicity that friends long seperated enjoy when they meet.
We have several publications here the cheif of which is, “Caspipina Letters.” It is conjectured they are written by Mr Duche: for the Author in one place says, “My name contains the Initials of my Profession” & signs his Letters Tamoccaspipina, which is thus decyphered. [“]The Assistant Minister Of Christ Church And St. Peters In Philadelphia In North America—That is, Mr Duche.” I have not yet read them with attention but as far as I can judge they a[re] very pretty. You shall have one when you visit us.

I am impatient to see you & will write no more as it reminds me you are yet afar of[f]. But must conclude with assuri[n]g you That I am &c
WBJunr.


Title: From James Madison to William Bradford, 1 July 1774
From: Madison, James
To: Bradford, William

Dear Sir
July 1. 1774.

I am once more got into my native land and into the possession of my customary enjoyments Solitude and Contemplation, though I must confess not a little disturbed by the sound of War blood and plunder on the one Hand and the Threats of Slavery and Oppression on the Other. From the best accounts I can obtain from our Frontiers The Savages are determined in the extirpation of the Inhabitants, and no longer leave them the alternative of Death or Captivity. The Consternation and timidity of the White people who abandon their possessions without making the least resistance are as difficult to be accounted for as they are encouraging to the Enemy. Whether it be owing to the unusual Cruelty of the Indians the want of necessary implements or ammunition for War or to the ignorance & inexperience of many who, since the establishment of peace, have ventured into those new Settlements, I can neither learn nor with any certainty conjecture. However It is confidently asserted that there is not an Inhabitant for some Hundreds of miles back which have been settled for many years, except those who are forted in or embodied by their Military Commanders. This state of things has induced Lord Dunmore, contrary to his Intentions at the Dissolution of the Assembly to issue Writs for a new Election of Members whom he is to call together on the 11th. of August.
As to the Sentiments of the people of this Colony with respect to the Bostonians I can assure [you] I find them generally very warm in their favour. The Natives are very unanimous and resolute, are making resolves in almost every County and I believe are willing to fall in with the Other Colonies in any expedient measure, even if that should be the universal prohibition of Trade. It must not be denied though that the Europeans especially the Scotch and some interested Merchants among the natives discountenance such proceedings as far as they dare alledging the Injustice and perfidy of refusing to pay our debts to our Generous Creditors at Home. This Consideration induces some honest moderate folks to prefer a partial prohibition extending only to the Importation of Goods.
We have a report here that Governor Gage has sent Lord Dunmore some Letters relating to public matters in which He says he has strong hopes that he shall be able to bring things at Boston to an amicable settlement. I suppose you know whether there be any Truth in the Report or any just foundation for such an Opinion in Gage.
I[t] has been said here by some that the appointed Fast was disregarded by every Scotch Clergyman though it was observed by most of the others who had timely notice of it. I cannot avouch it for an absolute certainty but it appears no ways incredible.
I was so luckey as to find Dean Tuckers Tracts on my return Home sent by mistake with some other books Imported this Spring. I have read them with peculiar satisfaction and illumination with respect to the Interests of America & Britain. At the same time his ingenious and plausible defence of Parliamentary Authority, carries in it such defects and misrepresentations as Confirm me in political Orthodoxy[,] After the same manner as the specious Arguments of Infidels have established the faith of Enquiring Christians.
I am impatient to hear from you and do now cordially renew the stipulation for that friendly correspondence which alone can comfort me in the privation of your Company. I shall be punctual in transmitting you an account of every thing that can be acceptable, but must freely absolve you from so strict an obligation which your application to more important Business will not allow, and which my regard for your ease & Interests will not suffer me to enjoin.
I am Dear Sir your faithful friend
James Madison Junr.


Title: To James Madison from William Bradford, 1 August 1774
From: Bradford, William
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir,
August. 1st. 1774

I am sorry to find your letter confirms the accounts we have received of the depredations of the Indians; which I hope was a slight & private quarrell with Cressop & others; for such accounts as these generally increase in horror as the distance increases. I am apprehensive the death of Sir William Johnston (of which you must undoubtedly have heard[) will] be attended with disagreeable consequences, & serve to encourage the enemy even more than the timidity you condemn in the white-people. ’Tis said he concluded a treaty with them a few hours before he died; but that will not prevent them joining with those in Virginia if they think it their interest to do so; they [are] a people who pay but little regard to the Faith of Treaties, & whose general character is well drawn by our friend Breckenridge when he calls them

