Title: Constitutionality of the Residence Bill, [ca. 14 July] 1790
From: Madison, James
To:

Editorial Note
The brief memorandum printed below is the only surviving record of JM’s opinion regarding the constitutionality of the bill which fixed the permanent national capital on the Potomac and the temporary capital at Philadelphia. The constitutional question had arisen during the latter stages of the House debate on the bill and continued during the interval between the passage of the bill on 9 July and its signing by President Washington on 16 July. Writing in the N.Y. Daily Advertiser of 13 July, “Junius Americanus” urged the president to refuse his assent, contending that the bill was unconstitutional. The author of this address was almost certainly Representative William Smith of South Carolina. Both Smith and “Junius Americanus” contended that the fifth section of the residence bill, designating Philadelphia as the place where the next session of Congress was to be held, was contrary to the clause of the Constitution (Article I, Section 7) which declares that “every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States.” This clause, argued “Junius Americanus,” vested the power of adjournment in the two houses alone; any attempt to adjourn by law (which required the president’s approval) was therefore unconstitutional.
The argument may seem specious now, but Washington was disturbed enough by the “Junius Americanus” argument to request Jefferson’s opinion on the constitutionality of the bill. The secretary of state dutifully responded on 15 July with a persuasive refutation of “Junius Americanus,” and the president signed the bill the next day. Washington probably would not have sought such advice had it not been for the embarrassing fact—which “Junius Americanus” made much of in his address—that JM had employed some of the same arguments against the Susquehanna residence bill of the previous session (see PJMWilliam T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The
          Papers of James Madison (vols. 1–10, Chicago, 1962–77; vols. 11—, Charlottesville,
        Va., 1977—)., XII, 416–18). This circumstance no doubt made it imperative that the secretary of state consult closely with JM in preparing his opinion for the president. Although the final result may have been the product of both minds, the only written evidence of JM’s participation is the supporting point in his hand appended to Jefferson’s draft (which Jefferson apparently decided was not needed in the final copy submitted to the president). Either expediency or a sincere change of mind led JM to abandon his former constitutional ground, but he could not escape the charge of inconsistency. A writer in the Daily Advertiser of 11 August, however, maintained that those who opposed the 1789 bill and approved the 1790 bill acted consistently with the Constitution in both instances. Julian Boyd speculates that JM wrote this piece, but without more substantial evidence pointing to him as the author the editors cannot consider the newspaper essay to be a JM document. Boyd prints this essay along with the other documents relating to this episode (introduced by an editorial note) in Papers of Jefferson, XVII, 163–208.

[ca. 14 July 1790]
… this reasoning is inforced by the clause (Art. 2. Sect 1.) which says the list of votes of the electors shall be transmitted to the seat of Govt. directed to the President of the Senate, who in presence of the Senate & H. of Reps. shall open the certificate &c. The seat of Congs. then must be at the seat of Govt. It is admitted that the seat of Govt. can not be where the Ex: part of the Govt. does not sit. The 3 branches then must sit together & each having a will independent of the other, all must concur in saying where the common seat shall be, that is, a law ought to pass for the purpose.


Title: To James Madison from Benjamin Rush, 17 July 1790
From: Rush, Benjamin
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Philada July 17. 1790
Count Andreani is just such a man as you have described him to be in your letter.
Is it not disgraceful to our Country to suffer its natural productions to be explored & described only by foreigners? Are we safe in committing so important a part of our history to men who are imperfectly acquainted with our language, and who from receiving their first impressions of us thro’ the Medium of British publications, cherish prejudices against us unfriendly to successful inquiries After truth upon all Subjects?
The Residence bill gives general Satisfaction in Philadelphia. Your Goverment here will be less sophisticated than in New york. There is an Air loci, which governs like the lex loci in all Countries. The Atmosphere of Philada. is dephlogisticated from all foreign mixtures. From the influence of the Quakers & Germans on our manners, there is perhaps more republicanism in our city, than in any other city in the United States.
I hear that the Senate have voted to pay 3 ⅌ cent on the domestic debt, & the remaining 3 in 7 or 10 years. This is the least mischievous mode of adopting an unjust debt. It will prevent the Certificates from suddenly drawing off all the Cash of our Country from Agriculture—Commerce & manufactures. It will moreover prevent our Country from being depopulated by our Cities. It will prevent innumerable bankruptcies, & imigrations—and lastly it will prevent a thousand Suits which would be immediately commenced against honest debtors to employ the money when Obtained from them in purchasing Certificates. In short—it will give an equitable level to every Species of property in our Country, and thereby render the Goverment the equal guardian of the interests of all its citizens. From Dear Sir yours very affectionately
Benjn Rush


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 21 July 1790
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

Virginia, July 21, 1790.
… I am happy to find that Potowmac stands on so good grounds as the Permanent seat of Congress. I could not help wishing that the temporary Residence had remain’d at New York, as a recompense for their expence in y’r Accommodation; to save the expence & trouble of a double removal of the Public Offices, and from a conviction, that Philadelphia is in bad order for y’r reception, & must incur a considerable expence to be in order, besides I doubt from former experiences, whether those Citizens may not more intermeddle with the Fœderal proceedings, than they have at York.…


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 31 July 1790
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James, Sr.

Hond Sir
N. Y. July 31. 1790
I have recd. your’s of the 9th. inclosing a letter for Mr. Chew which I shall forward as you desire.
As far as I have had an opportunity of enquiring I do not find that Coffee can be got here on terms that will make it worth while to prefer it to what can be got in Virginia. The price of brown Sugar I have not yet learnt but will attend to your request on that subject.
The funding bill has at length passed the two Houses with a qualified assumption of the State debts. ⅔ of the federal debts are to bear an immediate interest of 6 PerCt. and the remaining ⅓ a like interest to commence in 1800, but in the mean time to be receivable for land. The indents & arrears of interest are funded at 3 PerCt.—of the State debts ⅔ are funded at 6 PerCt. & ⅓ at 3 perCt. The assumption was carried by a small majority in both Houses. Many who voted for it did so on a supposition that it was a lesser evil than to risk the effect of a rejection on the States which insisted on the measure. I could not bring myself to concur with them, but am sensible that there was serious danger of a very unfavorable issue to the Session from a contrary decision, and consider it as now incumbent on us all to make the best of what is done. The truth is that in a pecuniary light, the assumption is no longer of much consequence to Virginia, the sum allotted to her being about her proportion of the whole, & rather exceeding her present debt. She will consequently pay no more to the general Treasury than she now pays to the State Treasy. and perhaps in a mode which will be less disagreeable to the people, tho’ not more favorable to their true interests.
The ways & means are now under consideration. The impost will be made equal to the federal debt. The provision for the State debts will be put off till the next Session. It will be likely to consist cheifly of duties on rum distilled in the U. S. and on a few imported articles that will best bear a further augmentation.
We expect that an adjornment will take place in about a week. I shall set out for Virginia as soon thereafter as I can pack up my books papers &c. which will detain me here some days. Mr. Jefferson wishes me to wait for his setting out and as his company will be particularly grateful & also convenient I am not sure that I shall resist the invitation, if he finds that he can be ready for the Journey within a reasonable time. I shd. not hesitate, if I did not wish to be in Orange by the Election, tho’ as an attendance can not be given at more than one of the 8 Counties, it does not seem worth while to sacrifice much to that consideration.


Title: From James Madison to Benjamin Rush, 31 July 1790
From: Madison, James
To: Rush, Benjamin

Dear Sir
N. Y. July 31. 1790
I am just favored with your Eulogium on Docr. Cullen which from the taste of a page or two promises me an elegant treat. I am glad of the opportunity of repaying it with the inclosed Report of Mr. Jefferson on a Standard of weights &c. which can not fail to please all those who set a due value on public reformations, and see the aids to be derived to them from a regard to philosophic principles. I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt. & hble servt.
Js. Madison Jr.


Title: Memorandum of Books, [ca. August] 1790
From: Madison, James
To:

[ca. August 1790]

Books in Box Marked I Madison Phila. No. 1. being the largest & covered

16 livsons. from 15th. to 30th. inclusive

0
from 23 to 30 inclusive: not charged

0
Memoires concernant impositions et droits (par Moreau)  5 vol: 40.

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Encyclop: Britan: (edit: Dobson) 1st. vol. 40

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Chalmers’ Pol: Annals 1 vol: 40.

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Ramsay’s acct. of slavery in W. Indies.

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Douglas’ Reports

Neckar on Religion

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Hist: war in America  3 vol: 80.

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Cicero’s Epist: to Atticus 2 v. 80.

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Pliny’s do. 2 v 80.

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Pownal’s Colonies 2 v. 80.

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Les loisir’s d’un Ministre d’etat1 v. 80.

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Wallace’s nos. of Mankind1 v. 80.

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Collection of pieces1 vol. 80.

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Considns. sur des richesses et luxe1 v. 80.

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De la Salles voyage1 v. 120.

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Examen sur les finances2 v. 120.

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Reflexions do. do.2 v. 120.

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Lownds on Coins1 v. 120.

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Cultivateur Americain (St. John)3 v. 80.

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Collection des pieces pour et contr. Neckar1 v. 80.

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Bacon’s Essay’s2 vol 80.

0☓
Bibliot: Phys. Œconom: & fn 82, 83, 84, 85—1 vol. each, 86 2 vol: 87. 2 Vol. 120.

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Tracts on Corn trade 1 vol. 120.

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Tables of Coins weights & meas. 1 v. 120

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Apothegms of antients 1 v. 120.

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Condamine’s travels into Italy 1 v. 120.

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Columbian Magazine from Jany to Aug: 1789 inclus:

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Tit. Liv: 4 v. 120.

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Dictionaire de la fable 1 v. 120.

