Title: To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 21 June 1783
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Madison, James

My dear friend
Pettus’s June 21. 1783.
Inclosed is a state of the proceedings of the assembly for a week past, and of the expectations of future business. Having been confined at home for ten days by the demands of my clients, I have not been able to collect in person the debates of the legislature. I therefore wrote to the clerk, who has given me the inclosed detail.
The form, in which the impost now appears, amounts to an annihilation of the views of congress. Being reduced to a mode of taxation solely for the benefit of Virginia, it contains no inducement to the other states to adopt it, nor, if it did, would it produce any good.
Mr. Henry left the assembly last saturday, and at the same time the field open to his adversary. He can always recover himself in interest by an exertion, but his sighs for home expose him to a daily loss of his popularity.


Title: To James Madison from Theodorick Bland, [22 June] 1783
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Madison, James

Dear Sr.
[22 June 1783]
In consequence of the determination of Congress on Saturday, I took the necessary measures, to put myself in a Situation, to fulfill their intentions as far as concerned myself & Family. I wrote to the President and to Mercer—from the former I have got no decisive answer, from the latter none at all I shall look on it as inglorious, and shamefull to quit my station whilst the majority of Congress shall maintain theirs in Philadelphia, and however imprudent, I as an Individual may deem it that Congress or the members shd trust their persons in the hands of a Mutinous army, without support, if they determine so to do, I on my part shall without hesitation share their fate. It is my wish therefore that you wd as soon as possible let me know their final determination on this point, and particularly how matters stand respecting the determination of the Exe. Council &.c. that I may either return or send for my family accordingly, it being personally perfectly indifferent to me which I do
& you’ll oblige
Theodk. Bland


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 23 June 1783
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Virga. June 23d, 1783
By yr favr of the 10th I find you have at length information that Great Britain is in motion to give the definitive treaty it’s force, as well as to settle some general rules for regulating commerce, wch I suppose to be their purpose, & all they can do, ’til your general treaty reaches Europe.
I am glad you think the new Ministry disposed to favour the Peace, as I thought Ld North as little inclined to the measure as any body, however I suppose he was obliged to make that Sacrifice of Sentiments as the price of Coalition, and in such an hetrogenious one many great ones must have been made, if indeed they have any principles beyond ambition & avarice.
I am still in the dark as to what is doing at Richmond on the subject of Finance; I hear they sit closely to hurry home to Harvest, which they will hardly effect, as We are beginning to use the Scythe. What they can adopt of sufficient permanency & not more oppressive in lieu of the impost I cant discover; especially as our efforts will be otherwise Abundantly strain’d to raise the 256 M dollars annually, required beyond the produce of the impost.
I find that Maryland has adopted the measure—some of the Instructions in the Massachusetts, rather appear in opposition. If the measure should be finally agreed to, ’tis pity it could not have operated upon the large importations made & making.
I am Dr Sr Yr Affe &c
Edmd Pendleton


Title: Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 24 June 1783
From: Virginia Delegates
To: Harrison, Benjamin

Editorial Note
This letter is probably the latest in date of the letters to Governor Harrison signed by JM as a delegate in Congress, prior to the expiration of his term on 2 November 1783. For at least a partial explanation of the omission of his signature from the nine remaining letters in this series, see JM to Randolph, 8 July, n. 2; 15 July, and n. 7; JM to Jefferson, 17 July 1783, and n. 10. Assuming as in similar instances that JM authorized the other Virginia delegates to write in his behalf as well as their own, and having much evidence that they kept him informed of their views and their actions at Princeton, the editors will include the nine letters in the present volume. See Papers of MadisonWilliam T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al., eds., The Papers of James
          Madison (7 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——)., IV, 53; 412; VI, 39; 333; 446; 463; 501.

Sir
Phila. June 24. 1783
In our last to yr Excellen[c]y we convey’d information that a mutiny amongst the troops in Philadelphia had happily subsided. the event has proved that appearances were fallatious. On Friday we received thro the executive of this state transmitted by the commanding officer at Lancaster that part of the troops there had set out for this place headed by their sergeants. Congress immediately appointed a committe[e] to confer with the execut[i]ve council & concert measures for preventing a junction. The committe[e] reported from the executive that they were indisposed to call on the militia as they were dou[b]tful whether a call would be obeyed. The troops arrived[,] formed a junction when their officers were obliged to retire. On Saturday the state house whilst Congress were sitting was surrounded by a mutinous and menacing force to the amount of three hundred while detachments took possession of the arsenal and magazine. They sent in a written demand to to be allowed to appoint officers to redress their grievances requiring a favorable answer in twenty minutes or they would let in enraged soldiery. This altho’ directed to the executive council was certainly meant ultimately for Congress to whom a memorial had been previously presented signed by by sergeants of so insolent a nature as to forbid any answer. In this situation Congress thought it most becoming their character to take no public notice of the insult but to forbear any official act whatever. By the exertions of General Sinclair and of individual members of Congress they were gradually dive[r]ted from their purpose, altho’ inflamed by misrepresentation & intoxicated with liquor furnished by the rabble present. This scene continued about twelve to three oclock when Congress retired thro the soldiers who themselves shortly after retired to their barrac[k]s.
At six oclock Congress reassembled and resolved that the comittee should again wait on the executives & demand a categorical answer whether they would make exertions to support government & to inform that unless satisfactory measures shou[l]d be taken to restore the authority to government (of which the committe[e] and president were to be judges in the reces[s] of Congress) that then business should be summoned to meet at Princetown or or Trentown in New Jersey. Of these steps General Washington was informed and directed to detach a select force for the purpose of quelling the mutiny. The committe[e] found the executive wholly indecisive & at their request, gave ’em a day to deliberate at the end of which they remained, either incapable or indisposed to exert the necessary force. In this state things now remain the temper and views of mutinears are not yet ascertained as little are known [of] the root or extent of the evil
J. Madison  J F Mercer


Title: Instruction to Virginia Delegates in re Demobilization of Troops, 26–27 June 1783
From: House of Delegates
To: Virginia Delegates

In the House of Delegates
thursday the 26th. of June 1783
Whereas a body of troops of this States line in the continental service has lately arrived in the town of Richmond from the southward under the command of Captain Parker and other troops of the same line are daily expected to arrive in this State from the South and as no provision that is known to the Legislature hath been made for advancing three months pay to the said troops previous to their being furloughed as hath in like cases been done to the other troops in the service of the United States and the General Assembly considering that it would be very unjust and ungenerous to send those brave troops home after their long dangerous and meritorious services without that reasonable advance of pay which has been extended to all others of the continental troops at the time of furlough have directed a Sum equal to three months pay to be advanced the said troops out of the treasury of this State.
Resolved that it be an instruction to the Delegates of this Commonwealth in Congress to inform that Honorable body of this proceeding and its cause and to move Congress that the Sum so advanced be permitted to be deducted from the next payment to be made by the treasury of this State to the continental receiver here and that this Resolve be transmitted to the Delegates in Congress by the Governor.

1783 June 27th.
Teste
Agreed to by the Senate
Jno Beckley C.h.d.
Will Drew. C.S.


Title: Instruction to Virginia Delegates in re Ship “Cormorant,” 26–27 June 1783
From: House of Delegates
To: Virginia Delegates

Editorial Note
Unsigned by John Beckley, clerk of the House of Delegates, or by William Drew, clerk of the Senate, this instruction varies in form from that of the instructions usually sent by the Virginia General Assembly to its delegates in Congress. On the FC of the entire document in the Virginia State Library the signatures of both clerks appear, that of Drew beneath his penned notation, “1783 June 27th./ Agreed to by the Senate.” Omitted from the copy below was a directive to the “Commissioners superintending the defence of Chesapeake Bay,” not involving business with Congress (JHDV(1828 ed.). Journal of the House of
          Delegates of Virginia, Anno Domini, 1776 (Richmond, 1828)., May 1783, pp. 86, 90). Governor Harrison probably enclosed the present instruction in his letter of 4 July 1783 to the Virginia delegates (q.v.).

In the house of Delegates the 26th. June 1783.
Resolved that the Commissioners superintending the defence of Cheasepeake Bay be directed to sell all the armed vessels belonging to the public except the boats Liberty & Patriot in such manner as they shall think most advantagious first making an offer of the ship Cormorant to Congress


