Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 February 1797
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Philada. Feby. 5. 1797.
I have recd. yours of  giving notice that we shall have the pleasure of seeing you here soon, but that letters written before the 7th. would arrive before you leave home.
Nothing occurs to alleviate the crisis in our external affairs. The French continue to prey on our trade. The British too have not desisted. There are accounts that both of them are taking our East-India-men. This is an alarming symtom, there being 60 or 70 vessels from different parts of the U. S. engaged in that trade. Pickering’s corrosive letter has not yet been fully printed so as to come before the H of R. It is extremely difficult to decide on the best course to be taken. Silence may be construed into approbation. On the other hand it is not likely that any opportunity will be given for negativing an approving Resolution. And it is at least doubtful whether a vote of positive disapprobation in any form whatever could be safely risked in the House, or if passed whether the public opinion would not be brought to side with the Executive agst. it. It is moreover extremely difficult to shape any measure on the occasion so as to escape the charge either of censuring or advising without a proper warrant from the nature of our Constitutional relation to the Executive. Nor is it unworthy of consideration that there are formidable steps not yet taken by the P. which may be taken before the moment of his exit, which if taken might be efficacious, and which his successor without his sanction would not dare to take.
A bill for collecting the proposed taxes on land &c is before the committee of ways & means. The difficulties of the subject, the shortness of the time, and the aversion of the Eastern people, render it uncertain whether it will pass or not at the present session. I suspect the policy of the Treasy. Department is to separate the preparatory arrangments, from the actual collection of the tax, and to provide for the former only at present, an expedient not unlikely to succeed, as it will smooth the way for the Eastern members. Some I find who do not disapprove of the plan of direct taxes, are unwilling to fortify the disposition to embroil us with France, by enlarging at the present juncture, our system of revenue.
I reserve for a verbal communication the indications by which we judge of the prospect from the accession of Mr. A. to the Helm. They are not I conceive very flattering.
I just learn that a British packet brings London accts. to Decr. 7. Nothing is as yet given out but that the negociations at Paris have ended in abortion. It is probable that, what is not given out, is not more favorable to G. B. I do not believe that any intelligence has been red. from Monroe or Pinkney subsequent to the arrival of the latter. It is said that the Spaniards are fortifying at the Chickasaw Bluffs. If this be the case, it strengthens the apprehension that they regard the British Treaty with the explanatory article, as superseding the obligation or policy of their Treaty with us. Adieu


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 5 February 1797
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James, Sr.

Hon’d Sir
Philada. Feby. 5. 1797.
I have red. since my last your two letters of the 10th. & 23d. Ult, which came by the same mail. That referred to as of the 16th. inclosing a letter to Mr. Chew has not yet come to hand.
R. Smith’s land would be a very convenient appendix to my farm at Sawney’s; but I find I dare not venture on the purchase particularly at the price stated. What little surplus I may be able to save out of my sale of land last winter, will probably not exceed the necessary calls on my return to Virginia. The only chance I have for a fund for other purposes, is that of selling a part of the interest I have in property here, which I have some thoughts of. In this view I shall be glad to know the lowest price set on Mr. Smith’s tract, & the longest payments he would admit. If my brother William thinks Ths. Roberts’ horse a very good bargain, he may buy him for me. I think it more probable that Horses will fall than that they will rise. This is indeed probable as to most things, considering the posture & prospect of things at present. I hope as you have no hope of Clover seed from Keyser, you will pay attention to the hint in my last. Rather than miss the oppy I wd. cheerfully be at the expence & trouble of sending to Fredg or even to Richmond. In a few years I am persuaded people will be as careful to sow Clover as to sow Wheat, or rye, and make equal sacrifices to procure the seed. Perhaps in a view to their permanent interest they ought in the present state of their lands, to be more so.
Nothing occurs to alleviate the crisis with France. Intelligence is just brought by a British packet that the negociations at Paris for peace are dissolved. The plan of direct taxes is on the Anvil; but the event of it uncertain. Fanny writes to our Mother. We are all tolerably well and send our best affections. Yr. affe. son
Js. Madison Jr
Flour I hear is 10 dolrs. at Baltimore. The rise is owing to a call for the W. Inds. which will soon be supplied after the navigation is open. The general idea is that the price will not continue. I believe notwithstanding that if the war goes on this article will keep up at a handsome price.


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 5 February 1797
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dr. Sr.
Charlotte[s]ville 5th. Febry. 1797.
By the last mail from this place I acknowledged the rect. of your favors to the 16th. last month among them the first part of T. P’s letter to the president which had been somewhere delayed as I recd. the other part sometime before. This weeks mail altho’ it arrived on Friday evening (the usual time) has yet furnished neither letters or papers as the Young man who keeps the P. Office went from Town early the next morning and does not return untill this evening and in the morning the mail goes off again. Towards the last of the week I shall move towards Fredericksburg where your future letters will find me. I have not seen Mr. Jefferson these two weeks but shall I expect to day as I intend there to dinner. I understand he speaks of seting out for Phila. in 8 or 10 days—his trip will I hope contribute to a favourable opening of the new Admin. as I am told he and A. are on very good terms. Dawson writes me that it is said A has in great measure changed the Opinions ascribed to him in his book in defence of the American constitutions and that many assert he will shew himself an independent Republican. I wish this may turn out to be the case for if he still retains the Opinions he held when he wrote that book or when the ceremonial of the present government was established I fear there will be little change in the measures of the Executive. I sent J—— paines letter. Any thing from Monroe. He requested me to write to a Mr. Fowler of Kentuckey abt. a pat. for the Rock Castle land who was to take it out for him. I have done so several times but have heard nothing from him. I am told he is in Philaa: shod. that be the case be so kind as to mention it to him and that I wish to hear from him about the business. Monroe says he has lately paid to a Friend of Fowlers in paris 50 Crowns on acct. Fowler. Yr Friend
J. Jones


Title: To James Madison from Robert Gamble, 7 February 1797
From: Gamble, Robert
To: Madison, James

Dear sir
Richmond. Febury 7. 1797
I have taken the liberty of enclosing to you a power of attorney to draw from the Treasury of the United states the sum of 54 Dolls. 39 Cents, being a dividend of 2 pr. Centum, re-imbursement, which was payable at The Loan office here Jany 1796. But owing to an ommission between myself & Mr. Hopkins the Officer of Loans—the Matter was overlooked till the time elapsed by Law—which requires all dividends not called for at this office to be Transferred to the Treasury of the United states—And is now receiveable only there. A copy of Joseph Bells letter of Attorney to me is herewith enclosed duly executed & filed in the Office here & Mr. Hopkins has Certified on the back thereof accordingly as also the Sums due amounting to that above mentioned, by Virtue of this power—I have executed one also to you, Authenticated by the Mayor of the City & Seal of Office—Substituting you to receive this money for me, as Attorney in fact for the said Joseph Bell—Who lives a Considerable distance from this & who is Chagrined that the rules of office Should place so far from his reach Money he ought to have had long since. I entreat your good offices in receiving this money. And when done—that you will take the trouble also to call at the Store of Messrs. Jacob Sperrey & Co. He did once live next Door to the Harp & Crown or McShanes Tavern on North third street—to whom you will please pay this money on my Acct. Should Mr Sperry have removed—You no doubt will learn where—and I flatter myself no difficulty will arise for want of Formality with the Treasurer. Should any, I rely on your influence to prevent Mr. Bell being at further Unnecessary expense or be longer deprived of this dividend.
Mrs. Payne & Polly is still absent from Town—altho I have had safe oportunities & has from time to time forwarded all packets & letters that has come to her. I expect them To Morrow. With great respect & sincere Esteem I am Dear sir Your Mo. Hum srt
Ro Gamble


Title: To James Madison from James Swan, 10 February 1797
From: Swan, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Boston 10. feb. 1797.
I recommend to you personally & to the Delegates from your state in general, the cause of Mrs. De Neufville, widow of the deceased Mr. John De Neufville, Mercht at Amsterdam. He had for a long time before his death been in very, very narrow circumstances, caused by the ruin he brought on himself by a blind zeal for the support of the liberty & independence of this Country. His widow is totally destitute at this moment. She has just claims on this Government, & I trust they will be heard & satisfied. Your influence will facilitate that happy event, & let me pray you for it, in her behalf & that of her childs. It is affecting to see so ancient & opulent a House in ruin.
My respects to Mrs Madison & believe me with great esteem & regard Dr. sr. Your mo. obd. svt.
Jam. Swan


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 13 February 1797
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James, Sr.

Hon’d Sir
Philada. Feby. 13. 1797
I recd. yesterday your’s of the 16th. covering a letter for Mr. Chew, & by the prec[e]ding mail yours of 30th Ult: I shall attend to the objects of both.
I am glad you did not retain Js. Coleman’s Ned at the price he demanded. I do not think the profits to me would justify it. I suggested some time since a mode in which I thought you shd. try to get Clover seed, which I hope you have made use of. To supply any deficiency, I have put on board a vessel just sailing for Fredg. five bushls. which I expect will be in time. I shall write to Mr. Blair to receive & forward it; but it will be advisable to send for it, rather thn. lose time. As my fields will not require the whole, the surplus will do for your’s. Pray do not fail to have the sowing boxes ready: & to tell Mordicai Collins, he must sow all the ground in Wheat & rye, including the new field last cleared in the Piney Woods. If sown in April it will be better than not at all. I hope Moses has finished my Waggon: if not pray instruct him to do so. I can not yet determine the time of our leaving this; but wish Mordicai to be here by 20th. or 25 of March. As he will want one horse for himself, & a plow horse can’t well be spared, I must ask you to assist him if you can. Your Clodius Mare if not with foal will answer the purpose. Fanny has not been well of late but is much better. She writes to my Mother.
The Newspapers will give you the late News from Europe. Nothing has occurred at home that requires particular mention. We all join in best affections. Yr. son
Js. Madison Jr


Title: Petition of Anna de Neufville, [13 February] 1797
From: Madison, James,Neufville, Anna de
To:

[13 February 1797]
Mr. Madison observed that he should be sorry to interfere with public business, but the peculiarity of the case of the family of De Neufville was such as to call for immediate attention, he therefore moved that the petition of the widow and daughter of the deceased John De Neufville, be now taken up.

