Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 22 May 1796
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Philada. May 22. 1796
Congress are hurrying through the remnant of business before them, and will probably adjourn about saturday next. Petitions in favor of the Treaty still come in from distant places. The name of the President & the alarm of war, have had a greater effect, than were apprehended on one side, or expected on the other. A crisis which ought to have been so managed as to fortify the Republican cause, has left it in a very crippled condition; from which its recovery will be the more difficult as the elections in N. Y. Massachussets & other States, where the prospects were favorable, have taken a wrong turn under the impressions of the moment. Nothing but auspicious contingences abroad or at home, can regain the lost ground. Peace in Europe would have a most salutary influence, and accts. just recd. from France revive in some degree the hope of it with the Emperor, which will hasten of course a peace with England. On the other hand, a scene rather gloomy is presented by a letter I have just recd. from Col. M. It is dated Feby. 27. The following extracts form the substance of it.
“About a fortnight past I was informed by the minister of foreign affairs that the government had at length resolved how to act with us in respect to our treaty with England that they considered it as having violated or rather annulled our treaty of alliance with them and taken part with the coalised powers that they had rather have an open enemy than a perfidious friend—that it was resolved to send an envoy extra. to the United States to discuss this business with us and whose powers would expire with the execution of the trust. I was astonished with the communication and alarmed with its probable consequences. I told him it might probably lead to war and thereby seperate us which was what our enemies wished—that it hazarded much and without a probable gain that from the moment a person of that character arrived their friends would seem to act under his banner and which circumstance would injure their character and lessen their efforts. In truth I did everything in my power to prevent this measure and in which I am now told by the minister that I have succeeded the Directoire having resolved to continue the ordinary course of representation only. But thro’ this I hear strong sentiments will be conveyed. The whole of this is made known to the executive by me.”
“The forced loan was less productive than was expected, and the embarrassment in the finance extreme. Some think another movement at hand but I see no evidence of it at present. In all calculations on this subject it ought to be recollected that the executive are sound and having the government in their hands are strong.”
“There are strong symptoms of an actual rupture between us and this country. The minister the government preferred to have us as open rather than perfidious friends. Other proofs occur to shew that this sentiment has gone deep into their councils.”
The “Minerva” of N. Y. lately announced, with an affected emphasis, a letter from Paris to N. Y. intimating that influencial persons in the U. S. were urging measures on France, which might force this Country to chuse war agst. England, as the only alternative for war agst. France. It is probable that categorical steps on the part of F. towards us are anticipated as the consequence of what has been effected by the British party here, and that much artifice will be practised by it to charge them in some unpopular form, on its Republican opponents.
Before I leave this I shall make up a parcel of pamphlets &c. for you to be forwarded to Richmond. The inclosed number of the Debates is a continuation which has been regular, I hope the preceding numbers have all arrived safe.

King is appointed Minister to London & Humphreys to Madrid, Pinkney & Short retiring. The vacancy at Lisbon not yet filled.


Title: From James Madison to George Washington, 25 May 1796
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Philada. May 25. 1796
Mr. Madison presents his respectful compliments to the President, and begs to mention the wish of Joseph Nevil Esqr. (late a member of the House of Representatives) to be taken into consideration in the appointment of Surveyor, under the law for the sale of lands N. West of the Ohio. He takes the liberty also of inclosing a letter from General Posey, expressing his wishes with respect to an appointment, which Mr. M. does not think it proper to withold, altho’ the precise object of them, may not correspond with the arrangements of the law.


Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 30 May 1796
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

May 30th, 1796.
Congress will adjourn the day after to-morrow. News as late as April 8 from London; peace likely to take place between France and England; provisions falling much in price, both in F. and G. B. The moneyed distresses reviving in the latter, and great alarms for a terrible shock to the Banking and Mercantile Houses.


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 7 June 1796
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Paris June 7. 1796.
Yours of the 25. of Feby. is the only I have recd. for 12. months past, altho’ I have written unceasingly & fully. I suspect your letters are thrown over in the sea by the captns of vessels to avoid compromittment. For the future therefore it may be well to address by the way of Engld. under the care of Mr. Pinckney or in case he withdraws, some merchants deserving confidence. Mr. Yard wod. probably arrange this for you.
It is reported here that the H. of R. has refused to execute the Bh. treaty so far as depends on it, & in consequence that there is a fair appeal to the people on that subject between that house on the one part & the Presidt. & the Senate on the other. We are of course very anxious to hear whether this report is true, & in case it is what the issue will be.
In several preceding letters I advised you that the Directoire had at one time appointed an envoy extra. to repair to the United States to remonstrate against our treaty with England and in case satisfaction was not obtained to withdraw immediately and that it was not without the greatest difficulty and solemn assurance and upon the faith of my private opinion that the measure would do harm and not good that it was given up. Yet the discontent remained and I was still uneasy about the consequences. If this report is true it will greatly help me here. In England it will either produce war or greater respect for us. The former possibly (tho not probably) if invited [by] the rascals among ourselves. I think the probability is under all inducments that they will moderate and accommodate with you and whereby the republican party will under great & peculiar difficulties and without trouble vindicate its own honour and that of its country. Had this not been its credit was gone and the power of its adversary established.
The success of the French in Italy has been astonishingly great since the opening of the present campaign. Sardinia has obtained peace by surrendering Savoy & Nice & making other sacrifices. Parma has also obtained peace. Milan is in possession of the French, & Bauleau the Austrian Genl. after being defeated & with great losses, at least 10000 men killed & taken prisoners (& by whose defeat these effects were produc’d) driven before Bonaparte the French Genl. to Mantua, where he holds a strong position for the present in the hope of reinforcments. All Italy is in consternation, and every power seeking to make the best terms it can. Tis said the French have entered Tuscany, & because the Gnd. Duke lately tolerated within his jurisdiction the violation of his neutrality by an Engh. ship of war upon a French one. The Engh. have made Leghorn a grand depot of magazines for all operations in that quarter & the French say, if you tolerate the breach of yr. neutrality agnst us you shall for us. The Pope has lately offer’d as a condition of peace to write a letter to the people of the Vendee & endeavor to reconcile them to the republick, & for this purpose sent an agent here, but I am told the Directoire asked also, and in testimony of his sincerity, a considerable supply in money, wh. put the affr. for the present, ad referendum. On the Rhine the arm[i]stice ended yesterday & tis probable some severe rencontres may shortly take place there. Shod. the French prevail there as they have done in Italy, Engld. will remain in a short time the only party to the war agnst them. And I am told that the French armies were never in so good a state as they now are in that quarter.
In this state of things you have nothing to fear from her and everything to hope from decision. The best effect too is already felt here from what is already done. You observe by the treaty with Sardinia that France has attended to the interest of Holland and Genoa. This merits your attention. An American just from England says he heard Pinckny say he apprehended no bad effect from the vote of the House of Representatives. I submit my communications always to your judgment well knowing how safe the deposit is.
With respect to my recall I am ready for it tho I do not think it will be ventured on however strong the inclination for it may be with many. I sincerely regret the situation of the president but if his policy it will appear more so when contrasted with an opposite one.
I have given Hichburn a letter of introduction to you as a staunch patriot from what I have seen here but enquire he was old when he left Boston.
I have just recd. yours of the 25. & 26. of Jany. We are happy to hear yr. furniture had arrived. The silk mentioned was intended. They never make curtains here of late of damask & that sent is the best & most costly kind of silk next damask. It costs always near as much. The samples however mentioned were not recd. & I speak of what we saw presuming that was sent. Tis not improbable Mrs. Madison may dislike the taste or rather form of the bedstead &ca. If so you had better dispose of it in Phila. & we will send you other damask to be made up there. I hope you have before this yr. china, wh. you will find good & cheap. Tis not of the best kind. If you wish other inform me & it shall be sent tho’ the price is much higher now. I think there ought to have been more than 25. ells in the pieces of silk sent you, tho’ I will enquire into this. Our best wishes attend yrself & Mrs. M.