“Wild as the winds, unstable as the sea,
Cruel as death & Treacherous as Hell”

I have hopes that the congress which it is expected will meet at this City next month will do something towards effectually warding of[f] the attacks of Slavery and fixing the boundaries of our Liberties. Till that is done I am apprehensive all our endeavours will [be] of but little use, as they will not reach the root of the disorder: they may procure a repeal of the present acts, but that like the repeal of the stampt-act will be but a temporary relief & leave us exposed to the attacks of some future ministerial scoundrel who like North may be ambitious of “laying us at his feet.” It is recommended to our delegates to insist on the repeal of certain acts we deem oppressive & the confirmation (or if they please the grant) of certain rights, that are necessary to our Liberty. If this measure should be adopted by the Congress & this “bill of rights” be confirmed by his majesty, or the parliament, the Liberties of America will be as firmly fixed, & defined as those of England were at the revolution. We expect much from the delegates of Virginia & Boston; for several of those appointed for this province are known to be inimical to the Liberties of America. I mean Galloway the author of the detestable peice signed Americanus in the time of the Stampt Act; & one Humphries an obscure assemblyman who but the moment before he was appointed voted against the having a congress at all. I am informed the State of affairs is still worse in New York where nothing but Dissention prevails. I hope they will not communicate any of that spirit to the Congress.
Indeed my friend the world wears a strange aspect at the present day; to use Shakespear’s expression “the times seem to be out of joint.” Our being attacked on the one hand by the Indians, & on the others, our Liberties invaded by a corrupt, ambitious & determined ministry is bring[ing] things to a crisis in America & seems to fortell some great event. In Europe the states entertain a general suspicion of each other; they seem to be looking forward to some great revolution & stand, as it were with their hands on their swords ready to unsheath them at the earliest warning. The obstinate & bloody contention of the Turk & Russian, the overthrow of Liberty in Sweden & Corsica, the Death of Lewis and the Accession of a young ambitious monarch to the throne of France lead us to imagine there is something at hand that shall greatly augment the history of the world: Many of our good people & among the rest Mr Halsey have calculated the commencement of the Millenium in the present Century, & others with equal probability, the consumation of all things: and indeed when the plot thickens we are to expect the conclusion of the drama.
I thankfully accept your indulgence in not expecting punctuality in my answering your Letters. The hurry of Business and the bustle of the town renders it impossible to write in haste & not forget much of what I intended to tell you; & I seldom send away a letter without recollecting that I have done so. If you hear of Mr Wallace you will not forget to inform me. I have his interest too much at heart to be indifferent about his Wellfare.
I am yours &c
WB.


Title: From James Madison to William Bradford, 23 August 1774
From: Madison, James
To: Bradford, William

Dear Sir,
Virginia August 23. 1774.

The receipt of your’s of the first inst. was peculiarly acceptable to me; the enjoyment of your Company at Philada. has so revived & increased my pristine Affection for you, that I found great pleasure in that token of you[r] Affectionate Kindness. And tho’ it is with the utmost chearfulness I emancipate you from the bondage of a punctual correspondence yet I find I cannot do without an occasional Line from you. As to myself I shall continue to write something or other as long as I perceive you have patience or time to read it.
I informed you in my last of the unhappy condition of our Frontiers from the irruption & cruelty of the savages; tho’ I still beleive it to be true in great measure yet it is suggested by some that the mischiefs have been grossly magnified & misrepresented; and that it is possible some may find their Interest in doing it. Lord Dunmore is now at Pittsburg intending to march shortly with 2 or 3000 men to the indian Towns and to extirpate those perfidious people intirely: But his Lordships intentions & expectations meet with the greatest derision from those versed in Indian affairs who affirm that he will find no body at the Towns but a few old squaws & superannuated warriors, & that the destruction of their Huts & properties will by no means recompense us for the charges of the expedition. Besides the absence of those troops will certainly embolden the enemy to range with less controul & greater havoc among the Frontier settlers. If these Apprehensions should be well-grounded it is probable his Lordship’s conduct will breed some altercations between him and this assembly who will certainly examine into the expediency & success of so expensive a project before they pay the men he has employed for it.
I have seen the instructions of your committee to your representatives & greately admire the wisdom of the advice & the elegance and cogency of the diction. In the latter especially they are vastly superior to what has been done by our convention. But do you not presume too much on the generosity & Justice of the crown, when you propose deffering all endeavours on our part till such important concessions & novel regulations are obtained; Would it not be advisable as soon as possible to begin our defence & to let its continuance or cessation depend on the success of a petition presented to his majesty. Delay on our part emboldens our adversaries and improves their schemes; whilst it abates the ardor of the Americans inspired with recent Injuries and affords opportunity to our secret enemies to disseminate discord & disunion. But I am mounting into the sphere of the general Congress to whose wisdom and Judgment all private opinions must give place. This Colony has appointed seven delegates to represent it on this grand occasion, most of them glowing patriots & men of Learning & penetration. It is however the opinion of some good Judges that one or two might be exchanged for the better. The Conduct of your Assembly in chusing galloway & Humphries seems to forbode difficulties and divisions which may be strengthened by the deputees from N.Y. It also seems to indicate a prevalency of selfish Quakers in your House which frustrate the generous designs & manly efforts of the real friends to American Fredom. I assure you I heartily repent of undertaking my Journey to the North when I did. If I had it to perform now, the opportunity of attending the Congress would be an infinite addition to the pleasures of it. I cannot help congratulating you on your happy situation in that respect. I comfort myself however under the privation of such an happiness with the hope that you will befriend me in sending a brief account of whatever is singular and important in their proceedings that can not be gathered from the public papers. Indeed I could wish their Debates were to be published which might greatly illuminate the minds of the thinking people among us and I would hope there would be sufficient abilities displayed in them to render us more respectable at Home.