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Allen’s Theology 1 v. 80.

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View of N. America 1 v. 80.

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Hurd’s Horace 2 v. 120.

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Dissert: Merid. Sp. & Portugal 1 v. 120

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Demostenes 120. Greek Gram: Kolben’s Cape Good. Hope. 120.

In Box—marked I Madison Philada. No. 2

☓0
De Thou. 11 vo. 40.

0
Hist. de Nouvel France 3 v. 40.

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Smollets Continuation of Hume 5 v. 80.

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Gibbon’s continuation of R. Hist: 6 v. 80

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Adams’ defence Vol. 1 & 3d.

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Millar on Ranks 80.

☓
Guerre de 75–85 40.

0
Societè Politique 40.

☓
Saxon Chronicle  40.

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Dutch Republic   80

0
Brochures Politiques—80. price marked 11 lt. 14s. rel: included

☓
Savary Egypte 3 v. 80.

0
Resumè de Cahiers—3 v. 80. (bound plain as Anacharsis)

—
Mazzei Etats Unis—3 v. 80

☓
Ordonnance de Marine 80.

0
Admtron. de l’impôt par le Trone 2 v. 80. (plain)

0
Physiocratie du Dupont 80—price marked 10 lt. 10s.

☓
Voyages en Suisse par Mayer 2. v. 80.

☓
Abregè D’Angleterre (Salmon) 2 v. 120.

☓
Hist: Nouvel France par Lescarbot 80.

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Cook’s voyage by Ledyard 120.

☓
Mably’s observns. Greeks 120

0
Anacharsis 7 v. 80. maps 40.

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Volney 2. v. 8.

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Voyages de Chastelleux 2 v. 80.

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Fourcroy Chimie 4 vol. 80.

0
Turgot commerce du grain 80.

0
_____ do. sur les richesses 80

☓
Decadence de literature par Juvigny 80

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Loix criminel (Warville) 2 v. 80.

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Vie de Voltaire (Verney) 80

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Exper. d’Ingenhouse 80.

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Hist: de Kentucky (Filson) 80.

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la France et Etats Unis (Warville) 80.

☓
Troubles de l’Amerique par Soulès 4 vol. 80.

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Voyages aux Alpes par de Saussure 4 vol. 80.

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Pigot’s Recoveries 80

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Memoires du Brandenbuerg 80.

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Abbè Grosier’s China 2 v. 80

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Smith’s Hist: N. York 80.

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Vattel’s law Nat: & Nations

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Espion Anglois 10 vol. 120

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Tableau de Paris 4 v. 120

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Pieces interressants 4 v. 120.

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Hist: ancienne (Milot) 5 v. 120.

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_____ Moderne (do) 4 v 120

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_____ de France (do) 3 v. 12.

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Mably principes Legislation 120

0
Abrege Chronol: d’Espagne 2 v. 120.

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Abregè Ecclesiastique 3 v 120.

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Dictionaire Historique 4 vol. 120.

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Hist: d’Allemagne (Pfeffel) 2 v 120.

0
Hist: Nat: Mineraux vol 5, 6, 7, 8, 9–120

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Annales Romaines (Macquer) 120.

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Ubbo Emmius 120—(price 9 livs)

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Peines infamantes (Cretel) 80.

0
Sur le traite de Comerce avec l’Angleterre (Dupont) 80.

Nouvelle decouvertes &c. (Hennepin) 120.

0
Recuil de Dissertations Hist: et Critiques.

Onomasticon Pollucis 80.

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Jefferson’s Notes 80.

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Burn’s Poems 80.

0
American Traveller 40.

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Sr. W. Jones’ Isæus 40.

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Morris U. Ss. accounts—

0
Dupont on Commerce

0
Mirabeau aux Bataves

0
_____ Cour de Berlin

0
Fonctions des Etâts Generaux

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Bruyere 2 vol.

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Journals of Congs. compleat

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3 vol: surplus of do.

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Ramsay’s Hist: Revol: 2 v.

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Belknap’s do. N.H. 1 v.

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Morse’s Geog:

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Pike’s Arithmetic

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Warville on trade of U. S. & France

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Webster’s Essay’s

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Winthrop’s Journal

Memorandm. of books omitted in last settlet. Aug: 1790 with Mr. Jefferson and still to be credited to him
situation actuelle des Finances de la France pamplet 40. pags. 138
 ⟨bancaire?⟩ pam: 40.


Title: To James Madison from John Dawson, 1 August 1790
From: Dawson, John
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Augt. 1st. 1790
I am favour’d with your letter of the 24 ulto. with a paper inclos’d, for which I beg you’ll accept my thanks.
I am sorry that this assumption business is again reviv’d, altho in a less exceptionable shape than it at first appear’d. To my mind it is hideous in any form; & the zeal & perseverance of the eastern members discover how much that part of the continent is interested in its adoption. Whatever will increase the continental debt must be injurious to the agricultural states; because, by the weight of taxes, you either force them to relinquish what reason points out to be their true interest, or they must pay an unequal proportion of the duties imposed for the discharge of that debt. This appears to be an objection against the very principle of the plan, nor can any modification take it away. The opposition of N. C. to the measure has always been unaccountable to me, & on the doctrine of chances it may be better to like a bad thing now than a worse hereafter.
The electioneering business is going on pretty warmly in several of the districts—especially in Caroline &c, where Mr. Corbin has made uncommon exertions & many ⟨banes?⟩ in opposition to Mr. Page. These aided by strong grogg & roasted piggs have had their weight, & if Mr. Page does not hurry in I realy believe that he will be left out. This you’ll be so kind as to communicate to him. Docr. Lee opposes his namesake—& kindsman—but I cant say with what prospect of success. Mr. Griffin’s vote for receiving the old paper money at 75. for one is said to have done his business; & ensur’d Colo. Harrison’s election; & a quondam Parson will probably supply the place of Parker. We have not yet heard who is elected in the room of Colo Bland, altho the election was on Monday last.
If the three gentlemen, who have acted as Commrs. have done their duty I presume that they will be continu’d by the President; but as my name is now before him it must take its chance; especially as the Govr. & several other gentlemen have written to him on the subject. Shoud any new person be appointed, & the state of the claims of Virga. does not form an objection, their assistance & yours will authorise an expectation that the application will not be unsuccessful.
I presume that you will have risen by the time you receive this letter, & that soon we shall have the pleasure of seeing you in Virga. With much respect & esteem Your friend & Sert
J Dawson


Title: To James Madison from Beverley Randolph, 10 August 1790
From: Randolph, Beverley
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir.
Richmond Augt. 10th. 1790
I am much obliged by your Favour of the 25th. of July. I am sorry that your efforts to obtain an Augmentation of the number of commissioners have been unsuccessful. The executive, immediately upon receiving notice of the Form in which the new Law for settling accounts stood, thought themselves bound to declare a want of confidence in two of the commissrs & forwarded to the President an extract from their report with copies of Colo Davis’s reply & correspondence upon that Subject. Should these Papers reach New York Time enough they may perhaps be thought sufficient ground for filling up the appointments with new men. But should they have arrived after the appointments were made, the Presidents Discretion will prevent their having an bad Effect.
We are impatient for the funding Law. If any Thing should have delayed it’s passage till this reaches you I will beg the Favour of you to forward me a copy of it as soon as it has all the Sanctions necessary to give it Force.
The Assumption Business as it is now modified will I beleive be more favourably received than it would have been in it’s original Dress, but never will become a favourite in Virginia. Wth real Regard I am Dr Sir Yr. obdt. Servt.
Beverley Randolph


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 14 August 1790
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James, Sr.

Hond Sir
N. Y. Augst. 14th. 1790
Congs. not having closed their session till the day before yesterday, and the weather being extremely hot, I have thought it necessary in order to avoid the danger of a bilious attack to which I am become very subject, to wait here a few weeks which will render the journey more safe, and afford me moreover the pleasure of Mr. Jefferson’s company quite to Orange. This resolution puts it out of my power to be within the district by the time of the Election, and makes it proper that I should intimate the cause of it to a friend in each County. The inclosed are part of the letters written for that purpose. I fear the time may be short for conveying them, but hope opportunities may be found. The letter which is not directed is meant for such one of the gentlemen in Louisa, as you and my brother A. may think most proper. Should the High Sheriff be not improper, perhaps it would be as well for you to address it to him. Perhaps also my brother Ambrose may find it convenient to be at the Election in Louisa. The Letter for Col: Pendleton will be best in the hands of my brother William who I presume will attend in Culpeper. Two of the letters being unsealed I refer to their contents, remaining your affe Son
Js. Madison Jr
NB. I have red. the letter for Mr. Jos: Chew &c.

[File Copy of Enclosure]
Dear Sir
New York Aug: 13. 1790
The Session of Congs. was closed yesterday. The list of Acts inclosed will give you a general idea of what has been done. The subjects which conduced most to the length of the Session are the assumption of the State-debts, and the Seat of Government. The latter has been decided in a manner more favorable to Virginia than was hoped. The former will be less acceptable to that State. It has however been purged of some of its objections and particularly of its gross injustice to Virginia, which in a pecuniary view is now little affected one way or the other.
The Continental debt, as funded, is provided for by the impost alone, and a surplus of about a Million of dollars, which will have accumulated prior to the first payment of interest, is allotted to the purpose of reducing, by buying up, the principal. The provision for the State debts assumed is to be the work of the next Session in December. It will be made, as far as can be inferred from the ideas now prevalent, under the influence of a strong zeal to avoid direct taxes, the Eastern States being even more averse to that mode of revenue than the Southern, and in my judgment, with much more reason.
It was my purpose to have been within the district before the Election; but the length of the Session has disappointed me. By pushing directly on I might indeed now effect it. But it would be at the risk of my health, which is not at present very firm, and would be particularly exposed on a long & rapid journey at this critical season of the year. I shall consequently remain in this place for a few Weeks presuming that the circumstance of my being present or absent will weigh little with my Constituents in deciding whether they will again confide their interests to my representation. With great respect & regard I am Sir Your Mo: Obedt. hble st.
Js. Madison Jr.
Be so good as not to let this fall into any hands from which it might find its way to the press.
H. Rose
G. Paine
T. Underwood
G. Thomson
W. C. Nicholas
G. Gilmer
—— of Louisa
Mann Page Esqr.
Js. Pendleton Esqr.


