Title: To James Madison from John Sitman and Others, 22 January 1795
From: Sitman, John
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir,
Marblehead Jany. 22. 1795
Wee are now to acknowledege Your favours Wee have recived by your Kind Letter of may 28 1794, Constrainned with hart felt Sincerity, for your friendly attention, to those papers commited to Your Care, with our address, and trust, from upright princibles wee where embolden, to look up to a Gentlemen, whose Character Stoop so fare in Vindication of the rights of mankind.
Wee are made acquainted by your Goodness Sir, that our petitions, was further prolonged to the next Sesions of Congress, for more fully debating the princibles, and where made to understand, in the mean while, if wee had any thing further to Offer, wee had time thus to due.
Wee would Observe that Marblehead being perticular in its Situwation, its Customs and Manners being riveted in the breast, of all the Natives both Young & old, being attached to it by habit respeting the fishing buisness, which Nature seemes to have situwated her for, not having any advantage agricultere, seeme to be Competed to this Mode of liveing, which leaves more then common Numbers of Widows & Offrans, the laws of Congress, binding those concrned in this Branch of buisness, to certain rules prescribed for the Benifit of receiving the Bounty.

This finaly Oversits the former Customs of this place, for the Industrys man brought up in a hard Labourous way, from 12 Years of age acquiring this Buisness, is somewhat Simelar, to the old Solider, which is continuwed in Service, being enured to the Same, for where there is a breach to be made against an Enemey, he must be foremost in the front.
So in this Oucupation, Must the persons, be early brought up in the Buisness, be at every beck & call, where this Buisness Laboures, (Wee would Venture, to applie this Matter to convince the Mind[)], a Widow has two Sons, one shee puts out as an app[r]entice to a Master, for the purpose of learning a trade, shee cannot expect any advantage by this child, for the time is the Masters, the other Son, shee sends a fishing on board one of those Vesell on Cuttails in the fishing buisness at 12 Years of age, for the purpose of lear[n]ing the Oucupation, he has is half fish clear from the Scale, at the Years of 17, or 18 he has acquired this buisness, and now is fit to be asked to go on shares, wee ask, what rong has been don to this child, he now revive, what he gave away in his Younger Years to acquire this buisness, & not only so, but 9 Years income is revived by the Widow, his Mother, for the benifit of this family, when her Other Son, time is intirly lost as to any advantage they can reape.
But to explaine our selves more fully, (this mode of tell fish being Establish in marblehead[)], what is to become of the Younger part of the male inhabitance, they are now fit to be taking on board of our Vesells on Cuttails, our Skippers will refuse them, because the proffits of their oucupation is lost, they will endeavour to obtaine men Equall to themselves, to Share the hardships in all its parts, as Well as reap the advantages that Arises from the buisness, (Wee Would Sijest then, where is the Nursery for the fishing buisness[)], for if the Youth is not taken, as they will not be, on this plan, what is to be don, the buisness will dwindle away in this place and come to nothing.
But will the Honl. Lejeslature, put the raw Cuntryman, on Equality, with the man that is been brought up in this buisness from is Early days, must theise men, due the duty of Others, without the least compensation, they mite acquire the Catching in a few Years, but what is to be don with the dresing and Other duites on board the Vesell on princibles of Equality, can it be expected that the first men on hoard the Vesell, will leave their lines, for the purpose of Saveing there fish from Destruction, when at the same time his liveing & that of their familys depends on their former experince, (haveing endeavoured to explaine oursleves to the Honl Lejeslature[)], Wee Never had an Idea, that the Cuttails, should have only one half of the bounty of the fish, that they caught, (wee ever suppose they had a right to all the bounty on all the fish they caught, which was agreeable to us, and talied with the Wise Adminstration of the Lejeslature[)].
But on the Other side of the Question, Wee Never Supposed the raw unxperince man, should reap the same Advantage in the fishing buisness, (as the man which is been brought up to it from his Early days, untill he is fully able to due all its dutys[)]. This Sir, Wee Venture this as our last, to the Wisdom of the Honl Lejasture of theise United States, and if they Deney us the priveledge of going in our Own way with bounty annexed, (Wee trust they will adhere to the prayer of the last petitions, and Grant us the bounty[)], to Such of us Now are Defishent for the Year 1793, as the Goverment has had the benifit of the duty of the Salt which Wee expended on our Fish, (in order to Convince Congress[)], Wee have inclosed two Voyages made up on the same fair, with the same expenses, which will chew, how the best men which go in our Vesells are deprived of their former advantages, and the profits Shifts, and finally fall into the hands of the owners of fishing Vesell, and the inferior persons, going in them.
Thus Sir, wee have endeavoured, to give You all the Light, on this Buisness, which lay in our power, and risk the fate of it in your hands, and remain With the Greatest Personall respect, Your Most Obed Hume Servants,

John Sitman
Burrill, Devereux
Richd Pedrick

PS. One of those Voyages is made up in the tell Fish mode, (the other on Shares, & cuttails[)].


Title: To James Madison from John Adams, 23 January 1795
From: Adams, John
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Philadelphia January 23. 1795
Will you be so good as to read the inclosed Letter from Dr Belknap and tell me, from your Recollection of what passed in Congress in 1779. 1780 & 1781, whether there is any Colour for the Imputation cast on our Country by Dr Kippis. I cannot say as Dr Belknap has been informed that Dr Kippis is my Correspondent. I never wrote a Letter to him or received a Letter from him that I recollect. I visited him and he visited me. I often heard him in his Pulpit, and frequently met him in society in London, and ever conceived and entertained a good opinion of his Candour, and a great Idea of his Information. I doubt not he wrote what he believed: hut he has certainly been misinformed.
I doubt not he will readily correct his Error, as soon as he shall be convinced of it. And if you will be so obliging as to recollect what passed within your Knowledge relative to Dr Franklin’s Recommendation, and write it to me, I will convey it to Dr Belknap and perhaps take some other Measures to shew that Dr Franklins Liberality of sentiment was never censured, but on the Contrary was Admired by his Fellow Citizens. With great Esteem I have the Honour to be, sir your most obedient
John Adams


Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 26 January 1795
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Philada. Jany. 26. 95.
I have recd. your favor of Decr. 28. but [not] till three weeks after the date of it. It was my purpose to have answered it particularly, but I have been robbed of the time reserved for the purpose. I must of consequence limit myself to a few lines and to my promise given to the Fresco Painter to forward you the inclosed letter. Nothing since my last from Jay or Monroe. The Newspapers as usual teem with French victories and rumors of peace. There seem to be very probable indications of a progress made to this event, except in relation to G. B. with whom a Duet Campaign is the cry of France. The Naturalization has not yet got back from the Senate. I understand however it will suffer no material change. They have the prudence not to touch the Nobility clause. The House of Reps. are on the Military estabt. & the public debt. The difficulty & difference of opinion as to the former, produced a motion to request the P. to cause an estimate of the proper defence &c. It was in its real meaning, saying we do not know how many troops ought to be provided by our legislative duty, and ask your direction. It was opposed as opening the way for dragging in the weight of the Ex. for one scale, on all party questions—as extorting his opinion where he shd. reserve for his negative, and as exposing his unpopular opinions to be extorted at any time by an unfriendly majority. The prerogative men chose to take the subject by the wrong handle, and being joined by the weak men, the resolution passed. I fancied the Cabinet are embarrassed on the subject. On the subject of the Debt, the Treasury faction is spouting on the policy of paying it off as a great evil; and laving hold of two or three little excises passed last session under the pretext of war, are claiming more merit for their zeal that [sic] they allow to the opponents of these puny resources. Hamilton has made a long Valedictory Rept. on the subject It is not yet printed, & I have not read it. It is said to contain a number of improper things. He got it in, by informing the Speaker, he had one ready, predicated on the actual revenues, for the House whenever they shd. please to receive. Budinot the ready agent for all sycophantic jobbs, had a motion cut & dry just at the moment of the adjournment, for informing him in the language applied to the P. on such occasions, that the House was ready to receive the Rept. when he pleased, which passed without opposition & almost without notice. H. gives out that he is going to N. Y. and does not mean to return into public life at all. N. Jersey has changed all her members except Dayton whose zeal agst. G. B. saved him. There are not more than 2 or 3 who are really on all points Repubns. Dexter is under another sweat in his district, and it is said to be perfectly uncertain whether he or his Repub: competitor will succeed. Adieu Yrs.
Js. M. Jr.


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 26 January 1795
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James, Sr.

Hond Sir
Pha. Jany. 26. 95
Your favr. of the 5th. came to hand a few days ago only. I must leave it to your judgment to dispose of my wheat at Sawney’s. If there he any doubt about the fate of the flour to be made from it, I had rather it shd. go to Mr. Dunbar without that risk, or to Mr. Triplet if the conveyance cannot be procured. If it can, I had rather Mr. D. should have it, as my business is with him. I am sorry I did not know what you mention about the Timothy sooner. I would have sent seed along with the Clover seed, to resow the meadow ground. If resowing can be yet done in tolerable time Mr. Collins ought to get the Seed at Fredg. or Elsewhere without a moment’s delay. In the former case Mr. Dunbar will supply the money. In the latter you can let him have the money left to pay for the seed Mr. Taylor had engaged. You may take the fallow either from Sawney’s or Black-Meadow as you think most proper, for the Mill business. I do not wish Tamerlane to be plowed if it can be avoided, as I must use him for the saddle on my return. If both the Mares be not with foal one of them if really wanted may be used. Do you mean that I am immediately to provide Mill stones & Bolting Cloths? I wish you to write me immediately & particularly on the subject. I shall attend to Laundrums affair & the tea for Mrs. Macon. Also to your money & certificates; but I can tell you before I enquire that if I am to sell, a new power will be essential for that purpose. I have heard nothing of Js. Madison, except that he was at Fanny Hites after I left that neighbourhood, and talked of coming to Philada. I suppose he must have gone to Baltimore.
The newspapers continue to talk of peace in Europe except as to England whom the French are unwilling to let off without a campaign with her alone. The information is credited, tho’ not yet authenticated. Nothing from Mr. Jay. The expectations & private accts. are in favor of some valuable result to his demands. Congress are engaged on the subject of the Military establishment, & providing a fund for paying off the pub. debt. Nothing final is yet done on either. We are well and offer our love to my mother & your self. Yr. Affe. son
Js. Madison Jr
Fanny has answered & very handsomely the letter referred to her.