   Merchants’ Daily Advertiser, 14 Feb. 1797 (also reported in New World, 15 Feb. 1797, and Daily Advertiser, 16 Feb. 1797).

[13 February 1797]

   JM then made the following report.

“That the services and sacrifices from the said John de Neufville, to the United States, during the war of their Revolution, as stated in the said memorial, and vouched by the testimonies herewith reported, constitute a reasonable claim, in behalf of his, at present, very distressed widow and children, on the justice of the United States. That it being impossible, from various and peculiar circumstances incident to the services rendered, to ascertain and liquidate the compensation due, into a precise sum, it is necessary for Congress to decide on and provide for such allowance as may be deemed equitable and right. That, in the opinion of the Committee, the sum of three thousand dollars may be a proper allowance. They therefore propose the following resolution:
“Resolved that provision ought to be made, by law, for granting to the widow and two children of John de Neufville, the sum of three thousand dollars, to be equally divided among them.”

   Claypoole’s Am. Daily Advertiser, 15 Feb. 1797 (reprinted in Philadelphia Gazette, 16 Feb. 1797, Gales’s Independent Gazetteer, 17 Feb. 1797, and American Senator, 3:476–77). The Committee of the Whole agreed to the report, 63 to 25, with JM voting in favor. JM was appointed to a committee to bring in a bill in favor of the petition, which he reported to the House on 14 Feb. The bill passed the House the next day and was approved on 2 Mar. 1797 (Annals of CongressDebates and Proceedings in the Congress of
          the United States … (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56)., 4th Cong., 2d sess., 2153, 2154, 2162; JHRJournal of the House of Representatives of
          the United States (9 vols.; Washington, 1826)., 2:735).


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, [ca. 16 February] 1797
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dr. Sr.
[ca. 16 February 1797]
Being longer detained in Albemarle than I expected I did not arrive here untill the last evening, when I received your letters of the 2d. & 5th. and of the 13th. I will attend to what you recommend respecting the republication of observations under the signature Citizen two Nos. have only appeared that have come to my knowledge and these in papers of the first week of the month. The lapse of time since the publication of the 2d. No. induces a suspicion the writer has abandoned his design, but if pursued such long intervals bet. the periods of their appearance will lessen their effect. Dawson was here last night and is gone today to Gatewoods in his way to Orange and Madison, having already visited Louisa—his Antagonist is also industrious being on the wing through the district—the probability is that Dawson will be elected. Mr. Jefferson was to set out the middle of the week and intended to take this place in his way. If the weather which has been rainy for two days does not delay him he will be here this evening or Tomorow. I was at your fathers on my way down the family are well. Ambrose’s Widow very low and despaired of. That you and yr. family may enjoy the blessing of health is the sincere wish of Yr friend & Servt.
Jos: Jones.


Title: To James Madison from Stephen R. Bradley, 18 February 1797
From: Bradley, Stephen R.
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Westminster February 18th. 1797
Previous to Colo. Monroe’s departure for Europe he transmitted to me papers and documents accompanying a Claim to five thousand acres of Land in the Township of Middlesex in this State in right of his wife, this Township was held under a Patent from The late province of New York and was one (among many) of those patents which were extinguished in the late treaty or Settlement between New York & Vermont and for which This Government has paid to New York Thirty thousand Dollars for The benefit of those whose titles were Thus affected. New York have of late appointed Commissioners to apportion to each suffurer his Share of the thirty thousand Dollars The Commissioners have met this winter in Albany I have exhibited Col. Monroe’s Claim to them they have as Yet Come to no decision probably they will in the Course of the Summer what Col. Monroe’s proportion will be remains Yet to be determined. The claims however are so extensive that it is not probable the Sum will be large. With Sentiments of the highest Esteem I am Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt.
Stephen R. Bradley


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 19 February 1797
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James, Sr.

Hon’d Sir
Philada. Feby. 19. 1797.
I recd. your weekly letter by the last Mail. This will shew you that I am equally punctual. Fanny puts one in my hand for my Mother.
I acquainted my brother William that I had shipped 5 Bushls. of Clover Seed by a Vessel lately sailed for Fredg. The seed is addressed to the care of Mr. Blair. I hope you will attend as well as he to the getting it up & having it sown on my farms with as little delay as possible. If no oppy. occurs, after the Vessel, the Mary Capt. Saunders, is known to have arrived, the seed must be sent for rather [than] lose time. I mentioned in my last that I wish my horses to be here by the 20 or 25 next Month, & that I hope you will be able to assist Mordecai with a horse.
By inclosing you the papers I give you all the current News. The prospect of a peace, tho’ not flattering, is less unpromising according to the latest than to prior accounts. The French continue successful with their armies. The debates in Congs about taxes will probably end in a pos[t]ponement of direct taxes, & an increase of the duties on Sugar Molasses Bohea Tea &c. Fanny has got well & unites with all of us in best affections.


Title: From James Madison to Joseph Jones, ca. 19 February 1797
From: Madison, James
To: Jones, Joseph

Letter not found. Ca. 19 February 1797. Mentioned in Jones to JM, 23 Feb. 1797. Informs Jones about the publication of the essays “An Examination of a Late Letter from Mr. Pickering to Mr. Pinckney.”


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 23 February 1797
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dr Sr.
Fredg. 23d. Febry. 1797.
Mr. Jefferson left this yesterday morning before the arrival of the Stage so that your letter to him by the mail is returned—he meant to take one of the Stages at Alexa. leaving his horses there untill his return. Dr Shipen who came in the stage met him about 3 miles above Falmouth. After the receipt of your letter finding the examination continued I went up Town and missed of Green who was then out I saw Mullin he says he will commence the republication in the next paper. I sent the 2 first numbers with a note to Green requesting them to be printed in the next paper or the first of them if he could not both and to continue regularly the numbers which should be duly furnished—he was then also from home but the ticket and papers were left and he no doubt will comply. I shall perhaps see him and will speak with him to day. I fear A. is too much an Angloman and will yeild to his prepossession. No Clover seed advertized and I believe none for sale here. I will inquire. Collins has seed in Richmond. Yr friend & servt
Jos: Jones


Title: Indirect Taxes, [23 February] 1797
From: Madison, James
To:

[23 February 1797]

   On 19 January 1797 the Treasury Department had recommended that the ad valorem duty on several items, including “cotton goods, not stained or colored,” be increased from 10 to 12 ½ percent but subject to some provision for the protection of the business of printing cotton goods. The House Ways and Means Committee on 23 January reported resolutions in favor, which were taken up in a Committee of the Whole on 23 February. Henderson (New Jersey) moved that the resolution on cotton goods be replaced by the words “all that class of goods which pays 10 per cent. ad valorem” (Annals of CongressDebates and Proceedings in the Congress of
          the United States … (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56)., 4th Cong., 2d sess., 1963–65, 2249–67).

Mr. Madison thought it was worthy of consideration, whether it would not be expedient to make an exception in favour of white cotton goods. He understood there was a manufactory of some consequence established in this country, whose business it was to print these white cottons, and if this exception was not made, this additional duty might go to the destruction of it. Indeed as the printing of this article added as he was informed, two-thirds to its value, it might be considered as a raw material. He believed this manufactory was carried on by persons who came from foreign countries. If their manufactory succeeded, it might induce others to follow them, to exercise their several professions amongst us, which could not fail to be of advantage to the country; but if the present manufactory should be destroyed by one of our laws bearing hard upon its proprietors, it would have quite a contrary effect. He owned he was not much acquainted with the manufactory in question, nor had he made much calculation upon the subject; but, from the face of it, it seemed to require an exception. He therefore made the motion.


Title: From James Madison to Joseph Chew, 28 February 1797
From: Madison, James
To: Chew, Joseph

Letter not found. 28 February 1797. Acknowledged in Chew to JM, 31 Mar. 1797 (DLC). Encloses a letter to Chew from James Madison, Sr. Also discusses disposal of Chew’s Kentucky lands.


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 3 March 1797
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dr. Sr.
Fredg. 3d. Mar: 1797
Mr. Green and Mullin will republish the Citizen and I observe the 1st. Number in Greens last paper. I have to number four and wish you to have the following numbers inserted in Baches’s paper as from them I can have them republished withot. your inclosing them and being subjected to postage. I understand you will be voted for to represent the County of Orange and will be elected unless you shall decide to the contrary and forbid it. All owe a duty to the public while they are able to execute it and be usefull. I think I mentioned in a former letter a request you wd. make some inquiry of Mr. Yard & Mr. Bache respecting some money matters of Monroes—also if Fowler was in Philaa. to ask him concer[n]ing the Rockcastle land. Col. Madison said he did not expect you to return sooner than April. If any thing worth communicating I hope you will not discontinue your correspondence. No Clover seed to be bought here. Yr. friend & Sert
Jos: Jones


Title: Release of Lafayette, [3 March] 1797
From: Madison, James
To:

[3 March 1797]

   On 2 March, Harper (South Carolina) had moved a resolution that the House inform the president of the United States that it would “see with the highest satisfaction, any measures which he may deem expedient to adopt towards effecting the restoration of their said fellow-citizen to liberty” (Annals of CongressDebates and Proceedings in the Congress of
          the United States … (42 vols.; Washington, 1834–56)., 4th Cong., 2d sess., 2362).

Mr. Madison did not think there was time to do all the business requisite to render due justice to the motion, and he hoped the House would do more than was intended by the motion. He believed the only regular mode would be to appoint a committee to bring in a bill. He therefore moved the House to go into a Committee for that purpose.


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., ca. 5 March 1797
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James, Sr.

Letter not found. Ca. 5 March 1797. Referred to in JM to James Madison, Sr., 12 Mar. 1797. Requests his name not be placed on Orange County ballot for Virginia House of Delegates.


Title: To James Madison from John Beckley, 11 March 1797
From: Beckley, John
To: Madison, James

Saturday Morning 11th: March 1797.
J: Beckley’s compliments to Mr: Madison. Mr: Jefferson will take a family dinner with JB—to morrow at 3 o’clock. Will Mr: Madison join us?