With this I send a letter to Mr Ervin which I beg you will forward.
I am Dr Sir Your &c.
JM Jr.


Title: Indenture, 22 September 1774
From: Madison, James
To:

[22 September 1774]

This Indenture made the twenty Second day of September in the year of our [Lord] one thousand Seven hundred and Seventy four Between James Madison of the County of Orange and Nelly his wife of the one part and James Madison Junior of the said County of the other part Witnesseth that the said James Madison and Nelly his wife for and in Consideration of the Sum of Thirty pounds Current money of Virginia by the said James Madison Junior to the said James Madison in hand paid before the Sealing and Delivering of these presents the Receipt whereof is hereby Acknowledged have granted bargained and Sold and by these presents do grant bargain and Sell and enfeoff Unto the said James Madison Jr. his heirs and Assigns forever a part of that Tract or parcel of Land known by the name of Black Level Containing two hundred Acres more or less and bounded as followeth Viz Beginning at three small Pines and a Red Oak at the head of a Valley in the patent Line Corner to Burr Harison the North thirty four degrees West one hundred and eighty poles thence North fifty degrees East 180 poles thence South thirty four degrees East to the patent Line thence along the said Line to the beginning To Have and to hold the said two hundred Acres of Land together with all houses woods waters profits hereditaments and Appurtenances whatsoever to the same belonging and the Reversion and Reversions Remainder and Remainders Rents and profits there of and all and Singular other the premises to the said James Madison Junr. his heirs and Assigns forever to the only proper use and behoof of the said James Madison Junr. his heirs and Assigns forever and to no other use or purpose whatsoever and the said James Madison and Nelly his wife for themselves their heirs Executors and Administrators do Covenant grant and agree to and with the said James Madison Junr. his heirs and Assigns forever that he the said James Madison at the time of Sealing and Delivering these presents is seized and possessed of an indefesable Estate of inheritance in Feesimple in the said two hundred Acres of Land and premises and that full power and Lawful authority to Convey the same in as full and ample manner as the same is hereby Conveyed and the said James Madison Junr. his heirs and Assigns shall and may at all times hereafter peacibly hold and enjoy all and Singular the said parcel of Land and premises with the Apurtenances without lett or Molestation from the said James Madison and Nelly his wife their heirs or Assigns or any other persons whatsoever and the said two hundred Acres of Land with the Appurtenances shall forever hereafter remain unto the said James Madison Junr his heirs and Assigns discharged of and from all former and other gifts grants bargains Sales Mortgages rights titles Judgments and Executions Whatsoever and also that the said James Madison and Nelly his wife and their heirs the said Land and premises with the appurtenances unto the said James Madison Junr. his heirs and Assigns against the Claim of all persons whatsoever shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents In Witness whereof the said James Madison and Nelly his wife have hereunto set their hands and Seals the day and year first above written