Title: To James Madison from Arthur Breese, 28 January 1795
From: Breese, Arthur
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir.
Whitestown Jany. 28. 94. [1795]
You must pardon me, for not answering your letter, before this time. My opinion is that if you could sell one half of your Lot in the rear, for something near its Value, It would be advisable for you so to do. Since the receipt of your letter, I have used every exertion to sell the rear part of the Lot, or rather 200 acres of the same. But the term for payment expiring so soon was unable to procure a Purchaser.
Land in this Neighborhood of late seems to have taken a stand, neither rises or falls. The Speculations that are at present made, being further West.
Your tract of Land is very good but being situated upon the North side of the Mohawk, where the Settlemts. are but few—land tho’ equally as good, with that on the South side, will not command so great a Price. Four Dollars & a half is the full worth of the rear part of your Lot ⅌. accre, and that cannot be procured in Cash. Indeed the people here cannot give Cash for Land. They are from the Eastern States, and all that a man brings in the Country with him is his wife & Six or Eight children. Credit then is what they ask for, and if they can obtain that, little do they care for the price.
If you consider it prudent to sell upon a few years Credit, suggest to me the price that you can afford to do it at, and with great Chearfulness I will endeavor, to make for you an advantageous sale. I am Sir, With much respect Yr. very Obt. & faithful Servt.
Arthur Breese


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 29 January 1795
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dr. Sr.
Fredg. 29th. Janry. 1795
I thank you for the papers and your late favor explaining the business of Monroe with Mr. Randolph. Be pleased to attend to transmitting the inclosed. Mr. Brent is not I presume the Author of the Pamphlet you sent, from him it was expected something would appear in answer to Lees address to the people of the district which savored not a little of selfimportance and exaltation of himself above his Colleagues. This pamphlet was I suppose written before his vote agt. Giles’s motion respecting the renunciation of Titles. There is a flying story here that Mercer is gone to Philadelphia in consequence of an invitation from H—l—n. Yr. friend
Jos: Jones


Title: To James Madison from James Madison, Sr., 29 January 1795
From: Madison, James, Sr.
To: Madison, James

Letter not found. 29 January 1795. Acknowledged in JM’s 8 Feb. 1795 letter to his father. Requests that JM obtain at Philadelphia wire for sifters (for the gristmill that JM’s family planned to build). Mentions a loss incurred by JM’s brother William. Discusses a land transaction being considered with Prettyman Merry.


Title: To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 30 January 1795
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
New York 30th. Jany 1795.
You will probably think when you have read this that I avail myself of slight circumstances to open a correspondence with you And perhaps it will be candid to own thus, that desire has had no little influence upon my pen. I do not find that you have at Philadelphia any direct intelligence from Mr Jay it may therefore be useful to you to know the intelligence we have recd a little more particularly than you can learn it from our papers. There are two letters here from well informed merchants (one of whom has been consulted by Lord Greenville) stating that the Posts were to be evacuated the 30th. of June 1796 with a provisoe that if circumstances shd then render the evacuation inconvenient they may be retained six months Longer. That a free intercourse of traders with the import & export of goods shall be admitted in & thro’ those posts to the territory of either Nation by the traders of both. That comms. shall be appointed to adjust matters relative to the paymt. of debts due to Britain. With respect to the injuries our trade has sustained nothing is said, this I suppose is considered as settled by the accounts we have recd. of the opening the court of appeals.
You will at once see that if this is realy the treaty (of which I have no doubt) that Mr. Jay has sacraficed the essential interests of this country by not attending to a circumstance well known here to wit that the navigation of the lakes must necessarily be on our side that our posts are the only possible entrepo’s for the indian trade and that the grand portage being exclusively ours no goods can be carried into the western country by the way of Canada but thro’ our territories. By the treaty of Paris therefore the whole fur trade an object of 800,000 dols. a year was s[e]cur[e]d to the United States & it is this circumstance alone which has hitherto prevented their evacuation since without them Canada would be perfectly useless. Supposing then that at the end of two years (which is very uncertain) these posts shd be evacuated the indian trade will still remain in the hands of the British because having the advantage of a free transportation of goods & supplies thro’ our territories they may esstablish strong posts & trading houses in their own territory from whence the best furs come & thus continue to curb the indians & govern their trade, add to this that the knowledge the Canadians have of, & their close connection with the indians will if they are admitted on equal terms prevent our sustaining a rivalship with them. Whereas had the posts been surrendered upon the footing of the former treaty the united States would have carried on this commerce exclusively merely by refusing the import or export of goods or furs to & from Canada. The Indians in the british territory could not in that case have avoided taking their supplies, & selling their furs to us. As for the evacuation, I think we might either have relyed on our own force to command it at an earlier period than Mr. Jay has fixed, or obtained it on a general peace thro’ the intervention of France. On this last subject I proposed a plan to Mr Munroe & Mr. Fauchette last sepr. who immediatly pressed the thing in France and were it [not] for Mr. Jays concession I shd. have had good hopes of seeing our business done thro’ that channel. They seem so sensible in England of the important advantages they have gained that several private Letters express an anxiety least we should not ratify the treaty. To prevent this is certainly the duty of every man that wishes well to the country, yet such is the violence of party that I fear no public consideration will have that effect. Permit me Sir to suggest one idea on this head. You have yet no official account of the treaty you may therefore fairly suppose that the posts may be yielded before the next meeting of Congress.
Would it not be proper to bring in a law predicated upon that Idea, whereby you prohibited the exportation or importation of Articles to or from Canada into our western territories. The preamble to this Law & the debates upon it will open the eyes of the public more than any thing that can be done after the treaty is officialy announced when every possible exertion will be made to support it. I am Dear Sir with much esteem & respect Your Most Obt hum: Servt
Robt R Livingston


Title: Military Establishment, [2 February] 1795
From: Madison, James
To:

[2 February 1795]

   On 20 January FitzSimons moved that the House request the president to submit a plan for the defense of the frontiers. After JM “doubted if it was agreeable to the Constitution,” FitzSimons withdrew his motion. On 21 January the Committee of the Whole took up Nicholas’s report, which recommended that the military establishment be authorized to continue in service until 1 June 1798 (Annals of CongressDebates and Proceedings in the Congress of
          the United States … (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56)., 3d Cong., 2d sess., 1120, 1121, 1122, 1163). On 2 February Dayton proposed instead a resolution that the military establishment be continued by enlistments for a maximum term of three years at the president’s discretion.

Mr. Madison … seemed rather favourable to lowering than augmenting the number of troops in the service of the United States. He alluded to the report of the treaty said to be entered into between this country and Britain, from which it might he inferred that the Indian hostilities on the north west of the Ohio would slacken.


Title: From James Madison to Alexander White, 2 February 1795
From: Madison, James
To: White, Alexander

Letter not found. 2 February 1795. Acknowledged in White to JM, 14 Feb. 1795. Apparently discusses news reports of Jay’s negotiations with Great Britain, the prospects for peace in Europe, and legislation pending in Congress.


Title: From James Madison to John Adams, 3 February 1795
From: Madison, James
To: Adams, John

Dear Sir
Philada. Feby. 3. 1795
I have been induced to this delay in acknowledging your letter of the 23d, inclosing one to you from Mr. Belknap of the 2d. Ulto. by a desire to obtain from my memory all the information it might have ever possessed in relation to the error in Docr. Kippis’ life of Capt: Cook.
I was not a member of Congress till March 1780. It is probable therefore that, if his directions to American Commanders, in favor of Capt: Cook issued, as is stated, in March 1779, they must have been transmitted to that Body, and undergone its consideration, before I could have been present. After I became a member, nothing was ever done on the subject, as far as my memory can inform me. I do not even recollect that the subject ever fell incidentally, under any public discussion. I have however a pretty strong impression, that it occasionally entered into the conversation of the members, as it often did into that of intelligent Citizens out of doors, and that I never heard a sentiment uttered which did not applaud the magnanimity of the idea which considered Capt: Cook’s expedition as consecrated to the general good of all Mankind, and consequently not included in the hostilities between particular nations.
I beg leave to suggest to you, Sir, if it has not already occurred, that Mr. Charles Thomson, will be more likely than any other individual to answer the wishes of Mr. Belknap. Besides the general accuracy to be expected from him, he must a[s] Secretary to Congress be particularly intimate with every thing that passed in that Assembly. With the highest respect and esteem, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most Obedient humble servan⟨t⟩
Js. Madison Jr
P. S. I have shewn the above to Mr. Muhlenbourg the Speaker, and Mr. Boudinot, a member of the House of Representatives. The former was a Member of Congress during the years 1779, 80, & 81; The latter from July 1780 to the peace in 1783. Both of them concur in what I have stated, and recollect nothing more particular on the subject.