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 12 March 1797
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James, Sr.

Hon’d Sir
Philada. March 12. 1797
I wrote you by the last mail, and add this by Mr. Jefferson. Lest my last should by any possibility have miscarried, I repeat my request that my name may not be suffered to get on the Poll for the County election. If Mr. Jefferson should call & say any thing to counteract my determination, I hope it will be regarded as merely expressive of his own wishes on the subject, & that it will not be allowed to have the least effect. In declining to go into the Assembly, should there really be a disposition to send me there I am sincere & inflexible. I hope I shall hear from you by the next mail, on the subject of Mordecai & the horses; being extremely anxious now to be on the journey, especially as we are to make visits to Berkeley & Fredk. on the way home. At present the roads are made bad by a snow succeeded by rain which has nearly carried it off: but the winds of March will soon put them in order. If the same weather should have happened with you, it will have been a fine opportunity for sowing the Clover seed I sent, & which I hope got to hand in time for the purpose. The greater part of what I sent was purchased for a vessel intended to sail last fall, & cost me 15 dollrs. which with freight &c will exceed the Richmond price. I really think it was an error to be deterred by that price, considering the immense importance of the article, especially in laying a foundation for a meliorating plan of husbandry. The proper remedy for such a disappointment, I am told by a very experienced & intelligent farmer of this neighbourhood, is to sow in the fall on the stubble of the wheat or rye. He says this is his practice whenever he cannot get seed for spring sowing the fields, or when the seed does not take effect, & that the protection & putrefaction of the stubble, ensures a full crop the following year, so that there is no other loss, than the first fall pasture. I consider this as a valuable hint, to beginners, as it doubles the chance of getting Clover into a rotation.
You will see by the inclosed paper that the last accts. from Paris respecting the negociations for peace & the temper of France towards this Country, are not favorable. This resentment is the fruit of the British Treaty, which many of its zealous advocates begin now to acknowledge was an unwise & unfortunate measure. The accounts are not authentic, & probably not accurate; but coming through so many different channels they are thought to be true in substance.
We continue well, & unite in our usual offerings. Flour at 9 ½ dollars. Your affecte. Son
Js. Madison Jr.


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, ca. 15 March 1797
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Letter not found. Ca. 15 March 1797. Referred to in Jones to JM, 23 Mar. 1797. Mentions arrival in Fredericksburg of a vessel with goods shipped by JM.


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 19 March 1797
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James, Sr.

Hon’d Sir
Philada. Mar: 19. 1797
I have not had a line from you for several mails. I hope it is ascribable to the oppy. of writing by M. Collins with our horses. As yet we hear nothing of him. I have regretted that I did not direct him to be here a little sooner, as the roads are found to be better than usual at this season. If he arrives in a day or two we shall probably leave this the last of the week. We shd. be ready sooner, but Sam has been so sick for ten days past that he could give us but little aid in preparing. Another difficulty has been the want of a vessel for Fredg. I fear we shall be obliged to leave our effects behind us; & trust to their being taken up by some vessel that may hereafter offer. I have procured you some woolens & Linens, and shall augment the Stock. I have also purchased a Watch which Fanny has in use. I shall also probably engage some Iron for you. I have never heard from Mr. Blair whether the Clover Seed &c. got safe to hand, & have been sent up. I hope in the affirmative, & that Morda. will have got his share on his fields before he set out: If not Sawney must go to Black Meadow, & sow it. Better in April than not done at all. We are all well & anxious to be on the Journey, which will be thro’ Berkely & Fredk. Yrs. dutifully
Js. Madison Jr.

The miscarriage of the negociations for peace is confirmed. The acct. of Mr. Pinkney’s being refused begins to be discredited; but there is nothing certain on the subject.


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 23 March 1797
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dr. Sr.
Fredg. 23d. Mar: 1797.
From good information the Poll between Dawson and Posey was as follows—Spots: Dawson 204 Posey 68—Orange Dawson 156. Posey 46—Louisa Dawson 195. Posey 161—Madison I do not recollect the numbers but about 30 Majority for Dawson. Heath and Tayloe having declined a Poll Dr. Jones and Ball were the only Candidates. I have heard only from K. George where Jones had near five for one. The presumption is he will be elected. Nicholas and Brent I believe are not opposed. In the room of Moore it is probable David Hoomes will be elected agt. Bowyer and Steele. From all accots. Rutherford will be hard pushed if not pushed out. I am told it will depend on the Quakers in that quarter. I last Post mentioned that Saunders had arrived and can now inform you that Blair received and sent on to Orange the things you sent by him. Duly Ann Capt. McNamara is in Phila: and Capt. Taylor in the  Ann sailed from here a few days past. The House he goes to is one of the Walns & Co. I had written to Mr. Proudfit at Norfolk to send me up a barl. of choice Spirit wch. I intended to divide with Monroe on his arrival but he writes me no good spirit is at this time to be had at Norfolk but will send a cask as soon as he can get what is good. If you receive the money from Yard and have time to get me a barl. of choice old rum or Spirits (my old acquaintance Short will perhaps furnish it of the best) and a bag of the best Coffee be pleased to get them and send with your things round to this place. If you get rum request it to be caned to prevent wasting either at the bung or by gimbles hole. I set off on Monday for Northumberland shall be in Williamsburg the 29th. next month but intend to come here from K. & Queen if I have time of which I have little doubt the business being generally dispatched in six days—a letter to this place or to Williamsburg getting there abt. the time I mention will be requisite to inform me wher. you had been able to get the Spirits [illegible] that I may give Proudfit notice to prevent a double stock which wod. be rather burdensome these hard times from the high price and Scarcity of money. We have now here both Clover and Timothy seed very good I am told at old Mr. Andersons. Wishing you an agreeable Journey I am yr friend & Servt
Jos: Jones.


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., [ca. 27 March] 1797
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James, Sr.

Hon’d Sir
[ca. 27 March 1797]
This is committed to M. Collins who will explain to you the time of his arrival, the cause of stay here, and the time of his setting out. We are endeavouring to get away ourselves tomorrow afternoon, and have already seen the greater part of our effects on board the vessels which are to take them to Fredericksburg. The hurry & confusion we are all in, will apologize for no other letters being written than the present.

You will find by the inclosed papers that Congress are summoned to meet on the 15th May ensuing. This gives a very solemn air to our situation. The measure was wholly unexpected to every one as far as I know. It is in consequence of the letters from Genl. Pinkney who has not been admitted by the French Government, & has moreover, as appears, been placed by it in a very mortifying situation. The particular object in convening Congress, is not explained. If you see Mr. Jones in his travels tell him that Col. Monroe expects to set out on his return early in April & wishes that his furniture &c. in Albemarle may not be sold.
You will find in all the papers the failure of the Negociations for peace between France & G. B; & the posture of their military affairs.
We are all particularly afflicted by the accounts of sister Madison. From the circumstances mentioned by M. C. we fear her existence may not be prolonged till our return shall give us an oppy. of seeing her before she takes her leave of us for ever.
I can say nothing to you of the probable price of flour &c. The continuance of the war in Europe & the W. Indies on one hand tends to keep it up; on the other, the state of things between us & France, is now so menacing as to have a contrary tendency. At present flour is abt. 9 or 9 ½ dollrs. & dull. I have procured you some linens, woolens & some Iron with sundry lesser articles. With our joint affections I am Yr. dutiful son
Js. Madison Jr


Title: From James Madison to Hubbard Taylor, 27 March 1797
From: Madison, James
To: Taylor, Hubbard

Letter not found. 27 March 1797. Acknowledged in Taylor to JM, 1 May 1797 (DLC). Discusses Kentucky lands of Mary Coles Payne.


Title: From James Madison to John Lee, [ca. 26 April] 1797
From: Madison, James
To: Lee, John

Dear Sir[ca. 26 April 1797]
I find by your letter to my father within acknowledged that you have not discontinued your obliging attention to my little matters committed to your care. My father has already informed you that one of the patents is not to be found, if it ever issued. It seems probable, I think as it is not [to] be found or any account of it obtained in the office at Richmond that no proceeding in the business took place beyond the survey &c. It may be well however to examine at the proper sources in Kentucky. If the negative proof should be satisfactory, that the patent has not issued, the suit as to that object can be accomodated to the form in which the claim will then lie. As to instructions for your guidance, It does not occur to me that any particular ones that I could give would be of importance. The choice of a lawyer I cheerfully leave to your better judgment. The explanation of the case, with the naming of the witnesses, you can execute better than any one else. The mode of instituting & conducting the suit, the lawyer himself will of course best understand. The advances & expences requisite for the purpose, I would be glad to relieve you from altogether, if a good conveyance & a tolerable estimate could be had. But as it [is] uncertain who will be the bearer of this, I must ask the favor of you to try whether you can not negociate an order on me which shall be punctually & certainly paid; & if this can not be done, rather than incur delay, I must beg you to put the business in motion out of your own purse, which shall be indemnified with as little delay as possible. I have not time to write to Col. R. Taylor, will you be so good as to ask whether he has ever executed a conveyance of the land due to Nelly, & myself by his bargain with my deceased brother; & if he has not, & there be no objections to his doing it, to request him to execute & forward it. I inclose herewith some of our latest Newspapers which will give you the latest intelligence we have here. With my best respects to Mrs. Lee, & our friends generally I am Dear Sir Yr. Obedt. friend & servt.
Js. Madison Jr


Title: To James Madison from John Dawson, 18 May 1797
From: Dawson, John
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir!Phila. May 18. 97.
I am sorry to find all your apprehensions verified by the Presidents warlike speech—to it we shall reply in a day or two in a stile rather more pacific, I trust—tho we are very equally divided, & there is reason to fear that Mr. Rutledge, of the committee, will take a course different from what was expected, & to be wishd.
We have no late accounts from Monroe, but expect him daily & anxiously—by two arrivals there is reason to believe that it was reported at Hamburg about the begining of April that the directory had resolvd to recieve Mr. Pinckney, & that all matters woud be adjusted with the republic—this, which I very much wish I very much doubt.
Will you present me to Mrs. M. & your fathers family? Yrs. with Esteem
J Dawson