Signed Sealed and Delivered}James Madison (L S)
In the presence ofNelly Madison (L S)

Frances Taylor Samuel French Ambrose Madison
Memorandom that quiet and peacible possession and seisen of the within mentioned Lands and premises was had and taken by the within named James Madison Junr. of and from the within named James Madison on the day and year within written according to the form and effect of the within written Deed
James Madison
At a Court held for Orange County on Thursday the 23d of Novr. 1775 This Indenture with Memorandum of Livery and Seisen Endorsed thereon from James Madison Gent. to James Madison Junr. was Acknowledged by the said James Madison Senior and Ordered to be Recorded
Test

James Taylor Clk Cur


Title: From James Madison to William Bradford, 26 November 1774
From: Madison, James
To: Bradford, William

Dear Sir,
Virginia Nov: 26. 1774.

The pamphlets & letters you sent me were safely delivered about ten days after the date of them. I esteem it a singular favor that you should be so thoughtfull of obliging me at a time when your attention must necessarally have been employed on many more important considerations. Your readiness also to serve me on any future occasion demands my acknowledgments. I have no acquaintance in Baltimore I could confide in for that purpose. If I should hereafter make any I shall take the Liberty in consequence of your offer to give you notice of it (To go to Dunlaps to stop paper. Got several back etc.) A part of the men that went out with Lord dunmore against the Shawnese towns we hear were attacked on the 10 of last month by 7 or 800 Indians. The fight continued the whole day and was extremely obstinate on both sides; Our men kept the field: The loss of the Indians was considerable. This it seems was the last effort of the Savages for they immediately sued for peace as the only method to save themselves & their Towns from destruction. The peace was granted in order to save the lives of many prisoners the Indians had got among them, but on what terms I cannot say.
The proceedings of the Congress are universally approved of in this Province & I am persuaded will be faithfully adheared to. A spirit of Liberty & Patriotism animates all degrees and denominations of men. Many publickly declare themselves ready to join the Bostonians as soon as violence is offered them or resistance thought expedient. In many counties independent companies are forming and voluntaraly subjecting themselves to military discipline that they may be expert & prepared against a time of Need. I hope it will be a general thing thro’ought this province. Such firm and provident steps will either intimidate our enemies or enable us to defy them. By an epistle from the yearly meeting of the Quakers in your City to their bretheren & friends in our Colonies I observe they are determined to be passive on this Critical occasion from a regard to their religious principles mixed I presume with the Leaven of civil policy.
If america & Britain should come to an hostile rupture I am afraid an Insurrection among the slaves may & will be promoted. In one of our Counties lately a few of those unhappy wretches met together & chose a leader who was to conduct them when the English Troops should arrive—which they foolishly thought would be very soon & that by revolting to them they should be rewarded with their freedom. Their Intentions were soon discovered & proper precautions taken to prevent the Infection. It is prudent such attempts should be concealed as well as suppressed.
I heard a few days since that our friend mr Wallace is in a declining state of health: His friends suspect the beginnings of a Consumption: But Death has no sting for him. Mr Brackenridge I understand is nobly engaged in a paper war with the Teachers of a rival & a neighbouring School.
I was told by a Quaker Gentleman from Philada that a complaint of being persecuted in New-England was laid before the Congress by the People called baptists. Did Truth or prejudice dictate to the Quaker in his report. Are the Transactions of the Congress so well known that you could inform me what Character our delegates have left behind them for Oratory Zeal & Literature.
Vale
J Maddison Jr.

(the first[?] part of this letter compressible[?] abridged.)


Title: To James Madison from William Bradford, 4 January 1775
From: Bradford, William
To: Madison, James

My dear Friend
Philadelphia Jany. 4. 1775.