Title: To James Madison from Samuel Dexter, Jr., 3 February 1795
From: Dexter, Samuel, Jr.
To: Madison, James

Sir,
Philad. 3d. Feby. 1795
The subject of this is confidential. I have lately been told by a Gent. well acquainted with you, that he believed you were of opinion that a part of America is systematically struggling for a Government incompatible with equal rights, & that your political conduct is governed by this apprehension. This has induced me strongly to wish for a conversation with you on the subject, if perfectly agreable to you, confidential or not as you may chuse. Before I was concerned in administering the Government, I have had a similar suspicion; but since I have been here every thing has tended to form a very different opinion. I have found myself compelled steadily to oppose measures, which appear to me to lead to abuse of equal rights, & of course to Anarchy, & ultimately to tyranny. My respect, & that of the public, for your talents & Integrity have ever induced me to wish exceedingly for knowledge of the Motives for your present line of politics, when compared with your former Measures. A confidence that the motives are proper prevents me from feeling it indelicate to ask an explanation; & an expectation that neither my Constituents nor myself—shall consent to my being here another Session makes this the only time to receive it. If the proposed Interview be perfectly agreable to you, I will thank you for the information & for the time, which will be convenient. If on any account it is otherwise, I am content to know it without assigning any reason, or even by silence. I am Sir with great respect Your Ob. servt.
Saml. Dexter Jur


Title: To James Madison from Hubbard Taylor, 3 February 1795
From: Taylor, Hubbard
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Spring Hill Clark County 3d. Feby. 95
Inclosed you will receive some papers respecting a late decision of our Court of appeals, which has given rise to great deal of argumentation respecting the Claims of Settlements & pre-emptions granted by the Commissione[r]s in the years 79 & 80. The Memorial is said [to] be drawn by Mr. Jno. Brackengridge, signed chiefly by the holders of Settlts. & preemptts. That great indavidual disstress will be the consequence seems to be agreed on all hands—as those kind of titles were conceived to be finally settled—emigrants purchased more freely of them than of any others (the Military excepted) and made no scruple to warrant them, admiting that the decisions of the commissioners was final where no fraud had been practised. The matter was taken up by the assembly and the two Judges, Muter & Sabastion was cited to appear, and an application was made to have a vote passed by two thirds of the Legislature to have them removed from Office, it faild; there was then a resolution brought in passing a censure on the Judges declaring them to have been actuated from impure & currupt motives, the want of Judgement & that the decree Kenton vs. McConnell was contrary to the plain meaning of the Strict letter & spirit of the law. This also faild in the lower house. It was however revived in the Senate and then agreed to in the House of Reps. What will be the consequence no one knows—the Judges has not resigned as yet. Procrastinations in decisions are more particularly prejudicial here than in most states, as it cramp[s] industry & deters emigrants from venturing among us.
As to the news of the Western Army you will see gentlemen by one of whom I shall send this letter who will be better abble to give you the latest accts than I can. I propose to send this by Docr. Ridgely a Gentleman of the highest Carracter and in no degree attatched to any of the parties which has run so high in this state. I have had frequent conversations with the Dcr. with whoom I am intimate and the utmost confidence may be placed in any thing he shall communicate.
The perport of Mr. Innis Mission is not yet known. I am sorry to say there appeard to be a coolness subsisting (on his arrival) in the appearance of Many who ought to be the foremost to set all difficult Matters in a fair point of view, in preference to holding out doubts & suspicions. If it should be the wish of Mr. Innis that the Assembly be called expect it will be done.
As to the Lands you & your brother held in this Country proper cure shall be taken that they shall not be forfieted or sold for the payment of the Tax’s. And it will always give me pleasure to serve you in any thing that is in my power that I am capable of doing. Be pleased to present my Compliments to my unknown connection Mrs. Madison & beleave me to be, with much esteem Dr Sir Yr Affe: Hble: Sert:
H. Taylor
The vindictive spirit with wh. some of the assembly acted, is generally thought, to have proceeded from personal dislike to the Judges.


Title: Military Establishment, [3 February] 1795
From: Madison, James
To:

[3 February 1795]

   The Committee of the Whole rejected Nicholas’s report on the military establishment and took up Dayton’s resolution.

Mr. Madison, after all that had been said, was still of opinion that there had been a change in our situation, and so there might be a possibility that a reduction was proper. By the arrangements made in this session, it might be practicable to reduce the numbers nominally and yet have a real augmentation, because the new regulations would actually bring more men into the field.


Title: From James Madison to Samuel Dexter, Jr., 5 February 1795
From: Madison, James
To: Dexter, Samuel, Jr.

(Copy of answer)
Sir
Feby 5. 1795
Your letter of the 3d. inst: did not fall into my hands till late last evening. As the conversation you propose can on no acct. be objectionable to me, I shall concur in it with the pleasure I ought to feel in complying with your wishes. Perhaps I ought myself to wish for an oppy. of removing one at least of the impressions you are under, which may not do justice to the consistency between my present & former line of politics. As you refer the time of our being together, to me, I will take the liberty of asking your Company at dinner on Sunday, en famille, if you are unengaged for that day, and after dinner we can be conveniently alone & free from interruption. I shd. have proposed an earlier day, but that is the first that I can command.


Title: To James Madison from Samuel Dexter, Jr., 5 February 1795
From: Dexter, Samuel, Jr.
To: Madison, James

Sir,
Thursday 5th. Feby. [1795]
I received your favour of this Morning, & will with pleasure take a family dinner with you on Sunday. You mention an impression on my mind respecting difference in former & present political Conduct, if this be wrong, I shall be particularly happy in its removal. I really have believed, perhaps from misrepresentation, that the fact was unquestionable, & that the only question was as to the Motive. Yours with esteem
S Dexter Jur


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 5 February 1795
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Th: J. to J. Madison.
Monticello Feb. 5. 95.
Congress drawing to a close, I must trouble you with a bundle of little commissions
1. to procure for me a copy of the correspondence between Genet, Hammond & myself at large.
2. a pamphlet entitled ‘Sketches on rotations of crops,’ to be had I believe at Dobson’s. The author in a note pa. 43. mentions some former publication of his, which I should be glad to have also; as I am sure it must be good. Who is the author? Is it Peters? I do not think it is Logan.
3. to procure for me from some of the seedsmen some of the seed of the Winter vetch (it is the Vicia sativa, semine albo of Millar) as it is cheap, you may be governed in the quantity by the convenience of bringing. I think it must be valuable for our fall-fallows.
4. to commission your barber to find for me such a seal as he let you have.
5. to enquire of J. Bringhurst whether Donath is returned from Hamburg, who was to bring me some glass? I know nobody who can give the information but Bringhurst, and I would not trouble you with it could I have got a word from him otherwise. But I have written twice to him, & got no answer, and I have sent twice to Philadelphia by a neighbor of mine, whom he has put off by saying he would write to me. If I could only find out whether Donath is returned, & what is his address in Philadelphia, I could then enquire about my glass of himself by letter.
We have now had about 4. weeks of winter weather, rather hard for our climate—many little snows which did not lay 24. hours, & one 9. I. deep which remained several days. We have had few thawing days during the time. It is generally feared here that your collegue F. Walker will be in great danger of losing his election. His competitor is indefatigable attending courts &c. and wherever he is, there is a general drunkenness observed, tho’ we do not know that it proceeds from his purse. Wilson Nicholas is attacked also in his election. The ground on which the attack is made is that he is a speculator. The explanations which this has produced, prove it a serious crime in the eyes of the people. But as far as I hear he is only investing the fruits of a first & only speculation. Almost every carriage-owner has been taken in for a double tax: information through the newspapers not being actual, tho legal, in a country where they are little read. This circumstance has made almost every man, so taken in, a personal enemy to the tax. I escaped the penalty only by sending an express over the county to search out the officer the day before the forfeiture would have been incurred. We presume you will return to Orange after the close of the session, and hope the pleasure of seeing mrs. Madison & yourself here. I have past my winter almost alone, mr. & mrs. Randolph being at Varina. Present my best respects to mrs. Madison, & accept them affectionately yourself. Adieu.


Title: From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 8 February 1795
From: Madison, James
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Dear Sir
Philada. Feby. 8. 1795
I am much obliged by your favor of the 30th. Ult. The information it gives on the subject of the Treaty is more exact on some points than any I had before received, particularly in relation to the footing on which the Posts are to be left. If Mr. Jay has really turned our exclusive right into a thoroughfare, which will in its operation be almost an exclusive right to G. Britain, it will certainly form an objection to the Treaty which ought neither to be concealed nor mitigated to the public; and that such is the tenor of his stipulated arrangement, is but too probable from the accounts to which you refer. It is a question however of some nicety whether the mode of forcing a discussion in Congress which might bring the subject into public view, would not risk as much as it would promise. As it would be impossible to avoid the appearance of an anticipated attack, on the Treaty, it could be said with so much plausibility that the treaty ought to be seen and understood in the whole, before it be prejudged in any of its parts, and that regulations of a distrustful aspect were particularly improper in the very moment of friendly adjustment, that the view in urging the discussion might be successfully perverted into a prejudice against the general object pursued, and the effect of future disquisitions at a more proper season, be thereby diminished. I shall however reflect attentively on the idea you have suggested, and sound some of my most judicious friends on it also. It will be some consolation in this case, that if the Treaty should be in an inadmissible shape, it will be in the power of less than a majority of the Senate, to defend the U. S. against it. And this may the more be expected, as the extracts and comments in the Newspapers are already summoning the public mind to an enquiry into the terms and merits of the Treaty.
The House of Reps. are engaged as you will see by the Newspapers, on a provision for sinking the public debt. The friends to excises take advantage of the popularity of the object to enforce those as the means, and the general dislike of direct taxes in the majority of the House, if not out of doors, favor the same policy. It is pretty clear however that a debt which will require more than 30 years (the term calculated) to pay it off, will never be paid. Emergences may be fairly presumed to add to the debt faster than such an operation will substract [sic] from it. We must therefore reconcile ourselves either to a perpetual public debt—or to some considerable exertion in the way of direct taxes apportioned on the States, or of excises extended to objects which will yield an equivalent revenue. With very great esteem I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt. hble servt.
Js. Madison Jr.


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 8 February 1795
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James, Sr.