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 18 May 1797
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Philadelphia, May 18. 97.
I was informed on my arrival here that Genl. Pinckney’s dispatches had on their first receipt excited in the administration a great deal of passion: that councils were held from day to day, and their ill temper fixed at length in war; that under this impression Congress was called: that the tone of the party in general became high, and so continued till the news of the failure of the bank of England. This first gave it a check, & a great one & they have been cooling down ever since. The most intemperate only still asking permission to arm their vessels for their own defence, while the more prudent disapprove of putting it in the power of their brethren & leaving to their discretion to begin the war for us. The impression was too that the executive had for some time been repenting that they had called us, & wished the measure undone. All the members from North as well as South concurred in attesting that negociation or any thing rather than war was the wish of their constituents. What was our surprise then at recieving the speech which will come to you by this post. I need make no observations to you on it. I believe there was not a member of either house, out of the secret, who was not much disappointed. However some had been prepared. The spirit of supporting the Executive was immediately given out in the lower house & is working there. The Senate admits of no fermentation. Tracy, Laurence & Livermore were appointed to draw an answer for them, Venable, Freeman, Rutledge, Griswald &  for the representatives. The former will be reported to day, & will be in time to be inclosed: the other not till tomorrow when the post will be gone. We hope this last will be in general terms, but this is not certain, a majority as is believed (of the commee.) being for arming the merchantmen, finishing the frigates, fortifying harbors, & making all other military preparations, as an aid to negociation. How the majority of the house will be is very doubtful. If all were here, it is thought it would be decidedly pacific, but all are not here & will not be here. The division on the choice of a clerk was 41. for Condy, 40 for Beckley. Besides the loss of the ablest clerk in the US. & the outrage committed on the absent members, prevented by the suddenness of the call & their distance from being here on the 1st. day of the session, it excites a fear that the republican interest has lost by the new changes. It is said that three from Virginia separate from their brethren. The hope however is that as the Antirepublicans take the high ground of war, and their opponents are for every thing moderate, that the most moderate of those who came under contrary dispositions will join them. Langdon tells me there is a considerable change working in the minds of the people to the Eastward: that the idea that they have been decieved begins to gain ground, and that were the elections to be now made their result would be considerably different. This however is doubted & denied by others. France has asked of Holland to send away our minister from them & to treat our commerce on the plan of their late decree. The Batavian government answered after due considern. that their commerce with us was now their chief commerce, that their money was in our funds, that if they broke off correspondence with us they should be without resources for themselves, for their own public & for France, & therefore declined doing it. France acquiesced. I have this from the President who had it from his son still at the Hague. I presume that France has made the same application to Spain. For I know that Spain has memorialized our Executive against the effect of the British treaty, as to the articles concerning neutral bottoms, contraband, & the Missisipi, has been pressing for an answer & has not yet been able to obtain one. It does not seem candid to have kept out of sight in the speech this discontent of Spain which is strongly & seriously pronounced & to have thereby left it to be imagined that France is the only power of whom we are in danger. The failure of the bank of England, & the fear of having a paper tender there, has stopped buying bills of exchange. Specie is raked up from all quarters, & remitted for paiments at a disadvantage from risks &c of 20. per cent. The bankruptcies here have been immense. I heard a sensible man well acquainted with them conjecture that the aggregate of the clear losses on all these added together in all the states would be not less than 10. millions of Dollars. A heavy tax indeed, to which are to be added the maritime spoliations, and this tax falling on only a particular description of citizens. Bills of lading are arrived to a merchant for goods shipped from Bordeaux for this place in a vessel in which Monroe is coming passenger. We hope hourly therefore to recieve him. Innes is arrived, & that board going to work.
May. 19. The answer of the Senate is reported by the Commee. It is perfectly an echo and full as high toned as the speech. Amendments may & will be attempted but cannot be carried. Note to me the day you recieve this that I may know whether I conjecture rightly what is our true post day here.


Title: Receipt from Joseph Jones, 3 June 1797 (Abstract)
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

3 June 1797. Acknowledges receipt of $557.83 from JM for James Monroe, of which $250 was received from Benjamin F. Bache and the balance from James Yard.


Title: To James Madison from John Dawson, 4 June 1797
From: Dawson, John
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir!Philadelphia June 4th. 1797.
I am favourd with your letter, & will, as far as lays in my power, forward the wishes of my friends in Orange altho I learn that after due deliberation it has been resolvd in the Executive council, not to appoint any person of our politicks to any office, least they shoud unhinge, or impede the movements of the government, & that Bedinger has been objected to on that score solely—in conversation with Mr. Jefferson he assures me that the president has not opend his lips to him on politicks since his appointment, & that he will favour Mr. Taylor’s wishes, shoud the subject be mentiond to him; otherwise any thing from him woud only injure.
You will observe, that after near three weeks debating we have agreed on an answer to the Presidents speech, not very grateful to either side—we were able to introduce an amendment, declaring that France ought to be placd in a situation as favourable as any nation; whilst they retaind the clause, approbating the conduct of our goverment in our foreign relations—the strength of our side has however drawn forth a reply very different from the address, & more favourable to our wishes, which are for peace—on tomorrow we shall begin business seriously—on yesterday W. Smith made a most extraordinary motion, “that all the proceedings arising out of the Presidents speech shoud be with shut doors”—15 members only voted for it; but I learn it will be renewd on tomorrow, & this day, no doubt employd in rallying their troops, some of which do not appear well broke in.
The accounts from Europe abound with late & brilliant successes of that wonderful man Bounaparte—he has entirely defeated the Arch Duke—he has already crossd “The valley of hell”—he has fought above the clouds, & I believe nothing less than the arm of the omnipotent will prevent his storming heaven—his successes may save us, by restoring peace to Europe, without which I very much fear we shall be engagd in war in six months, such is the rage of many against France & such the violence of the measures which they propose.
I pray you to remember me to my friends, of your acquaintance, to whom I cannot write as often as I wish. Yrs. with much Esteem
J Dawson.


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 8 June 1797
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Philadelphia June 8. 1797.
I wrote you last on the 1st. inst. You will have seen by the public papers that the amendment for putting France on an equal footing with other nations was clogged with another requiring compensation for spoliations. The objection to this was not that it ought not to be demanded, but that it ought not to be a sine qua non, and it was feared from the dispositions of the Executive that they would seize it’s mention by the representatives as a pretext for making it a sine qua non. The representatives have voted a continuance of the fortifications, & a completion & manning of the three frigates. They will probably pass the bills recieved from the Senate prohibiting the exportation of arms & ammunition & for preventing our citizens from engaging in armed vessels. The Senate have also prepared or are proposing bills for raising cavalry, raising a corps of artillerists, buying 9. more armed vessels, authorizing the Executive to employ them & the frigates as convoys for our commerce, and raising a great provisional army to be called into actual service only in the case of war. All these measures will pass the Senate by a majority of about 18. to 12. probably. That of permitting our merchant vessels to arm was rejected by the committee 3. to 2. Bingham who was of the committee stated to the Senate that he had taken pains to learn the sense of the merchants on this subject and that he had not found one in favor of the permission. Still a part of the Senate are for it, and do not consider it as laid aside. Smith & Harper brought on the same proposition yesterday (being the 5th. of Smith’s resolutions) before the representatives. It was amended by changing the word permitting to restricting. Another amendment was proposed to add ‘except to the Mediterranean & E. Indies.’ The day was spent in debate, & no question taken. I believe certainly the general permission will not be given. But what may be the fate of the 3d. 4th. 6th. 7th & other resolutions is not very certain. We hope favorably. The late victory of Buonaparte & panic of the British government has produced a sensible effect in damping the ardor of our heroes. However they might have been willing at first, partly from inclination, partly from devotion to the Executive, to have met hostilities from France, it is now thought they will not force that nail, but, doing of the most innocent things as much as may be necessary to veil the folly or the boldness of calling Congress, be willing to leave the more offensive measures till the issue of the negociation or their own next meeting. This is the most we can hope, and but for the late successes of France & desperate condition of England, it was more than we should have hoped. For it is difficult to say whether the Republicans have a majority or not. The votes have been carried both ways by a difference of from 1. to 6. Our three renegadoes exactly make that difference. Clay proves to be as firm as a rock, having never separated but in the single instance I mentioned in my last letter, when I presume he must have been struck by some peculiar view of the question. We expect the arrival of Paine daily. Of Monroe we hear nothing, except that he had not left Paris on the 1st. of April.
P.M. This day has been spent in the H. of Representatives in debating whether the restriction of the merchants from arming their vessels except when bound to the Mediterranean or E. Indies, should be taken off as to the W. Indies also. It was determined by 46. against 34. that the W. India vessels should not arm. This is considered as auguring favorably of the other resolutions. The Senate determined to-day 18. to 11 that 9 vessels should be bought, armed &c by the president. Their cost is estimated at 60,000. D. each. This was on the 2d. reading of the bill. These bills originated in the Senate & going under their sanction to the lower house, while in so vibratory a state, have a very mischievous effect. We expect to rise on Saturday the 17th. I have written for my horses to be at Fredsbg on Sunday the 25th. and I may be with you perhaps on the 26th. or 27th. Adieu.