Title: Memorandum on the Residence Act, [ca. 29 August] 1790
From: Madison, James
To:

[ca. 29 August 1790]
“The act for establishing the temporary and permanent seats of the Government of the U. States” requires the following steps for carrying the latter into effect.

1. The appointment of three Commissioners

of sufficient respectability
having good will to the general object without any particular bias of private interest
   Quer. if local situation or interest be an objection outweighing the advantage of proximity and zeal for the object, as the President is to prescribe the place & the Comisrs. only to define the district, and as the subsequent discretion in the Comissrs. will give no opportunity of sacrificing their trust to local considerations. The essential point seems to be that the Commission sd. be filled by men who prefer any place on the Potowmac to any place elsewhere. On this supposition, it may be easy to find men who would suit.

residing (a majority at least) so conveniently to the scene of business as to be able to attend readily & gratis

Should it be adviseable after securing a majority near at hand to make an appointment with a view to attach particular parts of the Union to the object, N. England, particularly Massachussetts, first occurs—and next, S. Carolina & Georgia.

Mr. Ellicott
Mr. Gorum
Mr. Bull

Mr. Fitzhugh (of Chatham)
Mr O. Wolcott
Mr. Tucker

Mr. Loyd (of Annapolis)
Mr.  of R. Isd.
Mr. Baldwin

Revd. Mr. Lee Massey

2. That the President inform himself of the several rival positions; leaving among them inducements to bid against each other in offers of land or money. As the location when compleated by the survey will not be mutable by the President, it may be well to have the offers so framed as to become ipso facto absolute in favor of the U. S. on the event which they solicit.
3. That the President direct the survey of the District which he shall ultimately elect. It seems essential that the District should comprehend the water adjoining the establishment, and eligible that it should comprehend the oppos⟨ite⟩ shore. The legality of this seems to be decided by the clause confining the purchase or acceptance of land for the use of the U. S. “to the East side of the river within the said district” which imply that the whole district was not necessarily to be on that side. Quer: whether it will not be convenient to accept in the first instance so much less than 10 miles square as will allow places to be afterwards taken in, which may not now be attainable, or it may not be prudent now to accept.
4. The district being defined & the requisite quantity of ground secured, the next step must be to fix the site for the public buildings—and provide for the establishment or enlargement of a town within the district. As no special authority is given for the latter purpose the consent of proprietors will be necessary: but as they will have a common interest with the public, voluntary arrangements between them and the Commissioners may be readily procured in favor of any plan which the President may patronize. Should any difficulties be apprehended on this point they can be guarded agst. in the negociations preliminary to the actual location of the district.

5. The plan for the public buildings is to be approved by the President. The Commissioners will no doubt submit different ones formed by themselves, or obtained from ingenious Architects. Should it be thought proper to excite emulation by a premium for the best, the expence is authorized, as an incident to that of the buildings.
6. The completion of the work will depend on a supply of the means. These must consist either of future grants of money by Congress which it would not be prudent to count upon—of State Grants—of private grants—or the conversion into money of lands ceded for public use which it is conceived the latitude of the term “Use” & the spirit & scope of the act will justify.


Title: From James Madison to George Washington, 17 September 1790
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fredericksburg Sep. 17. 1790.
In the course of the visit we made the day we left Mount Vernon, we drew our host into conversation on the subject of the federal seat. He came into it with a shyness not usual in him. Whether this proceeded from his delicacy as having property adjoining George town, or from what other motive I cannot say. He quitted the subject always as soon as he could. He said enough however to shew his decided preference of George-town. He mentioned shortly, in it’s favor, these circumstances. 1. It’s being at the junction of the upper & lower navigation where the commodities must be transferred into other vessels: (and here he was confident that no vessel could be contrived which could pass the upper shoals and live in the wide waters below his island.) 2. The depth of water would admit any vessels that could come to Alexandria. 3. The narrowness of the river & consequent safeness of the harbour. 4. It’s being clear of ice as early at least as the canal & river above would be clear. 5. It’s neighborhood to the Eastern branch, whither any vessels might conveniently withdraw which should be detained through the winter. 6. It’s defensibility, as derived from the high & commanding hills around it. 7. It’s actual possession of the commerce, & the start it already has.
He spoke of George town always in comparison with Alexandria. When led to mention the Eastern branch he spoke of it as an admirable position, superior in all respects to Alexandria.
I have committed to writing a Memorandum for mr. Carroll of the kind of conveyance I suggested to him, & which I had not the opportunity then to put on paper. I inclose it open for your perusal, and take the liberty of asking you to put a wafer into it, when you are done with it, & to forward it to mr. Carroll. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & attachment, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble servt.
Th: Jefferson


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 20 September 1790
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Monticello Sep. 20. 1790.
Your servant now returns with many thanks for the aid of him & your horses. I was disappointed in meeting my family here: however I am told they will arrive today. I wished to have seen mr. Randolph, before the departure of your servant, to know if he had found a horse for me; because if he has not, I should determine to accept the offer of yours. I drove him about eight miles in the Phaeton, and he did as well as the awkwardness of so new a situation to him gave me right to expect. If mr. Randolph should not have been succesful in his enquiries, I will send to you for the horse immediately. Notwithstanding your observing ‘we should not differ about the price,’ I know nobody with whom it is so difficult to settle a price, and with whom I should be so likely to differ. Witness the money disputes on our journey. As I would not chuse to trust to your setting a price therefore, I should propose your getting a capt: Wood or some such good judge to do you justice. But of this more if I send for the horse. Adieu, my dear Sir. Your’s affectionately
Th: Jefferson


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 23 September 1790
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Monticello Sep. 23. 1790.
Mr. Randolph arrived last night without having been able to get me a horse, or even to hear of one which he could approve of. Presuming you had made up your mind as to parting with yours, I take the liberty of sending for him. I should not hesitate to take him at your own price but that I apprehend you think him of less than his real value, and therefore propose that you should have him valued. If there be no urgency, I should propose to pay you the money not till our return to Philada., perhaps not till the receipt of our December quarter, as the arrival of my furniture from Paris, & commencing housekeeping will perhaps call for my previous resources. But this need make no difficulty.
We shall count on seeing you here about our next court and hope you will make some stay. The time & plan of our return may be then arranged. Adieu. Your’s affectionately
Th: Jefferson


Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 September 1790
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Sepr. 24. 1790.
I recd. yours of the 23 inst: by the bearer who now returns with the Horse. I will consult with some persons who are acquainted with him & let you know the price I set on him. The time & place of payment which you propose would suit me as well as immediate payment here: but I consider this credit as a necessary set off agst. advances which you will have made for me in France. If no obstacles not at present in view stand in the way, I shall have the pleasure of seeing Monticello a day or so before your next Court. My father sends the promised seed of the Mountain Cresses. Yours Mo: Affectly.
Js. Madison Jr.


Title: To James Madison from James Maury, ca. 1 November 1790
From: Maury, James
To: Madison, James

Letter not found. Ca. 1 November 1790 Mentioned in JM to Ambrose Madison, 2 Jan. 1791. Reports that the European tobacco market is glutted. Recommends a delay in further shipments if possible.


Title: Instructions for the Montpelier Overseer and Laborers, [ca. 8] November 1790
From: Madison, James
To:

[ca. 8] Novr. 1790.
Mordecai Collins
To chuse out one of the Milch Cows for his own use, and let the rest be milked for the Negroes.
To keep the Negroes supplied with meal to be kept in a barrel apart for themselves: the barrel now there holding 13 pecks to be filled 3 time every two weeks.
To receive from Sawney’s 400 lb. of Pork for himself; one half the remainder to be for the Negroes at B. Meadow, as was the case last year.
To take particular care of the Horses & Stock, to avoid riding the Horses without the approbation of my father. To have the Stable made out of the best white oak logs in the Tobo. pens as soon as possible, the intervals of the logs to be stopped with slabs or straw or both.
To provide a shelter also as soon as possible for the cattle.
To make the meadow dams in the manner already prescribed to him; & to be assisted at the uppermost one by the force from Sawney’s.
To get a plow made by Moses according to the model lately arrived up from Mr. Bishops: his brother to do the wooden work. The old Bar share to be refitted by Moses & L. C to be worked with oxen at B. M. or at Sawneys as occasions may require.
To run a fence so as to enclose the whole meadow; & at the upper end towards Mr. C. C. to run it at the top or on the hill side as may be most convenient in halling the rails.
To fallow with the large plows all the ground for oats & Corn: laying off the ground in convenient parcels with horizontal outlines, particularly on the sides where there will be double open furrows: and plowing all round each parcel, instead of the common way by bands.
To prepare as much of the cleared meadow not yet sown, or that must be broken up as too thin, for oats & timothy, or flax & Timothy; & sow these as early as the season will permit, the oats & flax thin, the Timothy thick.
To resow the places too thin, and attend to weeding the whole as soon as it becomes necessary.
To prepare the ground for red Clover well, and sprinkle it with manure if it can be collected. The Clover seed is to be sown with oats, the former pretty thick, the latter thin. The sooner they are sown the better, if not too soon for the oats.
To plant his corn 5½ feet each way except in the low grounds which may be a little thicker; or may be drilled if that mode be preferred. All the corn ground to be laid off with stakes.
To plant as many Irish potatoes as he can find Ground & seed for. He may plant some in his best ground, in the middle of the rows, making the rows in that case 8 feet by 4 or drilling it 8 feet by 2. Some seed can probably be spared from Sawneys.
To treat the Negroes with all the humanity & kindness consistent with their necessary subordination and work.
To apply to my father on all occasions where application would be made to me if present.
Sawney
To have a patent plow, L. Collins to do the wooden work: & to fallow the little field allotted for meadow first: then the field on the old mountain. He is to plow his ground all around in the manner prescribed for M. Collins.
To clear as much ground as possible along the road and adjoining the field towards Capt: Merry’s.
To stem & get down as soon as may be convenient his crop of Tobacco. To have all his Wheat well cleaned & got down as soon as possible for Mr. Dunbar.
To plant about 200 apple Trees either before Christmas or very early in the Spring, in the little field on the top of the Mountain: beginning with the Tobacco ground, & going on to the best part of the old field adjoining. Js. Coleman can point out the Trees. If these can not be had; & limber twigs or Rawle’s Jenniting can be got on credit, from Mr. Atkinson, he or any other person havg a nursery may be applied to.
To plant his corn 5½ feet by 5½. and lay off his ground by Stakes.
To plant all the Tobo. ground on the top of the Mountain in Irish Potatoes; and as much more as he can find that is worth planting.
Lewis Collins.
To finish the temporary Stable and Corn House as soon as possible
To have the Chesnut logs for the principal Stable cut & halled that they may be ready to be put up whenever he is at leisure. Js. Coleman will shew the place & the manner in which they are to be got.
To finish the Overseers room. And put the other into a State for him (L. C) to work in occasionally. Plank for both purposes to be fetched from my brother William’s Sawmill.
To get timber from three or more waggons & three Carts. If he should have time and my father be willing he may work up the seasoned timber belonging to my father, to be replaced with the stock here directed to be laid in: or may season the timber he gets by putting it in the lofts of the Negro Cabbins.
To make a loom when confined to the House by bad weather: & 2 good Wheelbarrows.
To get, if there be leisure from more urgent things, 4 or five thousand shingles to be ready for the granary or other uses.
To fit two large plows, one of the Patent sort for Sawney, one of the other sort for M. Collins. The sooner these can be ready the better. At his leisure he may refit the old share to be used with oxen at M. C’s or Sawneys alternately as may be most convenient.
To fit two plows for each of my brother’s if required, & others for my father
To apply to my father in all cases where application would be made to myself if present.


Title: To James Madison from Alexander Hamilton, 24 November 1790
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Philadelphia Nov. 24th. [1790?]
You will oblige me by taking the trouble to peruse the Report which accompanies this; and if the weather permit I will call upon you sometime tomorrow or next day to converse on the Subject of it. I remain with great esteem and regard Dr Sir Yr Obed Ser
A Hamilton
It will not be disagreeable to me if after perusal you hand it over to Mr. Jefferson.


Title: To James Madison from Daniel Carroll, 26 November 1790
From: Carroll, Daniel
To: Madison, James

My dear Sir,
Annapolis Novr 26th. 1790
You will perhaps be pleasd in receiving a few lines from me at this time with an account of our Transactions so far as relate to Potowmack. I refer you to the inclosd copy of a resolution passd by both our Houses. The ways & Means are now before the other House, or a Committee. There is a Majority in both Branches of the Legislature for funds, if we can keep together. If any thing shou’d happen to render this precarious, we shall be satisfied for the present with what is done. As the heat of party abates what is right will appear, & be done—but I hope every thing will be compleated this session. We have but a Majority of one in the Senate owing to two of our friends not being over from the E Shore viz. Messrs Gale & Tilghman.
I have been under anxiety for some days past. Mr Carroll was prevaild on to agree to serve again in the Senate if chosen. Propositions were made to him for that purpose, by the Chesapeak side in part. He hoped to conciliate parties. Col Forrest had taken his arrangements in consequence of Mr Carrolls having declar’d that he shou’d not serve, & wou’d not relinquish. He & Forrest were the only two ballotted for. Mr Carroll had 45, Forrest 30 Votes.
Our old acquaintance Majr. Jennifer died abt a fortnight past. I am told that he rememberd you in his Will by leaving you all his French Books. Remember me to all friends. Yrs Dr Sr. Affy.
Danl Carroll

[Enclosure]
Whereas by a Resolution of the General Assembly of Virginia passd on the 10th day of Decr. 1789 it was proposd to the General Assembly of Maryland that the Assembly of Virginia will pass an act for advancing a sum of money not less that [sic] 120,000 Dollars to the use of the General Government and to be applied in such manner as Congress shall direct towards erecting public buildings, the Assembly of Maryland on their part advancing a sum not less than 3/5th of the Sum advancd by the said Assembly of Virginia—which Resolution came so late to the last Genl. Assembly of Maryland, that it cou’d not be acted upon, and was therefore refered to this present Session, And Whereas the General Assembly do highly approve of the object of the said Resolution, and is desirous of doing every thing required on the part of Maryland for carrying the same into effect—On a Second reading of the said Resolution
Resolvd that this House doth accede to the proposition in the said Resolution of the Assembly of Virginia and will advance to the President of the United States for the purpose mentiond in the said Resolution the sum of 72,000 Dollars payable to his order in three equal yearly payments.
NB. The other part of the Resolution from Virga explains more particularly the purposes for which the public Buildings are to be erected.


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 28 November 1790
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James, Sr.

Hon’d Sir
Philada. Novr. 28. 1790.
We arrived here yesterday was a week without any occurrence on the road worth mentioning. The President arrived yesterday & the members are coming in for Congress. I have made enquiry with regard to the articles you want, and send you the inclosed paper which will give you information not only with respect to them, but all others in the market here. The high price of sugar makes it advisable I think not to purchase at present. Coffee seems low enough but I do not see any probability of a rise that will be more than equivalent to the loss of the money vested in an article stored away. I shall however await your instructions on this point as well as others; or if I should meet with a bargain on account either of cheapness or quality, perhaps embrace it for you.
The price of securities at which Majr. Moore’s certificates could have been sold is 12/6 in the pound, at which of course you are to settle with him. I have forwarded his letter to his son John, with 3 half Jos. & notice of the fund in my hands for him. Of this you will inform my Unkle.
I hope this will find all well and my bro’r Ambrose restored. Tell him I shall expect to hear often from him as well as yourself. I hope you have not forgotten to pay Majr. Lee, and that Robin & the shop will have given Sawney the aids necessary for the jobb I left unfinished. With my love to my Mother & regards for the family I remain Your Affe Son
Js. Madison Jr


Title: To James Madison from John Marshall, 29 November 1790
From: Marshall, John
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Richmond Novr. 29th. 90
My friend Mr. Giles will present you this. He is particularly desirous of being known to you. I shoud not presume so far on the degree of your acquaintance with which I have been honord as to introduce any Gentleman to your attention if I did not persuade myself that you will never regret or change any favorable opinion you may form of him. With much respect & esteem I am dear Sir Your obedt.
J Marshall


Title: To James Madison from Francis Dade, [December?] 1790
From: Dade, Francis
To: Madison, James

[December 1790?]
Memorandum.
Colonel James Madison will be kind enuf to inquire of Colo Edward Carington if he has setled my Comutation with the Minister of War, & if he has not Colo. Madison will Oblige me Greatly in Assisting Colo. Carington to Settle it.
The Reason I find so much dificulty in setling my Comutation is. At the Close of the Campaign 1781. It was thought by several Sergeons of the Armey that I was going fast into a Dropsey. Genl. Greean who was of that Opinion two. Gave me A furlow, & Advised me to Return to Virginia. Accordingly I did. Some time After I got home I Observed A piece in One of the Northern Papers, directing all Officers Absent from camp, to Join their Respective Corps. immediately, considering that I came under that order, I wrote to Colo. George Baylor requesting A further indulgence, & At the same time informed him that if it Could not be granted, I should be glad if he would Receive that Letter as my Resignation And at the same time informed Colo Baylor I should wait his Answer. Not hearing from him, & finding myself something better, I set off to Join my Regiment and met Colo Baylor in South Carolina on his way in. Where I was informd by him that he had mistook the intent of my Letter & informed the Officers that I would wish to Resign, The Young Officers who wished for promotion peticioned for A Court of inquirey, which was granted by Colo Baylor. The Court Conseived it to be A Resignation. The determination of the Court was handed in to Genl. Green he being Acquainted with my situation disaproved of the Sentance & Ordered me to be reinstated which was neglected by Colo Baylor untill he met me, at which time he Wrote to Capt. Churchill-Jones & directed him to do it. And took me with him to Virginia where he kept me on duty as my Papers will shew, which I expect is in the Hands of Colo. Carington.
NB While Affairs was in the Above ⟨mentioned?⟩ State the last Muster Role was made & I was left Out.
Frans. Dade


Title: To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 1 December 1790
From: Bourne, Sylvanus
To: Madison, James

Sir—
Boston Decr 1st 1790.
Expecting in a few days to embark for Hispaniola under a Consular Commission from the United States—I feel very desirous to have the Consular Bill now pending in Govt. matured & passed as early as other public Interests will permit; wishing not to have gone till it was finished I requested leave of Govt to tarry yet a while but the Secy of State informed me it was “peculiarly interesting to the United States that I should depart with due dispatch”—& being disposed to meet his wishes—I shall comply with his injunctions—in full confidence that Govt. will be disposed to pass a Bill more clearly specifying the Rights & Powers of Consuls & ascertaining the quantum meruit of their Services.
Convinced that your good sense will naturally Suggest to you—how uncomfortable the situation of a public Officer must be in a foreign port unprotected by Law in the performance of his Duty—& that your Candour will lead you to concede to the propriety of an allowance adequate to services rendered—I cannot but flatter myself in having the full exercise of your influence in effecting such a Law on the subjects as Wisdom, Justice, & Policy shall dictate. I have the honour to be with unequivocal Respect & Esteem Yr Obed Servt
Sylva Bourne
PS—Genl Lincoln—the Collector of this Port informs me that it will place the matter in a much better situation to have a clause introduced into the Revenue Bill that those Certificates on exported Articles which are now required from private Merchants abroad should in future be taken from Consuls & their Agents.