Hond. Sir
Feby. 8. 1795.
Your favor of Jany. 28. came to hand two days ago. I have not had time yet to look out for the wire for Sifters, but shall attend to it. I wait to hear from you further on the subject of Bolting cloths &c. before I execute the commissions in your former letter, as my last will have informed you. I am very sorry for the loss of my brother William; hut there is no remedy for such cases, but patience, and redoubled industry. I can not give any precise answer to Mr. Merry without knowing more precisely his terms, as well as the proportion of his land which is arable. It would seem that his price is too high considering the loss of his house, and the great quantity of land that can never be put to use. Deducting this, the price would amount probably to 8 or 10 dollrs. an acre, which exceed any thing known in that quarter.
We are yet in the dark as to the Treaty concluded by Mr. Jay; no copy being arrived. The scraps from private letters afford too imperfect as well as too inauthentic an account of it to justify an opinion on its merits. We are in hourly expectation of the official despatches.
Congress are employed on a plan for paying off the debt. It is proposed to prolong the taxes laid last year and appropriate them with other surpluses to the purpose. But without new taxes, 30 years at least will be required for the operation, a period which may be expected to generate as much new debt as will be discharged of Old. If we are ever therefore to be out of debt, additional taxes direct or indirect will be necessary. We are well and offer our affections to my mother & yourself.
Js. Madison Jr


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 10 February 1795
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dr. Sr.
10th. Febry. 1795
Mr. Brent has lately published a small Pamphlet in answer to Mr. Lees address to the people of the District. This as well as the one you sent me are ample expositions of Lees conduct in Congress and will prove satisfactory to those who will be at the trouble to read and are capable of judging of them—the bulk of the people are not so and will not examine them. Had Mr. Brent in his letter to the people confined himself to some striking objections to his Antagonists conduct and which from their nature were most likely to reach their feelings, and have avoided so lengthy a discussion, it wod. have been more generally read by them and better understood, in that respect and that only Lee’s will have the most influence among the people, at le[a]st I fear so, as it is comparatively short and soon read over. I am willing to suppose, tho’ I lament the event, that Monroe had written his friends by the advise boat that was taken, as an apology for the tradiness [sic] of his communications of which I think we have some reason to complain. The period of the Session approaching I presume you have decided your course for the interval and where you mean to spend your Summer. Wolcott I see succeeds Hamilton. The trading part in particular and others in general appear muc⟨h⟩ pleased to hear Jay has concluded his embassy so favour⟨ably⟩ as represented by private communications. You no doubt have or soon will have the official information. There appears little hope of peace from the last accounts which seem to contradict our preceeding intelligence. Yr friend & Servt
Jos: Jones


Title: To James Madison from John Francis Mercer, 11 February 1795
From: Mercer, John Francis
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Marlbrough, Feby. 11th. 1795.
Mr. John Fenton Mercer the bearer of this is the eldest Son of my late Brother. By a clause in his fathers Will his Estate cannot be divided for three years to come, & that time he proposes to pass in some of the Armies of france probably the Northern Army. I know no situation more improving for a young Man than the family of an old experienc’d General Officer, & from my knowledge of this young Gentleman’s talents & disposition I have great expectation of the benefits he woud derive from such an opportunity. He only wants prudence to make a most valuable man & that can only come from experience. Your forwarding him in this view if in your power will be an additional obligation to many which I acknowledge.
I have had no opportunity of congratulating you before on your becoming a free Mason—a very ancient & honorable fraternity. I am sure you are now much wiser & I do not doubt you are much happier altho’ you were very wise & happy before, at least in my opinion. I hold a lodge on your road pray let me take you some time by the hand in it & let Mrs. Mercer welcome, the fair prophetess who has converted you to the true faith. A Man who has got his head somewhat clear of a large load of leaden politics—feels of course a little light headed to that you must attribute the levity of this style which is only intended to assure you of my respect & friendship for you & yours.
John F Mercer.


Title: To James Madison from John Sevier, 13 February 1795
From: Sevier, John
To: Madison, James

Sir
Greenville. 13th February 1795
This will be handed you by the revd. Mr. Balsh president of the Greenville college lately established by law in our territory. The board of Trustees flatter themselves that the legislature of the United States will encourage And patronize this laudable institution, And from the Knowledge I have of your Great regard for literature, take the liberty to Recommend Mr. Balsh to your favourable Notice And Attention. I have the honor to be sir With regard And Much respect Your Obedt. Hbl Servt.
John: Sevier


Title: To James Madison from Alexander White, 14 February 1795
From: White, Alexander
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Woodville 14th. February 1795
Your favr. of 2d instant came to hand in course of Post. What a man wishes he will readily believe, I feel a confidence that the accounts of Jay’s successful negotiation are well founded, and that a general Peace in Europe is an event not remote. These circumstances I consider as ensuring the prosperity of our own Country, and I flatter myself that the proceedings of the present Session will go far towards promoting internal peace, content and security. Sixty Millions of debt is a burden we should wish to be rid of—although the honest Farmer, the Militia Man and the veteran Soldier or their Widows and Children dispersed throughout the Union, were quarterly receiving the interest of their well earned Services at the hands of a grateful Country, but situated as the debt is, there are other sensations which induce a wish for a speedy discharge of it. I therefore hope a difference of opinion with respect to the mode of taxation will not prevent the business from being put in a fair train before the rising of Congress. The perfecting the militia Law I consider as another important object.
The beginning of winter was rather unfavourable, but we have lately had fine Snows, and I hope the grain will yet be good. Adieu—and believe me Yours &c
Alexr White
P. S. A Gentleman from Baltimore informs me Jays dispatches are arrived, with the Treaty with England—but that there is little prospect of Peace in Europe, the Belligerent Powers making immense preparations for another Campaign.


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 18 February 1795
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Paris Feby. 18. 1795.
I was yesterday favored with yours of the 4th. of Decr. the only one yet recd. I had perfectly an[ti]cipated the secret causes & motives of the western business, and was extremely happy to find that the patriotism of the people in every quarter, left to its own voluntary impulse and without any information that was calculated to stimulate it, was sufficient to triumph over the schemes of wicked and designing men. I have been always convinced that this was a resource to be counted on with certainty upon any emergency, & that the more frequent these were, the sooner wod. the possibility of success in such schemes be destroyed, & our govt. assume a secure and solid form. I likewise perfectly comprehended the motive and tendency of the discussion upon the subject of the societies, but was persuaded that the conduct of the societies themselves upon that occasion, together with the knowledge diffused every where of the principle upon which they were formed, would give that business likewise a happy termination. This was the case in one house and will I doubt not likewise be so in the publick mind if the discussion shod. be provoked. The fact is, such societies cannot exist in an enlightened country, unless there is some cause for them: their continuance depends upon that cause. For whenever you test them by the exigence and it is found inadequate they will fall: and if there is one an attack upon them will encrease it, for they are not even to be put down by law. I was fearful the conduct of the Jacobin society here would injure the cause of republicanism every where, by discrediting popular complaints and inclining men on the side of government however great its oppressions might be. But that society was different from those that ever existed before; it was in fact the government of France, and the principal means of retarding the revolution itself; by it all those atrocities which now stain & always will stain certain stages of the revolution were committed: and it had obviously become the last pivot upon which the hopes of the coalisd powers depended. This society was therefore the greatest enemy of the revolution, and so clear was this that all France called for its overthrow by some act of violence. It is easy for designing men to turn the vices of one society somewhat similar in its origin, and which became such only in the course of events by degenerating and losing sight of the object which gave birth to them, agnst. all others, altho’ the parellel may go no farther than that stage in which they all had merit. As the conduct of the Jacobin society made such an impression upon affrs. here it became my duty to notice it in my official dispatches: I accordingly did so by giving an historic view of its origin progress & decline, truely & of course under the above impression, & which I think will be found marked upon the statment to an observant reader: for in one stage viz from the deposition of the king I say that the danger was from confusion alone, since the old government was overset & the new one entirely in the hands & exerted virtuously for the sole benefit of the people, and it is intimated in the close that however enormous the vices may be provided treasonable practices be not discovered, that its overthrow must be left to publick opinion only. It became my duty to notice this subject & I think I have done it with propriety; however examine it & write me what you think of it.
I recd. some days past a letter from Mr. Randolph containing a severe criticism upon my address to the Convention & the publication of the papers committed to my care, and which justified that address & makes its defense agnst the attacks of that party with you. I was hurt at the criticism & equally surprised, for I did not expect it would be avowed that it was wished I shod. make a secret use of them, giving them weight by any opinion which might be entertained of my own political principles, or in other words that I would become the instrument of that party here thereby putting in its hands my own reputation, to be impeached hereafter in the course of events. They were deceived if they supposed I was such a person. On the contrary I was happy in the opportunity furnish’d not only on acct. of the good effects I knew it would produce in other respects, but likewise as it furnishd me with one of presenting to the eyes of the world the covenant which subsisted between them and me: by the publication they are bound to the French nation & to me to observe a particular line of conduct. If they deviate from it they are censurable, and the judicious part of our countrymen as well as posterity will reward them accordingly. The fact is I would not upon my own authority make those declarations of their sentiments, & therefore I was glad to embrace the opportunity to let them speak for themselves. I felt some concern for Mr. Randolph because I feared it would expose him to some attacks, but I concluded he would despise them: for in truth I do not apply to him the above comments. I have answered those criticisms with suitable respect but as becomes a free and independent citizen whose pride is to do his duty but who will not yeild when he is undeservedly attacked. I have reviewed the state of things upon my arrival & shewed the necessity of some hold measure to retrieve it. What I have stated in my reply is true; I have many documents to prove it in each particular. Tis possible this business may end here, for I have since recd. a letter in answer to my 2. first & which were not then recd. by Mr. Randolph, in a different style; and to which latter I shall likewise write a suitable answer: but it is also possible it may not. I have therefore thot. proper to transmit to you a copy of it, that you may perfectly comprehend the state of this business with the ground upon which I rest. Perhaps it may be proper for you to shew it in confidence to others but this is entirely submitted to you. I wish it seen by Mr. Jefferson & Mr. Jones.
The state of parties in America is as well known by the Committee of publick safety & other leading members as it is there. It was mentioned by some person to Merlin Doui that Hamilton & Knox were going out of office, & he instantly replied he would have it inserted in the Bulletin & communicated to the departments, as an event auspicious to France as well as America. This however was prevented, because the comma. had been recd. by one person only.
Fortunately the successes of this republick have been great even beyond the expectation of every one. The entire conquest of the 7. U. provinces closed in the midst of winter for a few months the last campaign: indeed so great has the success been that they have scarcely an enemy before them, and I believe they may march whither they please in the course of the next. Their conduct in Holland too in other respects has done as much service to the cause of liberty, almost as their arms. A revolution which was immediately commenc’d has made a rapid progress there & will no doubt be soon completed. I think if our sage negotiator in London had waited a little longer till the victories of France were more complete (& it was certain they would be so), he might have gained terms satisfactory to all of his countrymen: but perhaps being a conciliating negotiator, he could not take advantage of that argument—perhaps he wished for the honor of Engld. to deprive the republican party in America of the opportunity of saying his success was owing in any degree to that cause.
I think upon the whole yr. prospects independant of foreign causes are much better than heretofore; the elections have been favorable: but with the aid of foreign causes they are infinitely so.
We are well—our child is at school in a French family, & already speaks the language tolerably well. Joe is also at school & rather in a line of improv’ment. I have little leasure & of course am but little improved in the language. We desire to be affecy. remembered to yr. lady whose esteem we shall certainly cultivate by all the means in our power. If a loan is obtained can it be laid out to advantage? Inform on this head. Remember me to Mr. Beckley, to Tazewell, Mason & all my friends & believe me sincerely yrs.
Jas Monroe
PS. Pinckney is abt. sitting out for Spn.—suppose the peace with France is made before his arrival what success will he have?