Agreeable to your request I waited on Mr Dunlap & stopd your paper[?] ours now follows[?] [Got Ferguson at Bell’s and will send it as soon as possible etc]
With regard to the Complaints of New-England Baptist I can learn nothing. I believe there was none. I suppose you have by this time read the Journal of the Congress by which you will see the Secresy was one of their first resolves; they have observed it so faithfully that we know but little of the Delegates Characters as Scholars & Orators, but those of Virginia are highly celebrated for their zeal. Your province seems to take the lead at present; that silent spirit of Courage which is said to reign there has gained you more credit than you can imagine. One fleeson an Upholster[er] has made two Colours for the Fairfax Company; the Motto’s “Pro aris & focis” & “Aut Liber aut nullus.[”] He has orders also to procure a number of Drums & 200 Muskets as speedily as possible. This is doing something to purpose; but Pennsylvania seems as if it had expended all its vigor in the time of the Stampt-act; or surely it would catch some of that martial spirit that is kindled all around it. But the great Number of Quakers among us will always prevent our doing much that way: “Their dear delight is peace,” for which I beli[e]ve (with you) they have more reasons than one. As to New-York I think it has the least public Virtue of any City on the Continent. I have heard several express their apprehensions of its Constancy. Rivington is encouraging the Cause of Administration there with all his might: he is daily publishing pamphlets against the proceedings of the Congress & the Cause they are engaged in. Some of them are grossly scurrilous, particularly “A Dialogue between a Southern delegate & his Spouse on his return from the Congress.” One of them entitled “a Friendly address to all reasonable americans” (said to be written by Dr Cooper or Dr Chandler) is very artfully done, & I am afraid has had some bad effects on the lower Class of people. Genl. Lee & several others have answered it. If you have not seen it you shall have [it] as soon as possible.
I am sorry to hear of Mr Wallace’s declining health. If you write to him advise him to a Journey this way & ask him for me why I never hear from him. Mr Breckenridge when he was here spoke to Aikin about publishing a Satire he had written against some drunken, swearing ministerial parsons who infested his neighbourhood & one Ennis master of [the] School. It was written in Hudibrastic verse in which you know he excells: he repeated part of it & [I] think it had more of the Spirit of Butler than the one I sent you had of Milton. I know not why he delays sending it unless the Skirmish with yon Schoolmaster you speak of engages his attention too much to think of any [thing] else.
Your fear with regard to an insurrection being excited among the slaves seems too well founded. A letter from a Gentleman in England was read yesterday in the Coffee-house, which mentioned the design of administration to pass an act (in case of a rupture) declaring [“]all Slaves & Servants free that would take arms against the Americans.” By this you see such a scheme is thought on & talked of; but I cannot beleive the Spirit of the English would ever allow them publickly to adopt so slavish a way of Conquering.
Adieu
W B——d.

PS. Your quondam Chum Livingston, boy as he is, has become a husband.—A run a way match with one Miss Lot.

Autobiographical Sketch
Madison’s Diploma


Title: To James Madison from William Bradford, [3–6? March] 1775
From: Bradford, William
To: Madison, James

My dear friend,
[3–6? March 1775]

I would have answered your most acceptable epistle of the 20 Jany had not the conclusion given me hopes of “eer long hearing from you again.” You must have received a letter I wrote in the beginning of Jany. soon after you dispatched your last unless it be as long on its Voyage as the one I sent by Rutherford was.
I thank you for Logan’s speech. I admire the nervous & untutor’d eloquence of it. Like Timanthes “Plus pingitur quam intelligitur.” The last sentence is particularly pathetic & expressive; it raises a crowd of Ideas & at one stroke sets in a strong light the Barbarity of Cressop, the sufferings of Logan and his contempt of death. I thought it a pity that so fine a specimen of “Indian Eloquence & mistaken Valour” (as you justly call it) should languish in obscurity and therefore gave a copy of it to my brother who inserted it in his paper; from which it has been transcribed into the others & has given the highest satisfaction to all that can admire & relish the simple Beauties of nature. I need make no apology for publishing what I suppose must be public your way, tho you say you have not seen it in print.
I am glad to hear you are so industrious in Virginia in preparing for the worst. There is no hopes of this province learning the military Exercise unless it be when we ought to be making use of it. Our provincial Convention was called (it is thought) principally for the purpose of setting on foot independant companies appointing officers &c; But so great an opposition was expected that it was not even proposed. They however passed a few harmless resolves lest [it] should be said, “they march’d up the hill & so march’d down again.” It is happy for us that we have Boston in the front & Virginia in the rear to defend us: we are placed where Cowards ought to be placed in the middle; & perhaps the bravery that surrounds us may prevent our want of it being detrimental to the cause of freedom. But we are not totally destitute of public virtue. Our Assembly is strinuous in supporting & recommending the resolutions of the late Congress & have appointed Delegates for the ensuing one. Among these was Galloway; but he declined it with declaring that the proceedings of the Colonies were against his Judgment & against his Conscience. Methinks this fellow’s Conscience has become very tender since he laid aside the attorney; but I am afraid he can contract or dilate it at pleasure & make it strain at a Gnat or swallow a camel as best suits his purpose. As to the N York Assembly, they have resolved to petition the king & remonstrate to the parliament, but will have nothing to do with the Congress. They have absolutely refused to nominate delegates, but I hope their Constituents will do it for them; I observe the Committee of that City have called a meeting to consult upon the matter. Was it not too late a petition from the several assembli[es] might perhaps be advantageous to our cause. Most of the Governors have assured their respective assemblies (from private instructions I suppose) that such petition will be duly attended to; I imagine there is nothing prevents the parliament repealing the oppressive acts but their Pride & therefore a little submission on our side by affording them an opportunity of receeding with credit might not be amiss. But if, as is probable our fate is already determined in parliament[,] Union among ourselves, & a strict adhearence to the measures of the Congress is the only means of safety.
I had a letter the other day from Mr Breckenridge in which he gave me the disagreeable task of telling him what the public said of his peice. I have enquired but can meet with nobody that has read it, & shall therefore plainly tell him so & lay the fault on the subject the times & the publisher. He says nothing about his Canto’s, which I am impatient to see. They would serve to counterbalance several satire[s] that have been published this way against the Congress & patriotic party.
I wrote to Mr Duffield about your brother and have the happiness to inform you that he is well—the formost scholar in his class & what is still better yt he is a good boy. I hope I shall hear from you soon, but I am afraid the business of the supreme Court will prevent me writing to you again for some time. But whereever I am, or whatever I am doing I cannot forget you. You frequently obtrude on my thoughts & are frequently the subject of my conversations with those who know & love you. I find that your friendship & correspondence makes a great part of my happiness and that time but serves to increase my fond attatchment to you. Forgive my friend these overflowings of an heart devoted to you. I know you will esteem it the Language of the heart & believe me sincere when I subscribe myself
your affectionate friend
W.B.