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 5 July 1796
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Paris July 5. 1796.
Yesterday the Fourth of July was celebrated here by the Americans. I intended to have done it but having given them an entertainment last year they returned the compliment this. You will observe by the copy sent in that to the American government the term executive is used and not president. The course of the business was as follows. The project began first with the friends of the British treaty and fell through and was then taken up by its enemies and after wh. the others came in. But the first party had appointed a committee (or rather the second in order) and who conducted the business the majority of whom were for giving the Congress only or drinking no toasts. I told them if they wod. give the executive I supposed all would be satisfied and I would attend & wh. I could not otherwise well do. The first party however in order were not consulted or disliked what was done and when the toasts [were] gone thro one of them rose & proposed a volunteer in favor of G. Washington &c and which was opposed by some of the others. This made a noise here and perhaps will with you and as some slander may in consequence be leveled at me I therefore give you the facts. The ministers of France and the foreign ministers were present.
I trouble you with another incident of the same kind. Paine having resolved to continue in Europe sometime longer & knowing it was inconvenient for me to keep him longer in my family & wishing also to treat on our politicks & which he could not well do in my house left me sometime since. He thinks the president winked at his imprisonment and even wished he might die in goal and bears him resentment for it. He thinks also he is shaping an attack upon him of the most virulent kind. Thro’ a third person I have endeavoured to divert him from it without effect. It may be said I have instigated him but the above is the truth.
But to come now to a subject of more importance. I think myself ill treated here by the administration and doubt how to act in consequence of it so as to advance the publick interest without injuring my own character. The following is a literal extract from my instructions after many professions of the president’s attachment to the French revolution. “And to remove all jealousy with respect to Mr. Jay’s mission to London you may say that he is positively forbidden to weaken the engagements between this country and France it is not improbable that you will be obliged to encounter on this head suspicions of various kinds but you may declare the motives of that mission to be to obtain immediate compensation for our plundered property and restitution of the posts.” With much more in the same spirit—an equivocation may be taken on the word motives but the true sense is a declaration that he had no other business there and which was otherwise.
The object I presume was to lay a good basis here by means of my mission and taking advantage of which and of the success of France which would procure us the respect of the English court make a barter for commercial stipulations of our faith and alliance with France and which probably would have succeeded had I not blown them up by discourse in the convention and by their own documents by means whereof that court lost all confidence in them thinking their professions insincere and of course that what it gave was given for nothing or had the negociator possessed as capable a head as he did a corrupt heart.
Since the ratification of the treaty by the president I have received but three letters from the Department of State and which were from Timothy Pickering and the last now six months old and these were not of a very conciliatory kind—after denying that this government had any right to complain of the treaty he adds that the article respecting contraband inserted the old list only by way of admonition to our people to avoid danger. That the provision article was useful to us as it paid us for contraband and in respect to other seizures that we were the only judges whether we would go to war for cause or otherwise accomodate the difficulty & would never consult another power on that head, and without any profession of regard for this country or explanation of future views breaks off the subject & thus ends it.
This tone may proceed either from a desire to court a rupture with this country or be the effect of wounded pride: and it would be natural to ascribe it to the last cause if the president had not owned that the ratification of the treaty hazarded a war here and if policy did not dictate as the way to avoid it a more conciliating one: or if he was not conciliating thro G. Morris at the same moment the court of England: or if the gasconade business of the flag had not been a desultory movement calculated to deceive the people of America while it gave disgust here or if a different tone had not been assumed in my instructions before the issue of the treaty with England was known and whilst appearances here were necessary to obtain a favorable issue. These considerations make the motive of this conduct more doubtful than it otherwise wod. be.
It is however the interest of America to avoid a rupture here and I have in consequence done all in my power to prevent it and I think and without vanity with some effect. If things stand as they do here & our administration changes everything will come right. A new treaty may be formed here of a different stamp from that with England & which will not only tie the two republicks closer together than they were ever before and by ties of interest but by contrasting its credit and advantage with that of the other by reviving the friendship and harmony with this country which was nearly gone and which is desired by our citizens completely relieve us our present dangers and difficulties and ruin the aristocrat faction. But if you do not change the administration odium lies with the Republican party who will always be branded as anarchists and the present administration continuing and the interest of the two nations requiring it and surmounting all obstacles a new treaty will be formed here under its auspices and which tho less favorable than might otherwise be obtained will serve as a colouring whereby to deceive posterity as to the nature of the crisis we have passed as well as many of the present day with respect to the merits of the contending parties—still however I consider it as the effect of passion only for Washington is an honest man.
I have suffered much personal mortification here and for reasons that are obvious and should demand my recall did I not think that my continuance for some time longer was somewhat necessary in the views above suggested. And did I not wish rather to be recalled than to demand it, for in the last case I am to defend my character to my country and which I would do by a publication of my whole correspondence instructions & the like, and which I could not otherwise well do; how long I shall be able to bear my situation I can’t say. I will bear it however till I hear from you in reply to this or until the ensuing elections shall confirm in office the present tenants.
I should like much to make a new treaty with this government after things are settled on both sides because I think a good one might be made for both countries: and in my opinion here is the place to make it—let the trust be committed to a minister in Philadelphia and his own credit is the object. But appeal to the government itself and a different spirit may be found. And having borne the storm whilst my efforts were employed only to prevent disunion I should like to have an opportunity to promote union. However this is of no consequence.
I most earnestly hope that Mr. Jefferson will be elected and that he will serve—if he is elected every thing will most probably be right here from that moment and afterwards on the other side of the channel. And in my opinion there never was such an opportunity offered for the acquisition of great fame in the restoration of national credit abroad and at home as is now presented, independant of the gratification an honest mind will always feel in rendering useful service to his country. He will be able at the same time that he secures the preponderance of republican councils and gives stability to republican government to conciliate the well meaning of the other party and thus give peace to his country.
In a few words I give you the state of the war. All Italy is in truth subjugated, & peace made with all the powers (either by definitive treaties or provisional agreements) Naples excepted, & who has an Envoy now on the road to treat also. They have all paid or agreed to pay considerable sums, given up pictures, the most celebrated pieces of art, and in truth accepted their authorities from this govt. The representative of St. Peter has agreed to pay 21. millions of livres for the provisional suspension of arms, to give up 100. pictures & 300. manuscripts: to exclude the British from his ports &ca &ca. The French have entered the territory of the Gd. Duke & put a garrison in Leghorn, upon the principle that the Englh. held it, & had violated agnst France the neutrality of Tuscany. In entering they laid hold of ⟨all the english⟩ p⟨rope⟩rty they cod. find wh. they say was worth 7. or 8. millions of livres. And upon the Rhine the same good fortune has attended the French arms. In several engagments the French have prevailed, & seem now to have gained a complete preponderance. In short their success seems to be complete, so much so however as to threaten ruin to the Emperor if he does not make peace, & which is therefore in all probability now at hand. Engld. will be reserved for the last, & agnst whom the resentment of this country if not encreased by its tyde of good fortune is certainly not diminished. Projects are spoken of in regard to that country, wh. never seemed to merit attention before, but wh. now & especially if a peace is made with the Emperor, assume a more serious aspect. You will conjecture these & therefore I will not mention them.
July 31.
This is the third copy I have sent you of the above, or rather this is the original of the two already forwarded. Since the above the scene has varied but little in any respect. The French continue to hold their superiority on the Rhine, but press forward with great circumspection, the Austrians retiring to strong positions, protecting their retreat by the strong fortifications wh. line the rivers which empty into the Rhine, on its right bank; & protecting in turn those fortifications. Frankfort is taken by the French, & upon wh. city an imposition was laid of 35 millions of florins, but wh. it is thought cannot be paid.
This will be committed to Dr Edwards & who will hasten home as fast as circumstances will permit. He is possessed of very extensive and correct information of affrs. here, as well in regard to those wh. concern this republick & the war in general, as our own affrs., & to him therefore I refer you for such details as are not here communicated.
From what I learn from the bearer of this and notwithstanding my efforts to prevent it Paine will probably compromit me by publishing some things which he picked up while in my house. It was natural unaided as I have been here or rather harassed from every quarter that I talk with this man but it was not so to expect that he would commit such a breach of confidence as well as of ingratitude—perhaps it may appear to proceed from other sources if so my name will not be involved and that is greatly to be wished: but otherwise the above is the state of facts.
Upon no point but in my relations with either government am I personally uneasy let what may happen and this is a thing of personal delicacy more than any thing else.


Title: To James Madison from Hubbard Taylor, 16 July 1796
From: Taylor, Hubbard
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Springhill 16th. July 1796
I wrote you not long since by Capt: H. Lee to be left in Orange, which I suppose you have recd. ee’r this. I also wrote Mrs. payne and inclosed it to you. Since that time I have seen Mr. E. Bullock, he has recd. Mrs. paynes letter inclosing her husbands Will, and he told me he would write Mrs. payne very shortly.
I have not as yet secured the connected platt of our lands that interferes with Mays entry a copy of which I sent you in the Letter above mentioned; when I get it I will do as I have promised.
Mr. John Brown arrived here only a few days ago, when I see him expect to receive the Money you Mentioned, to be paid me, for your use. Its probable the post of Detroit is given up before this; the one on the Miami is certainly in possission of our Troops.
We now have a real peace with the Indians which is the only time we could have said as much since the American revolution commenced. How long this is to last I leave to better judges than my self to say, for my own part I fear not a great while.
The time is drawing near that electors are to be chosen to elect a presedent & Vice presedent. The minds of the people in this country seems a good deal agitated for the event of those important appointments. If the old president still inclines to serve it will, possibly split our votes, (that is) if certain men get elected—otherwise the vote will, (as its generally b[e]lieved) be unanimous for Mr. Jefferson as the president, the Vice presedent is not so much spoken of. In your next letter I will thank you to mention the Current oppinion who will be voted for on the occation, & should you also think proper to give me a hint of your wish in the choice I will endeavour to lend my little aid in forwarding them, by the choice of those men who may concur in opinion with you.
Our crops of small grain have come in much better than they have ever done in this country. And notwithstanding the extream cold and backward spring our crops of Corn are very promising. We shall therefore be enabled to furnish a considerable exportation down the River if there should be adventurers under the late treaty, as well as to spare to the emigrants that may venture among us this fall, a plentifull supply on moderate terms.
The mode of disposing of the lands on the No Western side of the Ohio, is not very pleasing to the people in Kentuckey, particularly those who wish to become purchasers. It will undoubtedly raise the price of the lands in this state, and will most certainly put it in the power of her legislature to dispose of the vacant land she has to great advantage, both as to price and acquiring inhabitants, the Latter assuredly aught to be the primary object with her.
I add no more than my respects to y⟨our⟩ Lady and Fathers family and that ⟨i am⟩ with great esteem and regard Dr. Sir Yr: Affe. Hble Sert:
H. Taylor