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 23 February 1795
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James, Sr.

Hond. Sir
Feby. 23. 1795
Inclosed is the explanation from the offices concerning Mr. L’s claim. The Treaty made by Mr. Jay is not yet come to hand & we know nothing more of its articles than what has been conjectured from the hints in the Newspapers. I have already let you know that if you mean that I shd. sell your paper, you must forward the proper powers. The period is becoming favorable. It can now be sold at par. As I shall not be able to get off for some time after the adjournment, you may venture to write & communicate with me till I give you notice that your letters will be too late. If you, my mother or Fanny want any particular articles to be got let me know it. I understand it is reported in some parts of my District that I decline being a candidate in March. Perhaps I ought on many considerations to do so—but I have said nothing from which the Report could spring, and find myself constrained again to sacrifice both my inclination and interest. If you have an opportunity of seeing or dropping a few lines to any particular friend in Louisa (say Mr. A. Fontaine) I should therefore be glad you would contradict the Report, as well as let it be known, that it is not in my power to be in the district before the election as I would wish. I rely on you & my brother W. to give the proper explanations in Orange & Madison Counties. Congs. will adjourn on the 3d. of March. Yr. Affe. son
Js. Madison Jr


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 23 February 1795
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Th: J. to J. M.
Feb. 23. 95.
I inclose two letters to the President & Secretary of state open for your perusal & consideration. I pray you to bestow thought on the subject, & if you disapprove it, return me my letters, undelivered, by next post. If you approve of them, stick a wafer in them & have them delivered. I also put under your cover a letter to the Fresco painter from whom you inclosed me one. His not having furnished me with his address obliges me to give you this trouble. Nothing new. Adieu affectionately.


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 25 February 1795
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Paris Feby. 25. 1795.
Being under the necessity of explaining the motives of my conduct upon my arrival, to the Executive, & in consequence of presenting a statmt. of the circumstances under which I acted, I have thought I could not better convey my ideas to you on that head than by enclosing a copy of the paper. This will of course be kept from Mr. R. because of his official station, & all others from whom it ought to be kept. I have sent a copy under the care of the minister Mr. Edet who was to depart some days since: but as he did not & probably will not in some days I have deemed it expedient to send a duplicate to the executive & likewise to yrself by Bordeaux to be forwarded by some American vessel. Three days after the letter above referred to was written, a second was likewise, & in a different tone: But being on the Executive journal, my vindication ought to be there too. It is proper to observe that my first & second letters were intermediately recd. by Mr. Randolph.
The revolution in Holland progresses with great rapidity & will most probably comprize the 7. provinces under a single govt. founded of course on the sovereignty of the people. Here great tranquility continues to reign. Indeed it has never been otherwise since my arrival, than during the same space I presume it was in Phila. Bread is scarce in some quarters but the people are beyond example patient under it. I do not think a real distress is to be apprehended, but if such were to happen, I am convinc’d the yeomanry wod. emulate by their fortitude, the bravery of their compatriots in the army.
Nothing is yet done with Prussia. The death of Goltz in Switzerland interrupted a negotiation which was depending. Tis reported that France demanded of that power the abandonment of Poland, & for which she proposed to give Hanover.
With Spn. a negotiation is said to be depending. I am persuaded if Jay’s treaty is rejected provided it contains any thing improper that we can not only get a decision of this govt. to suppt. our claims there but with Spn. Tis possible this latter point may be aided from this quarter independt. of the contents of that project, provided they are not very exceptionable—but the thing wod. be certain in the opposit view of the case.
I trust he has gaind all that we claimed, for that nothing could be refused in the present state of things, or indeed when the treaty was formed, must be certain, provided he did not convince the admn., that as he had adopted the conciliatory plan he would in no possible event change it.
We had some idea of procuring a loan in Holland to a moderate amt. to be vested in land, is this still yr. wish? I am persuaded it may be done; inform me therefore whether it is desirable, to what amt., and whether it would suit you to draw for it on such persons as I shod. designate. What I intimated sometime since is not meant to be derogated from here: for I can by loans, answer yr. drafts upon three months sight for one two & even three thousand pounds strg. payable in Hamburg or Holld. I have recd. but one letter from you to the present time. I wish the paper enclosed to be shewn Mr. Jones & Mr. Jefferson. We are happy to hear you have added a particular associate to the circle of our friends & to whom you will make our best respects. Sincerely I am yr. friend & servant
Jas. Monroe
Colo. Orr promised to procure my patent for a tract of land on Rock Castle, Kentuckey, of Captn. Fowler for me. Will you be so kind as remind him of this & endeavor to get it to be deposited with Mr. Jones, or sent here, as I mean to sell it after I shall have quitted this station—the latter is prefered.
I have written by Edet to Burr, Langdon, Brown & some others.
The liberation of our country from the councils of H. & K. had like to have been announc’d in the Bulletin. Be assured characters are well understood here.


Title: New Hampshire Memorial, [27 February] 1795
From: Madison, James
To:

[27 February 1795]

   On 25 February the House received “A memorial and remonstrance of the Legislature of the State of New Hampshire … praying the interference and support of Congress, in favor of the judicial power of the State Court, against an encroachment of the Judiciary of the United States, in reversing a decree of the Supreme Judicial Court of the State of New Hampshire, which was rendered in a case decided before the adoption of the present Constitution.” The House appointed JM chairman of a select committee to consider the memorial (Annals of CongressDebates and Proceedings in the Congress of
          the United States … (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56)., 3d Cong., 2d sess., 1252). The case in question was Penhallow v. Doane’s Administrators (3 DallasA. J. Dallas, Reports of Cases Ruled and
          Adjudged in the Several Courts of the United States, and of Pennsylvania … (4 vols.;
        Philadelphia, 1790–1807). 54); the New Hampshire memorial is printed in ASPAmerican State Papers: Documents,
          Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United States … (38 vols.;
        Washington, 1832–61)., Miscellaneous, 1:124. On 27 February JM submitted the following written report.

That, the subject of the said memorial being of a nature wholly judicial, and having undergone a course of judicial investigation, and of final decision by the Supreme-Court of the United States, the Committee have conceived themselves precluded from all enquiry into the particular merits of the case: nor can perceive any ground, on which legislative interference could be proper.


Title: From James Madison to Aaron Fontaine, ca. 27 February 1795
From: Madison, James
To: Fontaine, Aaron

Letter not found. Ca. 27 February 1795. Mentioned and enclosed in JM to William Madison, 1 Mar. 1795. Asks Fontaine to explain to voters in Louisa County that JM is standing for reelection but cannot be present at the congressional election on 16 Mar. Mentions the illness of his wife and sister-in-law.


Title: Indian Lands, [28 February] 1795
From: Madison, James
To:

[28 February 1795]

   On 17 February Washington forwarded to Congress the laws passed by the Georgia General Assembly authorizing the Yazoo land sales (on those sales, see JM to Monroe, 27 Mar. 1795, and n. 4). The House appointed JM to a select committee chaired by Sedgwick, who on 26 February reported resolutions authorizing “the military force of the United States to apprehend … all persons who, unauthorized by law, may be found in arms on any lands westward of the lines established by treaties with the Indian tribes.” The resolutions also authorized the civil authority to try, fine, and imprison such persons (Annals of CongressDebates and Proceedings in the Congress of
          the United States … (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56)., 3d Cong., 2d sess., 1231, 1254, 1256, 1259). On 28 February the House considered the resolutions and Venable’s amendment, “Unless it shall be in immediate pursuit of the Indians who have recently committed hostilities.”

Mr. Madison did not think the expression explicit; he therefore proposed another which was to prevent the pursuers from coming within a certain number of miles of an Indian town. He was extremely doubtful whether his amendment or any other would effectually answer the end proposed. He was convinced that no law of any kind would he able to hinder people from crossing the line in pursuit of Indians, who might have carried off their families.


Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 1 March] 1795
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

[ca. 1 March 1795]
Bringhurst says he has written to you and will write again. Donath is in Philada. He was disappointed in the importation of his Glass, by the Protest of Bills occasioned by the Yellow fever in Philada. If you still want the Glass, it will be proper to renew your orders to Donath. Letters addressed to him to the care of Jno’ Bringhurst, or without that precaution will be pretty sure to get to him.