Title: To James Madison from Henry Tazewell, 11 June 1797
From: Tazewell, Henry
To: Madison, James

Dear SirPhiladelphia 11. June 1797
I hasten to tell you that the Northern Mail of today brings an account of the arrival of a Ship at Boston from London with European intelligence up to the 4th. May. Being Sunday, the post office is not open, but Mr Patten says, as Bache tells me, the papers contain a positive account of a seperate peace between France & the Emperor of Germany—and among other things, that a Mutiny has taken place on board Ld. Bridport’s Squadron. The papers will contain the particulars tomorrow, but as the Mail closes before I shall receive mine, I cannot send you one by tomorrows stage.
The earnestness with which the measures for providing Convoys for our ships, and for permitting individual merchants to arm in their defence have been pressed, evidence a decided determination in favour of a war with France. Whether this intelligence will change the tone, tomorrow will determine. Nothing else I beleive can save us. Nay from the steps which have been taken I wish that may. The Republican party are not strong enough to do any thing more, even if they are strong enough to prevent mischeif. The federalists as they call themselves but who hence forward will be called porcupines, are chop fallen, but I beleive they have gone too far to retract. Porcupine has abused Sam: Smith, Matt: Lyon, and Dayton in the most scurrilous manner you ever knew. Thatcher on Friday, offered Blount a personal insult in debate. Blount challenged him. Thatcher refused to accept the Challenge. Thus it remains with a determination on Blount’s part to kick him on sight. In short the insolence and scurrility of the british faction here can scarcely be born. Adieu

Henry Tazewell
Sunday Night 10 OClock


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 15 June 1797
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Philadelphia June 15. 97. A.M.
My last was of the 8th. inst. I had inclosed you separately a paper giving an account of Buonaparte’s last great victory. Since that we recieve information that the preliminaries of peace were signed between France & Austria. Mr. Hammond will have arrived at Vienna too late to influence the terms. The victories lately obtained by the French on the Rhine were as splendid as Buonaparte’s. The mutiny on board the English fleet, tho allayed for the present has impressed that country with terror. King has written letters to his friends recommending a pacific conduct towards France ‘notwithstanding the continuance of her injustices.’ Volney is convinced France will not make peace with England, because it is such an opportunity for sinking her as she never had & may not have again. Buonaparte’s army would have to march 700. miles to Calais. Therefore it is imagined the armies of the Rhine will be destined for England. The Senate yesterday rejected on it’s 2d reading their own bill for raising 4. more companies of light dragoons by a vote of 15. to 13. Their cost would have been about 120,000 D. a year. To-day the bill for manning the frigates & buying 9 vessels @ about 60,000 D. each, comes to it’s 3d. reading. Some flatter us we may throw it out. The trial will be in time to mention the issue herein. The bills for preventing our citizens from engaging in armed vessels of either party, & for prohibitg. exportn. of arms & ammunition have passed both houses. The fortification bill is before the Representatives still. It is thought by many that with all the mollifying clauses they can give it, it may perhaps be thrown out. They have a separate bill for manning the 3. frigates. But it’s fate is uncertain. These are probably the ultimate measures which will be adopted, if even these be adopted. The folly of the convocation of Congress at so inconvenient a season & an expence of 60,000 D. is now palpable to every body: or rather it is palpable that war was the object, since, that being out of the question, it is evident there is nothing else. However nothing less than the miraculous string of events which have taken place, towit the victories of the Rhine & Italy, peace with Austria, bankruptcy of England, mutiny in her fleet, and King’s writing letters recommending peace, could have cooled the fury of the British faction. Even all that will not prevent considerable efforts still in both houses to shew our teeth to France. We had hoped to have risen this week. It is now talked of for the 24th. but it is impossible yet to affix a time. I think I cannot omit being at our court (July 3.) whether Congress rises or not. If so, I shall be with you on the Friday or Saturday preceding. I have a couple of pamphlets for you, Utrum horum, & Paine’s agrarian justice, being the only things since Erskine which have appeared worth notice. B⟨esides⟩ Bache’s paper there are 2. others now accomodated to country circulation. Gale’s (successor of Oswald) twice a week, without advertisements at 4. Dollars. His debates in Congress are the same with Claypole’s. Also Smith proposes to issue a paper once a week, of news only, and an additional sheet while Congress shall be in session, price 4. dollars. The best daily papers now are Bradford’s compiled by Loyd, and Markland & Cary’s. Claipole’s you know. Have you remarked the pieces signed Fabius? They are written by John Dickinson.
P.M. The bill before the Senate for equipping the 3 frigates & buying 9. vessels of not more than 20. guns has this day passed on it’s 3d. reading by 16. against 13. The fortification bill before the representatives as amended in commee. of the whole passed to it’s 3d. reading by 48. against 41. Adieu affectionately with my best respects to mrs. Madison.


Title: To James Madison from John Dawson, 22 June 1797
From: Dawson, John
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir!Philadelphia June 22. 1797.
I have recievd your favour, & deliverd Mrs. Madisons.
The accompanying papers will shew you the state of Europe, & you can easily judge of the effect they have had here. We have voted out the propositions for a salt tax, & for an additional regiment of artillerists—& the Senate, to day, that for a provisional army—they have also confirmd the nomination of Gerry in the place of Dana, who declind serving, 20 to 6—among the last the senators from Massa. & other highflyers.
I thing [sic] we shall adjourn in 10 days, & am well assurd they wish us gone—if the mischief is not done all may be well.
Not one word of Colo Monroe—is this not wonderful, & unfortunate to himself & to us? Yrs, with much esteem
J Dawson
Will you remember me to my friends, to whom I cannot write as often as I wish?
JD


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 22 June 1797
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Philadelphia June 22. 97.
The Senate have this day rejected their own bill for raising a provisional army of 15,000. men. I think they will reject that for permitting private vessels to arm. The Representatives have thrown out the bill of the Senate for raising artillery. They yesterday put off one forbidding our citizens to serve in foreign vessels of war, till Nov. by a vote of 52. to 44. This day they came to a resoln. proposing to the Senate to adjourn on Wednesday the 28th. by a majority of 4. Thus it is now perfectly understood that the convocation of Congress is substantially condemned by their several decisions that nothing is to be done. I may be with you somewhat later than I had expected. Say from the 1st. to the 4th. Preliminaries of peace between Austria & France are signed. Dana has declined the mission to France. Gerry is appointed in his room, being supported in Senate by the republican vote. 6. nays of the opposite description. No news of Monroe or Paine. Adieu à revoir.


Title: To James Madison from John Dawson, 25 June 1797
From: Dawson, John
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir!Philadelphia June 25th 1797.
I wrote to you by the last mail, & now enclose a letter entrusted to my care for Mrs. Madison.
On saturday we passed a bill, which came from the Senate, for the protection of our commerce, after disrobing it of the clauses, which authorisd the president to purchase nine additional vessels of 20 guns each, & directing that the three frigates shoud not be used as convoys—& that the law shoud be limited to one year. Whether the Senate will agree to our amendments I think very doubtful & thereby trust it may be lost, as I have in every stage voted against it, considering it as an expensive usefless [sic] & dangerous measure.
On yesterday a resolution was laid on the table authorising the president, in the recess of Congress to lay an embargo, which I think will not pass. I think we shall adjourn in Eight or ten days. Yrs with Esteem
J Dawson


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 29 June 1797
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Philadelphia June 29. 97.
The day of adjournment walks before us like our shadow. We shall rise on the 3d. or 4th. of July. Consequently I shall be with you about the 8th. or 9th. The two houses have jointly given up the 9. small vessels. The Senate have rejected at the 3d reading their own bill authorizing the President to lay embargoes. They will probably reject a very unequal tax passed by the Repr. on the venders of wines & spirituous liquors (not in retail). They have past a bill for postponing their next meeting to the constitutional day; but whether the Repr. will concur is uncertain. The Repr. are cooking up a stamp tax which it is thought themselves will reject. The fate of the bill for private armaments is yet undecided in the Senate. The expences of the session are estimated at 80,000 Doll. Monroe & family arrived here the day before yesterday, well. They will make a short visit to N. York & then set their faces homewards. My affectionate respects to mrs. Madison, and salut⟨ati⟩ons to yourself. Adieu.


Title: To James Madison from John Dawson, 10 July 1797
From: Dawson, John
To: Madison, James

Letter not found. 10 July 1797. Mentioned in JM to Jefferson, 2 Aug. 1797. Informs JM that James Monroe should be in Virginia within two weeks.


Title: To James Madison from Volney, 19 July 1797
From: Volney, Constantin François Chasseboeuf, Comte de
To: Madison, James

MonsieurFederal City 19 juillet 1797
Me Voici depuis peu de jours beaucoup rapproché de Vous; et deja il me Serait difficile de rester a cette distance Sans aller Vous rendre une Visite; mais cela me deviendra absolument impossible, avec l’engagement que j’ai pris d’aller passer quelques jours près de Mr jefferson: je n’ai point oublié celui que Vous me prescrivites au moment de Votre depart, de Vous prévenir du tems où je desirerais de Me rendre chez Vous: Mais comme Mon Voyage à Monticello dépend d’une reponse de Mr jefferson à qui j’écris, je ne puis determiner Ma route que d’après Sa reponse. J’apperçois Seulement que je ne puis partir avant le 5 ou 6 aout; et que Mon retour Sera probable et peut etre necessaire Vers la Mi Septembre: je Vous prie done Monsieur de Vouloir bien Me designer le tems qui dans cet întervalle Vous Sera le Moins incommode; et je dois Vous observer, que Ma Visite Ne pourra etre aussi courte que Mon passage de l’année derniere, parce qu’outre le desir de Voir Votre famille et Votre plantation, j’aurai celui de Vous demander la communication de ce que Vous connaissez de Memoires sur la Metereologie et l’état physique des Etats-unis. Du reste, pour Vous rassurer, je dois Vous dire que je Ne serai pas Mr Mazzeï, et qu’êtant très ami de Ma liberté et de Mon independance, je suis tout a faît ami de l’independance de la liberté des autres, Surtout de ceux qui ont la bonté de Me recevoir dans leur Maison: toute reponse de Votre part Me parviendra ici ou plutot à Georgetown post office. Permettez-Moi d’offrir Mes civilités a Votre respectable famille et Veuillez agreer L’assurance de L’estime distinguée et de l’attachment avec lesquels j’ai L’honneur d’etre Monsieur Votre très humble serviteur
Volney

Translation
SirFederal City 19 July 1797
In just a few days I have gotten closer to you, and already it will be difficult for me to stay so close without coming to visit you; but this will be absolutely impossible for me because of the arrangement that I have made to spend several days with Mr. Jefferson. I have not forgotten that you asked me when you left to warn you when I would like to come for a visit. As my trip to Monticello, however, depends on a reply from Mr. Jefferson to whom I am writing, I cannot determine my itinerary until I receive his answer. I know only that I cannot leave here before 5 or 6 August and that my return will probably, and might necessarily, be about mid-September. I ask you therefore to designate a time within that period which will be the least inconvenient to you. I must tell you that my visit cannot be as short as my passage last year, because besides the desire to see your family and your plantation, I will want to ask you what you know of the weather and physical state of the United States. For the rest, to reassure you, I have to tell you I will not be Mr. Mazzei, and as I am a great friend of my liberty and my independence, I am entirely a friend to the independence [and] the liberty of others, especially those who have the goodness to receive me in their homes. Your answer will find me here or better still at the Georgetown post office. Permit me to offer my regards to your respectable family, and please accept the assurance of the esteem and attachment with which I have the honor to be Sir your very humble servant
Volney


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 24 July 1797
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Th: J. to J. M.Monticello July 24. 97.
In hopes that mrs. Madison & yourself & miss Madison will favor us with a visit when Colo. Monroe calls on you, I write this to inform you that I have had the Shadwell & Secretary’s ford both well cleaned. If you come the lower road, the Shadwell ford is the proper one. It is a little deepened, but clear of stone & perfectly safe. If you come the upper road you will cross at the Secretary’s ford, turning in at the gate on the road soon after you enter the three notched road. The draught up the mountain that way is steady, but uniform. I see Hamilton has put a short piece into the papers in answer to Callender’s publication, & promises shortly something more elaborate. I am anxious to see you here soon, because in about three weeks we shall begin to unroof our house, when the family will be obliged to go elsewhere for shelter. My affectionate respects to the family. Adieu.


Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 2 August 1797
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear SirOrange Augst. 2d. 1797
At the desire of Mr. Bringhurst I forward him to Monticello; and make use of the opportunity, the first that has offered, to return you the pamphlet you were so kind as to leave with me. I add to it a late Fredg. paper which has got hold of some important articles of later date than were brought by the last post, and which may therefore be new to you as they were to me. I have had nothing from Monroe since his letter by you. Dawson mentioned on the 10th. that he would be in Virga. in 14 days; but I see by the fête given him in New York that he was there about the middle of the month. I hope you have shared with us in the fine dose of rainey weather which has restored the verdure of the earth; & if followed by the ordinary course of the season, will save our crops of corn from any essential deficit. Mrs. M. joins in respects to the ladies, & the cordiality with which I remain Dear Sir Yrs. Affecly.
Js. Madison Jr


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 3 August 1797
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Editorial Note
One of the documents Jefferson enclosed in his letter to JM of 3 August 1797 was a draft petition in response to a federal circuit court grand jury presentment handed down in Richmond 22 May. The presentment, issued on a charge given by Judge James Iredell, condemned Samuel J. Cabell and other United States representatives for writing circular letters that endeavored “at a time of real public danger, to disseminate unfounded calumnies against the happy government of the United States” (Richmond Va. Gazette, 24 May 1797).
The grand jury proceeding led to an outburst of criticism in Virginia and elsewhere. Cabell attacked Iredell’s charge to the jury, writing that judges “seem to be making use of their power and influence both personally and officially to control the freedom of individual opinion.” Henry Tazewell agreed, writing to JM that “the Court & the Jury seem to have erected themselves into a tribunal of political Censors, and to have made their own opinions the standard of Truth.” A Marylander waxed poetic in a letter to Jefferson: “Whenever it shall be recognized as a constitutional doctrine that every Man is to be branded as an enemy to his Country who shall dare to speak or write with freedom on Men & measures the fair Fabric which has been erected at so great an expence of blood & Treasure will be erased and the freedom and independance of these United States vanish like mists before the morning Sun” (Philadelphia Aurora General Advertiser, 6 June 1797; Tazewell to JM, 4 June 1797; Peregrine Fitzhugh to Jefferson, 20 June 1797 [DLC: Jefferson Papers]).
Jefferson thought it dangerous to let the attack on the circular letters go unanswered, especially since Cabell was the representative for Jefferson’s own district. His petition focused on the right of representatives to communicate freely with their constituents; such communications “should of right, as of duty also, be free, full, and unawed by any.” To allow the judiciary to interpose itself between an elected official and the people, he wrote, would destroy the separation of powers and restrict the flow of information necessary to an informed electorate. But, more importantly, “the right of free correspondence between citizen and citizen … is a natural right of every individual citizen … placed originally under the protection of our municipal laws.” Because the state was the guardian of civil liberties, Jefferson believed it fell to the House of Delegates to impeach and punish the jurors who had brought the presentment (Ford, Writings of JeffersonPaul Leicester Ford, ed., The Writings of
          Thomas Jefferson (10 vols.; New York, 1892–99)., 7:158, 161–62).
JM, who saw the petition on 4 August, made a few suggestions but felt, on the whole, that “its tenor, cannot certainly be mended.” He did criticize Jefferson’s attacks on naturalized citizens sitting on grand juries, reminding him of the number of Republicans, like Albert Gallatin, who would be disenfranchised by precipitate action on that point. When James Monroe read the petition in early September, he suggested that by having recourse to the Virginia legislature, Jefferson would establish a principle that would “make all the members of the national govt., by a code of crimes & punishmts. amenable to State tribunals,” a measure that was surely unwise (JM to Jefferson, 5 Aug. 1797; Monroe to Jefferson, 5 Sept. 1797, Hamilton, Writings of MonroeStanislaus Murray Hamilton, ed., The
          Writings of James Monroe … (7 vols.; New York and London, 1898–1903)., 3:85).
If the implication of Monroe’s argument was that the petition should go to Congress, Jefferson rejected it on pragmatic grounds. Sending the petition to the United States House of Representatives, he wrote, “would make bad worse,” since a majority would probably approve the presentment against Cabell. But more to the point, Cabell’s privilege as a member of the House was not the issue. In this context Jefferson advanced the argument that the right of free communication among citizens was a “natural right” and “not the gift of any municipal law.” To the contrary, “it is one of the objects for the protection of which society is formed & municipal laws established.” The wrong was against Cabell’s constituents and thus a matter for the state government (Jefferson to Monroe, 7 Sept. 1797 [DLC: Jefferson Papers]).
The petition circulated among the three men until the end of October 1797. The combined efforts of JM and Monroe succeeded in eliminating from the final draft the call for impeaching members of the grand jury, and the petition was introduced into the House of Delegates on 19 December. Committed to a debate in a Committee of the Whole House on 27 December, it was postponed for a day. The resolution, which included a provision to print and distribute a thousand copies at public expense, was debated the next day and passed, 92–53 (Monroe to Jefferson, 20 Oct. 1797 [DLC: Jefferson Papers]; JHDVJournal of the House of Delegates of the
          Commonwealth of Virginia, Begun and Held at the Capitol, in the City of Richmond.
        Volumes in this series are designated by the month in which the session began., Dec. 1797 [EvansCharles Evans, ed., American Bibliography …
          1639 … 1820 (12 vols.; Chicago, 1903–34). 34936], pp. 40–41, 59–60, 61–64).
The resolution admonished the members of the grand jury but made no provision for action against them. The resolution was never passed on to the upper house for action, nor was an indictment ever returned against Cabell. But, although the matter sank out of sight when the furor over the XYZ affair erupted in the spring of 1798, the question of what constituted free speech would resurface during the continuing debate over the Alien and Sedition Acts.
(Secondary sources used for this note: Malone, Jefferson and His TimeDumas Malone, Jefferson and His Time
        (6 vols.; Boston, 1948–81)., 3:334–37; Beeman, The Old Dominion and the New Nation, pp. 170–72; Ammon, James Monroe, pp. 170–71; Cunningham, Circular Letters of Congressmen, 1:xxxvi–xxxix; Adrienne Koch and Harry Ammon, “The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions: An Episode in Jefferson’s and Madison’s Defense of Civil Liberties,” WMQWilliam and Mary Quarterly., 3d ser., 5 [1948]: 152–53; Leonard W. Levy, Emergence of a Free Press [New York, 1985], pp. 276–78.)

Th: J. to J. M.Monticello Aug. 3. 97.
I scribbled you a line on the 24th. Ult. It missed of the post and so went by a private hand. I perceive from yours by mr. Bringhurst that you had not recieved it. In fact it was only an earnest exhortation to come here with Munroe, which I still hope you will do. In the mean time I inclose you a letter from him, and wish your opinion on it’s principal subject. The variety of other topics, the day I was with you, kept out of sight the letter to Mazzei imputed to me in the papers, the general substance of which is mine, tho’ the diction has been considerably varied in the course of it’s translations from English into Italian, from Italian into French & from French into English. I first met with it at Bladensburgh, and for a moment concieved I must take the field of the public papers: I could not disavow it wholly, because the greatest part was mine in substance tho’ not in form. I could not avow it as it stood because the form was not mine, and in one place the substance very materially falsified. This then would render explanations necessary; nay it would render proofs of the whole necessary, & draw me at length into a publication of all (even the secret) transactions of the administration while I was of it; and embroil me personally with every member of the Executive, with the Judiciary, and with others still. I soon decided in my own mind to be entirely silent. I consulted with several friends at Philadelphia, who, every one of them, were clearly against my avowing or disavowing, & some of them conjured me most earnestly to let nothing provoke me to it. I corrected in conversation with them a substantial misrepresentation in the copy published. The original has a sentiment like this (for I have it not before me) ‘they are endeavoring to submit us to the substance as they already have to the forms of the British government.’ meaning by forms the birth-days, levees, processions to parliament, inauguration pomposities &c but the copy published says ’as they have already submitted us to the form of the British[’] &c making me express hostility to the form of our government, that is to say to the constitution itself. For this is really the difference of the word form, used in the singular or plural in that phrase in the English language. Now it would be impossible for me to explain this publicly without bringing on a personal difference between Genl. Washington & myself, which nothing before the publication of this letter has ever done. It would embroil me also with all those with whom his character is still popular, that is to say nine tenths of the people of the US. And what good would be obtained by my avowing the letter with the necessary explanations? Very little indeed in my opinion to counterbalance a good deal of harm. From my silence in this instance it can never be inferred that I am afraid to own the general sentiments of the letter. If I am subject to either imputation it is to that of avowing such sentiments too frankly both in private & public, often when there is no necessity for it, merely because I disdain every thing like duplicity. Still however I am open to conviction. Think for me on the occasion and advise me what to do, and confer with Colo. Monroe on the subject. Let me entreat you again to come with him. There are other important things to consult on. One will be his affair. Another is the subject of the petition now inclosed you to be proposed to our district on the late presentment of our representative by the Grand jury. The idea it brings forward is still confined to my own breast. It has never been mentioned to any mortal, because I first wish your opinion on the expediency of the measure. If you approve it, I shall propose to P. Carr or some other to father it, and to present it to the counties at their General muster. This will be in time for our assembly. The presentment going in the public papers just at the moment when Congress was together produced a great effect both on it’s friends & foes in that body, very much to the disheartening & mortification of the latter. I wish this petition, if approved, to arrive there under the same circumstance to produce the counter-effect so wanting for their gratification. I could have wished to recieve it from you again at our court on Monday, because P. Carr, & Wilson Nicholas will be there and might also be consulted and commence measures for putting it into motion. If you can return it then with your opinion and corrections it will be of importance. Present me affectionately to mrs. Madison & convey to her my intreaties to interpose her good offices & persuasives with you to bring her here, and before we uncover our house, which will yet be some weeks. Salutations & Adieu.


