Title: To James Madison from Gabriel Duvall, 28 April 1800
From: Duvall, Gabriel
To: Madison, James

Dear sir,
Annapolis, 28 April 1800.
The subject of the approaching election of president & Vice-president induces me to address a few lines to you. It begins to engage the attention of the people. In this district, Mr. J. T. Chase & myself are the Candidates. The Governmental party has selected the most popular man on their side, and every exertion will be made to obtain success. I cannot say with any certainty what the result will be. My friends are sanguine, but at present I can see nothing more than a bare probability of success. It is probable we shall have much Newspaper controversy, and the charges which the enemies of Mr. Jefferson expect will more materially affect his election, are, the letter to Mazzei, and Irreligion.
I have never yet understood that Mr. Jefferson acknowledged himself the author of that letter. I know nothing relative to it more than that I have seen extracts, without date, published in the Newspapers & other places. From these extracts it is not easy to discover the author’s meaning. Taking it for granted that if Mr. Jefferson is the author, the fact is known to You, I wish to be informed (if you have no objection) of the time when it was written, & the circumstances which gave rise to it. My object is to be prepared to meet & expose any charges that may be made against a character which I admire & respect, & which I consider as second to none in the United States. The charge of Irreligion I have always considered as unfounded and ridiculous. We owe it to the depravity of the times that the merits of the Candidates for an office of such high trust cannot be temperately discussed by their opponents. It is to be regretted that they so often descend to the meanness of reviling.
There is no man in the union more opposed to many of the measures of administration than I am: and the unrelenting severity with which the judiciary are daily executing the sedition act fills me with horror. Without a change of men, no rational man can expect a change of measures. To effect that change as speedily as possible, no endeavours of mine shall be wanting.
I presume that there is almost a certainty of the success of the republican ticket in Virginia. I am with great respect & Esteem, your obedt. Sert.
G. Duvall.


Title: To James Madison from Jesse V. Lewis, 28 April 1800
From: Lewis, Jesse V.
To: Madison, James

Hond. sir
New-York. April 28. 1800
Since my arrival in this City from Virginia, have obtained an Appointment in the Navy of the United States and being solicited by a friend of mine by the name of James Ferguson, a son of Duncan Ferguson Esqr. of this City, a Gentleman of respectability and fortune; I would thank you Honored Sir, if you will please to write to the Secretary of the Navy—in order to have him named to the president. I have for sometime been from Richmond where I had the honor of getting acquainted with you—and don’t expect to return before I take a voyage at Sea. Mr. James Ferguson wishes to get the Appointment of Midshipman and am well convinced if you will write a line in favor of him, but that it will have the desired effect; please excuse this solicitation—and if required Mr. Ferguson will send on to you a Recommendation signed by the principle Citizens of N. York; Congress I am informed has adjourned; & trust these lines may find you in Virginia where you will be in the beloved eyes of your Constituents and in the full enjoyment of health, so that you may be more and more useful to your Country. I am Hond sir with Gratitude yr. Mo. Ob Sert.
Jesse V Lewis.


Title: To James Madison from John Dawson, 4 May 1800
From: Dawson, John
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir!
Phia. May 4th. 1800.
The republic is safe. Our ticket has succeeded in the city of N. York by a majority of about four hundred—Burr is in for Orange—accounts from other parts of that state are equally favourable—we may count on a majority of thirty in their legislature; & there is good ground to believe the N. Jersey will exhibit the same spirit which her neighbour has done, nor do I think that the Senate of this state will remain obstinate, finding they cannot change the choice—however the party are in rage & despair, & will endeavour to move heaven & hell, rather than give us the loaves & fishes!
I will write you on tomorrow respecting the certificates, this is sunday & I cannot obtain the necessary information. With much Esteem, Your friend
J D