Title: From James Madison to William Madison, 1 March 1795
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, William

Dear brother
Philada. March 1. 1795.
In my last to my father I desired him to let Mr. A. Fontaine or some other friend in Louisa know that I could not be in the district before the election &c. I now inclose a letter to him, which I wish you to seal & forward. If no certain conveyance offers in time, it will [be] requisite to send it to Louisa Court House on the day of the Election; and by Morda. Collins if necessary. Since the date of it my wife has grown better, the pleurisy being slight, and medical aid being immediately applied. Her sister is also better but not out of danger. She has been at the point of death, with a pleu[r]isy combined with bilious symtoms. The pleurisy rages a good deal in the City at present. It is ascribed to the great & sudden changes of weather, particularly to the intense cold of late after some very mild weather. The letter to Mr. Fontaine will give you the few remarks to be made on public subjects. We shall set out for home as soon as some business I have to do and the roads will admit. It will probably be the first of April before we get to the end of the journey. As there will be time for you to write after you receive this, let me know more particularly what kind of chairs you want, and whether there be any other articles you wish to be added. I shall be glad also to know what the amount of my market crop of Wheat has been, & what the present prospects are. Wheat is here near about 2 dollrs. a bushel, flour 10 dollrs. a barrel. I must leave it to you & my father to explain my absence to your two Counties. Yrs. affy.
Js. Madison Jr


Title: Exportation of Arms, [2 March] 1795
From: Madison, James
To:

[2. March 1795]

   The House approved a proviso to a Senate resolution “authorizing the exportation of arms, cannon, and military stores in certain cases.” The Senate disagreed to the proviso, “that there should be none sent to the dominions or territories of any of the European powers now at war.” In the House debate, Federalists favored the proviso while Republicans (who wanted to aid France) opposed it.

Mr. Madison was of opinion with his colleague from Virginia, (Mr. Giles) that the proviso would narrow our national rights. Besides even the passing of the proviso is worth nothing, for we may send military stores to Hamburg, and from thence they may be transported to any of the nations at war.


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, [ca. 3 March] 1795
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dr. Sr.
[ca. 3 March 1795]
I have your favor of the 25th. ult. and in consequence of the information given respecting Monroes land on Rock castle I inclose the Survey and a memdum. of his respecting it. The patent may be taken out for any thing I know as Mr. Fowler (who owed Monroe money) was to do it and contrive it to you, but it is probable that Monroe being absent Fowler may have neglected to perform his promise in paying the fees and taking out the patent. You will observe what Fowler says about the land. I think it had better be sold for the price you mention or even one fourth of a dollar rather than keep it and if you can make sale of it I request you will do so and any thing to be done on my part as his Attorney shall be complied with. If any credit is to be given you will of course attend to the paymt. being safe in event. Money is wanting and if it can be obtained for the land it will stop all demands. You will let me hear from you as soon anything is concluded in this business. The extracts from M——es letters being published confirms me in the opinion I had entertained who is the author of Germanicus. It is strange Monroe did not favor one of his friends with a letter by either of the opportunities that conveyed the public despatches. I go to Loudoun on Thursday the 5th. and shall not return untill about the 16th or 17. provided we survey the land wch. is intended to commence on Monday the 9th. Yr friend & Servt.
Jos: Jones


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 11 March 1795
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir
Philada. March 11. 1795.
Along with this I forward a large packet which Mr. Beckley has been so kind as to make up for you. It will give you such information as is not contained in the newspapers, and which forms a proper supplement to them.
I have not yet recd. a single line from you except yours of Sepr. 2d. long since acknowledged. Your last letters of the official kind were duplicates of Ocr. 16. Novr. 7. & 20. You will perceive in the Newspapers that the parts of them relating to the Jacobin Societies have been extracted & printed. In New York they have been republished with your name prefixed. The question agitated in consequence of the President’s denunciation of the Democratic Societies, will account for this use of your observations. In N. York where party contests are running high in the choice of a Successor to Clinton who declines, I perceive the use of them is extended by adroit comments, to that subject also. It is proper you should be apprized of these circumstances, that your own judgment may be the better exercised as to the latitude or reserve of your communications.
The Treaty concluded with G. Britain did not arrive before the adjour[n]ment and dispersion of Congress. The Senators received a summons to reassemble on the 8th. of June, on the calculation that the Treaty could not fail to be recd. by that time. It arrived a few days after. It is a circumstance very singular that the first knowledge of its contents as finally settled, should not have come to the Executive till more than three months after the date of it. What its contents are, the Executive alone as yet know the most impenetrable secresy being observed. You will easily guess the curiosity and disappointment of the public. Complaints however are repressed by the confidence that some adequate reasons exist for the precaution. The arrival of this Treaty and the delicate relations in which we stand to France, are beginning to turn the public attention to the prospect of meliorating the Treaty with her, and the arrangements that may have been taken on either side for the purpose. It is certainly much to be desired that the crisis should not be suffered to elapse without securing to this Country the precious advantages in commerce which we now enjoy from the indulgence or temporary embarrassments of that Nation, and still more that the possibility should be precluded of any collisions that may endanger the general friendship already stipulated between them.
You will receive by this conveyance a letter from Mr. Jones which will inform you among other things that young Jno. Mercer, son of the late Judge is about to visit you with letters from his uncle &c. I am desired by his uncle to co-operate in his introduction to France, and shall of course give him a letter to you. As you know him much better than I do, and will hear from Mr. Jones who now must know him better than either, my letter will be more of form than any thing else. Mr. Jones will also probably inform you that he has commissioned me to try Whether your property in Kentucky could be turned at this place into the means of executing in Virga. some arrangements in which you are interested. I have not as yet succeeded, and much question whether I shall be able to do so. I have heard not a word from Genl. Wilki[n]son, nor can I give you any better acct. from Vermont, or N. York.
I have been detained here since the adjournment by indisposition in my family, and shall now wait till the roads get better which I hope will be the case in 8 or 10 days. Before I leave the City, I will write again. I deplore the want of a Cypher—and the cramp it puts on our Correspondence. My sincerest regards to you all. Adieu.


Title: To James Madison from Giuseppe Ceracchi, 21 March 1795
From: Ceracchi, Giuseppe
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Home the 21 March 1795
Been wondered at the daley of the National Monumt suscription coming out, i called this morning upon the Gentilmen of the departements. Mesr. Randolph kindedly assured me that he would signe the papers as soon as they were send to him. Fifty of them signed only by Mr Wolcott are not gon farther till now, than to the Secretary of War office, by this may be consived that it would require a month more before the signature would been don. But much more wondered i have in hear Mr Bradford and Mr Boudinot spoke aiganst the projet, and representing it as the most redicelous and improper, and emploing all the documents of a lawior or a friar in expressing the narrow compas of there soll, i thought to hear the imploration of holy Ignorance descending from heven upon the people of America, as it was implored in Room last Year in contradiction of comun sense; Then i could not holpe to remarke that there resoning was contrary to the sanction they give to my Plan with there signatures, to which Mr Boudinot ansered that he did it as well as other Gentilmen, that did the same act, merely to encoreg my feling, and to give me some credit, fulisch and indiferent carrecter expressed in this sentiment of M: Boudinot make me belive that a plot of not uncomun Kind are agent the plan of National Monument for some other objet that i cant discover.
I am redy to decline of any farther attempt if you think it prudente, upon which i desire your oppinion. I am Sir with full respect Your Most Obt servt
Jos Cerrachi


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 21 March 1795
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dr. Sr.
Fredg. 21t. Mar: 1795.
I returned last evening from Loudoun where I had been two weeks geting the land surveyed and fixing some hands on a small part of it or your favors of the 2d. & 4th. should have been sooner noticed. My absence prevented my attending to your letter to J. Willis but no inconvenience has resulted from it. The story you mention had been circulated and some had asked me if I thought it true or had received any intimation of the sort from you and generally I answered I had no doubt of your willingness to serve as I was satisfied if you meditated retirement and had decided on it, you wod. have communicated your intention to me as well as others. In Fredk. & Berkeley—Rutherford outvoted Morgan about 450. In Loudoun Fairfax and Prince William—Brent has ousted Lee by a large majority. It is somewhat extraordinary that Monroes letters shod. be published to serve electioneering purposes which I shod. suppose could not be done but by the permission or connivance of the P——t or S——y of State. With respect to him it is an uncandid and ungenerous perversion of his intention and sentiments. I am in hopes Mrs. Madison and her Sister are restored to health I sincerely wish you all the enjoyment of that greatest of blessings. I inclosed a survey of Monroes Rock fish land. Did you receive it and what may be expected from it. I set out on this day or Tomorow week for Richmond where the circuit commences on the 1t. of Apr:—the letter for Miss Washington shall be sent to Mr. Lewis’s where the young Lady I understand resides. Yr. friend & Servt.
Jos: Jones


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 22 March 1795
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dr. Sr.
Fredg. 22d. March 1795
I wrote to you by the last post acknowledging the receiit [sic] of yours of the 2d. & 4th. of this month which I found here on my return from Loudoun. I then mentioned to you my having inclosed to you before I left home in consequence of your letter to me on the subject Monroes survey of 20000 acres of Land on Rock Castle I also sent with it an abstract from Fowlers letter respecting its quality and mentd. that Fowler being indebted to Monroe had undertaken to get out the Patent and contrive it to you in Philadelphia. Since my last I have been applied to for the Terms on wch. I wod. sell the survey but not knowing the issue of the matter in Philadelphia I could only answer that it had been sent there for Sale but if not disposed of I wod. when informed make the necessary communication. This application is from a Mr. Lacey in Loudoun and is I expect a matter of speculation whereby to gain some profit by resale as I understand he lately did gain £250 in a purchase and resale of Land Wats. in a few days. I suspect he will not give the price you said Orr thought could be got. If the Survey can be sold on pretty good terms in Phila. let it be done—if not I wod. then offer it to Lacey and in that case the survey or a copy of it will be wanting. This Tract is in the Wilderness and I am told of mean quality and had I think better be sold during the present rage for back lands and to avoid future Expence which it will not bear. Your letter for me will find me at Richmond after the 30th. of this month where and at Petersburg I shall be untill towards the last of April. When are the Senate to meet to consider the treaty? I shod. suppose they would be called sooner than June. It is in a state of perspiration or when it transpires will it be free from a sweat? Has no part of it yet leaked out.
A bead to be added to that in the Aurora of the 3d. inst.