Title: From James Madison to William Bradford, [early March] 1775
From: Madison, James
To: Bradford, William

Dear Sir,
[Early March 1775]

I intend to throw this in the way of Mr David Hoopes who I hear is setting out for Philada. As it is uncertain whether he may get it I shall only return a short answer to yours of Jany 4th. [Mr Dunlap’s mistake about price of his paper—the 2 Vol. of Papers too dear & vide lit.]
We had a report here a few days [ago] that the New Yorkers had again given way & that the assembly had voted the proceedings of the Congress illegal. It raised a surprizing spirit of indignation & resentment which however Subsided on the report’s being contradicted. The intimation you gave me of the state of affairs there prepared me to hear it without Surprize.
I lately saw in one of our Gazettes a pamphlet in answer to the friendly address &c: by what you informed me I conjecture it to have been written by Genl. Lee. It has much Spirit and Vivacity & contains some very sensible remarks. Some of our old bigots did not altogether approve the Strictures on the Clergy & King Charles; but it was generally, nay with this exception, universally, applauded. I wish most heartily we had Rivington & his ministerial Gazetteers for 24. hours in this place. Execrable as their designs are, they would meet with adequate punishment. How different is the Spirit of Virginia from that of N York? A fellow was lately tarred & feathered for treating one [of] our county committees with disre[s]pect; in NY. they insult the whole Colony and Continent with impunity!
Some persons have expressed to me a curiosity to See the Friendly Address &c and as you mention it as the best performance on that Side of the dispute & promise to Send it with Ferguson &c I should be obliged to you for it. If you should See Mr Hoops and are acquainted with him if he is not to much encumbered on his return perhaps he would be kind enough to bring them. I shall add no more at present for the reason above mentioned, but that I am Yours most Sincerely & affectionately:
JM Jun.


Title: From James Madison to William Bradford, 17 March 1775
From: Madison, James
To: Bradford, William

Dear Sir,
Virginia 17th March 1775.

This I expect will be delivered to you by the Revd. Mr Samuel Smith who will inform you of every thing respecting our affairs that I could let you know by Letter. I wrote to you very lately by Mr David Hoops in answer to yours contain[in]g a few lines from Mr Irvin. If it should fail of coming to you it will be proper I should know of it because I there mentioned what I desired as to Dunlap & the Collection of papers I wanted & would not now unnecessarally trouble you with a repetition. Inclosed you have a small pitance for reimbursing you for your layings out on my account for the time past and any other trifles you may be kind enough to send me. Mr Smith will return he says about the middle of June and will bring ferguson for me, if you will put it in his hands and any thing else that he can conveniently carry[.] I have the pleasure to hear by him that our friend Mr Wallace is not in that perilous state, I was induced by a false rumour to make you beleive he was.