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 12 May 1800
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Philadelphia May 12. [1800]
Congress will rise today or tomorrow. Mr. Nicholas proposing to call on you, you will get from him the Congressional news. On the whole the federalists have not been able to carry a single strong measure in the lower house the whole session. When they met, it was believed they had a majority of 20. But many of these were new & moderate men, & soon saw the true character of the party to which they had been well disposed while at a distance. The tide too of public opinion sets so strongly against the federal proceedings that this melted off their majority, & dismayed the heroes of the party. The Senate alone remained undismayed to the last. Firm to their purposes, regardless of public opinion, and more disposed to coerce than to court it, not a man of their majority gave way in the least; and on the electoral bill they adhered to John Marshal’s amendment, by their whole number; & if there had been a full Senate there would have been but 11. votes against it, which includes H. Marshal who has voted with the republicans this session.
I have delivered to mr. Nicholas 160. dollars for you recieved from mr. Lewis, & he will recieve 123. dollars for you from mr. Barnes paid by Moylan. I deliver him also 110. D. in gold for your father, part of 160.38. delivered me for him by mr. Hurt. Mr. Hurt had not been able to get it in small money. I therefore made interest at the mint for 50. D. in dimes & half dimes, which mr. Nicholas not being able to take, I shall carry with me and have ready to deliver on my arrival at Monticello.
Mr. Anthony tells me there is a guinea & a half for every print of J. Trumbul’s to be paid by those subscribers who paid half on subscribing. Your prints are not sent here. He supposes them sent to some place in Virginia. I have wished very much to see La Trobe in order to consult him as to a coating for your columns. But it has not been in my power. I spoke on the subject with W. Hamilton of the Woodlands who has skill & experience on the subject. From him I got only that common plaister would not do. He whitewashes his brickwork. In Ld. Burlington’s edition of Palladio he tells us that most of the columns of those fine buildings erected by Palladio are of brick covered with stucco, & stand perfectly. I know that three fourths of the houses in Paris are covered with plaister & never saw any decay in it. I never enquired into it’s composition; but as they have a mountain of plaister of Paris adjoining the town, I presume it to be of that. I imagine a coat of the thickness of a knife blade would do on brick, which would cost little. I presume your plaisterer Wash could do it well.
I recieved from J. Bringhurst for mrs. Madison a letter which I delivered to mr. Nicholas. Also a small package containing, I think he said, a watch-chain & other things, and another containing a book. If mr. Nicholas can take the former I will send it by him. If not, I will find room for it in my trunk. I am so streightened however that I have been obliged to put the book into a trunk which goes round by sea. I have this day paid 5. Dollars at the Aurora office for Capt Winston, as you desired. I hope I shall see you soon after my return either at your own house or Monticello or both. Accept assurances of constant & affectionate esteem to mrs. Madison & yourself from Dear Sir Your sincere friend & sert
Th: Jefferson


Title: From James Madison to Gabriel Duvall, 13 May 1800
From: Madison, James
To: Duvall, Gabriel

Letter not found. 13 May 1800. Acknowledged in Duvall to JM, 6 June 1800. Advises Duvall not to make any public statement about Jefferson’s controversial letter to Philip Mazzei.


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 15 May 1800
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Albemarle May 15. 1800
I have just taken a transient view of my affrs. here for a day or two, & set out back to Richmd. to day. It wod. give me great pleasure cod. I extend my trip to yr. house but that is impossible, and altho’ I had this excursion in view for a fortnight past yet I cod. not ask you to meet me; as I expected that pleasure when Mr. Jeffn. arrived. I wish to be back to see some of the southern members as they go thro’ Richmd. Besides I think there is cause to suspect the sedition Law will be carried into effect in this state at the approaching fedl. court, & I ought to be there to aid in preventing trouble. A camp is formed of abt. 400. men at Warwick 4. miles below Richmd. & no motive for it assigned; except to proceed to Harpers ferry, to sow cabbage seed. But the gardening season is passing & this camp remains. I think it possible an idea may be entertained of opposition &c by means whereof the fair prospect of the republican party may be overcast. But in this they are deceivd. as certain characters in Richmd. & some neighb’ring counties are already warned of this danger, so that an attempt to excite a hot water insurrection will fail. The small pox, is a more formidable enemy to my family than this camp, as it keeps it barricaded at home. We shall make Mrs. Madison & yrself a visit soon after we get up, Mrs. M.’s & my best respects to her; sincerely I am yr. friend & servt.
Jas. Monroe


Title: To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 22 May 1800
From: Nicholas, Wilson Cary
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Warren 22d. of May 1800
I was charged by Mr. Charles Pinckney of South Carolina, with a message to you that entirely escaped my memory when I had the pleasure of seeing you; he begs that you will write to Colo. W. Hampton, and urge him to exert himself to secure the vote of S. Carolina to Mr. Jefferson, (if they vote for Genl. Pinckney, they had as well not vote for Mr. Jefferson). Mr. Pinckney so frequently mentioned this subject to me, and seemed to have it so much at heart, that I feel my self bound to communicate his request to you. I am Dear Sir your humble Servt.
W. C. Nicholas