Title: To James Madison from George Washington, 2 December 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

Thursday. 2d. Decr: [1790]
If Mr. Madison is at leizure the P. would be glad to see him.


Title: Address of the President to Congress, 8 December 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Congress,Senate,House of Representatives

United States Decr. 8th. 1790
Fellow Citizens of the Senate, and House of Representatives.
In meeting you again I feel much satisfaction in being able to repeat my congratulations on the favorable prospects which continue to distinguish our public affairs. The abundant fruits of another year have blessed our Country with plenty, and with the means of a flourishing commerce. The progress of public credit is witnessed by a considerable rise of American Stock abroad as well as at home. And the revenues allotted for this and other national purposes, have been productive beyond the calculations by which they were regulated. This latter circumstance is the more pleasing as it is not only a proof of the fertility of our resources, but as it assures us of a further increase of the national respectability and credit; and let me add, as it bears an honorable testimony to the patriotism and integrity of the mercantile and marine part of our Citizens. The punctuality of the former in discharging their engagements has been exemplary.
In conforming to the powers vested in me by Acts of the last Session, a loan of three Millions of florins, towards which some provisional measures had previously taken place, has been compleated in Holland. As well the celerity with which it has been filled as the nature of the terms (considering the more than ordinary demand for borrowing created by the situation of Europe) give a reasonable hope that the further execution of those powers may proceed with advantage and success. The Secretary of the Treasury has my direction to communicate such further particulars as may be requisite for more precise information.
Since your last Sessions I have received communications by which it appears that the District of Kentucky, at present a part of Virginia, has concurred in certain propositions contained in a law of that State; in consequence of which the District is to become a distinct member of the Union, in case the requisite sanction of Congress be added. For this sanction application is now made. I shall cause the Papers on this very important transaction to be laid before you. The liberality and harmony with which it has been conducted will be found to do great honor to both the parties; and the sentiments of warm attachment to the Union and its present Government expressed by our fellow Citizens of Kentucky cannot fail to add an affectionate concern for their particular welfare to the great national impressions under which you will decide on the case submitted to you.
It has been heretofore known to Congress that frequent incursions have been made on our frontier settlements by certain banditti of Indians from the North West side of the Ohio. These with some of the tribes dwelling on and near the Wabash have of late been particularly active in their depridations; and being emboldened by the impunity of their crimes, and aided by such parts of the Neighbouring tribes as could be seduced to join in their hostilities or afford them a retreat for their prisoners and plunder, they have, instead of listening to the humane invitations and overtures made on the part of the United States renewed their voilences [sic] with fresh alacrity and greater effect. The lives of a number of valuable Citizens have thus been sacrificed, and some of them under circumstances peculiarly shocking; whilst others have been carried into a deplorable captivity.

These aggravated provocations render’d it essential to the safety of the Western settlements that the aggressors should be made sensible that the Government of the Union is not less capable of punishing their crimes, than it is disposed to respect their rights and reward their attachments. As this object could not be effected by defensive measures it became necessary to put in force the Act which empowers the President to call out the Militia for the protection of the frontiers. And I have accordingly authorised an Expedition in which the regular troops in that quarter are combined with such draughts of Militia as were deemed sufficient. The event of the measure is yet unknown to me. The Secretary at War is directed to lay before you a statement of the information on which it is founded, as well as an estimate of the expence with which it will be attended.
The disturbed situation of Europe, and particularly the critical posture of the great maritime powers, whilst it ought to make us the more thankful for the general peace and security enjoyed by the United States reminds us at the same time of the circumspection with which it becomes us to preserve these blessings. It requires also that we shou’d not overlook the tendency of a War and even of preparations for a War, among the nations most concerned in active commerce with this Country, to abridge the means and thereby at least enhance the price of transporting its valuable productions to their proper markets. I recommend it to your serious reflections how far and in what mode, it may be expedient to guard against embarrassments from these contingencies, by such encouragements to our own navigation as will render our commerce and agriculture less dependent on foreign Bottoms, which may fail us in the very moments most interesting to both of these great objects. Our fisheries and the transportation of our own produce offer us abundant means for guarding ourselves against this evil.
Your attention seems to be not less due to that particular branch of our trade which belongs to the Mediterranian. So many circumstances unite in rendering the present state of it distressful to us, that you will not think any deliberations misemployed which may lead to its relief and protection.
The laws you have already passed for the establishment of a Judiciary system have opened the doors of justice to all descriptions of persons. You will consider, in your wisdom, whether improvements, in that system may yet be made; and particularly whether an uniform process of Execution on sentences issuing from the federal Courts be not desireable through all the States.

The patronage of our commerce, of our Merchants and Seamen, has called for the appointment of Consuls in foreign Countries. It seems expedient to regulate by law the exercise of that jurisdiction and those functions which are permitted them, either by express Convention, or by a friendly indulgence in the places of their residence. The Consular Convention too with his Most Christian Majesty has stipulated in certain cases, the aid of the national authority to his Consuls established here. Some legislative provision is requisite to carry these stipulations into full effect.
The establishment of the Militia—of a Mint—of Standards of Weights and Measures—of the Post Office and Post Roads, are subjects which (I presume) you will resume of course, and which are abundantly urged by their own importance.
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives
The sufficiency of the revenues you have established for the objects to which they are appropriated, leaves no doubt that the residuary provisions will be commensurate to the other objects for which the public faith stands now pledged. Allow me moreover to hope that it will be a favorite policy with you not merely to secure a payment of the interest of the debt funded, but as far and as fast as the growing resources of the Country will permit, to exonerate it of the principal itself. The appropriation you have made of the Western lands explain your dispositions on this subject: and I am persuaded the sooner that valuable fund can be made to contribute along with other means to the actual reduction of the public debt, the more salutary will the measure be to every public interest, as well as the more satisfactory to our Constituents.
Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives.
In persuing the various and weighty business of the present Session I indulge the fullest persuasion that your consultations will be equally marked with wisdom; and animated by the love of your Country. In whatever belongs to my duty, you shall have all the co-operation which an undiminished zeal for its welfare can inspire. It will be happy for us both and our best reward, if by a successful administration [of] our respective trusts we can make the established Government more and more instrumental in promoting the good of our fellow Citizens, and more and more the object of their attachment and confidence.
Go: Washington


Title: Newspapers for House Members, [9 December] 1790
From: Madison, James
To:

[9 December 1790]

   On 8 December Williamson moved that the clerk of the House furnish each member with three Philadelphia newspapers, to be selected by the representative. Consideration of the motion was postponed until this day (Gazette of the U.S., 11 Dec. 1790).

Mr. Madison recommended to the house, to take all the papers, or none. As the object of taking them, was to supply the members with all the information that could be obtained, and at the same time, to give encouragement to the press, which was thought advantageous to the public: both these objects, if they justified the house, in taking any papers, would be best promoted by taking them all. The expence saved, by excluding some, would be too inconsiderable to justify a distinction. The papers being paid for at the public expense, if each member were to select such only as he pleased, their conduct would tend to encourage one press, in preference to another; it would savour of partiality. He hoped, that no distinction would be made.


Title: Address of the House of Representatives to the President, [10 December] 1790
From: House of Representatives
To: Washington, George