Title: To James Madison from Fulwar Skipwith, 27 July 1796
From: Skipwith, Fulwar
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Paris 27 July 1796
The letter which I now take the liberty of transmitting under cover hereof, I had intended to address particularly to you; but it occurring to me that you may have reasons for not wishing to incur the risk of being thought interested or concerned in its publication as well as of the documents inclosed therewith, I have left its address in blank; requesting that you will have the goodness to use your own judgment in directing it for me to Mr Bache or some friend who will undertake to have the whole published, should you think such a step necessary to undeceive those who may have made or heard wrong interpretations of my conduct in respect to the affair in question; otherwise I could wish the whole to be surpressed, having no desire to promote a discussion or question of my conduct thro’ the channel of a public Newspaper. With very sincere regard and respect I am Dear Sir Your Mo Huml Servant
Fulwar Skipwith

[Enclosure]
To Mr Sir
Paris 26 July 1796
I hear that the loss of part of the money (about 22,834 Livers tournois) which was committed to my care by the American Minister here, to be remitted to our Bankers in Holland on account of the United States, has exposed me in some circles with you, to the charge of neglect or other mismanag’ment in that transaction, and to which cause I am told ’tis said that loss was owing. As this is an absolute falsity I have felt much mortified to hear of this aspersion, not being one of those who can bear calumnies with indiffirence, and perhaps because they are calumnies. I have therefore taken the liberty to transmit to you all the documents which belong to my part of this transaction, and by which it will appear, that the utmost possible care was taken of the money that I could take of it, and of course that the robbery which was committed on my office, and by means whereof it was lost, was an event against which no human precaution could provide: that I undertook the business without compensation altho I was intitled to some having no pay from our Government for the office which I hold, and this being a mercantile transaction exposing me to risk and much trouble: that in truth I had much trouble in it, and lastly that the money robbed was the identical money received on account of the United States from the Treasury of France. I have taken the liberty I say to transmit to you those documents, as the means of vindicating me against those calumnies, provided indeed they have ever been circulated, and in such mode as you shall deem most eligible. If you think that a publication of them is necessary for that purpose, ’tis my wish that they be published, for as nothing is more false than any imputation of the kind, so ’tis my wish to expose by a public refutation the authors of it, provided you think the occasion merits so much notice. Excuse the trouble I give you in this affair and which I do only from the confidence I have in your candor and love of justice—being with the greatest respect and esteem Sir Your Mo Ob Servant
Fulwar Skipwith


Title: Deed of Sale, 29 July 1796 (Abstract)
From: Madison, James
To:

29 July 1796, Orange County, Virginia. Indenture by which Boswell Thornton and his wife Lucy of Orange County sold to JM for £25 eight acres of Orange County land adjoining Nathaniel Gordon’s property, “with all woods, waters, quarries of lime and other stone and the Reversions and remainders to the same appertaining.”


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 1 August 1796
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Paris Augt 1 1796.
This with other letters & papers are committed to Dr. Edwards for you, & to whom I beg to refer you upon many points of importance for the most correct information; I have long known him, & from the confidence I have in his principles as well as discretion, have communicated very freely with him, & therefore refer you to him as to an authority pure, & a person to be confided in. Indeed there is no topic connected with our affrs. that he has not accurate information on, and therefore I think it will be well for you to see him as soon as possible.
I sent lately by a young American from N. Yk. a copy of my correspondence with our bankers for you, upon the subject of the remittance by the department of our treasury committed to my care, & I now send you another & more complete copy of that correspondence. I wish I had done this six months since, but really it never entered my head to take a precaution of the kind, for knowing how attentive I had been to that trust, & how much trouble it had given me, at a time too when I had other & more important concerns to attend to, I was naturally looking to that department for other sentiments towards me, than those I hear it has cherished and even circulated. I have a letter from Mr. W. of the 14. of April acknowledging the rect. of the substancial part of this correspondence, & to wh. (as I presume it arrivd abt. ten days before), it is probable the suppression of those malignant whispers was in part owing. But you now have the means of confounding the low authors of these low insinuations, and therefore I feel no further concern on that head: you will of course either bury the low business in oblivion, shew the correspondence to those who have heard the whispering, or act more decisively according to yr. judgment. If I get safe out of the hands of these people, I shall think my stars will guide me afterwards safe thro any rocks and quicksands that may impede my way.
And in reply to the charge of speculation &ca I send you the affidavit of Mr. Sk: to prove that if I have done it, it was never thro him. When I arrived here Swan was the agent of France in purchasing the cargoes of Americans, and the agent of the Americans in selling their cargoes to France. He was their agent also (for morris was nothing) in soliciting the settlement of spoliation claims &ca, and in consequence having a good understanding with some of the subaltern agents in the commercial branch of this govt., procured in some instances an adjustment of those claims as I believe, upon terms very favorable to himself and his associates, but not so perhaps either to the claimants or this govt. In short I never saw so abhorrent a spectacle as was exhibited in this line, & in wh. he was the principal party. For independant of the objections stated above, our trade was a monopoly in the hands of this society, not a single cargo being allowed by law to be sold to individuals or otherwise than to the govt., nor cod. one well be sold thro any other channel to the govt. There never was before perhaps any precedent of the kind for Bingham’s in the west Indias was comparatively on a small scale. I made an effort to break this charm & eventually broke it, by nominating Mr. Skipwith to the consulate, thereby presenting to the Americans an official responsable organ thro’ wh. their claims might be brot. to the view of this govt., procuring to myself a suitable intermediatory as well between them as this govt., and by means whereof dishonorable practices might be avoided in every line, much method introduc’d in all our measures upon those concerns, & particularly & by the means of reports from the consul to me, a suitable basis be laid for all my applications to this govt. where it was necessary for me to apply for redress. I also demanded that the ports shod. be open to our trade & each man be left at liberty to sell his own cargo to individuals if it comported with the interest of the govt, otherwise to the agents of the govt. & at the ports. I actually wrote essays upon this subject in my notes to this government for surely there never was such a state of things as existed in this country upon my arrival. Soon too I began to produce an effect, & in consequence the hold wh. this corps had upon our trade began to be loosened. In this state this man made another effort to retain his ground (or rather he made it when he first heard that I contemplated the measures above stated) by endeavoring to detach Mr. Sk: from the consulate offering him an establishment at Havre, by way of partnership in his house, with the advance of immense funds, & wh. Mr. Sk: considering as very favorable to him hesitated abt. the acceptance of, & consulted me thereon. I immediately saw into the object & asked him in case he did accept the offer, whom I shod. appoint as consul? To this part of the business he had paid no attention & of course he cod. give no reply. I then told him that if he accepted the offer & became a partner of that house I shod. of course not nominate him as consul, since instead of bringing abt. the reform I sought, I shod. on the contrary thereby confirm & by a new & official sanction the vicious state wh. I wished to cure. He said he of course shod. abandon all idea of that office for himself since he was to remove to Havre in case he accepted the partnership. That with respect to any other appointment he had nothing to say, since he was equally of my opinion, I ought to appoint no one to the office belonging to that house. I then explained to him my suspicion of the views of that man, solving the reason why he had contracted such a friendship for him, upon so short an acquaintance, & told him as a matter of curiosity, in their next conversation abt. their proposed partnership, to touch upon the subject of the consulate & ask who wod. take it in case he declined. Mr. Sk: did so & found it was hoped or expected that it wod. be given to Higginson of Boston likewise a partner of the house. Thus this affr. was completely explained, & wh. my correspondence to our govt. at the time in regard to the state of our trade &ca comprehending whatever was of a publick nature, likewise fully explained.
I have given you this detail to trace to you the probable source from whence these calumnies proceed or future calumnies may proceed: For it was not reasonable to presume I shod. escape them after the above circumstances, from that source. No one can detect & break up such a system without making enemies: but happily the ground on wh. I stand is of a nature to baffle their attacks: slander may do harm for a moment, considering how far I am off; & untill the refutation arrives, but it cannot do permanent injury.
Another source from whence something of the kind may have proceeded, or may proceed, I think proper to trace. Our govt. nominated a Mr. Pitcairn of New-Yk. an Englh. emigrant of a few years standing, and in consequence a Bh. subject also, to the office of V consul for this city. Such an appointment will I think surprise you when it is considered that these countries are at war, that the characters of official agents are objects of systematic enquiry here as they are in all European govts., and that it could not otherwise than produce an ill effect towards us in the councils of this govt. & wh. ought to have been avoided for more reasons that [sic] one at the present time. I remonstrated immediately agnst the appointment, stating fully the above objections to it, & observing to the govt. that I shod. not obtain his recognition untill those objections were weighed & I instructed in consequence therof, & since wh. I have heard nothing from the govt. on the subject. The young man who is a well behaved man enough, has rested on this ground for a twelve month, & in the interim neither T. P. nor his predecessor have had energy of character sufficient, either to revoke his comn., or order me to recognize him, tho’ I believe infinite discontent exists in the bosom of the latter on acct. of my omitting to it, & who I hear tells old McCormick of New Yk. Pitcairns uncle that orders are given me to that effect. It wod. not be surprising that T. P. & the friends of this person, shod. endeavor to ascribe my conduct upon this occasion to different motives than the true ones, but the above is the true motive, & se[e]ing as I do see a real mischief to our country in placing a Bh. subject in office (tho’ lately become an american citizen) in the immediate presence of this govt.; one too who visits Engld. every two or three months where he has mercantile connections, I shall certainly never swerve from the part I have taken in this respect untill I have a positive order so to do. We are a nation or Engh. colonies, & if the former we ought to be true to that character.
With respect to speculating thro any other channel I declare to you, unless the purchase of the house in wh. I live is such, & wh. I bought derectly myself & soon after my arrival & of the proprietor who now lives, that nothing is more false. I saw no greater impropriety in purchasing the house in wh. I resided, on that score, than in renting it: and in respect to this govt. it was calculated to produce a good effect in encreasing its confidence in me, & which was wanting to any American minister here at the time & is still wanting. Besides after my introduction to the Convention I was offered a house by this govt., & thought it not improbable an arrangment might take place between the two govts (as now exists between this & Holland), whereby each might obtain in the other a house for its minister. It was always my intention wh. however I mention confidentially before I heard of this slander, to offer this house to our govt. when I withdrew, and upon its own terms, either paying what I gave, or having it valued by suitable persons & paying that valuation the latter of wh. it is true I shod. expect & of this intention even from the moment of the purchase there are many Americans who heard me speak at the time. In this intended proposition I thought I shod. do a liberal thing, & I mention it to you now as a fact connected with my views in the purchase, but wh. were so only in the light suggested. Whether I shall make the proposal after what I hear will depend much on yr. advice, & for wh. purpose I mention the subject to you. I might speculate in national domains & I presume make immense sums but I have not nor will I. Nor have I bought nor shall I buy any thing here but books my furniture, & some trifling articles such as glass &ca for a building I intend some time or other to erect on my farm in Virga. I think our minister here ought to have a house provided by the govt. & in that case this is well suited, being in a pleasant retired part of the city, with a good garden &ca. But this will depend now on many other things of much greater importance.
Augt. 5. I find that this govt. has actually issued orders for the seizure of neutral vessels to take effect when the Englh. do it, & of course I presume immediately. They have also appointed Mangourit with the grade of chargé des affaires to the United States and which I conclude is designed to insult our government you know he was consul at Charleston under Genet and worse than Genet. Seven months have now passed since I from T. P. and the general tone of that and a preceding letter all that I have received from him that merit the name were rather in terms of defiance to this government than conciliation. If this administration continues or its spirit is transmitted into other hands I wish immediately to return. But yet I have been so ill treated by the [administration], its conduct varying so essentially from my instructions that I think I owe to myself a vindication of my own conduct by the publication of my whole correspondence would this be right and in that case were it not better that I forced them to recall me. Since the ratification of the treaty a year has elapsed & during wh. time no step whatever was taken by this government. This was time enough for conciliatory councils by treaty or otherwise were they intended.
This letter was closed, but I open it to acknowledge the rect. of yours of the 20. of May, and likewise to add that I am rather inclined to think it will be best to have published the whole of the correspondence sent you, with the bankers, as the affidavit of Mr. Skipwith with some others that I send you. You may likewise introduce it by publishing the 2d. paragraph (or the whole of this letter if you please) in this letter to you modified as you chuse, as to a friend, with such introductory comments as you please.
I find by a paper from Tazewell that insinuations are made that (& Perhaps I am meant) a party of Americans here are provoking the French to acts of hostility agnst us. Of all infamous calumnies this is the most infamous. This shews how necessary it is for me to put in the hands of the true organs of the publick sentiment, a copy of every thing I do, as a guarantee agnst the attacks of those who are not; with this view therefore I send you a copy of my correspondence with the minister of foreign affrs. upon this subject, & by wh. you will see how much I have hasarded myself upon this occasion to repress the Designs of this govt. agnst. us, & of course how little I deserve the imputation. Possessing these Documents you may be bold in contradicting the calumnies, in affirming that the admn. have contrary proofs & are therefore the authors of them if they do not contradict them, or recall me, wh. in truth I wish them to do: & wh. nothing will prevent their doing but the want of spirit to do it, & wh. proceeds from their knowledge of the ground upon wh. we respectively stand.
It is a sentiment very common & very natural among good men, to avoid dissipating scandal by newspaper discussion, lest possibly doubts may thereby be created where none existed before. But this modest timidity I am satisfied is often carried too far, & to the injury of the soundest reputations, for it often happens that the slanders wh. are thus circulated in whispers, poison where the antidote never extends, & wh. might be avoided by a publick discussion, provoked by the injured person himself or his friends. Armed therefore as you now are with the most solid proofs that can be furnished, of the purity of my conduct; proofs wh. are (if I may so express myself) positive to prove a negative, I submit it to your judgment whether the bold & decisive council had not better be pursued, & whether it will not even produce a good effect, by confounding the authors of these calumnies & exposing their turpitude, upon other & more important events depending in our country. If published it will be proper, to arrange more in order the correspondence sent you, than is here done: putting the letters to the Secry. of the treasury first, & those with the minister of foreign affrs. &ca in their place. It is also submitted to you whether it ought not to be published in a pamphlet as well as in the newspapers, or in either only, provided a publication is deemed proper, all the expences attending wh. I shall of course defray.
Even if a publication is deemed adviseable, will it not be proper, to call on the Secry. of the Treasury thro’ some suitable person to demand of him whether the calumnies agnst me are true or not; even get his certificate & publish that also: or to write him & publish his answer, observing that if his answer was published, my correspondence ought to be also, for upon the latter I rest my credit and not the former.
In reviewing the correspondence &ca it appeared that a further explanation with Mr. Van Staphorst here why the draft on the house at Hamburg was not sent forward was necessary he having absolutely conducted the whole business, & in consequence I wrote him a letter on that head & to wh. I recd. a reply both of wh. are enclosed, & wh. may either be annexed & follow the disposition of the other papers or not as you think fit.