In Loudoun district—Virginians bent
the Ship of State to free
from dangerous steerage, took in Brent
and turned out Pilot Lee
It was said Lee was so much mortified—he either was or feigned to be unwell and went to his bed sooner than usual—seriously I think the change independent of political principles or sentiments of the Men favourable to the public welfare for of most young Men you will meet with few possess equal abilities or a better heart. The other Gentns. Moral Character was I think good. I may perhaps trouble you to bring me some imperial and Guinea Hyson—of this you shall hear further. Yr. friend & Servt
Jos: Jones


Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 March 1795
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Philada. Mar. 23. 1795
Your two last favors contained, one of them the letter for Mr. Christie, which has been sent to him; the other accompanied the letters to the President & Mr. Randolph. The two latter were duly delivered also. The President touched on the subject the other day in conversation with me, and has no doubt written to you on it. There are difficulties I perceive in the way of your suggestion, besides the general one arising from the composition of the scientific body, wholly out of foreign materials. Notwithstanding the advantages which might weigh in the present case, agst. this objection, I own that I feel its importance. It was not sufficient however to induce me to withold your remarks from the P. as your letter would have authorised me to do. Whilst I am acknowledging your favors, I am reminded of a passage in a former one, which I had proposed to have answered at some length. Perhaps it will be best, at least for the present to say in breif, that reasons of every kind, and some of them, of the most insuperable as well as obvious kind, shut my mind against the admission of any idea such as you seem to glance at. I forbear to say more, because I can have no more to say with respect to myself; and because the great deal that may & ought to be said beyond that restriction will be best reserved for some other occasion, perhaps for the latitude of a free conversation. You ought to be preparing yourself however to hear truths, which no inflexibility will be able to withstand.
I have already told you of my failure to get from E. R. one of your books which has slipped out of his memory as well as his hands. I have since after repeated applications got from Wilson Houdon’s Fleta Bracton &c. Mably, he says, he lent to Gallatine with your permission. This was not mentioned however till very lately; and Gallatine is at present in N. Y. As soon as he returns I will renew my efforts. I have procured for you “the Sketches on rotations,[”] which I find to he truly a good thing. It was written by Mr. Boardley. The other publications referred to in p. 43. are not to be had of the Booksellers. I propose, if an oppy. offers, to get them thro’ some friend who can carry the enquiry to the author himself. I have also procured you the correspondences with Hammond &c. All these with some other things deemed worth your possessing, I shall pack up for a conveyance by water to Richmd. addressing them to the Mercht. there from Staunton, whose name I cannot at this moment recollect.
The Treaty with England arrived soon after the adjournment. It is kept an inpenetrable secret by the Executive. The Senate are Summoned to meet it the 8th. of June. I wish it may not be of a nature to bring us into some delicacies with France, without obtaining fully our objects from G. B. The French it is said are latterly much less respectful than heretofore to our rights on the seas. We have no late private letters from Monroe. His last public ones were no later than Novr. 20. They contained a History of the Jacobin clubs, in the form of an apology for the Convention. Extracts on that subject were immediately put into the Newspapers, and are applied to party purposes generally, particularly in N. Y. where the election of Govr. is on the anvil. Yates & Jay are the candidates. The last accts. from Amsterdam foretell in the next the capture of that place by the French. The inclosed speeches of Pitt & Fox will give you the English politics, and a general view of the crisis in Europe.
I have been detained here by a sick family; & am so at present, by the state of the roads, which are kept bad by the rains and the frosts. I am extremely anxious to be on the journey and shall set out as soon as I can prudently venture. Yrs. always & mo: affectly.
Js. Madison Jr


Title: To James Madison from Arnold Henry Dohrman, 24 March 1795
From: Dohrman, Arnold Henry
To: Madison, James

Sir
Newyork 24 March 1795.
In reply to the Letter of 20 March, with which you honrd. me, I am oblidged to say, that unavoidable misfortunes & embarrassments had till now impeded me from complying with the Final settlement of the Debt due Mr. Mazzei, that I was just now beginning to acquire the means to fullfill the payment & had contemplated to advise you thereof, but from a delay in a material event which will enable me to do it, & which in a few days will be decided I had postponed it, & therefore take the Liberty to request you to grant me a few days longer, to enable me to make provision for the payment without sacrifying my township, & if convenient (I hope to be excused) to inform me when you expect to leave Philadelphia, that I may have every indulgence which your generous feelings, wishes to allow me, in order to raise the money on more easy terms; it being impossival for me at present to leave this city, prevents me from thanking you personnally for the humanity with which you have managed this infortunate affair, if while I hope for your Answer my affair is decided, information shall be given immediately, else on the return of your Letter, I confidently shall be prepared for a consideraval part of the payment, perhaps for the whole. With perfect Estem I have the honour to remain Sir Your most Obedt. humble Servant
Arnd. Henry Dohrman


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 March 1795
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir
Philada. March 26. 1795.
My last was written about ten days ago for a conveyance intimated to be in the view of the office of State. I have since that recd. yours committed to Mr. Swan and two hours ago that of Deer. 18. covering the private one for Mr. Randolph. The other referred to as sent by the way of Havre is not yet come to hand.
Mr. Swan is much embarrassed in his operations by the enormous price of Wheat and flour. The latter has been above ten dollars a barrel, and is now at that price. The former has been as high as 15/3, and is now very little below that. Mr. S. is apprehensive that he will be compelled to direct his attention to some other quarter of the world. It is matter of double regret that such a necessity should happen. The causes of this extraordinary rate of produce are differently explained. The deficiency of the last harvest is certainly a material one. The influence of Bank Credits on mercantile enterprize and competition may be another; tho’ this cause cannot at this moment operate, as the Banks are in another paroxism of distress and have for some time discontinued their discounts. The idea of great demands from Europe, particularly from France has no doubt contributed to the effect; tho’ this can not particularly refer to the object of Mr. Swan, because the high prices preceded his operation, and in fact are not peculiar to the articles he wants, or limited to articles having any relation to them. In general prices are exorbitantly high, and in this place incredibly so. The markets have been nearly 100 PerCt. advanced in some, and fifty in most, instances, beyond the state of them prior to your departure. House Rents have kept the same course. These circumstances denote some general and deeply rooted cause.
From as near a view as I have yet been able to take of your letter to Mr. R. I see no reason why I should hesitate to deliver it. I cannot forbear believing that the Report of stipulations offensive and defensive is quite without foundation; but your view of things on the contrary supposition involves a variety of interesting ideas; and your communications and reflections in general with regard to the Treaty, as proceeding from one in your position and of your sentiments, merit too much attention in the Executive Department, to be witheld altogether from it. I mentioned in my last that the Treaty was come, but kept a profound secret. In that state it remains. Its contents have produced conjectural comments without number. As I am as much out of the secret as others, I can say nothing that goes beyond that character. I should hope it to be impossible that any stipulation, if any should be attempted, inconsistent with the Treaties with France, can ever be pursued into effect. I cannot even believe that any such stipulation would be hazarded. The President, to say nothing of the people, would so certainly revolt at it, that more than wickedness would be requisite in the authors. At the same time it is possible that articles may be included that will be ominous to the confidence and cordiality of France towards the U. S: not to mention that any arrangements with G. B. (beyond the simple objects you mention) made at the present juncture and extorted by the known causes, must naturally appear in the light you represent. How the instructions to Jay may square with what he may have done; or both or either with the language you were authorised to hold, must await future lights. As I do not know how far official communications may or may not put you in possession of the Contents of the Treaty before this arrives, and as it appears you had no previous or contemporary knowledge of the particulars, I ought not to decline the task of giving you what appears to me to be the most probable account of them; premising that I speak without the least clue or hint from the official quarter, & what is truly to be taken for conjecture, or at most for inferences from circumstances mostly of newspaper publicity. 1. It is generally agreed that the posts are to be surrendered; but not before June 1796; and it is among the reports, that they are afterwards to be a sort of thoroughfare for both parties. This wd. be a very disagreeable and a very unpopular ingredient. 2. The compensations for losses are supposed to be in a train primarily judicial, eventually diplomatic. The sufferers I believe are very little sanguine, but they are in general silent from causes which you will readily imagine. 3. I should have mentioned the other stipulations in the treaty of peace, besides the delivery of the posts. On this little is said except in general that they are to be executed on both sides. Perhaps the question of interest during the war, & complaints on the British side from State laws affecting their debts, may be referred along with some of the American losses from privateers & admiralty Courts, to Commissioners. This however is purely conjectu[r]al. 4. A footing of reciprocity with respect to the trade directly with G. B: so far as to put British & American vessels on the same footing in American ports—& American & British footing in the British ports. As this wd. take from our vessels the advantage they now enjoy, particularly with respect to the difference of ten perCt. in the duties, it would be injurious, and if not countervailed, unpopular. 5. An admission of American vessels to the British W. Inds. if under 100 or perhaps 75 tons. Whether the right be renounced of reducing British vessels to the same size is a question of some consequence in relation to this point. 6 The Treaty in relation to the commerce with G. B. to continue for 12 years; to that with the W. Indies for 4 years. I should be led from some particular circumstances not to doubt the latter limitation, if the aspect & effect of it were not so strikingly revolting. Having had but a few moments notice of this oppy I am obliged to conclude a very hasty letter with abrupt assurances of the affectionate ⟨esteem⟩ with which I am Dr. Sir Your friend & servt.
Js. Madison Jr.
I hope to be able to write again before I leave this which will be in 7 or 8 days.