[10 December 1790]
George Washington, President of the United States.
Sir,

The Representatives of the People of the United States have taken into consideration your Address to the two houses at the opening of the present Session of Congress.
We share in the satisfaction inspired by the prospects which continue to be so auspicious to our public affairs. The blessings resulting from the smiles of Heaven on our Agriculture, the rise of public Credit, with the farther advantages promised by it, and the fertility of resources which are found so little burdensome to the community, fully authorize our mutual congratulations on the present occasion. Nor can we learn without an additional gratification, that the energy of the laws for providing adequate revenues, have been so honorably seconded by those classes of Citizens whose patriotism and probity were more immediately concerned.
The success of the loan opened in Holland, under the disadvantages of the present moment, is the more important, as it not only denotes the confidence already placed in the United States, but as the effect of a judicious application of that Aid, will still further illustrate the solidity of the foundation on which the public credit rests.
The Preparatory Steps taken by Virginia, in concert with the District of Kentucky, towards the erection of the latter into a distinct Member of the Union, exhibit a liberality mutually honorable to the parties. We shall bestow on this important subject the favourable consideration which it merits: And with the national policy which ought to govern our decision, shall not fail to mingle the Affectionate sentiments which are awakened by those expressed on behalf of our Fellow-citizens of Kentucky.
Whilst we regret the necessity which has produced offensive hostilities against some of the Indian Tribes northwest of the Ohio, we sympathize too much with our Western Brethren, not to behold with approbation, the watchfulness and vigor which have been exerted by the Executive Authority for their protection; and which, we trust, will make the aggressors sensible, that it is their interest to merit by a peaceable behaviour, the friendship and humanity which the United States are always ready to extend to them.
The encouragement of our own navigation has at all times appeared to us highly important. The point of view under which you have recommended it to us, is strongly enforced by the actual state of things in Europe. It will be incumbent on us to consider in what mode our commerce and agriculture can be best relieved from the injurious dependence on the navigation of other nations, which the frequency of their wars renders a too precarious resource for conveying the productions of our Country to market.
The present state of trade to the Mediterranean seems not less to demand, and will accordingly receive the attention which you have recommended.
Having already concurred in establishing a Judiciary System, which opens the doors of Justice, without distinction of persons, it will be our disposition to incorporate every improvement which experience may suggest. And we shall consider in particular, how far the uniformity, which in other cases is found convenient in the Administration of the General Government throughout all the States, may be introduced into the forms and rules of executing sentences issuing from the Fœderal Courts.
The proper regulation of the Jurisdiction and functions, which may be exercised by Consuls of the United States in foreign Countries, with the provisions stipulated to those of his Most Christian Majesty established here, are subjects of too much consequence to the public interest and honor, not to partake of our deliberations.
We shall renew our attention to the establishment of the Militia, and the other subjects unfinished at the last Session, and shall proceed in them with all the dispatch, which the magnitude of all, and the difficulty of some of them will allow.
Nothing has given us more satisfaction than to find that the measures heretofore established have proved adequate to the purposes, to which they were allotted. In extending the provision to the residuary Objects, it will be equally our care to secure sufficiency and punctuality in the payments due from the Treasury of the United States. We shall also never lose sight of the policy of diminishing the public debt, as fast as the increase of the public resources will permit; and are particularly sensible of the many considerations, which press a resort to the auxiliary resource furnished by the public lands.
In pursuing every branch of the weighty business of the present Session, it will be our constant study to direct our deliberations to the public welfare. Whatever our success may be, we can, at least, answer for the fervent love of our Country which ought to animate our endeavours. In your co-operation, we are sure of a resource, which fortifies our hopes that the fruits of the established Government will justify the confidence which has been placed in it, and recommend it more and more to the affection and attachment of our Fellow Citizens.
By Order and in behalf of the House of Representatives of the United States.
Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, Speaker
Attest
John Beckley[,] Clark.


Title: To James Madison from George Washington, [11 December] 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

[11 December 1790]
Let me entreat you to finish the good Offices you have begun for me, by giving short answers (as can be with propriety) to the enclosed Addresses.
I must have them ready by monday.


Title: House Address to the President, [11 December] 1790
From: Madison, James
To:

[11 December 1790]

   On 9 December JM, Ames, and Tucker were appointed a committee to prepare a reply to the president’s address of 8 December. As chairman of the committee, JM presented a draft on 10 December. At Jackson’s request the House postponed consideration of it until the next day. Laurance moved to have a number of copies printed for the use of the members but withdrew his motion after a brief debate. On 11 December the draft reply was read by paragraphs. Smith (South Carolina), Jackson, and Tucker objected to the passage concerning the encouragement of navigation as committing the House to take measures that might prove injurious to southern agriculture. Smith offered a substitute, which he withdrew in favor of one by Tucker: “The encouragement of our own navigation has at all times appeared to be highly important, and has employed a large share of our deliberations: We shall continue to pay due attention to the subject, and consider by what means the agricultural and commercial interests of our country may be best promoted” (Pa. Packet, 11 and 13 Dec. 1790).

Mr. Madison. Some of the objections which have been stated, render it in some degree necessary to enter into an explanation of the nature of an address. There are two modes only in which an answer can be given by this house to the speech of the President. The one is to declare in general terms, that we will take the several subjects recommended by him into due consideration. This, even by the most refined ingenuity, can hardly be rendered so important, as to make it worth our while to contemplate it. The constitution makes it the duty of the President to recommend to the consideration of Congress, such measures, as he shall judge necessary and expedient, and give information of the state of the union. Hence it may be inferred, that it is our duty to attend to what he shall judge necessary to be done: at least no gentleman would allow that we might become so disrespectful as to lose sight of them altogether. Then the only way remaining to answer his speech, is to concur with him in all those points, which are clearly and fully understood: and when we find them not clear, we may then say, “it is incumbent on us to take such measures into due consideration”; thereby pledging ourselves, only to consider a subject, but not binding the house to agree to it. But supposing the committee had on this occasion been inclined to prefer the first mode of answering the President’s speech, they seemed precluded by the example set at the last sessions. The former address entered pretty fully into the several matters recommended in the President’s speech.
If it differs at all from the one under consideration, it differs only in this respect, that it goes more fully into a declaration, that we would concur in all the measures he had recommended. “The various and weighty matters, (says the address of last session) which you have judged necessary to recommend to our attention, appear to us essential to the tranquillity and welfare of the union, and claim our early and most serious attention.” Again, with respect to arrangements against the hostile Indians, “We shall not hesitate to concur in such further measures, as may best obviate any ill effects, which might be apprehended from the failure of those negociations.” In short, through the whole extent of the address, we find not only a general promise of due consideration, but also more particular promises of concurring in the measures proposed, giving them efficacy, and acting according to the impressions, which we acknowledged that we had received. Yet notwithstanding the force of this precedent, it never was my intention, nor, I believe, the intention of any of the committee, to tie the house down to this or that mode of extending encouragement to our own navigation; nor can the report be so construed; every thing, respecting the encouragement, being left at large, for the wisdom of the house to contemplate and determine. It is true, indeed, that the address acknowledges the weight of the reasoning used by the president, and declares a willingness, on our part, to enter into the consideration of the means, whereby our navigation may be so encouraged as to render our commerce and agriculture less dependent on foreign bottoms, which may possibly fail us in the very moment most interesting to both of these great objects. And if gentlemen are not disposed to remove an injurious dependence on foreigners, they may justly oppose this paragraph of the report. But if they are clear, that such a dependence is injurious to the transportation of our productions, they will not hesitate to agree to the report as it now stands. And it is too notoriously known, to be here insisted upon, that a great part of our commerce is in the hands and at the mercy of foreigners; and if wars among them continue to be as frequent, as experience shews them to have been heretofore, it follows, that whenever those great maritime powers enter upon hostilities, our means of transportation will be reduced; and that part of our produce, which remains on hand, must inevitably be lost or wasted, for want of the means of conveying it abroad to a market.
Whenever the question of encouraging navigation comes before the House, we shall be at full liberty to propose and embrace every means which ingenuity can suggest: for the address binds us to nothing but the bare consideration of what is proper to be done: we shall be equally bound if the amendment is adopted.


Title: Reply of the President to the House of Representatives, [13 December] 1790
From: Washington, George
To: House of Representatives

Gentlemen,
[13 December 1790]
The sentiments expressed in your Address are entitled to my particular acknowledgment. Having no object but the good of our Country, this testimony of approbation and confidence from its immediate Representatives must be among my best rewards, as the support of your enlightened patriotism has been among my greatest encouragements. Being persuaded that you will continue to be actuated by the same auspicious principle I look forward to the happiest consequences from your deliberations during the present Session.
Go: Washington.


Title: Reply of the President to the Senate, [13 December] 1790
From: Washington, George
To: Senate

Gentlemen,
[13 December 1790]
These assurances of favorable attention to the subjects I have recommended, and of entire confidence in my views, make the Impression on me which I ought to feel. I thank you for them both. And shall continue to rely much for the success of all our measures for the public good, on the Aid they will receive from the wisdom and integrity of your Councils.
Go: Washington


Title: Militia, [17 December] 1790
From: Madison, James
To:

[17 December 1790]

   The second section of the militia bill was still under consideration.

Mr. Madison enquired if the committee had come yesterday to any resolution respecting the exemption of the members of the state legislatures: if they had not, he wished to pass them over, as it was better, in his opinion, to leave the legislatures of the states to make the whole of the exceptions themselves, especially as the clause made only a partial provision on this head. In short the exemptions made by the United States, he would confine to the officers of the United States, and all the exemptions respecting state officers, he would refer to the state legislatures.

   Pa. Packet, 20 Dec. 1790.

[17 December 1790]

   Laurance moved to strike out the clause authorizing the state legislatures at their discretion to grant exemptions beyond those included in the present bill.

Mr. Madison. I agree that it is extremely desirable to observe uniformity in all our regulations. It is also proper to avoid, as far as it is practicable, the blending of the powers of the national and state legislatures, in the same act. On these principles, I would be inclined to favour the proposition for striking out that part of the section before us, which authorises the legislature of any particular state to grant further exemptions. But I am afraid, that it would lead us into lengthy discussions, without aiming at that accuracy, which is the object of our wishes. Gentlemen seem to lay down, as data, to guide them in making the exemptions, that, in all cases, where the services are incompatible, men should be exempted from the militia duty. But on this subject, the opinions and practice of the several states are widely different. It has been said by a gentleman from Pennsylvania, and repeated by a gentleman from Connecticut, that all the states agree in exempting the members of the legislature from militia duty. This opinion, I presume, they have drawn from the practice of their own states. Had I given an opinion, and derived it from a similar source, it would have been, that no state in the union had made the exception, and that it was therefore an improper one. But, at no period since the revolution, nor at any time during the late war, has such an exemption taken place in the state I represent. On the contrary, the members of the legislature, and the executive officers have uniformly rendered their services in the militia. From these circumstances, I think, it would be better to let the state governments co-operate with the national government, in defining what characters are entitled to exemption. Until we have complete information on this point, I would let the established usage prevail in each state. Nor is this a thing unprecedented: on other occasions, we have been driven to a similar expedient. In the Judiciary Bill, we were obliged to regulate the processes issuing from the federal courts, by the judiciary systems established in each of the states respectively: not that it was an undesirable object to attain to uniformity in that particular, but because we were then incapable of establishing a convenient uniformity.