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 28 June 1783
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dear Sr.
Richmond. 28th. June 1783.
I have your favours by the Post and by the Secretary of War. The day before yesterday the bill for granting a revenue to Congress upon the 3d. reading was ordered to lay on the Table [.] Tas—ll then moved for leave to bring in another under a different Title which was agreed to and yesterday it was presented and on the first reading postponed to the next Session of Assembly. The first bill was imperfectly drawn and had undergone such alterations as to be thot. unfit to be enacted into a law. it granted the 5 P Ct. impost and the duty on enumerated articles not as a general fund but to be carryed to the credit of the State and to be in force if Maryland Pensa. & N. Carolina adopted the impost. it granted the land Tax and if any deficiency the poll Tax to furnish the quota of this State if the 1.500.000 doll. the first to be collected by the naval officers the latter by the Sheriffs, the whole appropriated to Congress on account of this States quota of the common debt. The latter bill was drawn to grant the import duty as a general fund the collection under the controul of the Executive but to be paid to the Continental receiver for the use of Congress. the reason of this bill being brot. before the House in that form was the apparent change in many members after discussing the first bill to fall in with the proposition of Congress except as to the mode [of] collecting. this conciliatory disposition was much improved by the arrival of a letter from Genl. Washington on the subject which the Speaker recd. just before the question was about to be taken on the first bill and being read in consequence of the consent of the House to hear the letter before the question was taken had a good effect. but two days alone remaining of the time allotted by the members for finishing the business and the fixed determination to break up at that day (Saturday) suspended all hope of accomplishing any thing effectual this Session. I think if the Members could have been prevailed on to continue a week longer the business wod. have been finished nearly to the wish of Congress. this Session has passed over withot. doing any thing of consequence. Yesterday I suggested to the House an Idea with respect to the cession—to instruct the Delegates to recede from the Guarantee provided Congress wod. agree to the other conditions & limit the time (sometime in Nov. next) when they shod. accept or the c[e]ssion stand revoked. It will be vain to attempt relaxing the clause respecting the Companies. the other parts of the report of the last Com: appear to be agreeable here. The Secretary of War yesterday through the Executive laid before the House a request to be empowered to procure for the U. States abt. ten Acres of land for the purpose of establ[ish]ing a magazine. a bill is ordd. in for the purpose. Resolutions are to be presented to day for furnishing Congress a place of residence—Wmsburg. the public buildings and lands or a tract of territory opposite George Town as may be most agreeable, with a large Sum to erect Hotels for the Delegates, and other necessary buildings will be offered in full Sovereignty. liberal as the offer of Maryland has been our people seem disposed not to be backward in surpassing that liberality where they think a lasting benefit may result to the Community. I wish they could have seen the plan of Congress (as to revenue) in the same light and have acted with equal policy and liberality of sentiment [.] this day closes the Session. I intend to Mr. Randolphs this evening in my way home where I have not yet been. the heat of the weather and this infernal hole at this Season of the year has almost laid me up. Although Virga. may not grant the funds for discharging their quota of the common debt in the manner desired by Congress they are I think determined to furnish ample revenues for the purpose. Mr. Laurens gives us no hope of speedily obtaining the definitive Treaty. Nothing has been done in the Citizen bill, it lyes over, and a severe law agt. British subjects coming into this Country, remains in force [.] The Executive may by a proper use of this law until the next Session keep out such as ought not to com[e] among us. After geting home you shall be informed w[hen] I shall see you in Philadelphia. Joe is yet afflicted wi[th] the Spleen and ought to go to the Springs or up the Country. If John Dawson will accompany Mrs. Jones and Joe up the Country I do not know but I may visit f[or] two or three months the City of Phila: during the sickly season.

yr. aff Friend
Jos: Jones


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 28 June 1783
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Madison, James

My dear friend
Pettus’s June 28. 1783.
The last post brought, as usual, your esteemed favor.
The friends to the impost, as recommended by congress, finding, that the adoption of that measure in the form of the bill, then depending before the delegates would fix it in a manner averse to continental views, did on thursday last assent to the postponing of it until the next session. It seems now to be the current opinion, that at the next session it will be carried. For my part I perceive no good ground for such an expectation. The opposition is deeprooted in the hearts of the most persevering & most eloquent.
The arrival of Gen: Washington’s circular letter excited this hope in the minds of the sanguine: but its effect is momentary, and perhaps it will hereafter be accepted by the assembly with disgust. For the murmur is free and general against what is called the unsolicited intrusion of his advice.
General Lincoln reached Richmond yesterday morning. It was at first believed by those, to whom he was unknown, that he was an ambassador from congress, with a full catalogue in his mouth of the necessities & complaints of the army.
You will readily conceive, how little suited to my feelings a mission is, which I fear will not redound much to the credit of our country nor myself. Nathan’s accounts have been the topic of much vehemence in the assembly: and the issue is, that the decision of Reed & Bradf[ord] is annulled and other arbitrators are to be app[oin]ted in Maryland. Before these I am to appear to prop the reputation of Virginia for good faith and to submit to hear just & copious reproaches thrown upon her. The resolution, making this arrangement, assigns as a reason for reversing the award of those gentlemen; that no evidence was before them. It binds Nathan to enter into a bond of £15,000, but leaves the state at liberty to ratify [o]r not what may be the result of their deliberat[ions.] If we should not succeed in Maryland, it is possible that I may be honored with a trip to North Carolina; and so on until I visit you in a journey to the states eastward of Phila.
Mr. Jefferson was placed at the head of the delegation, not without his approbation, as I have been informed.


Title: Instructions to Virginia Delegates in re Permanent Site for Congress, 28 June 1783
From: House of Delegates
To: Virginia Delegates

Virginia
In the House of Delegates
Saturday June 28th 1783
Whereas the Legislature of Virginia are fully convinced of the advantages that would result to the United States by having some fixed place of residence for Congress
Resolved therefore unanimously that if the Honorable the Congress should esteem the city of Williamsburg in this State to be a fit Place for their session this Assembly will present them on their Removal thereto and during their continuance therein with the Palace the Capitol and all the public buildings and three hundred Acres of land adjoining the said city together with a Sum of money not exceeding one hundred thousand pounds this States Currency to be paid at five annual Installments and to be expended in erecting thirteen Hotels for the Use of the Delegates in Congress.
This Assembly will also cede to Congress during their residence therein a district of Territory contiguous to the said City not exceeding five miles square with such exempt Jurisdiction within the said Limits as the inhabitants residing therein shall consent to yield to Congress to obtain which the Governor with Advice of Council is directed to make application to the said Citizens and when obtained to notify to the Delegates of this State such assent
Resolved unanimously that if the Honorable the Congress should think it more convenient to hold their Sessions at any place on the River Potowmack within this Commonwealth this Assembly will on the above terms cede the like district of Territory at the Place Congress shall so choose and will also appropriate a sum not exceeding one hundred thousand pounds to be paid in five annual installments for the purpose of erecting the said Hotels and will moreover purchase one hundred Acres of Land for the Purpose of erecting such public Buildings as Congress may direct thereon
Resolved unanimously that if the Legislature of Maryland are willing to join in a Cession of territory for the above purpose with this State (the said territory to be on the river Potowmack) that this Assembly will cede to the Honorable the Congress the like District of Territory opposite to that ceded by the State of Maryland freely leaving it with Congress to fix their residence on either Side of the said River as they may see proper: but that if Congress shall reside on the North Side of the said River that then this Assembly will contribute forty thousand Pounds for the aforesaid Purposes in full confidence that the State of Maryland will supply the Deficiency Provided that should Congress thereafter remove from the City of Williamsburg or from the Lands beforementioned that in such Case the lands so ceded with the Buildings shall revert to the Commonwealth

1783 June 28th

Teste

Agreed to by the Senate

John Beckley CHD
Will Drew CS

A Copy

Teste

John Beckley CHD


Title: To James Madison from Alexander Hamilton, 29 June 1783—Note on Letter
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Madison, James

Editorial Note
29 June 1783. Several circumstances appear to warrant the belief that Hamilton did not post this letter: (1) the RC is not among the Madison Papers in the Library of Congress; (2) in his letter of 6 July to Madison on the same subject (q.v.), Hamilton omitted mention of this earlier letter but used some of the same phrases appearing in it; (3) JM probably reached Princeton from Philadelphia during the morning of Tuesday, 1 July, thereby enabling Hamilton to communicate the substance of the letter in a conversation (JM to Randolph, 30 June 1783); (4) since the postrider did not travel on Sunday, he could not have picked up the letter in Princeton before 30 June, thus too late for JM to receive it prior to his departure from Philadelphia; and (5) JM’s letter of response, dated 16 October 1783 (q.v.) is specifically to Hamilton’s “favor of the 6th. of July.”
Hamilton’s letter of 6 July, written in Philadelphia, is less detailed than that of 29 June on the matter at issue. This fact may signify, of course, either that Hamilton knew of the receipt by JM of the earlier letter or, what seems more plausible, that they had talked about the subject when they were together in Princeton on 2 July (JCCWorthington Chauncey Ford et al.,
        eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34
        vols.; Washington, 1904–37)., XXIV, 411–25, and esp. 422). For two quotations which together comprise most of Hamilton’s draft, see Hamilton to JM, 6 July 1783, nn. 5, 6. See also Syrett and Cooke, Papers of HamiltonHarold C. Syrett and Jacob E. Cooke, eds., The Papers of Alexander Hamilton (15 vols. to date; New York, 1961——)., III, 409, n. 1; Burnett, LettersEdmund C. Burnett, ed., Letters of Members
          of the Continental Congress (8 vols.; Washington, 1921–36)., II, 204, and n. 1.


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 30 June 1783
From: Madison, James
To: Randolph, Edmund

My dear Sir
Philada. June 30. 1783.
My last informed you of the mutinous insult which was offered to Congs. on the Saturday preceding. On the Evening after the insult Congs. met and resolved that the Executive Council sd. be informed that in their opinion effectual measures ought to be immediately taken for suppressing the mutiny & supporting the public authority—that a Come. sd. confer with the Executive and in case no Satisfactory grounds sd. appear of adequate & prompt exertions for those purposes, the Presidt. sd. with the advise of the Come. be authorized to summon the members to meet at Trenton or Princeton in N.J.—that an Express be sent to Genl. Washington for a detachment of regular troops. The Conference with the Executive produced nothing but doubts concerning the disposition of the Militia to act unless some actual outrages were offered to persons or property. They even doubted whether a repetition of the insult to Congs. wd. be a sufficient provocation. Neither the exhortations of the Friends of Presidt. Dickenson nor the reproaches of his enemies could obtain an experiment on the temper of the Militia. During the attendance on the ultimate determinations of the Executive reports from the Barracks were in constant vibration. At one moment the Mutineers were penitent and preparing submissions: the next they were meditating more violent measures. Sometimes the Bank was their object; at other times the seizure of the members of Congress, with whom they imagined an indemnity for their offence might be purchased. On Teusday about two OClock, the efforts of the Govt. being despaired of, and the reports from the Barracks being unfavorable, the Committee advised the President to summon the members to meet in N.J. which he did verbally as to the members present, leaving a general proclamation behind him for the Press. I left Princeton on friday evening when six States only had met. Rhode Islad. made a seventh on Saturday. to day I suppose they will be on business. I shall set out this afternoon, on my return.
Since Congress left the City the Mutiny has been entirely extinguished; the Mutineers having submitted, and most of them accepted furloughs under the Resolution of Congress on that subject. At the time of submission they betrayed their leaders, the chief of whom prove to be a Mr. Carbery a deranged officer, and a Mr. Sullivan a Lieutenant of Horse, both of whom made their escape. Some of the most active Sergeants have also run [?] off. The precise object & plan of the Conspiracy are unascertained.
When I left Princeton no answer had been recd. from Genl. Washington.
The removal of Congs. under the circumstances which gave birth to it, is a subject of much conversation and criticism. Many of Those who condemn it are but partially acquainted with facts. Many of Those who justify it, seem to have their eye remotely on the disgrace of the Executive Councils of the State.
Tell Mr. Ambler that I do not forget him at present, but that being on the point of s[etting out for?] Princeton, I am under the necessity of referring in [this to his?] letter or failing to reach the stage I aim at this evening[.]