In all things it will be well to act in harmony with Dr. Edwards who possesses perfect information, & is sound in his principles, at least such is my opinion of him.
You will observe that the amt of the money lost, is not more than an ordinary comn wod. have been in the hands of a banker or any other person than Mr. Skipwith; or very little more.
You will of course confer with my friends Mr. Jefferson & Mr. Jones if occasion offers.
6. I have slept a night upon the above & return back to that state of modest timidity wh. I blamed above. In short I rather think that these low & despicable calumnies are beneath my notice, since they are only the last despairing efforts of a profligate party, who in its extremities has no other means of saving itself than by slandering its foes who are the friends of private morality & publick honor. In short does any thing coming from T. P. or O. W. merit my notice or that of any other respectable citizen? And of course is it worth my while to make a great affair, of a very little one and at my own expence? If these rascals will come out with any charge let them, & then you have the means of my defense, shewing these in the interim to whom you please. And I declare to you I had rather in their low circle, be slanderd by them than praised. Indeed their praise I deem slander, at the tribunal of the moral world. However it is agn. submitted to you what had better be done.


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 10 August 1796
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James, Sr.

Hond Sir
Augst. 10. 1796.
You will learn from Sam that we all continue much as when you left us. I was down at the Mill yesterday & found the work going on properly. It is of importance however that the abutment should be well secured before much rain comes; as it is found that a small swell in the river will accumulate at the dam so as to overflow it; and as the dam is rather higher than the Bank of the river, the water in that case will be very troublesome to the unfinished work. Frailey had not returned, but several hands, Garten & others, had joined the force working on the Mill. Melton had the good fortune to have all his hay stacked the evening before the rain set in. The fall of water since the 6th. has been 1 6/8 inches. We have heard nothing from my sister Madison more than that she had proceeded from Mr. Macon’s for Norfolk. This account was brought by Col. Barbour returned from Richmond. I send a bundle of the last Northern papers. Dolly unites in best affections to my mother & yourself. If we should be able to pay you a visit it will be in the course of the next week. Yr. affe. son
Js. Madison Jr.
Mr. Howard has been here, and examined the Clock without perceiving any thing amiss. On making her strike she struck truly; & has continued to do so ever since. So that it is probable the cause lay in the position of the pallet which happened to be rectified by his moving it.


Title: To James Madison from Timothy Pickering, 19 August 1796
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Madison, James

(private)
Sir,
Department of State August 19. 1796.
Last week I received the inclosed letter dated Pisa 24th March 1796, addressed to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Secretary of Congress, Philadelphia,” from Filippo Mazzei, covering one to you, and yours covering one to Mr. Jefferson, of the same date. I opened the first of course, as a public letter; and the other two were not sealed. Not understanding the Italian language, I went in the evening to a friend, to read & give me the purport of that to Mr. Randolph. I then laid by the packet, intending to ask Mr. Taylor if he had any knowledge of the subject or of M. Mazzei: but till a day or two since I forgot to make the enquiry. Mr. Taylor looked, but did not find Mr. Mazzei’s name. Yesterday, recurring to the packet for the purpose of forwarding it by this day’s mail, and again opening the letter to Mr. Randolph, I observed the name of Mr. Jefferson, & “bills on the contingent fund,” in the same paragraph; which still led me to think it possible that the letters might relate to some official transaction; & therefore last evening I requested the same friend to read & give me the purport of all the letters. I then perceived that they related to some pecuniary affairs very interesting to M. Mazzei, & that his wants rendered him extremely importunate to receive his monies, for his support in his old age; the capital in preference; otherwise a handsome annuity, proportioned to his few remaining years of life. The mention in his letter to Mr. Randolph of “4 bills on the contingent fund,” which he gave to Mr. R. on the road between Williamsburg and Richmond, but of which he had since heard nothing, showed that part of his demands were against Mr. Randolph himself. Hence seeing M. Mazzei meant by his letters to you and Mr. Jefferson to interest you both, as his particular friends, to obtain the payment of his dues, which he so often repeats were essential to his subsistence, I thought it a duty towards a stranger, with whose pecuniary necessities I became thus accidentally acquainted, not to make his debtor the sole depositary of his claims. I therefore inclose all the letters to you, that there may be a certainty that you and Mr. Jefferson may receive your own. With great respect, I am sir, your most obt. servant
Timothy Pickering.