Title: To James Madison from William Bradford, 4 April 1775
From: Bradford, William
To: Madison, James

My dear Sir
April 4th. [1775]

Though the business that at present surrounds me on every side, makes writing inconvenient, yet I cannot let Mr. Hoops return without a few Lines to one I value so much.
[Mr Dunlap’s paper &c] I send with this Furguson which I could not get for less than 12/ tho’ you will perceive it is somewhat soil’d. I also send the friendly address &c. & The other side of the Question. I dare not add more for fear of encumbering Mr. Hoops.
The Supream & Oyer & Terminer Courts which are just a[t] hand will keep me closely employed for some time. They begin the tenth day of this month when Young McAllister, (who you may remember was expelled from college) is to be tried in conjuntion with one Stewart a printer for counterfeiting the 50/. bills of Credit of this province. Clymer, with whom McAllister was studying Law, & several others are to be council for them but the fact is so plain, that the Eloquence of Gabriel could not prevent their conviction: whether their Youth, join’d to the intercession of their friends may induce the Governor to pardon them I cannot say.
Adieu
W B Jun


Title: From James Madison to William Bradford, 9 May 1775
From: Madison, James
To: Bradford, William

My dear friend
Virginia May 9th. 1775.

I this day received your favor by Mr Hoopes but have not yet got the articles I find came along with it. Mr Hoopes lives at no very great distance so that I shall not be long without them.
We have lately had a great alarm here about the Governor’s removing a large quantity of powder from our magazine and conveying it on board a ship of war: Not less [than] 600 men well armed and mounted assembled at Fredg. on this occasion, with a view to proceed to Wmsburg. [to] recover the powder & revenge the insult: The propriety of such a step was warmly agitated and weighty arguments adduced both for & against it: At length the advice of Peyton Randolph, Edm. Pendleton, Richd. H. Lee, and George Washington Esqrs. delegates for the Congress, to return home was complied with. The reasons however that induced these Gentlement to give this advice did not appear satisfactory to Patrick Henry Esqr. another of our delegates whose sentiments were not known at Fredg. This Gentleman after the dispersion of the troops at the above named place under the authority of the committee of his County and at the head of an Independant Company undertook to procure redress, which he resolutely accomplished by taking of the King’s Quit-rents as much money as would replace the powder which had been removed so far that it could not be come at. This affair has prevented his appearing at the Congress as early as his Colleagues, and has afforded me this opportunity of sending you a few lines. I expect his conduct as contrary to the opinion of the other delegats will be disapproved of by them, but it [has] gained him great honor in the most spirited parts of the Country and addresses of thanks are already presenting to him from different Quarters: The Gentlemen below whose property will be exposed in case of a civil war in this Colony were extremely alarmed lest Government should be provoked to make reprisals. Indeed some of them discovered a pusilanimity little comporting with their professions or the name of Virginian.
I sent last fall to England for a few books, among which was priestly’s treatise on Government. The present state of our affairs seems to threaten that it may be a long time before our commercial intercourse will be renewed: If this sd. appear to you to be the Case (& the session of the Congress will enable you to form a good guess), and it should be convenient in other respects, I should be glad you would send me the above treatise by the return of Mr S. Smith. The short time I had to scribble these few lines is already expired, & I must for the present bid adieu to my beloved friend.
J M Jun.


Title: Address to Captain Patrick Henry and the Gentlemen Independents of Hanover, 9 May 1775
From: Madison, James
To: Henry, Patrick

[9 May 1775]

The committee for Orange county, met on Tuesday the 9th of May, taking into their consideration the removal of the powder from the publick magazine, and the compensation obtained by the independent company of Hanover; and observing also, that the receipt given by Capt. Patrick Henry, to his Majesty’s Receiver General, refers the final disposal of the money to the next Colony Convention, came into the following resolutions:
1. That the Governour’s removal of the powder lodged in the magazine, and set apart for the defence of the country, was fraudulent, unnecessary, and extremely provoking to the people of this colony.
2. That the resentment shewn by the Hanover volunteers, and the reprisal they have made on the King’s property, highly merit the approbation of the publick, and the thanks of this committee.
3. That if any attempt should be made at the ensuing Convention to have the money returned to his Majesty’s Receiver General, our delegates be, and they are hereby instructed, to exert all their influence in opposing such attempt, and in having the money laid out in gunpowder for the use of the colony.
4. That the following address be presented to Capt. Patrick Henry, and the Gentlemen independents of Hanover.