Title: Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 4 July 1783
From: Harrison, Benjamin
To:

Gentlemen
Richmond July 4th. 1783.
Your favor of the 24th. of last Month came safe to hand. I give Congress great Praise for their steadiness on the late trying Occasion, and only wish they had turn’d their Attention to the South rather than the North as it may have some effect on the determination to be had in October next. The enclosed resolution of our Assembly will discover their wishes for the removal of Congress to this State or Maryland, their offers are liberal, and I should think if consider’d impartially the latter would be accepted, as it will certainly be more central on either side of Potowmack than at any of the other Places proposed. I shall write to-day to the Mayor of Williamsburg to know what Jurisdiction the Inhabitants of that City are willing to give to Congress and shall transmit the Answer to you as soon as it comes to hand.
I have the Mortification to enclose you an Act in which you will find a Clause requesting Congress to furnish a guard for our Prison and Military Stores. I shall make no Comment on the request, but leave you to your own reflections, and to take such steps as you may think consistent with the Honor of the State. You have also a Copy of a Memorial from the Officers of the Virginia line to the Assembly and their resolutions founded on it which you’l please to lay before Congress, and obtain their determination against the meeting of the Assembly in October next. It has ever appeared to me unaccountable that this Business has been so protracted if Congress mean to wrest the Land from us by force why do they not tell us so at once. It behoves them now I think to be explicit, as I do not think the Assembly will be triffled with much longer. Our Officers and Soldiers have a just claim on us for Lands, and it seems to be the general wish that they should be gratified with such as they like, and I am convinced the Assembly will grant their request if Congress do not accept of the Cession offer’d them before their next meeting.
The Assembly have directed two armed Boats to be put into Commission to enforce the Payment of Duties laid on our imports and to keep the Trade in some little Order, if you should be of Opinion that the consent of Congress is necessary before they are sent on Duty you’l please to take the proper steps for obtaining it. The resolution of Congress of the 19th. of last Month did not come in Time for the last Assembly. I will take Care to lay it before the next.
I have the Honor to be Yrs. &c.
B. H.


Title: Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 5 [July] 1783
From: Virginia Delegates
To: Harrison, Benjamin

Sr:
Princeton June [July] 5th 1783
Your Excellency’s favor with its enclosures reachd us at this place, where, you will have learnt from the Public Prints, Congress thought it both prudent and proper to adjourn on the 26th of June. The Causes which induced them to take that resolution your Excellency will find fully Explaind in the report of their Committe herewith enclosed. We have little doubt but that the step will meet with the General approbation of our Constituents, when it is considered what pernicious Instruments Congress might have been made in the hands of a Lawless band of Armd Desperado’s, and what fatal consequences might have ensued to the Union in General, had they remaind impotent and Passive Spectators of the most outrageous Insult to the Government, and to the Authority which is vested in them by the Federal Compact. On the part of Congress the most vigorous, and Immediate Exertions were made to preserve their Dignity and restore the Mutineers to that obedience due to Law and Government. A detachment was Immediately ordered from the Army to Suppress the Mutiny and restore order which passed by this place two days ago for Pennsylvania under the Command of Majr. Genl. Howe. we have Since heard that the Mutineers have returnd to their obedience but that most of the Ring leaders (among whom we are told were unhappily Six Commissd officers) have fled. the Names of the Officers who have fled are Sullivan and Carberry. those who remaind are Christie, Steel and two others, all of which accepted Commissions from a board of Sergeants, to compell a compliance of Govermt. with their demands at the risque of their lives.
We have laid before Congress the Several Resolutions enclosed in Yr. Excellencys letter and also the application of Mr. Cooper the Pilot, and shall in due time inform you of the Steps which Congress may take thereon. we are with the most perfect respect
Yr. Excelly’s most obedt. Serts
Theok: Bland


Title: To James Madison from Alexander Hamilton, 6 July 1783
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Madison, James

6 July 1783
On my arrival in this city I am more convinced than I was before of the necessity of giving a just state of facts to the public. The current runs strongly against Congress and in a great measure for want of information. When facts are explained they make an impression and incline to conclusions more favourable to us—I have no copy of the reports in my possession, which puts it out of my power to publish them: Will you procure and send me one without loss of time? Without appearing I intend to give them to the public with some additional explanations. This done with moderation will no doubt have a good effect.
The prevailing idea is that the actors in the removal of Congress* were influenced by the desire of getting them out of the city, and the generality of the remainder by timidity—some say passion; few give a more favourable interpretation.
I will thank you in your letter to me to answer the following question.
What appeared to be my ideas and disposition respecting the removal of Congress—did I appear to wish to hasten it, or did I not rather show a strong disposition to procrastinate it?
I will be obliged to you in answering this question to do it fully. I do not intend to make any public use of it, but through my friends to vindicate myself, from the insinuation I have mentioned, and withal to confute the supposition that the motive assigned did actuate the members on whom it fell to be more particularly active.


Title: Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 12 July 1783
From: Harrison, Benjamin
To: Virginia Delegates

Gentlemen
In Council July 12th. 1783.
I had not the pleasure of your usual favor by the last post the reason of which I expect was explain’d by a proclamation of your President for the removal of Congress to Prince Town, a step that has given general Satisfaction here, indeed I think nothing could justify your staying so long after the various insults you have received but the Advantages derived from the Bank during the war. In my last I forwarded to you the invitation of our Assembly to this State and then promised to send by this Post the Determination of those who are to be affected if Williamsburg should be the Place fixed on respecting the Jurisdiction they were willing to give to Congress, I now fulfil my Promise as far as it rested with me, tho’ you will collect nothing from it, but that we are still jealous of our Liberty and are unwilling to give up any part of it even to Congress, however when your desires on the Subject are made known which I wish to be as speedily as possible I doubt not but they will by their Moderation remove the Apprehensions the Inhabitants of the District may be under of a loss of any part of their Liberty, and perhaps quiet some of the grave ones, on the score of the Luxury your Attendants will probably introduce. You have also two Depositions proving the illbehavior of a French Officer who was prize Master to the Brig Lord Cornwallis taken by the rode Island fleet and sent here, respecting some Cannon and Military Stores carried off by him, if you think they or their value can be recovered you’l please to take the necessary steps for doing it, but if it will be attended with Trouble or give uneasiness I by no means press it on you, it being of too trifling a Nature to bring on any serious Altercation.
A report prevails here said to come from Philadelphia that our worthy General is become so unpopular in his Army that no Officer will dine with him, the report is so improbable that I give no Credit to it yet I am anxious to hear from you on the Subject, and also to know in what state the definitive Treaty is, and what now obstructs the signing of it.
I am with respect Gent. Yrs &c.
B. H.


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 12 July 1783
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Madison, James

My dear friend
Richmond July 12. 1783
Your flight to Princeton has, I presume, been the cause of the post of thursday bringing no letter from you.
The proclamation, issued by the executive last week, has occasioned much uneasiness in the minds of those, whose british friends are affected by it. Indeed it wants precision to so great a degree, as to subject it to the justest and severest criticism. After a description of the persons, who are to be expelled, it prohibits the return as well of those, as of all others coming within the like description. It does no more, than to prohibit the return and direct the departure of those persons, and yet commands all officers civil and military to obey it. In what?—It also forbids the return of traitors. Can any act prevent a traiterous citizen from risquing his head upon a trial? It is true, that the penalties of the law are not yet removed from the return of these people: but the proclamation carries the disagreeable idea, that the executive have adopted the spirit of the resolutions of the committees to the northward, who act, as if the treaty were within their power of repeal.
By the next post, I probably shall be able to inclose to you a copy of Colo. Meriwether Smith’s pamphlet on british debts. It is now in the press.
It is whispered, that C——ss repent of their abandonment of Phila. I cannot believe, that passion would have dictated the measure, and therefore I presume, that the intelligence of your contrition has passed thro’ the impure channel of some interested pen.
Adieu


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 14 July 1783
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dr. Sir.
Fredericksburg 14th: July 1783.
Your favor of the 30th. ult. I have duly recd. giving the history of the proceedings that brought about the removal of Congress to Princeton. that two of the members of the Comtee: were disposed to advise the Predsident to the Measure which his inclination encouraged them to adopt I have no doubt, but why so important a step shod. rest with the Com: and the president I am at a loss to comprehend unless Congress were so intimidated by the conduct of the soldiery as to fear mischievous consequences from their coming together, and so left the business to the Com: & President. Mr. H——’s excuse for concuring in the measure is by no means satisfactory. to be indifferent in a matter of such consequence or to yield oneself up to the guidance of others is a conduct in my judgment reprehensible and has precipitated that Body into a situation I apprehend not very agreeable as well as exposed them to censure and ridicule. altho’ judging by the event is not a fair conclusion, it is but too commonly the case and on the present occasion will give force to the censures of those who wish to divert them from the Executive of the State, who from the report of the Com: were justly blameable for declining to give those assurances of support which the circumstances of the case and the dignity of Government required. I wish Congress had shewn more firmness in their conduct with respect to the Soldiery, especially as no just cause of personal danger presented itself and had remained in Philadelphia, notwithstanding the refusal of support by the Executive, and have afterwards taken up the matter of indignity and disrespect on the part of the State with temper and coolness, and have made that the ground of serio[us] removal to one of the places tendered them by the other States. the public opinion wod. have gone with them more generally than as the affair has been conducted. they are now thought to have been too timid, at the same time that the Executive are blamed for their remissness. To return to Phila is I suppose now out of the question. princeton I presume cannot long serve the purpose. where then will you fix? pray inform me what is likely to be done in the matter & how you are accommodated in Princeton. If I visit you can a tolera[ble] birth be procured. The sickly Season is approaching and if I move at all it will be in abt. a fortnight or three weeks especially if Mr. Treasurer can furnish the needfull. Mr. L. we hear is to be Minister for foreign affairs. Heaven smiles upon us this year, as the Crops are in general very promising. Mrs. Jones begs her Compliments.
Yr. Friend & Servt.
Jos: Jones.