   Pa. Packet, 21 Dec. 1790 (briefly reported in Gen. Advertiser, 20 Dec. 1790). Laurance’s motion passed. The Committee of the Whole agreed to exempt certain other citizens, including (in addition to ministers in charge of congregations) those authorized by their various sects and societies to preach the gospel. JM objected that this “would exempt the whole of some societies, which permitted every member to preach and teach the gospel.” The third section was taken up. FitzSimons moved to transfer the power of arranging the militia into divisions, brigades, regiments, etc., from the state governors to the president of the U.S. JM supported this motion, which was agreed to (Pa. Packet, 21 Dec. 1790; Gen. Advertiser, 20 Dec. 1790). The most complete report of this day’s debate is in the Pa. Packet, 20 and 21 Dec. 1790.


Title: To James Madison from William O. Callis, 20 December 1790
From: Callis, William O.
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir,
Richmond 20th. December 1790
In the year 1778 at the White Plains I was as a Lieutenant of 4th Va Regt. deranged: some previous or subsequent to that period, the Congress promised the Officers of the American Army so deranged, one Years Pay: this compensation I have never received; the design of this then is to beg the favour of you to make the proper application to the present Congress to obtain it. On reference to the Books and papers in the War Office, it will be found that the above statement is true, and further it will not appear by those or any other Papers that any Compensation has ever been made me. I am also, told I am entitled to some further bounty of Land, of this and the above your information, by a letter to be left at the Post Office, in Richmond, will Confer a particular obligation on Dr Sir, Yo. Mo. Obt
W. O. Callis.


Title: Militia, [20 December] 1790
From: Madison, James
To:

[20 December 1790]

   The Committee of the Whole took up the fourth section of the militia bill, which provided that male citizens between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five should be organized into distinct companies of light infantrymen and riflemen. FitzSimons objected that this would injure the manufacturing interest by discouraging artisans from taking on apprentices. He moved to strike out the reference to age in forming light infantry and rifle companies.

Mr. Madison said, it was proper to consider, whether the gentleman’s motion would not destroy the whole plan, and entirely change the system, which the committee had reported. The bill appeared to him, to provide, that all persons, between certain ages, should be entered in a military school, and instructed in the means of defending their country. After they became 25 years of age, they were to be discharged, and turned into the common mass of the militia, where they were to be enrolled, and should only meet 4 times, annually, in order that they might not forget the lessons they had learned during the preceding period. If the gentleman used it as an argument, that, because an improper exemption had already been made, they should extend the evil, he had rather join him in going back to the re-consideration of the second clause, and try the sense of the committee on the exemption of students, and put all persons on a level. If because students are exempted, we are to exempt apprentices, we must go further on the same principle, and exempt all those whose services are useful to the community, and this will include the laborers in agriculture.


Title: To James Madison from James Madison, Sr., 20 December 1790
From: Madison, James, Sr.
To: Madison, James

Letter not found. 20 December 1790. Acknowledged in JM to Ambrose Madison, 2 Jan. 1791. Reports the recent illness of JM’s mother, Nelly Madison. She has since recovered.


Title: Militia, [22 December] 1790
From: Madison, James
To:

[22 December 1790]

   The Committee of the Whole reported the amended militia bill on 21 December. The House took up the report the next day. Bloodworth’s motion to strike out the words in the first section “except as herein after excepted” and substitute “except such as shall be exempted by the legislatures of the particular states,” set off a lengthy debate on whether exemptions should be made by the state governments, the federal government, or both concurrently. JM argued that the bill should “exempt the judges of the Federal Courts; because some states, having no militia law, could not have exempted them; and the propriety of exonerating them from militia duty was too apparent, to need any arguments to prove it.” Sherman moved to amend the motion so as to leave the general power of exemption to the states after providing for the exemption of members of Congress and other officers of the general government (Pa. Packet, 25 and 27 Dec. 1790).

Mr. Madison did not mean to object to the amendment under consideration, though he thought it too far, in making exceptions in favour of the members of Congress. But as the committee of the whole had decided that point against him by a respectable majority, he should not now renew the question. But there is a question of great magnitude, which I am desirous of having determined. I shall therefore take the liberty of moving it: That we add to the end of the amendment, the words, “and persons conscientiously scrupulous of bearing arms.” I agree with the gentleman who was last up, that is the glory of this country, the boast of the revolution, and the pride of the present constitution, that here the rights of mankind are known and established on a basis more certain, and I trust, more durable, than any heretofore recorded in history, or existing in any other part of this globe; but above all, it is the particular glory of this country, to have secured the rights of conscience which in other nations are least understood or most strangely violated. In my opinion, were these things less clear, it would be a sufficient motive to indulge these men in the exercise of their religious sentiments—that they have evinced by an uniform conduct of moderation, their merit, and deserving of the high privilege; they knew its value, and generously extended it to all men, even when possessing the plentitude of legislative power, they are the only people in America who have not abused the rights of conscience, except the Roman Catholics, who anticipated them by an earlier settlement, in establishing a toleration of all religions in their governments in the United States. Their honorable example has procured them a merit with this country, which ought not to be disregarded—and could I reach to them this exemption, from the performance of what they conceive to be criminal, with justice to the other sects in the community, or if the other sects were willing to withdraw their plea for an equivalent, my own opinion would be, to grant them privilege on terms perfectly gratuitous.
It has been said, by a gentleman from Georgia, (Mr. Jackson) that if this privilege is extended to this class of citizens, all other denominations will be induced to secure it to themselves by counterfeiting their principles. I am persuaded, the gentleman indulged his imagination more than his judgment, when he predicted this effect. He cannot consult his own heart, nor the disposition of his fellow citizens, nor human nature itself, when he supposes either himself or the people of America, or of any nation, would apostatize from their God for reasons so inconsiderable. Would any man consent to put on the mask of hypocrisy in order to avoid a duty which is honorable? I cannot believe that one out of a thousand, nay not a single citizen will be found throughout the United States, who will usurp this privilege by hypocritical pretensions. But it will be in vain to attempt to force them into the field, by such an attempt we shall only expose the imbecility of the government: Compulsion being out of the question, we must, therefore, from necessity, exempt them; if we are actuated by no more generous motive. Let us make a virtue of this necessity, and grant the exemption. By penalties we may oppress them, but by no means hitherto discovered, can you make them undertake the defence of this nation. My view, at this time is, to bring the question fairly before the house. I am not, therefore, tenacious of the words or mode of the amendment, but beg attention only to the principle.


Title: Militia, [24 December] 1790
From: Madison, James
To:

[24 December 1790]

   Livermore, Jackson, and Giles opposed JM’s amendment. Laurance approved of the principle of the amendment but thought it vaguely worded.

Mr. Madison admitted that his proposition might not be designated with the most desirable accuracy; but he conceived its imperfection might be overlooked, if it was considered, that the whole bill was intended to be given to a select committee for arrangement and correction. But if the test was not satisfactorily designated, he thought it might have been expected of the candor and ability of the gentleman, that he would have amended it, rather than have made it a reason for voting against a proposition, the principle of which was approved. I do not know, continued he, what better criterion can be suggested; some criterion must, however, be had. If we do not take the declaration of the party, we must, perhaps, depend upon a certificate from the religious society of which he is a member, or other voucher, to satisfy the magistrate with respect to the scruples of conscience. Now, I will submit it to the gentleman, whether we can confine our exemption to this or that particular sect; or whether, because a man happened to be dissevered from a meeting of the Quakers, he ought not to be equally excused if he had really the same scruple. If this would be improper, then our criterion must apply to individuals, and not to societies. If it should be found by experience, that the operation of the law was evaded by any person under such pretexts, as had been conjectured, the legislature will always be at hand to redress the evil. We do not presume to consider our regulations as perfect: if we get as near that desirable point as is practicable, at present, we ought not to despair of approximating more and more, as experience shall point out.
With respect to the alliance which the gentleman from New-Hampshire pleases himself in having formed with my colleague, I cannot but observe, that if he is right in his principles, his ally must be wrong. Yet his ally has incontestably shewn, that the power of designating the militia resides absolutely in the United States. Whether the probable object of the convention be considered, when they proposed to take away the power of regulating the militia from the state governments, and to place it in the hands of the federal government: or whether we examine the nature and construction of the term itself, we cannot but be convinced, that the authority was intended to be given us for the establishment of an effective militia—a militia that hitherto was not so effectually established as to ensure a sufficient defence against foreign invaders: or efficient enough to destroy the necessity of a standing national force: or in case of such a force being raised, and turned against the liberties of our fellow citizens, adequate to repel the hostile attacks of mad ambition. Let us not, by a false construction, admit a doctrine subversive of the great end which the constitution aimed to secure, namely, perfection to the union, the means of insuring domestic tranquility, and providing for the common defence.
If then it belongs to the general government, to provide for the establishment of a militia, it should be done by us, in the best manner possible. Now, whether that may be by making the exemption in the manner proposed, by exempting and laying an equivalent or fine, is the question. Instead of denominating it a punishment, for a crime, let it be the effect of compassion, to an unfortunate, not a vicious class of the society. When this is done, and the mode of appropriation and collection both made convenient, there will be no apprehension of oppression, or cause of complaint.


Title: To James Madison from Robert Ballard, 25 December 1790
From: Ballard, Robert
To: Madison, James

Sir
Balt. Decr. 25th. 1790
Through some of my friends in Congress, I hope application is made for a further allowance in fees to the surveyor at Entry of Vessells under One Hundred Tons burthen, and for an allowance in fees from the Coasting Vessells. Vizt.
Vessells from a Forreign Ports with Dutiable Goods
All under 70 Tons, Two Dollars
All above 70 Tons, Three Dollars

From 60 to 100 Tons are generally the Sized Vessells which trade to the West Indies, and they require more duty to be performed by the Surveyor than a Vessell of 200 Tons laden with dry Goods. Scarcely any one of them but what have Goods to be Weighed Measured and Gauged—every Hhd. of Rum of each Cargo must be proved by the Surveyor, and Six different quallities to be Ascertained and Certified by him to the Collector—and perhaps all those things come to five or six different Consi[g]nees. Surely then One Dollar & a half is not addequate to the trouble.
To the Surveyor on Coasting Vessells.

  from 15
  Tons
  to 30
  Tons
  One Quarter’ Dollar

  from 30
  "
  to 60
  "
  half a Dollar

  All above 60 Tons three quarters’ Dollar.