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 23 May 1800
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir
Orange May 23. 1800
I recd. your favor of the 15th. from Albemarle a few days ago. I shall not be surprized at an experiment in this State at this moment, of its republican sensibility, by putting in force the sedition act; and entirely approve your idea of the policy by which the measure ought to be turned agst. its authors. Nothing seems necessary now to rectify the pub: opinion & reform the administration, but a steady adherence to the principles & prudence which have so far succeeded in both. And it would be doubly unwise to depart from this course, at a moment when the party which has done the mischief is so industriously co-operating in its own destruction. The late ungracious vote for dispanding [sic] the army will probably extinguish the project, if it existed, of making the Camp at Warwick an auxiliary to the Judicial department. For the sake of propriety, I am extremely glad that so obnoxious a step has been precluded. In any other view, an opponent of administration would have no reason to regret so odious a perversion of military force. I have arranged the remittance of the £100. thro’ Mr. Stone of Fredg. who will either forward it or honor your draught, as you may advise him. I do not recollect the precise day at which you are to be called on; but if that will admit a few days previous notice, it is not improbable, considering the universal pinch among the Merchts. that it may be an accomodation. I do not however make the suggestion from the slightest reference to any particular consideration, much less with a wish that your own accomodation may not be entirely consulted. Mrs. M. and myself are anticipating much pleasure from the visit due & promised us, and she joins in offers of best respects to Mrs. Monroe & Miss Eliza. When do you expect to leave R. and when may we count on seeing you? With the greatest sincerity I am Dr Sir Your friend
Js. Madison Jr


Title: To James Madison from Philip Norborne Nicholas, 23 May 1800
From: Nicholas, Philip Norborne
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Richmond May 23d 1800.
Mr Macons return to Orange affords me an opportunity of mentioning to you a subject, in which I cannot but feel an interest. Since the assembly rose the executive have appointed me to the office of Attorney General. My acquaintance in the country is not extensive and I must depend upon my friends making my pretensions known to the members of the legislature. If it is compatible with your ideas of delicacy & propriety to render me this service; I shall esteem it an act of friendship, & shall endeavor by the greatest exertion in discharging the duties of the office with zeal & fidelity to merit the confidence of my Country. Excuse me for mentioning this subject to you Sir, & be assured that it results from the sincerety of my confidence and regard.
Philip Norborne Nicholas


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, [4 June] 1800
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

[Richmond, 4 June 1800]
… The conduct of the people on this occasion was exemplary, and does them the highest honour. They seemed aware the crisis demanded of them a proof of their respect for law and order, and resolved to show they were equal to it. I am satisfied a different conduct was expected from them, for everything that could was done to provoke it. It only remains that this business be closed on the part of the people, as it has been so far acted; that the judge, after finishing his career, go off in peace, without experiencing the slightest insult from any one; and that this will be the case I have no doubt….


Title: To James Madison from Gabriel Duvall, 6 June 1800
From: Duvall, Gabriel
To: Madison, James

Dear sir,
Annapolis, 6 June 1800.
Your favour of the 13th. ulto. came duly to hand. A constant attendance in our General Court, has hitherto prevented me from acknowledging the receipt of it.
I never had an Idea of undertaking a formal explanation or defence of the letter to Mazzei, imputed to Mr. Jefferson. As he has thought proper to be silent about it, it would be improper, perhaps indelicate, for any of his friends to undertake it, more especially as it is not known to be his. My object is to counteract, as far as possible, the progress of unfavourable impressions making by his enemies: and I think it will be best to treat it in the way you suggest.
The result of the New-York elections being now certainly known, (there being a majority of 15 for the republican candidate, giving all the doubtful votes to the opposite, according to my information from Mr. Livingston) will, in my judgment, have a favourable influence on the elections in this State. It is expected that Mr. Jefferson will get five in Maryland; I think it more than probable: and if Mr. Adams should decline, which, at present, is thought not improbable, he would get more against any other candidate. It seems to be understood that Gen. pinckney is the man whom, it is the wish of a strong party of the Federalists to elect as president; but this they are afraid to avow. Many with us who would vote for Mr. Adams, will espouse Mr. Jefferson against Mr. pinckney, or any other candidate that they can nominate. Here, Mr. Adams’s friends have lost every hope of his re-election. On the other hand, we are not without our apprehensions that Gen. pinckney may divide the southern States, & if supported generally to the Eastward, that he may be a dangerous rival. If he should divide them, I presume, Mr. Jefferson will nevertheless be voted for by them, & thus his election be certain.
There has been a rumour here since the New York elections that our executive will call the new legislature in order to give it an opportunity to appoint the Electors. To counteract this we shall exert every nerve to get a republican House of Delegates. I am rather inclined to believe it will not be attempted. I remain, with great respect & Esteem, your obedt. sert.
G. Duvall.