Title: “Signora Catoni” [Sarah McKean] to Dolley Madison, 3 August 1797 (Abstract)
From: McKean, Sarah,“Signora Catoni”
To: Madison, Dolley Payne Todd

3 August 1797, Philadelphia. Acknowledges letter of 23 June [not found]. “In the first place you ask me for a description of the Drawing room, I now hasten to give it you—that we have none at all—for that old what shall I call her—with her hawks eyes, gave out that the weather was too warm, and it would affect her nerves, they must be very delicate of course, but I suppose we shall have it in full splendor in the fall: her, and her Caro sposa, accompanied by Miss Smith—a neice of hers, and who I suppose will sett up for the Miss Custis of the place—but there I defy her—for she is not young, and confounded ugly, have sett of[f] a few days ago, for Boston, where I suppose they want to have a little fuss made with them for dear knows they have had none made here. But I must give you an anecdote about the elegance of his manners, and very great attention—on the fourth of July, the foreign Ministers, the members of the Cincinata, and some few Members of Congress, waited on him in the morning, and he was so polite as to put his hat on—before them, but after a little while he recollected himself and took it off—and appeared quite frightned at his absence, some of the Gentleman were going to put theirs on also; in order to keep him company—only they thought it too warm—pray tell me now—was ever our former President known to behave in that manner—no you will say—because he was a Gentleman.… There has been a confounded peice of work here lately with Blount—and our Dear friend Robert List–n, but before this time you must be acqua⟨in⟩ted with the particulars.… The Man Tim—— Pick—— has been behaving in a very devlish manner—but our amiable friend the Chevalier—has written a very excellent letter, address’d to him and which gives Tim—— a very good dose. It is allow’d by every body to be exceedingly well written, and to contain the naked truth. Oh!—you—cannot have any idea what a noise it has made, some of the Timothy gang says he is worse than Genett, Fauchett, or Adett.… Mr. and Mrs Buckley—Sally Wall that used to be—has sett of[f] for Lisbon a few days ago—and I should not be much astonish’d if the Vessel was to sink, containing such a load of sin—and impudence as Smith of S. C. on board—who has gone as our Minister to Portugal…. I received letters a few days ago—from Anne—and Polly—they were handed me by the all killing all elegant and accomplish’d Beau Dawson—who strikes me dumb with Admiration whenever he appears…. Your sincere and affectionate friend—Signora Catoni. I dont venture to put any other name as there is something of the nature of treason contain’d in my letter.”


Title: From James Madison to John Dawson, ca. 3 August 1797
From: Madison, James
To: Dawson, John

Letter not found. Ca. 3 August 1797. Acknowledged in Dawson to JM, 13 Aug. 1797. Gives opinion on the Blount conspiracy.


Title: To James Madison from Volney, 12 [September] 1797
From: Volney, Constantin François Chasseboeuf, Comte de
To: Madison, James

Fredericksbourg, Mardi 12. [September 1797] à Midi
J’ai L’honneur de présenter à Mr Madison mes remerciemens: je Suis arrivé ce Matin à 9½ h ayant couché chez getwood: Samuel se trouve en etat de repartir de suite pour retourner Coucher au Même lieu, en sorte que j’espère qu’il Sera demain rendu pour diner—je prie Mr Madison de présenter Mes complimens a Sa famille, et d’agreer mes très humbles civilités
C Volney.
N. b. la lettre de Mlle Baynton a été remise à Mr Blair par Moïmême.

Translation
Fredericksburg, Tuesday, 12 [September 1797], at noon
I have the honor of presenting my thanks to Mr. Madison. I arrived this morning at 9:30 having passed the night at Gatewood’s. Samuel is ready to return immediately in order to pass the night in the same place, so that I hope he will be back tomorrow in time for dinner. I pray Mr. Madison to present my compliments to his family and to accept my humble regards.
C. Volney
N. B. Miss Baynton’s letter was given to Mr. Blair by me personally.


Title: To James Madison from Montesquieu, 12 September 1797
From: Montesquieu
To: Madison, James

Letter not found. 12 September 1797. Calendared as a three-page letter in the lists probably made by Peter Force (DLC, series 7, container 2); however, no correspondence has been located between JM and Charles Louis, baron de Montesquieu (1749–1824), grandson of the famous French philosopher.


Title: From James Madison to Francis Taylor, 17 September 1797
From: Madison, James
To: Taylor, Francis

Dear Sir.Sepr. 17. 97
In compliance with my promise I have written the inclosed letter to the Secretary of the Treasury. You will observe that it has not so much of an exclusive & specific reference to the office of Collector as of a general one to that line of appointments. This mode of recommendation was preferred for two reasons; the one, because it has been usual to promote to vacancies, the officers next in grade & salary where no particular objections forbid; and a pointed recommendation to the office of Collector, might have the appearance of an indirect & indelicate interference agst. the officer expecting it as of course; of whom I have no personal acquaintance, & agst. whom no such objections are known to me: The other, because I think it eligible for your nephew to present himself as willing to step into whatever vacancy really acceptable, may be tendered to him, rather than to confine his pretensions to that of the Collectorship. As I may not however be possessed of all the circumstances of the case, I leave the letter open for your perusal, that your own judgment may decide, whether it should be sent immediately to Mr. W. or go in the first instance to Mr. T. at Norfolk, to be forwarded or not according to his judgment of its tenor. In either case you will be kind eno to have it put into the post office, & in the former case, to take a copy for your Nephew as desired by him.


Title: To James Madison from William Glassell, 21 September 1797
From: Glassell, William
To: Madison, James

Dear SirFredg. 21st. Septr. 1797
Altho from our differnt avocations we are not in the habit of corresponding I shall use the freedom of asking you to do me a favor which from its nature, is only just. Mr. Francis Taylor, who was the deputy of Major Wm. Lyndsay “late collector of the Port Norforlk [sic] for many years past” offers himself as a candidite for that Office, in rotation. The Government will pay Much Attention to any thing you may say in his favor. I therefore hope you will recommend him as far as his character shall be establishd in Your opinion by the Vouchers he can produce. This town or rather the Merchants of Rappahannock have had much business at the Norfolk Naval Office during this Gentlemans agency when Major Lindsys health renderd him unfit for duty, and to my Knowledge he has acquitted himself to their entire satisfaction. This being the case, and his accounts being found clear and due payment Made to the treasury, and his serving also an Appretencship to the business, “an useless one indeed unless he expected promotion and a business no one wou’d otherwise qualify themselves for,” will I hope induce a Man of your known integrity to give him every aid which is in your Power; Add to this Mr. Taylor is engaged matrimonially to Mr. Lindsys eldest Daughter, and will of Course be the Guardian of a Numrous worthy helpless family. Present my most respectful Compliments to your Lady Father, Mother & family. I am very sincerely Dear Sir Your Mo. O. S
Wm. Glassell


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 24 September 1797
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear SirAlbemarle Sepr. 24. 1797
Since my return I have devoted all the leasure time I have had in preparing my narrative for Mr. Bache but yet it is not finished. I suppose I have yet abt. a 3d. to do, which I hope to complete this week. The whole when completed will make a pamphlet of between thirty & forty pages. It has cost me much trouble on acct. of the necessity of observing great accuracy in facts, dates, &ca. Of the correspondence I have abt. 250. pages from Bache who is going on with the residue at the rate of abt. 40. pr. week. The whole will I presume make a vol: of near 400. pages. I wish you to come up in the course of the week when most convenient to you. We beg you also to make our best respects to Mrs. Madison & request her to accompany you, or rather that she be accompanied by you. We will be very happy to see her provided she can submit to our accomodatn. of wh. you can give an acct., being an upper room in one of our offices, there being no additional room as you supposed. But we will do all in our power to make it tolerable. Our best respects to yr. father & family. Sincerely I am yr. friend & servant
Jas. Monroe


Title: To James Madison from Stephen Moylan, 27 September 1797
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Madison, James

Letter not found. 27 September 1797. Mentioned in Moylan to JM, 25 Apr. 1798. Moylan refuses to continue as JM’s tenant if property taxes are added to the rent.