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 14 July 1783
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

1783, July 14Virginia
The offence of the soldier to Congress. The neglect of the Executive of Pennsylvania. The flight of Congress. Speculation in Continental Money. Mr. Pendleton’s views of the public liability for the paper money issues. The crops.


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 15 July 1783
From: Madison, James
To: Randolph, Edmund

My Dear Sir
Philada. July 15. 1783.
Yesterdays post brought me no letter from you. The Contents of the inclosed paper make up every thing of consequence which I have for a subject at present. The enquiry into the Mutiny has not advanced far enough to bring forth any discoveries. An address is circulating & will be generally signed by the Citizens here reciting to Congress the proofs they have heretofore given of attachmt. to the fœderal govt. professing a continuance of that attachmt. and declaring their readiness to support the dignity & privileges of Congs. in case the conveniency of this place for transacting the public affairs sd. give it a preference to others untill a final residence shall be fixed.
Mr. Lee arrived here the day before yesterday and goes to Princeton today. Mr. Mercer’s indisposition, carries him to the Sea board of N. Jersey. My absence not producing any chasm in the Representation and some private business requiring my stay here, I shall not return to Princeton for 7 or 8 days.


Title: From James Madison to John Francis Mercer, 16 July 1783
From: Madison, James
To: Mercer, John Francis

Dr Sir
Philada. July 16 1783
The lucky arrival of our brother Lee who is gone on to Princeton has relieved me from the necessity of obeying your summons by Mr. Hawkins. You will not therefore expect any Congressional news by this conveyance.
A letter by the post from Mr. Ambler repeats his request that warrants in form may be sent by all the Delegates for the amount of their respective shares of his remittances. He adds that two bills one for £500, the other for upwards of £600 Va. Curry. have unexpectedly come into the Treasy. & that the Delegates may have the benefit of the good fortune by authorizing their friends in Va. to take out warrants for such propertions of one or both as they may settle among themselves. This is the best and indeed the only news contained in my letters.
The Ct. Martial being not yet opened for enquir[i]ng into the Mutiny, I can say nothing on that head. The Address from the Philadns. to Congress is likely to meet with a very general subscription. They seem to calculate with much assurance on its efficacy. I send you all the Newspaper[s] of this morning. Those from Va. contain nothing that requires that they sd. be superadded. Wishing you a speedy redemption from the Muskettoes of Black point and refitment for your political functions, I bid you for the present adieu.
Done in bed in my Chamber in the Hotel at the Corner of Market & 5 Streets in the City of Philada. at 1/2 after 6 oClock, on the 16 of July annoque Dom: 1783.
J. Madison Jr.


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 18 July 1783
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Madison, James

My Dear friend
Richmond July 18. 1783.
I have received by the last mail your two favors of June 30. & July 8. They satisfy me of what was before problematical, the propriety of the removal of congress to Princeton. But with what decency can you retreat from thence without concessions, worthy the acceptance of sovereignty, and, on the other hand, how much have the southern states to fear from the convenience of Osopus, when the permanent seat of congress shall be the subject of discussion?
Betsey and myself fear the effect of your removal to Princeton on the finances of Mrs. H——se.
The assembly no sooner leave us than we sink into a dull, tho’ eager people after money. Were it not for the breeze, which the late proclamation of the governor has stirred, we should have nothing to agitate us. It draws forth every hour men, who seemed to have fixed themselves in all the rights of citizenship, to supplicate a little time, until they can arrange their domestic affairs. Among these is a Doctor Turpin, the possessor of the most valuable lots for the purposes of government within the city. He is a native, was taken at York with a medical commission, as I am told, in his pocket, and has been suffered to remain here without interruption ever since; And yet the act determining, who shall be citizens, does not, I believe, exclude him from obtaining a domicil here.
However, there may be some reason to favor both him and many other natives, which the law does not allow. He was sent abroad for his education, during his infancy. He was there surprized by the war, while the purposes of his errand were incomplete. He made several attempts to reach his country, but was so often baffled as to be obliged to enter into the british service, as a surgeon, for subsistence. A departure from hence with the single view of assuming arms against his country would be malignant indeed. But much toleration is due to those, who merely to avoid famine; to the danger of which they have been subjected by the prosecution of their studies, and to gain a fair opportunity of coming to his native country, have submitted to enter into the british service.
The governor has been dangerously ill: and his disorder tho’ somewhat soothed for the present, is probably firmly fixed. The symptoms indicate it to be a stone in the gall bladder.
The assembly have directed a revision and collection into one code of all the laws since the revolution. A step absolutely necessary, as scarcely one magistrate understands what the law is, so far as the knowledge of the law is to be found in them.


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 21 July 1783
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dr. Sir.
Spring Hill. 21. July 1783
I find mine to you of the last week was not in Town in time for the Mail which it seems is now made up at ten o’Clock in the forenoon and is rather inconvenient for those of the Country near the Town as they cannot receive and answer letters the same week unless in Town. my letter will I presume go forward this week. I did suppose Congress wod. not again return to the City and shod. be sorry to hear they had done so unless invited or some step taken by the Executive to atone for the slight put on that Body. had I been present I shod. have opposed the removal at the time but having done so and the cause assigned I shod. not consent to return untill some concession or act of contrition on the part of the offenders authorised the measure the act of the Executive must be deemed the act of the state untill disclaimed or censured by the supreme authority and it is not probable this will be the consequence considering the composition of the present Assembly unless this conduct of Mr. D. shod. lessen the attachment of some of his adherents.
I know not yet whether I shall visit congress if I do I shall depart hence the begining of next month. I shall feel the inconvenience of the removal in the want of su[ch] good accommodations as I hoped and expected to get at my friend Mrs. House’s where if Congress have retd. or shall return I depend upon quarters of which the next post shall convey notice. The proclamation of ou[r] Executive has I am told given offence to the B. party and threats have been thrown out of calling for the council Books next Session with a view to censure the advisers of the measure. I am no prophet, but will venture to foret[ell] the person who attempts it will fail in his project and meet rather the censure than applause of the people. If the definitive treaty arrives before the meeting in the fall, I except we shall then have a long and warm Session. My Compliments to the Gents. of the Delegation
Yr aff Friend
Jos: Jones.


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 21 July 1783
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

Editorial Note
About 1850 the present letter was calendared, probably by a clerk of Peter Force, as follows:

“1783, July 21Virginia
To James Madison
“More about the Soldier offence. Williamsburg the most convenient place for Congress to meet, excepting New York. The temper of an Eastern legislature. Treaty with Sweden. The Definitive treaty. 1 page folio” (LC: Madison Miscellany).

If this is a complete listing of the matters discussed, Henkels omitted from his excerpt whatever Pendleton had written about the last two topics mentioned in the calendar. See Pendleton to JM, 30 June 1783, ed. n. For the “Treaty with Sweden,” see Papers of MadisonWilliam T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al., eds., The Papers of James
          Madison (7 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——)., VI, 335; 338, n. 21; Report on Treaty with Sweden, 24 July, and nn. 1, 4, 6; for “The Definitive treaty,” Pendleton to JM, 4 May, and n. 6; 16 June 1783.

Virginia, July 21, 1783
… With your last fav’r of the 8th came the missing one of June 24th containing the account of the behaviour of the Soldiers in their insult to Congress. I wish the conspiracy may be traced to its real source, and the motives truly investigated, when I still think it will not terminate in Public good, or the redress of real injury in the Army; The citizens I suppose cannot be well pleased either with the company of their military Visitants, or reflections upon their own conduct which made such a Visit necessary, and fix’d a stigma on their public character, as wanting either inclination or courage to support the members of the great National Council, holding Session in their Metropolis, perhaps the people might want neither, and the fault was in their rulers in not calling forth their exertions, be this as it may, they do not reason badly who Counsel a return to Philad’a either to prevent unfavourable impressions abroad, or that the great question of fixing the Permanent residence of Congress may not be embarrassed, or influenced by temporary convenience. In your state of that question, you take no notice of poor old Williamsburg, and yet I am of opinion that except the City of New York, it is the most convenient place Congress can Assemble at.… The temper of an Easter[n] Legislature is really astonishing & alarming, will they censure their Delegates for acceding to a confederation, which their Assembly formerly approved of & directed the assent of the State to be given to, or are they tired of the Union, the moment of its having accomplished their purpose? Did they suffer the Vote for half pay to pass unobjected to, & to operate as a Stimulus to men to continue in an Army under all the discouraging circumstances of want of pay & want of necessaries, until they have performed their severe part of the compact with compleat success to us, and will they protest against that vote? Well says the Psalmist
“When once the firm assurance fails
which public faith imparts
tis time for innocence to flie
from such deceitful Arts”


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 21 July 1783
From: Madison, James
To: Randolph, Edmund

My dear Sir
Philada. July 21. 1783.
This will serve merely to prevent a chasm in my correspondence, having nothing whatever of consequence to make a subject of it. We hear nothing from our Ministers abroad. The Court Martial on the parties to the late Mutiny have come to no decisions as yet. The Address from this City to Congress is I believe gone up pretty generally signed. My next will probably communicate the result of it. Among other conciliating steps they have by voluntary subscriptions given a very splendid & cordial entertainment to the officers of the detachment under Genl. Howe. The Legislature of Massachusetts have in their election for the ensuing year left out all their Delegates now in Congs. as a penalty for their concurrence in the provision lately adopted relative to half pay. Yr. favr. by the post is this moment handed to me. I am on the point of setting off for Princeton to replace Col. Bland whose business keeps him here for a few days. farewell.
J.M.