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 13 June 1800
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Monticello June 13. 1800
In my last letter to you from Philadelphia I mentioned that I had sent for yourself by mr. Nicholas 160. Doll. recd from Lewis, and 110. Doll. for your father part of 160.38 D delivered me by mr. Hurt for him. The remaining 50. D. I brought & have here in half dimes ready to be delivered. I mentioned also that mr. Nicholas would recieve from Barnes Generl Moylan’s money (123. Dol. if my memory is right.) All this I hope has been right. I was charged by Barnes with 270. D. for mrs. Key in this neighborhood. He had made up the parcels & labelled them. I gave that of 270 D. labelled by him for you, to mr. Nicholas, as above mentd. yet when I came to open here the one he had labelled, externally, for mrs. Key, I found the internal divided into two parcels, & labelled the one 160. D. for you & 110. D. for your father. Not doubting that he had committed an error in cross-directing the external labels, & the sums happening to be precisely the same, I delivered this money to mrs. Key. It would have been more satisfactory to me if a similar discovery of disagreement between the external & internal labels of the other parcel had been observed. But mr. Nicholas tells me he returned that parcel to Barnes & took paper instead of it. However it suffices that yourself & your father have recieved your 270. D. I have here also for mrs. Madison 2. small packets, about the size of letters and a third, containing a book, is on it’s way in a trunk of mine which left Philadelphia about the 26th. Ult. by water. I have not yet heard of it’s arrival in Richmond. I am not without hopes that you will soon recieve these things here yourselves. At present & for some days you would find Dr. & mrs. Bache with us. On Monday we expect mr. & mrs. Hollins on their return from Warren to Baltimore. Tho’ late occurrences have been wonderful, & furnish much matter for consideration; yet they are beyond the limits of a letter and not proper for one which is to go through the post office. There seems now to be one possibility which would furnish matter for very interesting consultation between us, & a consultation much desired: and unless you should find it convenient to come here soon, I propose to myself the pleasure of seeing you at your own house. But this cannot be till mr. Eppes & my daughter, who are to leave us tomorrow, return again; which will not be till after his harvest. They take the wheels of my chair to equip the Phaeton for them. Perhaps I may be able to borrow a chair in the neighborhood, tho’ I do not know of one at present. Should it be convenient for mrs. Madison & yourself to solve the difficulty it will be sooner done & more to our gratification. Mr. Randolph & my daughter will participate of the pleasure of your company here. Accept my sincere & affectionate attachments for mrs. Madison & yourself. Adieu.


Title: To James Madison from John Knapp, 9 July 1800
From: Knapp, John
To: Madison, James

Dr. Sir,
City Washington July 9th. 1800.
The moment no doubt is approaching, when we have reason to expect a change in Administration—under the present, I can never obtain a favor, my political opinions & sentiments are too well understood, to promise any thing, unless they are relinquished which never can be—but the period I hope is not far distant when Republicans will have the Government of this Country in their hands, & the idea of Monarchy, with all its concomitant evils must cease.
Permit me to solicit your interest & support my good friend with Mr. Jefferson, for the attainment of some eligible situation under his Administration, which indubitably is near at hand, I can furnish such testimonials as will meet his wishes, & as I uniformly supported the Constitution from its foundation & opposed every violation or infringment thereof—certainly I have a prior Claim to those whose sentiments had they power would have destroy’d the Constitution. My services in Various departments since the adoption of this Government, leads me to believe I could give general satisfaction, in any station I may be placed—& the friendship I flatter myself you entertain for me induces the belief, that your exertions will not be wanting in my favor, as they are important to my interest. Since I left Phila. I commenced Lumber Merchant here, but find it by no means answer[s] my expectations, which makes me anxious to obtain some permanant place, under the Government, & my republican friends I trust will support me.

While at Petersburg last winter I visited Richmond, for the express purpose of seeing yourself & Mrs. Madison, but unfortunately your departure took place the day preceeding my arrival. Mrs. Knapp wrote Mrs. Madison by post the 13th. of May last from this City, but her silence induces the belief that the letter miscarried.
Mrs. Knapp offers her best respects to Mrs. Madison & yourself, make mine acceptable also, & consider me Dr. Sir, with the greatest friendship Yr. Obt. sert.
Jno. Knapp.
PS. A few lines in answer to this will give me considerable pleasure, which I hope you will not refuse. Mrs. K is equally anxious to hear from your good Lady, whose presence would cheer our Cot. God bless you both
J K.