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 19 August 1796 (Abstract)
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Madison, James

19 August 1796, Richmond. Introduces Edwin Burwell.


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 1 September 1796
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Paris September 1st. 1796.
This government has at last and against my utmost efforts to prevent it sent an order to their minister to withdraw giving for reason our treaty with England and declaring that the customary relations between the two nations shall cease. I have no official communication and can’t be more particular. After deliberating about seven months they resolved that the honour of their country would be tarnished in their hands if they acted otherwise. They say I have detained them seven months from doing what they ought to have done at once. It is impossible to foresee the consequences of this measure which I sincerely regret but here no change can be expected and of course if the same councils prevail in America the alliance is at an end not to count the other injuries we shall receive from the loss of this nation so preponderant as it is; with such valuable possessions in our seas. I do not know whether my functions are suspended—in any event I must wait the orders of our government. At this moment I receive a letter from Timothy in reply to my first on this subject addressed as from an overseer to the foreman of his gang ascribing (if not absolutely the existence of any complaint to me) yet that it is altogether owing to my misconduct that it broke out since I had acknowledged a from him three months before which he says proved they had no right [to] complain—hence he concludes that I suppressed that luminous work. To this I have yet given no answer nor do I at present propose. It will occur to you that I could not defend the treaty till there was a charge brought against it and to prevent which was always the object of my efforts. Delay therefore was always favorable. This letter corresponds so much with the publication in the New York paper that it tends to create a suspicion they were written by the same hand but these little Connecticut jockey tricks were too easily seen thro’ now a days to produce any effect. Poor Washington into what hands has he fallen.
The above is gone by another rout.
I have seen authentic documents to prove that G. Morris is at Berlin negociating to engage that court to take part against France and that he expends much money there in that business which is concluded to be British money as he is concluded to be a British agent—from Berlin he proceeds to Vienna. I saw this in a letter from a Dutch agent at Berlin to a Dutch commissary here, respecting wh. however you shall hear from me again.
The French troops gain daily new victori[e]s in the empire, being now within two days march of Ratisbon: & the Austrians retreating. At Ratisbon it is said that the armies of Jourdan & Moreau are to meet, & according to the original plan of the campaign to proceed towards Vienna. With Spn. an alliance offensive & defensive is concluded, & wh. embarks her in the war of course agnst. Engld.; & Prussia it is thought inclines to the same scale, being the preponderating one, & with a view of lopping off something from the empire & making it her own: such as Hamburg &ca. It is believed to be in contemplation between this govt. & Spn. to unite Portugal to the latter, with a view of rescuing that country from the hands of the British. I do suspect that Louisiana belongs to France by secret articles in her late treaty with Spn. Thus you see to what a wonderful height the fortunes of this country have already risen, & promise still to rise, since the new govt. daily gains strength in the affection & confidence of the people, whilst the surrounding govts. are tottering & menac’d with a fall.
Sepr. 6. I just hear that the plan of seizing our vessels having Englh. property will be carried into effect and that Spain are likely to pursue the same policy—in truth if we do not change our councils we shall be in a terrible state.
The army of Jourdan pressing on Ratisbon inducd P. Charles to draw 25.000. men from that before Moreau to his, to oppose Jourdan, & wh. occasioned the latter to retreat abt. 30. miles, at wh. moment Moreau made a stroke at the other weakened army & routed it taking 2000. prisoners & killing many. ’Tis said Jourdan is agn. on the offensive. His loss is not known in the retreat, but not deemed considerable. In publishing my correspondence if that is thought adviseable, would you publish my private letter also to Randolph wh. you have seen.
16. Bounaparte has gained another considerable victory near Trent, taking 5000 prisoners—Moreau has also gained one of some importance. Jourdan it is said wearied out with fatigue asks repose, & that Bournonville will replace him.


Title: To James Madison from James Yard, 9 September 1796
From: Yard, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Philada. Sepr. 9. 1796
I am very Sorry that your Letter came too late to arrest the intended progress of yr. funds to the Hands of Van Stophorst. On the 12th. Ulto. I remitted the Draft of pragers for f7719 Hd Curry. which @ 3 f ⅌ Ga. amounts to $3087.00.
I recd. a Letter from Mr Monroe by a Vessel which brought your Box of China to Wilmington. A few Days after, it was brought up & landed on our Wharf in such a crazy State that I apprehended much Damage & concluded to have it unpacked without hazarding further Movements—fortunately it was so well packed that it came out in excellent Condition & is now at my House. Mrs. Yard unites with me in Complts to you & your Lady. Very respectfuly Dr sir Your obdt servt
James Yard


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 19 September 1796
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Paris Sepr. 19. 1796.
From what I see in an American newspaper and what Dr. Edwards writes me from London it is probable the English faction with us will endeavor to impose on the publick the belief of an intrigue between some men in America [and] this government to prevail on the latter to interfere in our interior and to make Major Fulton the organ—nothing is more false—the man has come here to get paid what was due him in Genet’s time, and also to Clark—and in which I hear he does not succeed. This government hesitates as I hear to take Louisiana lest it should permanently weaken the between France and the United States—much less therefore wod. they dabble in a business of that kind. The above principle operates with force even at the present moment, when it is naturally weaker than at any other period. Besides the man is not a fit agent for such a business. He appears to be a worthy well tempered person, but well satisfied I am he has no trust unless it is to sell land or some such one. Be assured he has no communication with any person of weight here or was ever heard of by them. I have thought proper to add the above as a supplement to my last, & to add further that Jourdan is still on the retreat, and that Bournonville is spoken of for his successor. Wonderful is the conflict in this hemisphere, and its issue always incertain, tho’ greatly preponderant has Fr: been so far during the campaign, and from wh. nothing has detracted except the reverse with the army under Jourdan wh. it is to be hoped is only temporary. As this government has no confidence in ours I have been able to shelter the last only by the virtues of the patriotic party upon whose ground it is known I stand & whose sentiments I have said I spake. One of yr. letters was of great use to me in this respect. Tell me ought I to resign. I had much rather withdraw. This man Fulton talks of the principal characters here without knowing them and I suspect was attended to much by my friends in America by reason of his talking so much of me but this was wrong because he had no introductory letters from me—tho in as far as I know a good sort of man—by this however he gained a consequence he ought not to have. It were hard at the moment when by the virtue of Republican party war has so far been prevented that party should be charged with attempting to bring it on.
I enclose you a paper wh. gives the most brilliant acct. of Bounaparte’s late victories in the Tyrol by wh. he has just taken 16.000 prisoners & ruined agn. Wurmsers army. Moreau gives too by yesterday’s courier the most flattering accts. of his situation & progress & Jourdan’s situation ceases now to be dangerous. In addition to wh. Bournonville is on the march to join him with 25.000. men. The Directoire are firm & in high spirits as indeed they ought to be.
Be assured if Pinkny is put in any place he goes with the other party he is a good man.


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 26 September 1796
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Paris Sepr 26. 1796.
The state of affrs. remains nearly the same since my last: except that upon the Rhine or rather in the intr. of Germany since the check of Jourdan or perhaps complete defeat & wh. I rather presume, the progress is impeded, & in Italy Bounaparte has gained another victory taking 5000. prisoners & driving Wurmser into Mantua where he is closely besieged. I think I mentioned to you in my last that he had just before taken 16000. & that Bournonville was on his rout from Holland at the head of 25000 men to join & supersede Jourdan.
I have answered Tim’s letter refuting what he says by argument and leaving it so. He has also wrote an insolent letter to Skipwith and which he has answered with force and contemptuous defiance. Fulton also has written also a commentary upon the publication in the New York paper which he intends for Bache’s paper and which is harsh he says the presumed letter from Paris is a forgery—that he never received it nor was it written to him—and the other letter to which it refers and which was intended to quiet the western people from the knowledge he had of that I was doing everything in my power to serve them was purloined from the post office as he presumes by Tim. Skipwith sends the letters from Berlin respecting G. Morris for publication. I hope this scene of rascality will open the people’s eyes and rid you of that old tool and dotard for with him I presume the contest will be.