(Pilate Boats to be excepted)
Sir, It is generously believed that through the Medium of Small Vessell’s will all the Smugling business be attempted. I am oblig’d to search the whole of them and receive little or no compensation for my trouble.
The sums as above Proportioned, are so small that they would not be objected to, and are by no means less than what the surveyor of right ought to have.
Hopeing for your Aid & interference in this business, I am with the most perfect Respect sir Your most Obedt. Servt.
Robert Ballard surveyor of Port’ Balt.
P. S. I am sorry to trouble my friends in Congress, but my poverty, and fees falling short of maintaining my family, obliges me to call on them. My utmost exertions have and shall be applyed for the interest of the Revenue.
R. Bd.


Title: To James Madison from Edward Carrington, 25 December 1790
From: Carrington, Edward
To: Madison, James

My dear Sir
Richmond Decr. 25. 1790
It was my intention to have committed to Mr. Giles the successor of Colo. Bland for the district in which I reside, a letter of introduction to you, but his recovering from a spell of Sickness and setting out for Phila. earlier than I expected prevented my doing so. You must before this have formed some acquaintance with him yet I cannot forbear to recommend him as my valuable Freind to your particular attention. Though yet a very young man he has acquired high reputation in both the superior & inferior Courts of this State. You will find him upon trial to possess real genius, acquired knowledge, & solid honesty such as will make him a valuable Co-adjutor in our representation. I am my dr sir with great regard yr Afft. Freind & St.
Ed Carrington


Title: Excise, [27 December] 1790
From: Madison, James
To:

[27 December 1790]

   Secretary Hamilton’s report on a further provision for the establishment of public credit (presented on 13 December) recommended additional duties on imported spirits and an excise on domestic spirits. When this report came before the Committee of the Whole on 27 December, FitzSimons proposed three resolutions in accordance with the secretary’s recommendations. The first two passed unanimously; Parker objected to the third, which called for an excise on domestic spirits distilled from materials grown or produced in the United States (DHFCLinda Grant De Pauw et al., eds., Documentary History of the First Federal Congress of the United States of America (3
        vols. to date; Baltimore, 1972—)., III, 629; Gen. Advertiser, 29 Dec. 1790).

Mr. Madison said, after laying a duty on imported spirits, it seemed to follow of course, that a proportionable duty should be laid on those distilled at home, as well those from country produce as from foreign materials. He believed this ought to take place on principles of justice and equality: but there were incidental circumstances of considerable weight, which might properly be taken into consideration. A tax on distilled spirit might as a sumptuary regulation, tend to encrease sobriety, and thereby prevent disease and untimely deaths. As money must be had to complete the business of the nation, and imposts were already sufficiently burthened, and direct taxation was at present improper, He concluded in favour of the proposed duties, as they would be found to be collected more easily, and operate more equitably than any other yet suggested.


Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 31 December 1790
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Letter not found. 31 December 1790. Acknowledged in Jefferson to JM, 1 Jan. 1791. Gives his views concerning the application of the treaty of amity and commerce between the United States and France to the latter’s protest of the United States tonnage acts.


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, [1 January] 1791
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Th: J. to J. M
Saturday morng. [1 January 1791]
I intended to have called last night & left with you the inclosed draught of a lre. to Otto but it was so cold I could not give up my hack. I recieved yours soon after I came home. Of the two constructions I observe you lean more to the 2d. and I more to the 1st. on account of the consequences to which the 2d may be pursued. My first idea was to write this lre. to Otto and previously communicate it to the President, & he perhaps to the Senate. But I have concluded to throw it into the form of a report to the President, to be submitted to the Senate. This will permit me to speak without reserve, to admit the force of the 2d. construction, & to enforce the proposition I suggest in the close, by shewing what valuable branches of our commerce hang on the will of the French nation. I shall see you at dinner, & be glad to exchange further thoughts on the subject which is an important one.


Title: From James Madison to Ambrose Madison, 2 January 1791
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, Ambrose

Dear brother
Philada. Jany. 2. 1791
I recd. yesterday yours of the 19 & my father’s of the 20 Decr. I am glad to hear of your recovery, and particularly so of My Mothers whose attack was unknown to me till the receipt of my father’s letter.
The inclosed papers will give you the late proceedings of Congs. more fully tho’ often very incorrectly, than could be done in a letter. The excise on spirits distilled in the Country will probably take place. In fact, considering the aversion to direct taxes & that the imports are already loaded, I see nothing else that can be done. Besides the duties on imported rum, requires a proportional one on Country rum, & this a duty on other spirits. The tax will I presume be so guarded as to operate on stills according to the quantity really distilled.
I have recd. a letter from Mr. Maury which says that the Market of Europe is very full of Tobo. & recommends it to me to Stem as much as possible.
On leaving home I desired my father to pay Majr. Lee the sum due from me. I shd. have left the commission in your hands if you had been in the way, being apprehensive that some delicacy might arise from unsettled transactions between him & my father. I find accordingly that this has happened & that Majr. Lee refuses the paymt. on that account. I wish you to pay him if possible as I intended & promised.
Tell Capt: Dade that Genl. Knox has not yet reported on his case & that I will let him know the event of his claim as soon as it happens. Adieu. Yrs Affy.
Js. Madison Jr


Title: From James Madison to Edward Carrington, 2 January 1791
From: Madison, James
To: Carrington, Edward

Letter not found. 2 January 1791. Acknowledged in Carrington to JM, 2 Feb. 1791. Discusses the excise and militia bills. Requests Carrington’s ideas on a national bank.


Title: To James Madison from the Governor of Virginia, 3 January 1791
From: Governor of Virginia,Randolph, Beverley
To: Madison, James

Gentlemen,
Council Chamber Richmond Jany 3d. 1791.
I do myself the Honour to inclose you three Resolutions and a Memorial of the General Assembly on the subject of the Act of Congress making provision for the Debts of the United States together with a Resolution instructing you to use your utmost endeavours to procure the Admission of the Citizens of the United States to hear the Debates of the Senate. I am Most respectfully &c.
Beverley Randolph.


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Pleasants, Jr., 6 January 1791
From: Pleasants, Thomas, Jr.
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Raleigh 6th. January 1791.
I again take the Liberty of adressing you at the instance of Mr Thomas Thompson, who is now in Madeira, purposes staying there untill next Spring, & anxiously wishes to make it the place of his future Residence. In a letter that I have just Recieved from him, dated the 3d of Novemr. Last; he thinks that the present American Consul, will shortly leave that Island—says it is a place of more importance than he had an Idea of; and in that event, could he be so fortunate, as to succeed to the appointment, it would make him independent and happy.
Having before said that I thought Mr Thompson well qualified to fill that place with propriety; I shall only add that by letters, now before me from some of the first Merchantile characters in Madeira, it appears that he Stands well in their estimation, of which they have given a very Convincing proof, by advancing, merely with a View to serve him, nearly £1000 stg worth of Wine, which he hath sent here for sale. It is unecessary for me to say more; being well satisfied that should the oppy occur you will have him in Remembrance.
I have just Recieved the inclosed abstract of the present state of the Navy of G Britain, which I thought might afford you a moments Amusement.
I should be glad merely for Mercantile Information to have an Abstract of the Annual agregate amot of the several Articles of export from the United States, distinguishing those of each State, with their estimated Value—as also the Amot. of the Imports within the same period, and the Revenue they produce, which I shall be obliged to you for; and which I presume may be obtained, without further trouble, than a Reqt. to the Secretary of the Treasury—and without other expence than a fee to one of the Clerks Which will be thankfully Repaid you—by Your obliged friend, & Mo. ob Hble st.
Thomas Pleasants jr.

[Enclosure]
30th. Ocr. 1790.
The following is a Correct abstract of the Navy of England in its present State:

Line
Fifties
Frigs.
Sloops
Total

In Commission
{
at Spithead and portsmouth
43

11.
8.
67.

In the Downs & North-seas

1.
4.
5.

At the W Indeies & on the passage

1.
7.

8.

Jamaica.

1.
1.
5.
7.

In America & N. found Land

2.
4.
3.
9.

East Indies.
1.

3.
2.
6.

Botany Bay.

2.
2.

Gibraltar & the Mediterranean

1.
5.
1.
7.

Sailed with Sealed orders &
}

Troops on board

3.
5.
2.
10

Guard Ships—Hospital ships &C.
8

1.
2
11.

Fitting at Portsmouth
9.

3.
2
14.

do.    at Plymouth
1.

1.
1.
3.

Chatam & Sheerness
7.

5.
1.
13.

Woolwich & Deptford
1.

3.
6
10

English & Irish Channels

19.
25.
44.

Transports armed en fluté

13.

13

   Total in Commission
75.
8.
82.
64.
229.

In Ordinary
{
at Portsmouth
26.
2.
7.
12.
47.

"  Plymouth
22.
2.
7.
6.
37.

"   Chatham
18.
5.
18.
8.
49.

"   Sheerness
6.
1.
3.
5.
15

"   Woolwich & Deptford

1.
16.
6.
23.

147.
19.
133.
101.
400.

Building
9.
1.
1.
2
13.

Total of the English Navy
156.
20.
134.
103.
413.