Title: Memorandum to James Monroe, 26 March 1795
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Philada. Mar. 26. 95
Memorandum
The wants incident to my new situation seduce me into an unwilling tax on your goodness. As it is probable that many articles of furniture at second hand, may be had in Paris, which cannot be had here of equal quality, but at a forbidding price, it has occurred to me, to ask the favor of you to have the following procured & forwarded.
1. Suit of Bed Curtains of Damask, Chints, or Dimity as the price may be
3. Corresponding Window Curtains
3 do. for a Parlour
2 Carpets of different sizes
1 Tea Sett of China
1 Service of do
I make this request on the idea that you can have it executed witht. personal trouble, and can conveniently make the temporary advances. I leave the particular directions entirely to your own judgment, to which I wd. pray the addition of a hint from Mrs. Monroes better one if I were not afraid of intruding on her goodness. You will be able to judge of the stile suitable to my faculties & fashions, by the rule you mean to pursue in providing for your own future accomodation. Were I sure that you could easily have effect given to this application, and that in every respect it would be consistent with your conveniency, I would ask the favor of you to go beyond the enumerated articles into others which you may know to be acceptable to a young House-Keeper. Those which are enumerated wd. be particularly so, if they could to [sic] got in time to arrive here for next Winter’s use; but whether or not, they are desirable.


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 27 March 1795
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir
Philada. March 27. 1795
I wrote to you yesterday acknowledging yours by Mr. Swan and answering that of the 18th. Decr. which covered your very interesting remarks in a confidential letter to Mr. Randolph. The latter was sent to Mr. R today, there being no good reason for witholding it as you authorised me to do. I write this cheifly on acct. of the Bearer Mr. John Mercer son of our friend the judge, who means to visit France in order to enter the school of experience under the auspices of some military character of eminence. As he carries letters to you from his uncle Jno. Mercer, and is personally better known to you than to myself, I can only rely on your paying him a proper friendly attention, and express my sincere wishes that he may reap all the beneficial fruits which can be afforded by the present scenes of Europe.
You will learn from Mr. Mercer that the elections in Virginia are over and in part known. The only two districts in which the question turned on political rather than personal considerations, were those in which Alexandria & Winchester stand. In the former Mr. Lee & Mr. Brent; in the latter Mr. Rutherford, and Genl. Morgan were the candidates. Mr. Brent was elected by a considerable, and Mr. Rutherford by a greater majority. In Mr. Griffin’s district it is probable that Mr. Clopton is the successful candidate; tho’ it is possible that he may be outvoted by Mr. Basset who is also well spoken of. Mr. Barnwell who was elected as successor to Gillon, has resigned; and Col. Hampton of very different politics has taken his place. In Massachussetts several elections remain unfinished; Among which is that lately represented by Mr. Dexter. There have been two trials without an effective vote. In the last Mr. Varnum had more votes than Mr. Dexter, and it is expected will finally prevail. Mr. Ames election I am told will be contested, on account of bribery & bad votes. For the Senate, your old friend Jacob Read Esqr. succeeds Mr. Izzard. His success is represented as one of those casualties which are incident to elections. Your friend Bloodworth succeeds Mr. Hawkins from a like cause. Bingham is successor to Morris. The contest in N. York for Govr. lies between Yates & Jay. Of the issue it is difficult to judge. Something will depend on the return or absence of the latter, and also on the colouring which may most sucessfully be given to the Treaty with G. B.
I inclose several papers containing the publications of Lee & Brent, and a small pamphlet mentioned in a former letter, written by our friend N. The ‘cautionary hints’ are from the pen of S. G. Tucker. You will see from the proceedings in Georgia what a scene is opened there by a landjobbing Legislature. Wilson & Pendleton the fedl. Judges, tho’ not named in the law are known adventurers. The former is reprobated here by all parties. The two Senators Gun & Jackson are now pitted agst. each other, and the whole State is in convulsions. It is not improbable that attempts may be made to set aside the law, either as having some flaw, or by the paramount authority of a Convention wch. is to meet in the course of the summer. These dangers with the frowns of the federal Govt. seem to have benumbed the speculations which were likely to follow on that subject, & which have attained a scrip mania on others of the territorial kind.
In my letter of yesterday I took the liberty of asking the favor of you to have procured for me a few articles of furniture, on the supposition that they can be had at second hand, cheap; and that it will not be inconvenient to make the requisite advances; referring the stile & the price to your own knowledge of my situation, & authorising you to go beyond the enumerated articles into any others you may judge to be desirable to me from the fashion & the price. The articles I mentioned particularly were a suit of handsome bed curtains—3 corresponding window do. 3 parlour do. 2 Carpets of different sizes—1 Tea Sett of China—1 Service of do. I rely on your goodness to excuse the trouble, which I impose on you. I take the liberty, you are to understand, on the belief & the condition that you can have the thing done without much personal attention. If I were not afraid of intruding too much on Mrs. Monroe’s goodness, I wd. ask the aid of her counsel in the directions you may give towards the supply of my household. My best respects wait on her. With sentiments of perfect esteem & attachment I remain Dr. Sir Yr. friend & servt.
Js Madison Jr


Title: To James Madison from Robert Rutherford, 30 March 1795
From: Rutherford, Robert
To: Madison, James

My Dear Sir
Berkeley County March 30th. 1795.
The 16th. Secured my reelection, against every artifice & misrepresentation, that could be engendered in the lowest walks of Society, together with inflaming weak fantastical minds to a pitch of real ferosity, as all these were to mount the war Horse and ride triumphant to Military honours, under the banners of this mighty son of Mars. But I have reason to be ever thankful & to Congratulate our common Country, that Such a Draggooning insolence of temper was Compleatly defeated by a great & well Judging Majority. No fraud was left untryed—one Sharper it is said Voted Eight times under feigned names, & out of about 500. Votes listed to this champion I am well assured, there is not 200 legal. Mine were a Thousand lacking one Single Vote, and were mostly legal. So that my predictions to you were about realized, and would have been much more compleat, if the Snow on the morning of Election had not prevented great numbers of my aged friends, & others at a distance & just then Suffering under a kind of influenza, from attending. I Can dilate my mind to you, who I well know to be a patriot in the fullest acceptation of that noble character—so that I rejoyce with you and every other generous friend to our Country, in the change adjoining my district. For tho’ I have charity to hope there was an honesty of heart in the former representative, yet his mind was so entangled by the party—who are Very artful—and he naturally rather torpid, & a little Mulish, that enlargement of Sentiment was done away. While I consider his successor as a real acquisition to the Cause of the people and to that Goverment of equality & brotherly love which we intend[e]d in granting the few powers to the union. But it is a pitiable Case, after all that the people have done & Suffered that there is a party, which would make these few powers an Hydra, before which the generous free people must fall prostrate. These high toned goverment men have from the first exerted every effort to melt down, the sovereign, seperate independence of the several states, to mould the business into a State of Consolidation, & to disfigure the Federal Goverment, by the wretched features of the Corrupt, British goverment. But I rejoyce with my Country that the Patriots preponderate, and the people are more & more enlightened, by their own observations, and the Zeal & Care of their faithful representatives. It is really laughable to observe, the monyed interest, Certificate mongers and Stock Jobbers ⟨a⟩larmed when ever the people Speak out about abuses, How they pretend, to raise the Cry of the constitution being in danger, & endeavour to make the honest Patriot President their rallying point, when in reallity if some of them Could fill their Coffers, the Constitution the President, and the people, might go headlong to perdition, without a Sigh, and the Wicked goverment from which we have emancipated ourselves—might again ride triumphant in all the insolence of arbitrary power. That haughty, Stubborn aristocratic insolence of heart, which never felt an emotion Save what has been produced by pride and the most sordid Self interest, is astonished at the Sentiments of Patriotism, to Such altogether inconceivable, while the generous Patriot and friend to the people & their goverment is by them Considered as Courting popularity. But happily the people are pregnant with Just observation & determined not to be Cast into tumult anarchy or disorder, while they are as determined to watch their own goverment and if amendments are necessary, that Such shall take place in a peacable & legal manner, without Violence or disorder, I have Very often revolved in my mind the Select Militia Bill, proposed, and am more and more Convinced that it would be extremely improper—because it would Cast an imense weight into the Scale of the Federal Goverment as all Military men Croud round the Center of power. Besides it would be Very expensive & near akin to a Large Standing army. It would cheerish a Licentious, immoral disposition & an unnecessary, high toned martial temper, dangerous to the Civil authority. Let the Patriot Labour to make the people happy, let the Hives be full & the bees will defend them. These Consequences will naturally follow. No people was ever less prepared to resist a mighty power, than the Americans were but Concurring in opinion they prevailed, under every disadvantage. If the people Continue to be happy, they will defend themselves, their rights and their property’s. I shall ever Contend that the Federal goverment, has nothing to do with our sons, till they, by the exigency’s of the Case, may be called into Service. Training is teaching in the planest acceptation of the term. If any want arms, that are not able to purchase them, the united people must buy them no doubt, which is organizing. This is all that is necessary. Except that a few states revise their Militia Laws. Virginia & many other States can do little more than what is already done & indeed it is quite Sufficient. I am happy to hear that you have no opposition, & that our mutual friend Mr J. N was nearly in the same way. May this letter find you & Mrs. Madison in the fullest injoyment of health & Miss Payn perfectly recoverd. To these I beg you make my complyments agreable, as well as to your good Parents & family. Mrs. Rutherford presents her kind respects. I am with unfeigned Esteem Dear Sir your Most Hble sert
R Rutherford