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Law, 18 October 1797
From: Law, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Sir.Washington City Octor 18th 1797.
For particular reasons (a chief one is that I have a claim for 10000 £ Stg now pending in England) altho’ I am married to a Virginian Lady & have almost the whole of my fortune vested in America, I am adverse to taking the oath required to entitle me to the rights of Citizenship. I therefore wish to hold lands in Virginia as a foreigner & to request your advice & aid if you approve of my petitioning the legislature.
Pensylvania has flourished by the introduction of foreign capitals & by the emigrants who promote agriculture & manufactures & open roads dig Canals & increase industry & consequently prosperity.
In New York the State has not granted a general permission, but foreigners upon petitioning obtain an Act without difficulty to hold lands & shortly after my arrival there a gentleman gave me a Petition to sign & leave was immediately granted to me & I bought lands which I wish to sell or to exchange for other land in Virginia, as the latter will be more under my inspection & as I have a plan to settle Mrs Laws slaves on a tract to work out their freedom.
It were presumption in me to expatiate upon the political consequences to result from encouraging Europeans to settle in Virginia, because I cannot be so fully acquainted with the various arguments that m[a]y arise; one I have heard is that a European will benefit by buying the land, but surely that jealous objection would go to selling of tobacco flour &ca. Another more specious objection is, that they might influence elections, but what interest can a foreigner possess difft. from that of the State—& how very few comparatively would hold Lands. The object of a purchaser would be to improve his estate by emigrants & by roads buildings &ca. I conceive that Virginia should particularly adopt every method to introduce more whites & if possible to diminish the blacks, whereas an enemy to America once exultingly told me that the blacks multiplied faster than the whites & that if the French got a footing to the Southward their first step would be to proclaim freedom to the Negroes & thus bloodshed & anarchy would ensue. If emigrants were fixed to the Westward would they not combat against Indians & Negroes? But I forbear to digress. My friends—in India are looking to this Country for quiet & security, but I cannot now purchase a tract of land for any one in Virginia & must therefore look towards the Mississippi. I have known some foreigners lately take the old simple oath of allegiance to the United States & hold lands in Virginia without forswearing for ever their King & Country according to the New Oath, & I have heard of some who have taken the ne⟨w⟩ oath as a mere matter of form & assert that they are still subjects of the king of Great Britain. I despise evasions & therefore desire openly to hold lands as a foreigner & I apply to you for advice & aid because my mind does not suggest any solid reason against the adoption of the proposed measure to allow it on Petition. With particular Compts. to Mrs Maddison I remain yr mt faithful & obt St
Thomas Law


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 19 October 1797
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Dear SirOctobr. 19. 1797
I have recd yours of the 15th. and according to its request inclose back the pamphlet to Mr. Jefferson. I have looked over attentively the parts of it which regard you. It does not seem to me to present any ground on which you could resume the controversy with Col. H. with an appearance either of obligation or propriety. All the points deserving attention which grew out of the course of the correspondence, as well as incident to the original state of the case between you seem to have been brought to a final close.
Our Court day is on the 23d. not 25th. viz on Monday next, when we expect the pleasure of seeing Mr Dawson, and shall be happy if you persevere in your idea of taking advantage of the opportunity for falling in with him. Mrs. M. unites her best respects with those which I beg you to accept & to tender to Mrs. Monroe. Yrs. Affecly
Js. Madison Jr


Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 October 1797
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear SirOctr. 20. 1797
I recd the inclosed pamphlet from Col. Monroe with a request that it might be returned to you. The publication under all its characters is a curious specimen of the ingenious folly of its author. Next to the error of publishing at all, is that of forgetting that simplicity & candor are the only dress which prudence would put on innocence. Here we see every rhetorical artifice employed to excite the spirit of party to prop up his sinking reputation, and whilst the most exaggerated complaints are uttered agst. the unfair & virulent persecutions of himself, he deals out in every page the most malignant insinuations, agst. others. The one agst. you is a masterpiece of folly, because its impotence is in exact proportion to its venom. Along with the pamphlet is inclosed a letter which you will be good eno’ to have delivered by an early opportunity. Yrs. Affecly
Js Madison Jr


Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 25 October 1797
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear SirOrange Octr. 25. 97.
I am placed under circumstances which make it proper I should inform you that Mr. Knapp of Philada. is a candidate for the office of Treasr. to the Mint, vacated by the death of Dr. Way, and is particularly anxious that you should be possessed of that fact, and of the testimony I may be able to give as to his qualifications & character. During several of the last Winters I spent in Phida. Mr. K. was a near neighbour, and a familiar intercourse prevailed between our families. I really believe him to be a worthy man, & the line of life he has been in supports the character he bears, of being skilful in the sort of business he aspires to. If you should be invited by any opportunity to say as much to the quarter from which appts. issue, it will be highly acceptable to Mr. K. and ought to be so to me. I have however intimated to him, that I did not expect that your opinion in any way would be asked, & that it would not be proper for you to give it unasked. It is astonishing that it does not occur in these cases that the patronage of those whose politics are adverse to the politics of the administration is more likely to be of injury than service to the suitors for office.
We just have the pleasure of learning that an event has taken place in your family which calls for our joint & warmest congratulations, which we beg you to make acceptable to all to whom the⟨y⟩ are due. Yrs. truly
Js. M. Jr


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Mussi, [ca. December] 1797
From: Mussi, Joseph
To: Madison, James

SirThursday afternoon [ca. December 1797]
I found on my desk yesterday your memorandum, & agreable to your request I’ill make an estimation of the mentioned marble work, but not so accurate as I, & probably you would wish. The quality of Stone, & kind of ornaments are first to be fixed upon; white Statuary marble, as my Chemney pce. is dearer than Common marble with veins, as the slabs in my yard; ornaments of oriental alabaster, porphiry, or granit are exceedingly high, such Stones being rare, & very hard, but any work of Common white alabaster is Cheap; this Stone is very tender, & in abundance in Italy.

Two Jams, a frontispiece with Base, & a Top are the four usual parts

Composing a Chemney piece,
which of regular
dimensions
of white

statuary marble
large size, plain,
may be valued at

Drs. 60.—

of Common
do.
do.
do.
30.—

of do.
do.
Small Size
do.
20.—
of white statuary marble large Size ornamented

150.—

Any inlaid work of Coloured handsome marble make an addition from 50. to 100. drs. & of porphiry, Granit, or other hard stones an addition from 200. to 600. dollrs. or more according to the Sculpture of it.
Earth stones abt. 5. feet long, 20. inches wide of white Statuary marble may be valued at drs. 30., & of Common marble drs. 15. The above is the nearest Calculation I Can make for said articles delivered at Alexandria.
I think a frontispiece 2⅔ feet high to be out of proportion, & won’t look well, though our Carpenters, or joiners here are used to that dimension. The frontispiece, Base, & top of ⟨my⟩ Chemney piece, which is a Compleat & elegant perform⟨anc⟩e done at Rome, only measures 13. inches high.
It is also difficult to be accurate in Stating by what time said articles Could be delivered at Alexandria. Our navigation with the mediterranean being not free, opportys. are scarse, irregular, & not much to be depended upon during the hostilities in Europe. I should think the articles may arrive in about 10. months from the time that the order is sent from here—no appearance of a Sooner arrival, & a great probability of longer delay by the present Circumstances.

I Shall be glad to serve you in this, & any other occasion. You may depend, that any of yr. orders will be forwarded with punctuality, & the execution particularly recommended to my friends as to procure you entire satisfaction. I am with true regard Sir your most obedt. Servt.
Jos. Mussi


Title: To James Madison from John Dawson, 10 December 1797
From: Dawson, John
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir!Phia. Decemr. 10. 1797.
Since my return to this place I have delayd to write to you from a hope that I shoud have it in my power to communicate something new or interesting.
In congress we move on very harmoniously & do very little. The report of the committee on Blounts affair producd some long faces, & shewd that it was not a French plot with Mr. Jefferson at the bottom, as has been industriously circulated in the eastern states. The papers are now in the press, & when acted on will probably cause some agi[ta]tion. Hammond, the former minister to this country, has arrivd in the packet at Newyork—for what purpose is not known—some suppose to displace Liston—this I doubt.
Our commrs. have been well recievd at Paris & there is reason to believe that matters will be adjusted with the F. republic. Altho singular in the opinion, I cannot help thinking that the late change in that country, will prove fortunate to the United States. The present Directory, & both councils, having purgd. their country of priests, emigrants, & royalists will probably feel friendly towards republicks, especially if thereby they strengthen themselves & the principles which they support—add to this, the continuance of the war, which now seems certain—it is likely that Russia & Turkey will become parties & opponents. The defection of several of the German states from the empire, and the discontented Poles, will add to the strength of France, while the rapidly encreasing debt, & the ruind commerce of England must destroy her. Present me to your lady & the family. I have recievd from Mr. Tazewell three letters, & deliverd them agreeably to their directions. With much esteem Your friend & Sert
J Dawson
At night.
I have reason to suspect that the account of Hammonds arrival is not true.


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 December 1797
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Dear SirDecr. 17. 97
As I do not send expressly to the post Office on the return of the Mail from Charlottesville your favor of the 10th. did not get to hand in time to be answered on friday last. It is perfectly convenient for me to furnish a draft on Philada. having kept the little fund there as an appropriation to your use. The bill I offered you for 250 dollars was delivered to Mr. Jefferson with a view to go in payment of his advance or otherwise as you should direct. As I shall soon be able to cover that in another way if you chuse it to be covered by me at all rather than in another mode which I think you seemed to prefer you may draw on him immediately for the 250 dollars. I inclose another draft for 200 dollars which I hope you will be able also to turn into an accomodation. These two sums I hope will keep you alive till I can make out the balance, which I am anxious to do, in order to appease my own mind for so culpable a delay.
I have not recd. a line from Philada. on the subject of the Speech, or indeed on any other. To me no explanation of the phenomenon is necessary, having been on the ground for observing the progressive apostacy from the principles of our Revolution & Governments, which marked the period of your absence. If events should not be unpropitious to the Monarchichal party, you may prepare yourself for still more wonderful indications of its spirit & views. Those who tolerate at present the fashionable sentiments, will soon be ready to embrace & avow them. The Active characters who promoted Mr. A. to his station, knowing him to be what he is, can not at bottom have been much averse to his political tenets, and will find in the spirit of party & in personal attachments & animosities, sufficient motives to go all lengths with him. Let us hope however that the tide of evil is nearly at its flood, and that it will ebb back to the true mark which it has overpassed.
Mrs. M. as well as myself would be very happy to pass a few days with you & Mrs. Monroe, being not discouraged by the picture you give of your Offices. But we are under an engagement to make a visit to our sister near Richmond, on which she will set out the last of this week. I shall not follow for 8 or 10 days & it will give me the sincerest pleasure, if I can in that interval ride up, but the cause of my not accompanying her, will I fear, put it out of my power. I expect some workmen who are to be put into a plan of business which will keep them employed till our return from below. Mrs. M. offers her love to Mrs. Monroe, in which the family desire to be joined. Believe me dear Sir Yr sincere friend & sert.
Js. Madison Jr