Title: To James Madison from Alexander White, 26 September 1796
From: White, Alexander
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Washington 26th. Septemr. 1796
I should not have disturbed your repose with anything of a private nature, nor indeed with the affairs of this City, which has more than ever been the object of our joint labours, had I not been assured that you have the inclination, and believed that you have the power further to promote its interest, and with it the interest and honour of the U. States. The establishment of a National University is a measure the utility of which seems to meet with general approbation—that the seat of Goverment is the proper place for such an institution will hardly be contested; it is an object which the President has much at heart, he has made a Donation of 50 shares in the Patowmack Company towards its support, and will appropriate a hansome site for the Buildings in the City of Washington. He has it in contemplation (but has not yet determined) to bring the subject before Congress. Should he do so, what ought to be proposed in the present state of things? A grant of money I fear would be refused. Shall we ask an Act authorising subscriptions? What assurance should that Act give, that the money subscribed shall be faithfully applied, and the institution finally completed? I shall enter no further into the detail meaning only to draw your attention to the subject generally. I think this a favourable crisis to bring it forward, as it is the last Session in which Washington will preside, his recommendation will make a greater impression than that of any future President can do, or than his own would have done at any former period. It will be felt as the last request of a departing Friend.
Another measure not unconnected with this has lately been suggested; it is the establishment of a botanical Garden. There is a large space left by the Plan of the City for pleasure grounds—extending from the Presidents Square to the Capitol, extremely well calculated for this purpose; it would be no deviation from the original intention so to apply a part of it. Pray think of this too, if it deserves attention.
I flatter myself no hopes, and few if any wishes remain to defeat the Seat of Goverment; every day gives it additional Strength. The Spanish Minister has applied to the President for a Site on which to erect a House for the Minister of his Nation; and it is expected the example will be followed by the Portugese and British Ministers; the former is expected here in a few days.
Our Public Buildings are well advanced—the Stone and Brick Work of the first Story of the Capitol are nearly finished; and the Presidents House will be ready to receive the roof before the building Season ends. Upwards of thirty Brick Houses have been commenced during the present Summer, and a great proportion of them already covered in, Many Wooden Houses have also been built and tenanted since the regulation prohibiting their erection has been done away. I shall set out early next Week for Winchester, where I shall remain till after the 16th. of October. Should you favour me with an Answer direct to this place so as to reach me about the 20th. of October. The subjects abovementioned will be brought under our view as a Board of Commissioners and it is not improbable, but the President may converse with me individually respecting them, particularly with regard to the propriety of bringing them before Congress. Your Opinion in that respect, as well as your Sentiments at large will have great weight with me, and I am well satisfied would have the same with the President were they communicated as yours which I shall do or not as you please. Present my respectful Complts. to Mrs. Madison And believe me very sincerely Yours &c.
Alexr White


Title: From James Madison to John Beckley, 1 October 1796
From: Madison, James
To: Beckley, John

Letter not found. 1 October 1796. Acknowledged in Beckley to JM, 15 Oct. 1796. Encloses a letter for Beckley to forward to James Monroe. Apparently discusses Monroe’s recall as U.S. minister to France and the impending presidential election. Asks Beckley to find a house in Philadelphia for JM to rent during the next session of Congress.


Title: To James Madison from Henry Tazewell, 3 October 1796
From: Tazewell, Henry
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Kingsmill 3d. Oct. 1796
I beleive I mentioned to you before we parted in Phila: that Mr. Mason and myself intended among other things to communicate to the Legislature at their next Session, the situation of Virga. as to the Territory N. West of the Ohio. In making this communication we may perhaps be the authors of some error. Will you therefore after perusing the following remarks, favour me with such observations as you may deem necessary? You will remember that the terms of the Virga. Act of Cession as to the No. of States to be formed in this Territory were not intirely assented to by Congress and that the ordinance of 1787 proposed a new arrangement in this respect by definitely describing three States, and reserving to Congress a power to form two others North of an East & West Line to be drawn thro the soly. bend or extreme of Lake Michigan, subjecting this arrangement to the Assent of the State of Virga. which assent has never as yet been given or refused. It is obviously right that Virga. should not be the Author of any impediment to the free enjoyment of the privileges secured to the Settlers in this Territory by the ordinance, by delaying their necessary agency. The choice of three propositions therefore will require the deliberation of the Assembly—1. To reject the new arrangement proposed by the ordinance & adhere to the original Act of Cession—2 To discard the original terms of the Cession, & intirely assent to the proposed arrangement—or 3. to propose another modification. The first would multiply the number of States in this Territory, but would retard the admission into the Union of those formed by the arrangement proposed in the Act of Cession. It is perhaps better for all parties that a few States should from this Quarter speedily become Members of the Union, than that a greater number should be admitted at a later period. If this be true, the Legislature ought not to insist on the terms of the original Act of Cession. The second proposition while it would diminish the number of States, would accelerate the admission of those described by the Ordinance into the Union provided the power reserved to Congress of forming two additional States North of an East & West Line thro. the Soly bend or extreme of lake Michigan could be surrendered. If that power is not surrendered, nor executed, it admits of doubt whether the population north of the Line & that South of the Line can be counted together, altho. intirely within one of the three States described in the ordinance. If it is not surrendered & executed it will probably give operation to local interests that will be more mischeivous than if both extremes of the three States are kept under one State Government. These objections and the offspring of them, which will readily come into your mind may be sufficiently strong to induce the Legislature to refuse their assent to the intire arrangement proposed by the Ordinance. If so, the third proposition will present this only modification as necessary in the business. Viz—That three States as defined in the Ordinance shall be assented to, provided Congress relinquishes their reserved power to form two other States North of the line proposed to be run thro. lake Michigan. The Constitution will still leave in the hands of Congress a power to form two States out of one with the Assent of the States, and therefore the people cannot suffer by this arrangement. My own beleif is that to count the Setlers on the Lakes & on the Ohio together will hasten the admission of the three defined States into the Union, will check any untoward local interest which may generate with the Northern Setlers & upon the whole will make three States admitted at an early period into the Union better than five at a more distant period. There are however inconveniences which would attend even this proposition. They will readily occur to you—but my design was so to state the various aspects of the business as to give a preference to that which should most speedily bring these States into the Union. When you have turned the subject over in your Mind you will gratify me by such remarks as you shall think needful. They will only be used by myself & for no improper purpose.
The president’s Address has lately made its appearance among us. I have not yet read it with a sufficient degree of attention to speak correctly of it. Some suppose, that to lessen the American attachment to France, & to strengthen that towards Gt. Britain produced that perplexed posture of Affairs which occasioned the suppression of the first Address, because they know of no other great Events that have brightened the political Hemisphere of America. Others are not willing to become disciples of that moral Teacher who while he instructs them to forgive their enemies, enjoins them to forget their Friends, for they profess not to understand that impartiality which requires them to put friends and Foes upon the same footing. Others again read with jealousy that recommendation which seems to make a national established Religion a prerequisite to a fixed System of national morality. But amidst these superficial remarks on the address I do not discover in this quarter of the Country any material influence it will have on the approaching Election for the president’s Successor. The people hereabouts are generally by profession supporters of Mr Jefferson’s election, and so essential is it to the success of a Candidate for the office of an Elector to declare in favour of Mr Jefferson that none have yet attempted to come forward with different pretensions. We have as yet heard only of two Candidates—Jno. Mayo of Richmond—Thos. Griffin of York. Each of these have declared an intention to vote for Mr. Jefferson, but it is generally beleived that each will also vote for Jno. Adams—which in truth would be a vote agt. Mr. Jefferson. This thin Artifice is understood & will be exposed. Another Candidate—Mr. Ambler, will be offered who I beleive will certainly be elected & who in all respects is perfectly republican. It appears to me that some respectable & calm man from some part or other of Virginia will be essential in the delegation of Electors. He will greatly contribute to concentrate the doubtful Votes. From this part of the Country such a man is not to be expected. I think Mr Pendleton, Mr Henry, Beverly Randolph or some such man would, if they could be had, prove essentially serviceable.
I saw an account in the Newspapers some time ago of Monroes recall & Chs. C. Pinkney’s appointment as his Successor. I did not credit it, but I was surprized lately by a Letter from Phila to be acquainted with the truth of the fact. The motive for this measure, I cannot conjecture. It is busily circulated here, that it has been in persuance of a request from the Executive directory of France. I am sure this cannot be true. If any information has been recd. by you explanatory of this event, & it is not improper to communicate it, you will oblige me by it.
I was not a little surprized to be informed lately thro. a pretty direct channel that the opposition to Mason at his approaching Election as Senator had fixed on Mr Blair to be run agt. him, & that he had agreed to serve, if chosen. I beleive however Mason’s reelection is quite certain unless some person of the same political Sentiments with himself should be offered agt. him.
Unceasing efforts have been making and are making in this part of the State to prejudice the people agt. the present Representation in Congress. They have had a greater effect than I conjectured. Mr. Page will probably fall a sacrafice to them, but I beleive their influence will extend no further. It is remarkable that notorious british partizans are the most zealous in these attempts, and as an evidence of it, you would be surprized at the activity which they use in circulating those infamous performances of peter porcupine.
I shall be very glad at your leizure to hear from you on these & other subjects. Remember me to Mrs. Madison & beleive me to be Yours sincerely
Henry Tazewell


Title: From James Madison to Henry Tazewell, 18 October 1796
From: Madison, James
To: Tazewell, Henry

Dear Sir
Orange Ocr. 18. 1796.
I was favored a few days ago with yours of the 3d. inst. It is so difficult to appreciate all the circumstances relating to the subject on which you ask my remarks, that the time allowed, does not enable me to do justice to it. Considering the various contingencies that may influence it, I am inclined to think it most prudent for you to do no more than simply present it among other things, to the attention of the Assembly; who will be able to hasten or suspend a final decision according to the lights which every day will continue to furnish. This course seems to be particularly recommended to you & your Colleagues, by the danger of misconstruction & perversion to which any formal & systematic view you might take of it, would be liable in the present temperament of party feelings towards Virginia.
Monroe’s recall was as much unapprehended, & as long disbelieved by me, as by you. I am still in the dark as to the ground on which the measure has been hazarded. In general I have understood, that the official characters give out, that he has not done his duty in vindicating the British Treaty to the French Government. But all his letters to me indicate that he has most sincerely & zealously laboured, to prevent that occurrence, from becoming a source of discord between France & this Country. I have not had a line from Philada. or elsewhere, that could enlighten my communications to Monroe on the subject.
I am also but little informed of the present state of the electioneering politics, either out of or in Virginia. In this District, the suspected candidate has I hear, declined in consequence of the President’s withdrawing his name. My brother William & a Mr. Conner, are the two surviving candidates. As they both mean the same thing, the contest proceeds with harmony, & the issue is not very material.
I sincerely regret that Mr. Page, with all his just claims to the favor of his fellow Citizens should leave public life, under their frowns. He will have however more than the satisfaction of knowing that he has not deserved them. He will be able to assure himself, that many, I will not forbear to say, a very great majority, are sensible of his patriotism, and wish to see it better requited.
I can not bid you farewell without a rebuke for again cheating me out of the visit you owe me. The Bishop also has incurred the same mark of my disappointment, which has been the greater, as I heard he had planned & was actually preparing this fall for the journey. Yrs. very sincerely
Js. Madison Jr.