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 20 July 1800
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Th: J. to J. Madison.
Monticello July 20. 1800
Since you were here I have had time to turn to my accounts, and among others undertook to state the one with you: but was soon brought to a non-plus, by observing that I had made an entry Aug. 23. 99. of nails delivered for you, but left the particulars & amount blank till mr. Richardson should give them in to me. Whether he omitted this, or I to enter them I cannot tell, nor have either of us the least recollection what they were. I am in hopes I may have sent you a bill of them, as I generally do if I see the messenger before departure. But sometimes I omit this. At any rate I am in hopes that either from the bill or the recollections of those who used them you may be able to fill up the blank in the inclosed account, conjecturally at least. I recieved from Mr. Barnes in Jan. a credit of 69.23 D on your account. Not having the amount of nails, I could not tell what I ought to have recieved, but I remember that my idea at the time was that it must be a good deal more than you owed me, & that of course there would be a balance to return you: this shall be instantly done on recieving either your statement or conjecture of the amount, which I pray you to do.
I see in Gale’s paper of July 8. an account of the 4th. of July as celebrated at Raleigh. The Governor presided at the dinner. Among the toasts were the following. The U. S. May they continue free, sovern. & indepdt. not influenced by foreign intrigue, nor distracted by internal convulsions. The Pres. of the US. May his countrymen rightly appreciate his distinguished virtue patriotism, & firmness. The V. P. of the US. The militia of the US. May the valor of the souldier be combined with the virtue of the citizen. The Navy of the US. The benifits which have arisen from it’s infant efforts is a just presage of it’s future greatness & usefulness. The freedom of the press without licentiousness. The friends of religion & order. May they always triumph over the supporters of infidelity & confusion. &c. My respects to mrs. Madison. Adieu affectionately

[Enclosure]

James Madison to Th: Jefferson for nails
Dr.

£  s  d

1799.
July 25. to

     23 ℔ IVs.
    }
    @ 14½d

      1. ℔ inch brads

1—9—0

500. 1½ I. brads @ 12½d pr. ℔
3—8

 26. ℔. Xs. @ 11½d
1—4–11

 35. ℔ XVId. brads @ 10½d
1–10—7½

Aug. 23 to

Cr.

1800.
Jan. 28. By credit with J. Barnes
69.23 D = £20–15—5


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 July 1800
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir
July 26. 1800
If this should get to Richmond before you leave it, it will afford you the pleasure of knowing that Mrs. Monroe continues in the good health in which you left her, and that your little son has mended more rapidly than could have been expected. His appetite, his increased strength, and his good humour, are all proofs of his improved situation. You will yourself we hope be a witness of it in the course of the ensuing week, and that your arrangements will be such as not to hurry you away from us. It occurs to me that in our conversation on the subject of superintendents of the Election in this County, I may have expressd myself too strongly as to a gentleman thought to be not entirely fitted for the service. The objections would not lie agst. him as an associate with two others; and if the time should not be passed, I take the liberty of suggesting him as an eligible member of the Commission. I find on reflection no reason to retract my observations in favor of the two others spoken of at the time. It is quite possible however that other names every way proper may have prevailed at the board. Yrs. affectionately
Js Madison Jr.


Title: To James Madison from John Dawson, 28 July 1800
From: Dawson, John
To: Madison, James

[…]
Hager’s town. July 28. 1800.
On the first monday in October the legislature of this state is to be chosen, & the contest in all the counties is uncommonly warm, it being understood, that shoud they obtain a majority, which I think more than probable, they will be immediately calld together, for the purpose of appointing electors of president themselves—this will give the whole vote to Adams & Pinckney & will endanger the prospect which otherwise we have before us.
Under this view what ought N. Carolina to do? Ought she not to play the same game, & therebby [sic] place herself on an equall footing, & not loose the weight which she ought to have in the Election?
I submit this to you, as a cons[i]deration worthy the attention of all who wish for the Election of Mr. Jefferson—& am confident, if you can with propriety you will drop a hint to some friend in that state.
I shall be in Fredericksburg early in Sepr.—& hope to be at your court in that month—this I will thank you to make known to the Messrs Taylors, for whom I shall [have] some land patents. With much Esteem, Your friend
J Dawson