Title: Report on Treaty with Sweden, [24 July] 1783
From: Madison, James
To:

[24 July 1783]
The Come. consisting of Mr Madison, Mr Higgin[son] [Mr Hamilton] to whom was referred the letter from Docr. Franklin of the 15 day of April with an authenticated copy of the Treaty concluded with Sweeden, submit the following forms of a ratification & proclamation of the same:

Ratification
The U.S. of America in Congs. assd. to all who shall see these presents, Greeting
Whereas by our Commission dated at Philada. on the  day of  B. Franklin Minister Plenipo: &c. was invested with full powers on the part of the U.S. of A. to concert & conclude with a person or persons equally empowered on the part of his Majesty the King of Sweeden a treaty of Amity & Commerce, having for its basis the most perfect equality & for its object the mutual advantage of the parties; we promising, in good faith to ratify whatever sd. be transacted by virtue of the sd. Commission: And Whereas our said Minister, in pursuance of his full powers did at  on the  day of  with  Minister Plenipo: named for that purpose on the part of His sd. Majesty the K. of Sweeden, conclude & sign a Treaty of Amity & Commerce in the words following; to wit
[Here insert the Treaty in French]
Now Be it known that we the sd. U.S. of A. in Congs. Assd. have accepted & approved, and do by these presents ratify & confirm the sd. Treaty; and every article & clause thereof: and we do authorise and direct our Minister Plenipo: aforesd. to deliver this our act of ratification, in [exc]hange for the ratification of the said Treaty by His Majesty the K. of Sweeden. In Testimony Whereof, we have &c.

Proclamation
By the U.S. in Congs. assd. &c.
Whereas in pursuance of a Plenipotentiary Commission, given on the 28 day of September 1782 to B.F. &c. a Treaty of Amity & Commerce between his Majesty the K. of S. and the U.S. of A. was on the third day of April 1783 concluded by the sd. B.F. with a Minister Plenipo: named for that purpose by the sd. King: and Whereas the sd. Treaty hath been duly approved & ratified by the U.S. in Congss Assd. and a translation thereof made in the words following to wit
[Here Insert the Translation]
Now therefore to the end that the sd. Treaty may with all good faith be performed & observed on the part of these sd. states, all the Citizens & inhabitants thereo[f] and more especially all officers & others in the service of the U.S. are hereby enjoined & reqd. to govern themselves strictly in all things according to the stipulations above recited.
Done in Congs. &c.


Title: Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, [26] July 1783
From: Virginia Delegates
To: Harrison, Benjamin

Sir,
Princeton July [26] 27th, 1783
We have before us, the two letters with which your Excellency honored us the 4th and 12th of this month. Their enclosures have been laid before Congress, and are referrd for reports.
We shall make due enquiry after Cap’n Camm; and endeavor to retreive the effects he carried off. We have the pleasure to inform your Excellency, that intelligence has been receivd of the arrival of the Definitive treaty at N. York. But Congress have receivd no Advices of it from their Ministers in Europe.
We do not know any colour of reason for the report you mention relative to our Commander in Chief. On the contrary we believe, that his popularity, like his merit, has not suffered the smallest diminution.

We have the honor to be with the greatest respect Yr. Excellencys most obedt. Servts.
Theo’k Bland Jr.Arthur Lee
P.S. Congress has this moment recevd, from Sir Guy Carleton, information, that several persons have been taken up in New York on suspicion of forging the Notes issued by the Superintendant of Finance. It appears from their examinations that this nefarious practice has been carried on to great extent in that City. His Letter dated the 23d makes no mention of the Definitive treaty.

A. L.


Title: Motion in re Armed Vessels of Virginia, [28 July] 1783
From: Lee, Arhur,Williamson, Hugh,Boudinot, Elias
To:

Editorial Note
JM’s undoubted acquaintance with the issue of Virginia’s armed vessels, as well as his approval of the action taken by his fellow delegates from Virginia, probably warrants including the motion in this volume, even though JM, after attending Congress on Saturday, 26 July, had returned to Philadelphia (JM to Randolph, 8 July, n. 2; Memorial from Merchants of Hamburg, 26 July 1783).
Arthur Lee presumably introduced the motion. The third paragraph of the motion approximates a recommendation made to Congress on the same day by Secretary at War Benjamin Lincoln in regard to the statute of the Virginia General Assembly “directing the enlistment of Guards for the public prisons and stores” (Instruction to Delegates, 20 June 1783, and nn. 2, 3; JCCWorthington Chauncey Ford et al.,
        eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34
        vols.; Washington, 1904–37)., XXIV, 455–56). The Virginia General Assembly, although it had instructed the Virginia delegates about these “Guards,” had issued no directive to them about “two Armed Vessels.” On 27 June, however, the Assembly “Resolved, That the Governor, with advice of Council, do appoint some proper person or persons, to procure men, provisions, and other necessaries, for the boats Liberty and Patriot, and to keep them manned and equipped, in such manner as to prevent running of goods subject to duties” (JHDV(1828 ed.). Journal of the House of
          Delegates of Virginia, Anno Domini, 1776 (Richmond, 1828)., May 1783, pp. 91, 93). For Governor Harrison’s suggestions, which account for the motion, see Harrison to Delegates, 4 July 1783.

[28 July 1783]
Whereas it is provided in the 6th. Art: of the Confederation, that—No Vessels of War shall be kept up, in time of Peace, by any State, except such number only, as shall be deemed necessary by the U.S. in Congress assembled for the defence of such State or its trade—and the Delegates of the State of Virginia having applyd to Congress for their approbation of two armed Vessels being kept up by the said State, at its own expence for the purpose of securing her trade
It is therefore resolved—that the State of Virginia may keep up, at its own expence, two armed vessels, for the Defence of the Trade of that State, provided that the same do not exceed the number of 14 Guns Six Pounders & 75 Men each
That the State of Virginia may keep up at its own Expence to the number of 25 Privates with proper Officers to guard the public Prisons & Stores


Title: Report on Maryland’s Payment to Troops, [28 July] 1783
From: Madison, James
To:

[28 July 1783]
The Committee to whom was referred a letter of the 20 June 1783, with the papers inclosed report
That it appears from the said papers that the Legislature of the State of Maryland at their last Session directed the intendant of their Revenues to advance five months pay to the Line of that State in the army of the U.S. without the Sanction of any act of Congs.
That in order to supply the means for this advance they at the same time revoked an act appropriating a particular tax towards discharging requisitions of Congs. and ordered the same to be applied to the discharge of the five months pay.
That the Superintendant of Finance has remonstrated in a letter to the Executive of Maryland agst. so unjustifiable a proceeding; has transmitted a copy of the Act of Congs. of the 1st day of October 1782 expressing fully their sense in the case of a similar proceeding on the part of the State of N. Jersey; and has pointed out the alarming tendency of the Act of Maryland to frustrate the later important arrangement for an advance of pay to the Army at large; and to subvert the foundations of public credit.
If Acts of Congress most essential to the common interest and grounded on authority clearly vested by the articles of Union may be defeated by the interference of individual Legislature—If actual grants and appropriations as the Quota due from a State toward the pressing burthens of the public may be revoked and the money applied and expended without the consent or even the knowledge of Congress or their ministers—Vain must be every attempt to maintain a National Character or national credit.
Congress under this apprehension passed the act of the 1st day of October 1782 in a case similar to the present; And on the principles there established no credit can be given to the State of Maryland for any advance made as aforesaid; Nor to any other State for advances which may be made by them; without the allowance of the United States in Congress.
These facts in the opinion of your committee render it the duty of Congress, as guardians of the confederation and of the equal rights of every part of the fœderal army to
Resolve that the Legislature of the State of Maryland be called upon to take into their most serious consideration the pernicious tendency of the measure complained of by the Superintendant of the Finances.
That the State of Maryland be therefore ernestly required to pay into the public Treasury the Quota so appropriated for the use of the United States by their Legislature that Congress may be enabled to do equal justice to the army and the rest of the public creditors by adhering to the Systems which they have on great considerations adopted for the common good.


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 28 July 1783
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dr. Sr.
Spring Hill 28th. July 1783.
Yours of the 7th. inst. came duly to hand. It is strange we have yet no satisfactory accounts of the definitive Treaty. the settlemt. of a British Ministry, I hoped, wod. have speedily brought that important matter to a close; but for any thing we are at present informed the time of its completion is very uncertain. has any step been taken on our part towards a treaty of Commerce. they seem to have moved cautiously in that business. surely we shall not be precipitate, who are, compared to Britain, but novices, very young actors on the Theatre of commerce.
I recollect not giving any intimations to your friends that it wod. be inconvenient for you to take part in the legislative concerns next fall. on the contrary I think I rather encouraged the notion or at least left it quite free for your choice as I hoped and still wish it may suit you to give us your assistance at that time.
I hope such of the Leaders of the late mutiny as shall appear to be guilty will merit the punishment due to their crimes. some of the officers of that line (I mean Pa.) are if we are to judge from former transactions old offenders and having before been pardoned for similar misconduct are the less entitled to favor now. it is to be regretted those princip[ally] concerned have escaped. I doubt whether it wod. be pro[per] for Congress to return to Philada. even upon an address of the Citizens unless couched in terms expressive of the disapprobation of the conduct of the Executive and willingness then as well as at all future times when properly required to turn out in support of the dignity of the fœderal government, which has, (if the report of the Com: deserves credit and we have no reason to doubt any part of it) been grossly disregarded by the Executive Authority of the State. I think at prese[nt] I shod. reluctantly return upon the proposed address and not willingly untill the legislature by some proper resolution paved the way. The Treasurer still leaves me in suspence. whetr. Tomorrows post will produce any thing that will prepare the way to my return [I] cannot now inform you. If I shod. revisit the City my hopes still are I shall see you before your departure.
Yr. aff Friend


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Pendleton, [28 July] 1783
From: Madison, James
To: Pendleton, Edmund

Editorial Note
These excerpts, except for differences in punctuation, capitalization, abbreviations, and one minor instance of phraseology, are identical with the passage on the same topic in the manuscript of JM’s letter to Edmund Randolph on the same date (q.v.). If little weight should be accorded to these differences, because Rives was accustomed to alter in the first three respects the texts of the manuscripts from which he quoted, he may have erred in mentioning Pendleton rather than Randolph as the recipient of JM’s letter. The fact that almost every letter known to have been posted by JM to Pendleton during 1783 is missing perhaps should strengthen the belief that Rives’s attribution was incorrect. The editors have found no other mention of the letter either in JM’s day or later.
Circumstantial evidence supporting the accuracy of Rives’s citation, however, appears to warrant the inclusion of these excerpts in the present volume. JM often wrote separate letters of overlapping contents to Pendleton and Randolph on the same day (Papers of MadisonWilliam T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al., eds., The Papers of James
          Madison (7 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——)., V, 101–2; 103–5; 157; 158–59; 196–97; 199–200; 209–10; 212–14). Pendleton’s letter to JM on 11 August is missing, but a calendar of its contents (q.v.), probably made by Peter Force’s clerk, indicates that it was wholly or mainly concerned with a site in Virginia for the permanent home of Congress. For that reason the letter from Pendleton seems almost surely to have been a reply to the passage in JM’s letter of 28 July 1783 to him.