Title: To James Madison from William Russell, 24 October 1796
From: Russell, William
To: Madison, James

Sir,
Orange Ct. House, Octr. 24th. 1796.
Inclosed are the different papers relative to my Claim against the United States, and shall esteem it a singular favor of you to petition Congress in my behalf for the Money. Any Expence attending the business shall be readily paid. I am sir, yr mo. Obt Servt.
Wm. Russell.


Title: To James Madison from Hubbard Taylor, 14 November 1796
From: Taylor, Hubbard
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Frankfort 14th. Novr. 1796
As this will be handed you by Mr. Brown it will be unnec[e]ssary for me to give you any information respecting what is going forward in this Legislature of this State.
I acknowledged the rect. of the 40 Dollars by Mr. Brown and gave amt. into the hands of his brother and have informed him thereof. I am collecting the Meterials for our Claims against Mays And will take such steps as may be really necessary to secure our right.
Should any thing turn up in the course of the session that may be necessa[r]y for your information respecting your interest I will communicate it. With sentiments of regard & esteem I am Dr Sir Yr Affe Hble
H. Taylor


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 15 November 1796
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Paris Novr. 15. 1796.
This will pass by the way of Engld. & will therefore most probably arrive safe. It is committed to Mr. Dease lately with Mr. P. in Engld. & who will deliver it to some careful person abt. departing thence for America. I enclose in it two letters from T. Pickering to me, my answer to the first, & a communication wh. finally wound up my discussion with the minister of for: affrs. upon the subject of the complts. of this govt: agnst our own, & wh. took place between that officer & myself. You will observe that T. P. grounds his measure upon certain letters of my own of the 16. & 20 of Feby. 10. & 25. of March, the contents of wh. he states tolerably well himself. In truth those letters, contain strong proofs of my attention to the object in question, & of its effect upon this govt. How then they became a ground of censure I cannot conceive. I consider this as a precipitate act which they are perhaps already sorry for. It marks equally the violence and the desperation of the party. The Americans here to a man when they heard of it (two Scots Pitcairn and Sadler excepted) assembled drew an address expressive of their regret and other sentiments favorable to me appointed a committee who wrote me to know when I would receive it—I was aware that this would be laid hold of in America and turned to party account and therefore prevailed on them not to deliver it.
This act puts me at liberty to publish my correspondence &c but this I think had better be done in America for a like reason. The season is now too far advanced for me to sit [out] till the spring although this person were now arrived and in the interim you will write and advise me what to do.
I have not answered the last letter because I waited this man’s arrival and because I doubt whether it is not better to reserve what I should say for a future occasion—and because notwithstanding this unprecedented outrage I have still some tenderness towards General Washington. You will determine whether the publication of any thing you have will be suitable & act accordingly.
Malmesbury is still here. I send you papers wh. contain the state of the negotiation or rather of the appeal to publick opinion on both sides. Unpromising however as appearances are I shod. not be surpris’d if a peace shod. be made up, for Engld. never took this step otherwise than under the pressure of necessity.
You will readily observe that after I asked a communication upon the subject of the treaty with the minister, of the Directoire, that I cod. not answer his objections till he furnished them or stated them to me: and of course cod. not have answer’d them when the 4. letter to wh. he refers (Pickering) of the last of March was written.


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 23 November 1796
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dr. Sr.
Fredg. 23d. Nov. 1796.
In expectation this will find you in Philaa: where the best information can be obtained respecting the returns of Electors for the several States, and from whence a well grounded conclusion may be formed—I wish to hear what hopes you have of the ultimate decision. From the last acct. we have of the Pensylvania elections (Fayette Green and Westmoreland returns not in) I think the Republican ticket will be carried in that State and upon the success of which I have supposed wod. in great measure depend Mr. J’s election. Have you heard from Monroe or is there any accot. whether he may be expected in shortly or when he may be expected. A very fulsome resolution for an address to the President was introduced into the House of Delegates while I was in Town wch. produced a warm debate and issued finally in a commitmt. The parties at length compromised and reported a resolution the basis of an address sufficiently complimentary but much less so than the first proposition. You will see Brooke is appointed Atty. Genl. and you were proposed By Taylor to succeed him if willing to serve for which purpose he informed me he had written to you. Sevl. asked me if I thought from any thing I had heard you say you were determined to retire my answer was that I had heard you speak of it but not conclusively but that I presumed if you did retire it wod. be inconvenient to accept the Office of Governor. In short if J——n shod. be elected you must aid him with your efforts and so I think must every other good and able Republican for the purpose of bringing into practice republican principles & measures—for be assured the other class will strain every nerve to embarrass and perplex his admin. I am still here and have not yet fixed the time of removal. You shall be apprised when I do. With best wishes for your little family I am Yr. friend & Servt.
Jos: Jones.
Powel & Eyre of the E. Shore are the doubtfull votes here. When I left Richmond there was some doubt of Eyres election.


Title: To James Madison from Stephen Moylan, [ca. 26 November] 1796
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Madison, James

[ca. 26 November 1796]
Generl. Moylans compliments to Mr. Madison, sends him 226 dollars 67 cents for half years rent of the house he lives in—on which he has made some necessary repairs which he cannot doubt, of being allowed for, he will furnish the account of his expenditures, when Mr. Madison is at more leisure, than he can be at present, being so lately arrived in this City.
Genl. Moylan did not get possession of the house before May 2nd. last which Mrs. Payne is acquainted with.


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 27 November 1796
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James, Sr.

Hon’d Sir
Philada. 27. Novr. 1796
We ended our journey on tuesday afternoon, without any injurious incident on the way. We found the roads better than I ever experienced them, and the weather was equally favorable. Mordecai arrived the day before yesterday, and sets out on his return today. Immediately on my getting here, I called on the man who was to make the hoisting Screw, & had the satisfaction to find that it had been previously shipped for Fredg. addressed to Mr. Anderson. I hope therefore it will get to hand before any material inconveniency happens from the want of it. The election here has terminated in favor of the ticket for Mr. Jefferson; with an exception in favor of two of the candidates on the adverse ticket. It is said however that the returns yet to be made can be legally used at the meeting of the Electors, for correcting this circumstance. From the general prospect, as far as the elections are known or conjectured, the Ultimate choice is extremely uncertain. Unless great unanimity prevails in the Southern States, the chance is in favor of Mr. Adams. You will have seen the Remonstrance of Mr. Adet against our Govt. I am not able to say what its impression is on the public mind at large. Unless harmony be restored between the two Countries, the consequences must prove very serious in various respects; the more so, as there can be no doubt from the connection between Spain & other powers with France, that they will concur in her measures against us. At Major Waugh’s I learnt that a person in the Neighbourhood made a good deal of Clover seed for sale, & had probably not engaged it all yet. I requested Majr. W. to enquire into the matter, and shall direct Mordecai to call & know the result. Should he be prevented, it will be well to have application made without delay, it being important that no oppy. should be omitted.
There does not seem at present any settled market as to Wheat. About two dollars is the price given generally by the millars as far as I can learn. The general prospect is so uncertain that I can form no satisfactory opinion about it.
We are all well & unite in our best affections. Fanny has written, & Dolly would do the same, but cannot spare a moment from the task of our Houshold arrangements, which are rendered particularly troublesome, by the change of our Quarters & the straitened character of our new ones. With dutiful respects I remain Yr Affe son
Js. Madison Jr
If Brother Wm. is not set off let him know I shall write to him at Richmond.


Title: To James Madison from James Maury, 28 November 1796
From: Maury, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Liverpool, 28th: Novr. 1796
Presuming you are to be at Philadelphia as usual, I shall, by every opportunity, during the Session, endeavour to present you some Newspapers &, before this shall reach, I expect you will have received some. Conjectures on the Issue of the Pending Negociations at Paris are various. The prospects tho’ do not appear favorable to peace.
During my being in Office at this place I have been induced, from Time to Time, to go beyond the line of Disbursements prescribed by the Consular Act—principally for the Relief of distressed Fellow Citizens—and, having received no Compensation after repeated Applications to the successive Secretaries of State, I have determined to apply by memorial directly to the House of Representatives of the U. S. A. With this it goes to the Care of my Friend Mr. Ralph Eddowes whom I have requested to apply to you or my Friend Mr. Mason as either of you be on the Spot & it suit best to have it presented & patronized, May I beg I request of you this Favor?
I was rather sorry, for your own sake not to see any of your Consignments this Year. Tobacco at length is become in great demand & at very high prices. I am with singular Esteem & Regard Your Friend.
James Maury


Title: From James Madison to George Washington, 1 December 1796
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Philada. Decr. 1. 1796
J. Madison presents his respectful compliments to the President & returns the Treatise on small Canals &c, with his acknowledgments for the perusal of it. He is not enough conversant with such subjects to decide on the merits of the various plans & machinery recommended by the Author. In general his principles appear to be both effective & practicable; but the question of their utility must be decided by a very accurate comparison of expence & saving, which can not easily be made without partial experiments at least; and which must vary also in different countries, & different situations of Society. The author however is certainly entitled to much praise for his ingenuity & laudable zeal for improvement; and has probably by his work really contributed to it, either immediately, or by the use that may be made of his ideas by others.