Gentlemen,
We, the committee for the county of Orange, having been fully informed of your seasonable and spirited proceedings in procuring a compensation for the powder fraudulently taken from the country magazine, by command of Lord Dunmore, and which it evidently appears his Lordship, notwithstanding his assurances, had no intention to restore, entreat you to accept their cordial thanks for this testimony of your zeal for the honour and interest of your country. We take this occasion also to give it as our opinion, that the blow struck in the Massachusetts government is a hostile attack on this and every other colony, and a sufficient warrant to use violence and reprisal, in all cases where it may be expedient for our security and welfare.
James Madison, chairman, James Taylor, Thomas Barbour, Zachariah Burnley, Rowland Thomas, James Madison, jun. William Moore, James Walker, Lawrence Taliaferro, Henry Scott, Thomas Bill.


Title: To James Madison from William Bradford, 2 June 1775
From: Bradford, William
To: Madison, James

My dear friend,
Philada. June ye 2d. 1775.

I have two of your epistolary favours to acknowledge[,] the one handed to me by the Revd Mr Smith, some time ago & the other since by Patrick Henry Esqr. I also received 22/6. & as it exceeds what Ferguson &c Cost I shall consider you as the Cestui que Use of the surplus.
I have but little to tell you of the Congress; they keep their proceeding so secret that scarce any thing transpires but what they think proper to publish in the papers. They meet every day & continue long in debate but it is said are very unanimous. I can however (inter nos) inform you that they begin to entertain a great Suspicion that Dr. Franklin came rather as a spy than as a friend, & that he means to discover our weak side & make his peace with the minister by discovering it to him. It was expected he would have given the Congress some very useful information with regard to affairs at home, but hitherto he has been silent on that head & in every respect behaved more like a spectator than a member. These particulars were communicated to a Gentleman I am acquainted with by Coll: Lee who was highly offended with the Doctor & declared he should not leave the Congress till he had removed or confirmed that suspicion.
The back Counties of this province are very busy in learning the military Exercise. Mr. Armstrong informs me that in Lancaster County alone there are above 3000 men training to arms who associate not only to defend themselves at home if attacked; but have solemnly engaged to leave all & march wheresoever & whensoever their assistance is needed. We are equally industrious in Philada. and propose having a General review next monday: & I hope in a month or two we shall be able to meet without dread the most disciplined troops. I wish the infatuation of the ministry may not oblige us to employ our arms against our fellow subjects; but should matters come to that expected issue I am persuaded this city will not be wanting in the day of Battle. A surprizing unanimity prevails here & all our tories have recanted or fled for it: We have two Companies composed intirely of Quakers, who dress in a neat uniform & many others of that society are in the other Companies: So much, have the sufferings of boston excited the resentment & courage of that peace-loving People. We have authentic accounts that the people of Boston suffer all the distress of famine[,] that Milk is sold in small quantities at the rate of a crown Pr Quart, that the Country people bring no fresh provisions in the town & that the little salt meat they have is excessively high. Tho’ the[y] have liberty to leave the town on particular days, yet as they are obliged to wait on several officers to procure a pass, (which only serves for the day on which it is procured & for which a dollar is extorted from the poorest inhabitant

   This appears to be a mistake.

) and as they are all stoped at the Gate &c to be searched, they get out but slowly. The army it is said are likewise in want of fresh provisions; which set them upon stealing some sheep from the Islands: but the attempt miscarried, it seems.

In my last I informed you of McAllister & Stuart being apprehended for conterfeiting the bills of Credit of this province: they have since been convicted, & condemned but both at different times escaped out of gaol: The Gaoler is confined on suspicion of being privy to their Escape. We have just receivd an account of some of the Magistrates of this province being imprisoned near fort-pitt by Ld. Dunmores officers. I hope We shall have no disturbance about boundaries at a time when unanimity is so necessary.
As our ports are to be shut up the 20th. July it is probable you will not receive the books you sent for very soon. I will therefore send Priestly’s treatise on Government by Mr Smith and if the resolves of the Congress or any thing new is published before he goes, you shall have it by him. All friends this way are well. I hope you are so too; si valeas valeo
Adieu
W B Jun