[28 July 1783]
In order to prepare the way to their permanent residence, Congress have appointed a committee to define the jurisdiction proper for them to be invested with. Williamsburg has asked an explanation on this point. The nearer the subject is viewed, the less easy it is to mark the just boundary between the authority of Congress and that of the State on one side, and, on the other, between the former and the privileges of the inhabitants. May it not also be made a question whether, in constitutional strictness, the gift of any State, without the concurrence of all the rest, can authorize Congress to exercise any power not delegated by the confederation,—as Congress, it would seem, are incompetent to every act not warranted by that instrument, or some other flowing from the same source.

Williamsburg[, he says,] seems to have a very slender chance, as far as I can discover. Annapolis, I apprehend, would have a greater number of advocates. But the best chance, both for Maryland and Virginia, will be to unite in offering a double jurisdiction on the Potomac.


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 28 July 1783
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

Virginia, July 28, 1783
I expect that the citizens of Philad’a whilst they are retailing their merit to induce the return of Congress to their City, will feel some remorse for their assumed indifference about their making that the seat of the permanent Session of that body & will enter the list of bidders for the Honour & profit. They may Palliate, but they cant excuse their neglect to suppress a handful of rioters assembled to violate the Laws & to insult either their own Government or that of the State, but we have all reason to practice the divine disposition of forgiving upon repentance.

Dry season. Refugees returning with goods


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, [28 July] 1783
From: Madison, James
To: Randolph, Edmund

My dear Sir
[Philadelphia, July 28, 1783]
Yesterday’s mail brought me no letter from you. The Address from the Citizens of Pa. came before Congs. on thursday and was referred to a Comme. of 5 members. The answer will probably be a very civil one, but will leave open the question touching the return of Congs. This question if decided at all in the affirmative must be preceded by despair of some of the competitors for the permanent residence, almost all of whom now make a common cause agst. Philada. It is not improbable that when the urgency of the scanty accomodations at Princeton comes to be more fully felt, with the difficulty of selecting a final Seat, among the numerous offers, that N.Y. in case of its evacuation may be brought into rivalship with Philada. for the temporary residence of Congress. My own opinion is that it would be less eligible as removing everything connected with Congs. not only farther from the South but farther from the Center, and making a removal to a Southern position finally more difficult, than it would be from Philada. Williamsbg. seems to have a very slender chance as far as I can discover. Annapolis, I apprehend wd. have a greater no. of advocates. But the best chance both for Maryland & Virga. will be to unite in offering a double jurisdiction on the Potowmack. The only dangerous rival in that case will be a like offer from N.J. & Pa. on the Delaware; unless indeed Congs. sd. be carried into N. York befo[re] a final choice be made in which case it wd. be difficult to get them out of the State.
In order to prepare the way to their permanent residence Congs. have appd. a Come. to define the jurisdiction proper for them to be invested with. Williamsbg. has asked our ex[planation] on this point. The nearer the subject is viewed the less easy it is found to mark the just boundary between the authority of C[ongs.] & that of the State on one side & on the other between the former & the privileges of the inhabitants. May it not also be made a question whether in constitutional strictness the gift of any Sta[te] without the Concurrence of all the rest, can authorize Congs. to exercise any power not delegated by the Confederation! As Congs. it would seem they are incompetent to every act not warranted by that instrument or some other flowing from the same source. I wish you could spare a little attention to this su[bject] & transmit your ideas [on i]t. Contrary to my intention I shall be detained here several weeks yet by a disappointmt. in some circumstances which must precede my setting out for Vrg[a.]
There is considerable ground to believe that Carlton is possessed of the definitive Treaty. He has lately sent Congs. several depositions relative to forgeries of Mr. Morris’ Notes, the authors of which he has confined in N. York & has requested that persons may be sent in to attend the examination.
The Court Martial is still proceeding in the inves[tigation of] the Mutiny but have disclosed no result.


Title: Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 1 August 1783
From: Virginia Delegates
To: Harrison, Benjamin

Sir,
Princeton Augt. 1st. 1783
Congress have directed the Superintendent of Finance to make public an order he has given to the continental Receivers in the different States, to receive the Notes issued from his Office in payment of the Army, in exchange for hard money, as that shall come to hand. This order having been known to a few only, & not to the Soldiers, & other holders of those notes, it was apprehended that it woud expose them to be speculated upon, & deprivd of the fruits of their toils & sufferings at a very low rate, to their great injury. We think it our duty to give your Excellency this information, that you may make it public if you judge it adviseable.
The discovery of the Forgers of our Paper, in N. York, will it is to be hopd, arrest that nefarious practice in this quarter of the U. S. & as there appear to be many persons concernd in similar practice in Virginia, we trust that government will use every diligence to have them tracd out, & brought to punishment. It woud appear, that the information we had receivd of the arrival of the Definitive treaty at N. York, in the Mercury frigate, tho it came from Rivington who it was conceivd must know, was premature
Nothing has yet been decided relative to the matters we laid before Congress on the part of the State
We have the honor to be, with great respect Yr. Excellency’s most Obedt. Servts.
Theok: Bland JrArthur Lee


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 4 August 1783
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

Dr. Sr.
Spring Hill 4th. Aug. 1783.
The last post brot. me a Letter from the Treasurer which determines my visit to Congress. He informs me he has bills to the amount of upwards of twelve hundred pounds on Philadelphia which he wishes to apply to the use of the Delegation and had written to you and also to me informing us of it, that our Correspondents, and those of the other Gentlemen, might obtain warrants for our respective proportions of them. he says he expected your answer by the last or this post. I have desired Col. Monroe to obtain a warrant on my accot. if not done, the other Gentlemen will direct their Correspondents to do the same that the bills may be forwarded withot. delay. shod. they arrive before I get up you will be pleased to rec[e]ive my proportion. I am not certain of the day but within a week or ten days at farthest I shall health permiting set out. If Congress shod. be returned to Philadelphia I request a room at Mrs. House’s if at Princeton they still remain your assistance to procure me one shall be thankfully acknowledged. Altho I think were I present my voice wod. be opposed to returning to the City for reasons formerly Assigned yet I must confess being in Philadelphia will best suit me on accot. of some private matters I have to attend to, as well as on accot. of more conveni[ent] accommodations an object of some consideration to me [in] my uncertain health and advanced years. I shall return my carriage from Baltimore that Mrs. Jones and Joe may visit the upper Country if she chooses to do so rather than hazard continuing during the sickly season on Rappahannock. from Baltimore I shall ride or take the Stage, as upon inquiry I shall think most agreeable. Th[is] quarter affords no news for your entertainment.
Yr friend & sert.
Jos: Jones


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 4 August 1783
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

1783, August 4 Virginia
Contrary reports concerning peace. The debate in the Massachusetts Assembly. Redemption of our obligations. Pay the holder the money he has really advanced and interest.


Title: Benjamin Harrison to Virginia Delegates, 9 August 1783
From: Harrison, Benjamin
To: Virginia Delegates

Gentlemen,
Council Chamber August 9th: 1783.
I received your favor of the 26th. of last month with the papers which were very acceptable tho’ they contained but little news. I hope the report of Carleton’s having received the definitive treaty is true, tho’ it seems a little strange that he should have it and you not, as the passage from the ports of France is shorter than from those in England; its arrival would be perfectly agreeable as I earnestly wish to see a free intercourse established with the subjects of all the European powers a very few of our apostate friends excepted which can never take place in this State ’till that event happens and the English shew a disposition to evacuate New York. The british debts I expect will be a subject of much altercation in the next assembly; my own opinion is that the treaty should be strictly adhered to but not unless such of our negroes as are in being are returned and those paid for that were spirited away even tho’ they should be dead, as their deaths in a great measure proceeded from a camp fever got in the british army and their being totally neglected when ill. If any thing has lately passed betwixt Congress and Carelton on this subject you’l please to inform me of it. Report says Congress will shortly return to Philadelphia, if they do will they not be blameable after the affronts they have received, or will they ever after remove from thence? I fear not; and therefore most earnestly wish the removal may not take place.
I am &.