Title: From James Madison to Joseph Jones, 1 December 1796
From: Madison, James
To: Jones, Joseph

Letter not found. 1 December 1796. Acknowledged in Jones to JM, 9 Dec. 1796. Discusses presidential election of 1796.


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Chew, 2 December 1796
From: Chew, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dear Sirs
Montreal 2d Decr. 1796
Having a Large Sum of money to Pay to Sir John Johnson and his not being acquainted with you made him wish me to give him a Power of Attorney for the disposial of my Two thousand Acres of Land in Bourbon County Kentucky. I have therefore given a Power of this date with Authority to Substitute and I believe he will appoint Robert Watts Esqr. of New York to Act for him, by this Power to Sir John that given to you in March last is revoked, and if you have disposed of the Land or any Part thereof be pleased to Remit the money to Mr Watts.
I most earnestly intreat you by Every connection and the Sincere friendship between us to give Mr. Watts or whoever may Transact this business for Sir John all the Assistance in your Power that the best price that it is possible may be obtained for the Land, and have the Goodness to Write to Mr. Zachry. Taylor of Fayette County (who Sent me the Survey returned to you) to do the Same. I beg to Add your utmost Endeavours to have this done will Oblidge me in the most Essential and particular manner. I am My Dear Sirs Your Affectionate & Sincere Friend
Joseph Chew


Title: To James Madison from Alexander White, 2 December 1796
From: White, Alexander
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Washington 2d December 1796
The proposed measures for the establishment of a National University which I took the liberty of mentioning as you passed through this City, and which had been the subject of a letter while you were in Virginia, have assumed a form differrent from what they bore at either of those periods. A Copy of that letter is therefore unnecessary. The Commissioners have forwarded to the President a Memorial addressed to Congress for him to use as he may judge expedient. The utility of a National University seems generally admitted; and that it ought to be established at the Seat of the General Goverment will hardly be contested. What then will be the objection? I believe no hopes and few wishes remain, that this City may not become the seat of Goverment. The most material facts which we have stated in the Memorial, Are the donation of 50 shares in the Patowmack Navigation by the President, on which shares £5000 Sterl has been paid, And the appropriation of 20 Acres of Land in this City for the Site of the University. We have likewise in few words pointed out some of the most striking advantages that will result from such an institution. On these I need not dwell. Your own mind will fully embrace them. I think it is not improbable that the President will mention the business to you; it will certainly not require my recommendation to insure to it your patronage.
I think this is a favourable moment to bring the business forward. Washington being about to retire his recommendation will be considered as the last request of a departing Friend. I will trouble you no further. Nor shall I ask an interruption of your public labours to inform me of the news or Politics of the City. The Presidents Speech inclosed by first Post will be a prize. Present my Complts. to Mrs. Madison and the young Ladies, and believe me to be Sincerely Yours
Alexr White


Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 December 1796
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Philada. Decr. 5. 1796
It is not possible yet to calculate with any degree of certainty whether you are to be left by the Electors to enjoy the repose to which you are so much attached, or are to be summoned to the arduous trust which depends on their allotment. It is not improbable that Pinkney will step in between the two who have been treated as the principals in the question. It is even suspected that this turn has been secretly meditated from the beginning in a quarter where the leading zeal for Adams has been affected. This Jockeyship is accounted for by the enmity of Adams to Banks & funding systems which is now become public, and by an apprehension that he is too headstrong to be a fit puppet for the intriguers behind the skreen. It is to be hoped that P. may equally disappoint those who expect to make that use of him, if the appointment should in reallity light on him. We do not however absolutely despair that a choice better than either may still be made; and there is always the chance of a devolution of the business on the House of Reps. which will I believe decide it as it ought to be decided.
Adêts Note which you will have seen, is working all the evil with which it is pregnant. Those who rejoice at its indiscretions & are taking advantage of them, have the impudence to pretend that it is an electioneering manoeuvre, and that the French Govt. have been led to it by the opponents of the British Treaty. Unless the unhapy effect of it here & cause of it in France, be speedily obviated by wise councils & healing measures, the crisis will unquestionably be perverted into a perpetual alienation of the two Countries by the secret enemies of both. The immediate consequences of such an event may be distressing; but the permanent ones to the commercial & other great interests of this Country, form a long & melancholy catalogue. We know nothing of the policy meditated by the Executive on this occasion. The Speech will probably furnish some explanation of it. Yrs. always & affecy.
Js. Madison Jr.


Title: From James Madison to Joseph Jones, 5 December 1796
From: Madison, James
To: Jones, Joseph

Letter not found. 5 December 1796. Acknowledged in Jones to JM, 9 Dec. 1796. Discusses presidential election of 1796.


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 9 December 1796
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dr Sr.
Fredg. 9th. Decr. 1796.
I have yours of the first of this month. Was absent when it arrived or shod. have answered it the last post—that of the 5th. I have just recd. From both I collect it is very uncertain who will be the President. I have long apprehended the consequence which now appears probable that in the struggle between the principal Candidates and the friends of each voting for Pinkney or generally so as V. P. he wod. get a greater number of votes than either of the others. For some time too it has been intimated that the object of H & J. was to get him elected—under this impression it was intended our Electors when I left Richmond shod. be well informed of the hazard of voting for P. and be induced to turn their attention to some other person—altho’ I have the paper mentioning that 20 had voted for Jefferson & 1 for Adams I am withot. information how the votes were for a V. P. I am told they were more divided but no doubt you will by this if not the last mail be truly informed from Richmond. Shod. Pinkney get in, it is to be hoped he will pursue such courses as a fair construction of the constitution will justify, and stamp his administration with the Character of Republican. But my fear has been, and I confess still is, that this Gent. will be disposed to take council from those men who have had too much influence hitherto in our councils and will practice every art and stratagem to continue it. Mr P. may possess Talents sufficient to enable him to think for himself, and firmness to act accordingly—from J. & A this might be expected, and it is of great importance that we shod. have a president at this crisis well acquainted with the Laws of nations, and particular States, with European politicks, and the politicks and true policy of our own Country, to enable him to act for himself and for ourselves independent and free from the danger of being mislead by artfull and designing men. I also fear Mr. P. so lately residing at the Ct. L—d—n will have impressions too favourable to that nation. Brooke has taken his station I expect in the Law. On your Decln. to retire—Posey comes forward—so I am told does young Mr. Mercer the gents. Son. The merchantile class are alarmed with Mr. Adets complaints—others think they cant be blamed to act by us as G. B. does during the war.


Title: Power of Attorney from James Madison, Sr., 9 December 1796 (Abstract)
From: Madison, James, Sr.
To: Madison, James

9 December 1796. Gives JM power of attorney to receive interest and principal on his father’s U.S. stock. Witnessed by Richard Lee and Archibald Terrell before John Scott, acting magistrate in Orange County, Virginia.


Title: From James Madison to Joseph Jones, 11 December 1796
From: Madison, James
To: Jones, Joseph

Letter not found. 11 December 1796. Acknowledged in Jones to JM, ca. 15 Dec. 1796. Encloses newspapers with news of presidential election.


Title: To James Madison from James Madison, Sr., 11 and 12 December 1796
From: Madison, James, Sr.
To: Madison, James

Letters not found. 11 and 12 December 1796. Acknowledged in JM to James Madison, Sr., 25 Dec. 1796. Enclose power of attorney to JM, 9 Dec. 1796, and discuss certificate of Samuel French and Mr. Noe’s draft.


Title: National University, [12 December] 1796
From: Madison, James
To:

[12 December 1796]

   In his address of 7 December, Washington had called on Congress to establish a national university and a military academy (Annals of CongressDebates and Proceedings in the Congress of
          the United States … (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56)., 4th Cong., 2d sess., 1595).

Mr. Madison presented a memorial from the commissioners appointed under the act respecting the fixing of the seat of government at the Federal city, stating, that as the institution of a national University had been contemplated, and the President of the United States had appropriated land upon which to erect an edifice for that purpose, and given fifty shares in the Potomac river to the institution, and as they had no doubt but many other donations would be made towards carrying into effect so desirable an institution, were they properly authorised by Congress to receive them; they therefore pray that Congress will pass such regulations as shall enable them to receive such Legacies and Donations as may be given towards effecting this institution.


Title: Petition of Peter Gree, ca. 13 December 1796
From: Madison, James
To:

Document not found. Ca. 13 December 1796. Presented by JM to the House of Representatives, 13 Dec. 1796, and referred to the Committee of Claims. Reported in Claypoole’s Am. Daily Advertiser, 14 Dec. 1796.