Title: To James Madison from Benjamin Hawkins, 9 August 1783
From: Hawkins, Benjamin
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir.
Princeton August the 9th. 1783
I thank you for the new publication you sent me. We have letters from Mr. Dana up to the 14th of april O.S. he has communicated his Mission to the vice Chancellor count Osterman and instead of being received, after a second communication, as he expected, he upon invitation visited the count, who made a verbal communication, in substance as follows
1st. That her majesty could not consistent with the character of a mediator receive a minister from the United States ’till the conclusion of the definitive treaty between France, Spain and Great Britain
2nd. That she could not even then do it, consistent with the laws of neutrality while his letter of Credence bore date prior to the acknowledgement of their independence by the king of Great Britain.
3 That she could not do it regularly while his letters of credence bore date before she herself had acknowledged their independence
4 That she could not do it consistently before a minister had been received from the United States in Great Britain.
Mr. Dana mentions something like, his being about to leave Russia as soon as, the season, will admit of traveling, and that he intends to send a memorial to the Count; I assure you I fear, he will take for his guide the conduct of M. J. A. on a similar occasion
I have the honor to be, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
Benjamin Hawkins
We have ten states, Mass. Rh. Con. N.Y N.J: Pen. Ma. Virgin N & S Carolina


Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 August 1783
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

My dear Sir
Philada. Aug: 11th. 1783.
At the date of my letter in April I expected to have had the pleasure by this time of being with you in Virginia. My disappointment has proceeded from several dilatory circumstances on which I had not calculated. One of them was the uncertain state into which the object I was then pursuing had been brought by one of those incidents to which such affairs are liable. The result has rendered the time [of] my return to Virga. less material, as the necessity of my visiting the State of N.Jy: no longer exists. It would be improper by this communication to send particular explanations, and perhaps needless to [trou]ble you with them at any time. An  agst  is in general an impediment of  to them.  character will  &c.  which every  the  of being demanded of them. Toward the capricious[?]  for a profession of indifference at what has happened, I  do not  forward and have faith in a day of some more propitious turn of fortune My journey to Virga. tho’ still somewhat contingent in point of time cannot now be very long postponed. I need not I trust renew my assurances that it will not finally stop on this side of Monticello.
The reserve of our foreign Ministers still leaves us the sport of misinformations concerning the def: Treaty. We all thought a little time ago that it had certainly arrived at N. York. This opinion however has become extinct, and we are thrown back on the newspaper evidence which as usual is full of contradictions. The probability seems to be that the delay arises from discussions with the Dutch. Mr. Dana has been sorely disappointed in the event of his announcing himself to the Court of Russia. His written communications obtain verbal answers only & these hold up the Mediation to which the Empress with the Emperor of G——y have been invited as a bar to any overt transaction with the U.S. and even suggest the necessity of new powers from the latter of a date subsequent to the acknowledgement of their sovereignty by G. B. Having not seen the letters from Mr. Dana myself, I give this idea of them at second hand, remarking at the same time that it has been taken from such passages only as were not in Cypher: the latter being not yet translated. Congs. remain at Princeton utterly undecided both as to their ultimate seat and their intermediate residence. Very little business of moment has been yet done at the new Metropolis, except a ratification of the Treaty with Sweeden. In particular nothing has been [d]one as to a foreign establishment. With regard to an internal peace [es]tablishment, though it has been treated with less inattention, it has undergone little discussion. The Commander [in] cheif has been invited to Princeton with a view to obtain his advice and sanction to the military branches of it, and is every day expected [t]here. The Budget of Congs. is likely to have the fate of many of their other propositions to the States. Delaware is the only one among those which have bestowed a consideration on it that has acceded in toto. Several Legislatures have adjourned without giving even that mark of their [co]ndescension. In the Southern States a jealousy of Congressional usur[p]ations is likely to be the bane of the system: in the Eastern an aversion to the half-pay provided for by it. New Jersey & Maryland have adopted the impost, the other funds recommended being passed for one year only by one of these States, and postponed by the other. Pa. has hitherto been friendly to liberal and fœderal ideas and will continue so, unless the late jar with Congs. sd. give a wrong biass of which there is some danger. Massts. has in the election of delegates for the ensuing year stigmatized the concurrence of those now in place, in the provision for half-pay, by substituting a new representation; and has sent a Memorial to Congs. which I am told is pregnant with the most penurious ideas not only on that subject but on several others which concern the national honor & dignity. This picture of our affairs is not a flattering one; but we have been witnesses of so many cases in which evils & errors have been the parents of their own remedy, that we can not but view it with the consolations of hope. Remind Miss Patsy of my affection for her & be assured that I am Dr Sir
Yr. Sincere friend.
J. Madison Jr.


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 11 August 1783
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

1783, August 11 Virginia
Williamsburgh as a seat of Government. Some seat on the Potomac. The jurisdiction of Congress over the territory aquired for a seat of Government.


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 12 August 1783
From: Madison, James
To: Randolph, Edmund

Dear Sir
Philada. Aug: 12. 1783.
The arrival of yesterday’s mail has not enabled me to acknowledge the rect. of a favor. perhaps the post office may be again in fault.
Our late belief of the arrival of the Defin: Treaty at N. York has become utterly extinct. From the tenor of the Newspapers the delay seems to be the effect of discussions with the Dutch. The inclosed letter from our friend Hawkins provides for the article of Russian intelligence. I understand from Mr. Mercer who is here on [b]usiness as well as myself that Mr. Dana’s despatches were in part undecypher’d when Mr. Hawkin’s transcript was made. The Legislature of Masts. have sent a Memorial to Congress wearing a very unpropitious aspect on the grant of 1/2 pay to the army and in other respects breathing a penurious spirit which if indulged will be fatal to every establishment that requires expence. They profess great poverty, and have declined any decision on the Revenue propositions of Congs. Rhode Island did not even bestow a consideration on them. Mr. H——l from the latter State after being informed of the course taken by Va. said that her backwardness very much emboldened the States that were disinclined to a Genl. Revenue. Congs. have voted Genl. W. an elegant Bronze Statue. He has been invited to Princeton as well to relieve him from the tedium which he suffers on the North River as to make use of his Counsel in digesting a peace Establishmt. We shall probably be reinforced by Mr. Jones in a few days. I shall give you notice when my departure will make it proper for your correspondence to be discontinued.


Title: To James Madison from John Francis Mercer, [14 August] 1783
From: Mercer, John Francis
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
[Princeton 14 August 1783]
Before I left Phila. I made enquiry for a Bill on me for 200 Dollars & wch had been presented & accepted but by whom had entirely escaped my recollection. according to the perverse order of human affairs a Letter waiting here informs me of what I wished to know there. it is in the hands of a Mr. J. Ross whom I have directed to apply to you & request the favor of you to discharge it.
The Question for the return to Phila. had been decided in the negative prior to my arrival I must think a worthy colleague hurried this matter on with an unbecoming precipitation, & I am at a loss to reconcile with his professed candor & openness, his making a motion with an intention of voting agt. it, supported by Mr. Howell the inventer of this ingenious & Honourable device. This said worthy Gentleman Mr. Howell, made a motion seconded by our other colleague Mr. Lee, to strike out Government after cofœderal & insert Union, in an Act of Congress. this will give you the complexion of our affairs.
Mr. Laurens writes us from London dated the 17th of June, & suggests that there is no prospect that the mission of Mr. Hartley wd terminate either in a commercial or definitive Treaty.
It will be well for you to advise Mrs. House what steps she shoud take. had I any Idea that the sentiment of Congress coud be so absurdly fixed I woud not hesitate to give my opinion that she shoud remove to where they may plan their residence. I am no doubt disposed by my desire of living with her myself. Does my friend Mrs. Trist pursue the plan of her Indies expedition I wish she wd. write me when she hears from Havanna.
My best respects to Genl. Howe & the Gentn. of his family. the Gnl. will receive official notice of the present aims of Congress which supersedes the propriety of my writing. Come & bring Mr. Jones. your presence wd. be of essential utility.
I am with respect [&] esteem Dr Sir, Yr. mo: Ob. St
John F. Mercer


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Pendleton, 18 August 1783
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Madison, James

Editorial Note
In LC: Madison Miscellany, a list, probably prepared about 1850 by Peter Force or by his clerk, calendars this letter as follows: “1783 August 18 Virginia To James Madison The address of the Citizens of Philadelphia to Congress. Prospect of return from Prince Town … 1 page foli[o].”

Virginia, August 18, 1783
The Address of the Citizens of Philad’a would have been clearer if fewer Egotisms had appear’d in it. Some were excusable as an evidence of their attachment to the Federal Government, and I am inclined to think that a Majority were ready to have protected Congress from & resented the insult, and that I formerly hinted the true source of the neglect. Be that as it may, that body are polite & civil in their answer, and properly avoided any declaration on the subject of returning.


Title: Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 23 August 1783
From: Virginia Delegates
To: Harrison, Benjamin

Sr.
Prince Town Augt. 23d 1783
We have been honor’d with Yrs. of the 9th Inst.
Sr. Guy Carleton writes in a letter to Congress dated Augt. 17th. that the June Packet lately arrived has brought him orders for evacuating that Place, and that he shall loose no time in fulfilling his Majesty’s commands, but he adds, that notwithstanding his orders are urgent to accelerate the Total evacuation, the difficulty of assigning the Precise time for that event is of late greatly encreased, which he attributes to the effects which the Proceedings of the Committes &.c. have had on the Loyalists, who concieve, he says, the safety both of their property and their lives depends on their being removed by him. for this he appeals to the Gazettes, and daily publications in the U. S. and he further adds, he should shew an Indifference to the feelings of humanity as well as to the honor and Interest of the Nation he serves to leave any of the Loyalists that are desirous to quit the Country, a prey to the violence they concieve they have so much reason to apprehend, on which grounds he appears to Justify himself for any delay in the evacuation which may take place. he also expresses his Surprise that Congress have not officially interposed their authority to restrain the Violences he speaks of, and taken other steps to carry into execution the terms of the Treaty. he appears however to think that no blame is imputable to himself, in the glaring infringement of the 7th Article in suffering so large a Number of Negroes to be carried off under the flimsy pretext that they were declared free by the Proclamation of his predecessors, previous to his arrival and the Signature of the treaty from whence he draws this Singular conclusion that they could not possibly be the objects of the negotiation. The official information of the evacuation being soon to take place however, suggested to us the propriety of hastening a demand of the records, papers &.c. belonging to our State and its Citizens, which Congress agreed to in the form of a General resolution comprizing those of all the other States[.] we have no doubt but yr. Excelly. will take the necessary steps to avail Yr self of the demand as far as it concerns the State of Virginia
There seems to be no expectations of the difinitive treaty being speedily concluded. The Powers of Europe seem to have their attention fixd on the War between the two Imperial Courts and the Porte, and on forming Peace establishments, which indeed are so large with respect to their Marine that it may be calld, not improperly Arming for peace.
With respect to the return of Congress to Philadelphia which Yr. Excelly. seems to fear, I believe you may be perfectly at ease on that score, as all Ideas of that sort seem to have vanished, since the great Majority appeard on the Vote we had the honor to transmit you on that Question in our last. we have the Honor to be
Yr. Excellys. most obedt. Servts
Theok: Bland jr.   J. F. Mercer   A. Lee
P.S.
We are this day honord with the Compy. of his Excelly Genl. Washington, who will remain some time here at the request of Congress.
We could wish yr. Excelly. wd. be pleased to transmit a Succinct State of the Sums Granted by our assembly to Congress, together with Sessions or dates of each grant, and the requisitions under which they were granted, and the purposes to which they have been appropriated in the several grants

Theok: Bland jr.


Title: To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 23 August 1783
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Madison, James

My dear friend.
Richmond August 23. 1783.
My trip to Baltimore, from which I returned last sunday, has occasioned the chasm in my correspondence.
Mr. Nathan met me according to appointment, with an elaborate argument, prepared on paper by Mr. Sargent. In this he pressed the decision of the former arbitrators, first as conclusive, and afterwards, at least as a reasonable guide for the judgment of the Maryland referees. These topics not being received with much countenance, he insisted upon the efficacy of the bills as draughts for specie—upon the obligation, arising from the assumpsit—and upon the obligation arising from the delay in renouncing that assumpsit. But before we had proceeded further in the inquiry, the arbitrators asked Mr. Nathan and myself for some evidence of the currency of Virginia bills at New Orleans. Neither being able to produce it, and the hurry of their own business not suffering them to spend as much time in the discussion as might be necessary, they declined all further interference at present; fixing the third tuesday in december for the resumption of the affair at Alexandria.
The effect of the assumpsit and the subsequent delay are indeed thorns in the path. But if right could be made to prevail, I should expect Nathan’s condemnation This however is hardly to be hoped: and Virginia will probably receive no other satisfaction from my trips to Alexandria and Baltimore, than to learn that a Jew merchant, unconnected with America, took up bills on Virginia from pure magnanimity, or affection for her.
The governor’s proclamation, expelling the obnoxious adherents to british interest, continues to give great disquiet to the friends of those, who fall within that description. Mr. Jefferson has taken Dr. Turpin by the hand, and in a long letter to him attempted to shew, that his case belongs not to the offensive class. The Dr: went to Scotland in his infancy for his education. He was surprized there by the American war, with his studies incomplete. He made various attempts to return to Virginia; but being disappointed in his efforts for this purpose, and unable as he says to support himself by other means, he entered as surgeon on board of a british ship of war. While in the service he was captured at York. From these facts, tenderness is due to Turpin. But I cannot admit, that the necessities of that gentleman would protect him from the operation of the law as it now stands; because they do not seem to have been incapable of being supplied thro channels, which were not hostile. Mr. J. doubts whether surgeons ought to be ranked among the instruments of hostility, and refers to a proposition from Carlton to consider them as exempt from the rights of war. But I believe, that he might find more examples than one of a surgeon being executed for treason in joining the king’s enemies.


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 24 August 1783
From: Madison, James
To: Randolph, Edmund

My dear Sir
Philada. Aug: 24. 1783
Mr. Jones who arrived the beginning of the week acquainted me with your abortive mission to Maryland which I had not before heard of. To this absence from Richmond I impute your silence by the late mails. I hope for the pleasure of a line by the mail now on its way, which will not however be acknowledged till the ensuing week, as I am about returning to Princeton where it will find me too late for the post of this week. All that I have now to tell you is that Sr G. Carlton has notified to Congs. his having recd. orders for the evacuation of N. York; but he specifies no time fixed either by the orders or by his own plans. He repeats his lamentations touching the Loyalists and insinuates that the proceedings of the people agst. them are a proof that little or no Govt. exists in the U. States.
With great affection I am Yr. frd & Svt
J. M Jr


Title: To James Madison from the Reverend James Madison, 27 August 1783
From: Madison, James (Reverend)
To: Madison, James

Williamsburg Aug. 27h. 1783.
I have not written to you, my good Friend, for some Time past, because I expected you would have been in Virga. soon after the last I recd. from you; but as I have not heard of your Arrival, suppose you to be still in Congress. If so, I shall continue to tax you even without your Consent.
Is there the least Probability that Congress will fix upon this Place, as their Residence? I promised our Friend M’C to ask you this Question some Time past. When is it proposed finally to determine this Matter? What ever Motives may principally influence the Determination, I am sure pacific Considerations shd. operate as strongly in Favour of this, as any other whatever. I am also interested in the Choice to be made, for then it is probable you wd. once more form a Part of our Society, which I shall always consider as adding materially to our Happiness.
However gloriously the Contest may have been terminated for America, I fear a Patriot in Congress cannot at present be free from much Anxiety, & the deepest concern. Every one here has recd. the Insult offered to the Supremacy of their common Country with Indignation. How much is it to be lamented that such Conduct shd. cloud the bright Morning of our political Day, or rather that the different Legislatures shd. not by their Prudence, have prevented the Cause wh. produced it. I fear we are politicians only in Theory—the practical Part will be more difficult. I have seen with much Pleasure the Pamphlet from Cong. in wh. you have born an active part. It was well calculated to direct the Mind to important Objects, and if Ama. be just & wise, she will not fail to profit from it.
We are here invaded by our annual Enemy—Ague & Fever who never fails to make his Approach, at this Season. The Weather hot, but I believe it is seldom attended with the Effects I see mentioned in Phila. The Therm. I am sure has not been above 90. It was not more than 86, at the Time referred to in Phila.
My Wife wishes you all Happiness, and no one more sincerely than
J Madison

When you write let me know if you see or hear of any capital Books from Europe of late Publication, or any thing in this way to the Northward.


Title: From James Madison to James Madison, Sr., 30 August 1783
From: Madison, James
To: Madison, James, Sr.

Hond Sir
Princeton Aug: 30. 1783
I recd. great pleasure from your’s recd. by the last post which removed the apprehensions excited by your preceding one regarding the state of my Mother’s health. I hope this will find her still further recovered. The time of my setting out for Virga. is still somewhat precarious; several matters being before Congs. which I wish to see first decided. An answer to this if not delayed will probably find me here.
The definitive Treaty is not yet come over. Sr. G. Carlton has notified to Congs. his receipt of final orders for the evacuation of N. York, but fixes no time at which they are to be carried into execution. Genl. Washington has been here some days at the invitation of Congs. & will be consulted on the provision necessary in time of peace for the security of this Country. I inclose you one of the latest papers containing the address of the Presidt. to the Assembly of Pena. The latter have unanimously acceded to the late recommendations of Congs. with respect to revenue, and a change of the rule for apportioning the common burdens. It is said they are also about to address Congs. on the event which occasioned their removal, & to provide especially for the protection of Congs. in case they sd. deem Philada. the fittest place for the transaction of business untill a final residence shall be chosen. What effect this may have is uncertain. We are exceedingly crowded in this place; too much so both for our own comfort & for the dispatch of business. Mr. Jones & my self are in one room scarcely ten feet square & in one bed. With my best regards for all the family
I am yr. dutiful son
J. Madison Jr.


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 30 August 1783
From: Madison, James
To: Randolph, Edmund

My dear Sir
Princeton Aug. 30. 1783.
We hear nothing from Europe that can be depended on relative to the definitive Treaty, nor any thing from N. York as to the time of its evacuation. A Pamphlet has lately come over from G. Britain which appears to be well adapted to retard if not prevent a commercial Treaty, & which is said to be much attended to. It urges an adherence to the principle of the Navigation Act by which American Vessels will be excluded from the trade between the separate parts of the Empire, and from all intercourse with the dependent territories. It undertakes to shew from an enumeration of the produce of the U.S. & the manufactures consumed by them that those of G. B. recommended by the superior credit which her merchant[s] can give, will be sufficiently sure of a preference in the American Market. And lastly it maintains that the interests of the States are so opposite in matters of Commerce, & the authority of Congs. so feeble that no defensive precautions need be feared on the part of the U.S. and threatens that in case they should refuse to let British Vessels exclusively carry on a Commerce between the U.S. and the W. Indies as far as the interest of the Islands may require, the Vessels of one State shall not be permitted to carry the produce of another to any British Port. The whole tenor of the reasoning supposes that France will not permit Vessels of the U.S. to trade with their Islands, in which there is good reason to believe they are not mistaken. The object of the French Administration is said to be to allow a direct trade between the U.S. & their W. India possessions, but to confine it to French Bottoms.
The Legislature of Penna. have unanimously adopted the Recommendations of Congs. both as to Revenue & a change of the fœderal rule for apportioning the common burdens. They will also present an invitation to Congs. we understand, to resume their Sessions at Philada. if that place be judged most fit for the despatch of public business untill a permanent seat be chosen & prepared; giving at the same time explicit assurances of support in case it should on any occasion be needed. What effect this conciliatory proposition may have on the temper of Congs. is precarious. With some the complaisance shewn to the late recommendations of Congs. will be far from softening the dislike. With others Philada. will ever be obnoxious while it contains and respects an obnoxious Character. Annapolis has siezed the present occasion to forward her views with respect to Congs. and has courted their presence in the most flattering terms. During this contest among the rival seats, we are kept in the most awkward situation that can be imagined; and it is the more so as we every moment expect the Dutch Ambassador. We are crowded too much either to be comfortable ourselves or to be able to carry on the business with advantage. Mr. Jones & myself on our arrival were extremely put to it to get any quarters at all, and are at length put into one bed in a room not more than 10 feet square.