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 6 August 1800
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Alb: Augt. 6. 1800.
My family were arrived before me. Thomas reached yr. house yesterday without my horse, and the old gentleman was so kind as lend his to assist in bringing Mrs. M. home. Our child has a fever, did not sleep last night nor on the road. I fear he will not rest to night. We shall have the Dr. with him tomorrow, & his gums lancd as we hope that is the only cause of his present indisposition. My horse it is thought will be lost as he was blind, wod. not eat & cod. not travel. In this state of things I can not say when we shall be with you but can assure it will not be delayed a moment longer than inevitable necessity compels. I shall go to Richmond the day after tomorrow, after my return you shall hear from me. I beg you to make Mrs. M.’s & my affectionate regards to Mrs. Madison & sisters & my acknowledgment to yr. father for the use of his horses. Sincerely I am yr. friend & servt.
Jas. Monroe
I have no wafer.


Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 12 August] 1800
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
[ca. 12 August 1800]
I have had an opportunity since my return of seeing Mr. MGee on the subject of the nails used by him last summer & of collecting through him the information of his brother who brought down the parcell delivered in July. They concur in saying that the Spriggs, the Xs & XVId alone formed that parcel & that the XXId. were not brads but nails owing to a mistake in executing the order. I recollect myself that no brads were recd. because the disappointment was felt at the time, and the floor of the Portico was laid with brads made in my father’s shop, and a remainder of the Stock procured the preceding year. The IVd. cut nails are accounted for by Mrs. M. and the driver of my carriage, who brought them down in Augst. The precise date is not recollected but from circumstances it must have been in an advanced Stage of the month. A part of them were used in lathing the Ceiling of the Portico. The balance is still on hand. It would seem therefore that you have enumerated all the nails sent: and that by filling the blank in Augst. with a transfer to that time, of the IVd. charged in July, the account will probably stand right. As this explanation however rests merely on memory, it must yield to any better evidence that may be found. None such is within my possession. I have a letter from Mr. Dawson dated Hager’s Town July 28. in which he says that the choice of Delegates in Maryland is to be made on the first monday in Octr. that the contest in all the Counties is uncommonly warm, that he thinks it more than probable the majority will be of the administra[ti]on party, and that in such event, it is understood the Legislature will be immediately called together for the purpose of appointg Electors. Adieu
J. M Jr


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 13 August 1800
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Albemarle augt. 13. 1800.
I returned from Richmond yesterday (wednesday) and found my child better than when I left him. The dangerous simptoms of the thrush seem to be past, and the hooping cough has nearly left him, so that extreme debility, is his present chief complaint. Perhaps I do wrong in sending you the enclosed letter, in reference to the veiws of the author, but as I know no harm can come of it, especially as I am under no engagment to the contrary, I see no impropriety in so doing. You had better return it to me, with the other paper if the post permits, or other opportunity offers here by wednesday next. I wish you to say whether you think I have said any thing improper or omitted what ought to be supplied, in my letter to Smith. Have I plac’d the affr. in regard to D. on a footing sufficiently delicate, have I made an acknowledgment to S. sufficiently strong? If any error is commited it may be rectified in another letter immediately on my return to Richmond. The truth is I do not like the letter on reading it since my return here. Ought I to assume the debt eventually or how act in it? Sketch what you think will do. I have been so much worsted by my ride down & back, in the sun, that I can scarcely sit up to day, and my family are not less wearied with the duties which devolve on it in my absence. At present we have no plan but that of ending this state of things. Most earnestly do we wish we cod. make it convenient to execute our engagments with you & Mrs. Madison, for we feel especially myself that we have as yet illy acquited ourselves to you. But as my duty calls me at present to Richmond, and a visit to you, wod. subject me to the same fatigue, as heretofore, I fear it will not be in my power. If we do not visit you agn you will ascribe it to the true cause wh. you know too well to doubt its solidity. When you come to Richmond in the fall, as you most probably will, we beg you to bring Mrs. M. with you, as it will be perfectly convenient for us to accomodate you and highly agreeable. A fortnights residence with us there will make the retreat for the winter more desirable in the mountains. We shall have more leasure too for many topics of conversation than we have had of late. Present our best regards to Mrs. M. & sisters as also to the old gentn. Lady & Miss Fanny. Sincerely I am yr. friend & servt.
Jas. Monroe
I need not mention the affr. with S. had better be mentioned to no one. Had I not better enclose D. a copy of his S’s letter & my reply. He D. will be in Fredbg. next month.


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 14 August 1800
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Albemarle Augt. 14. 1800.
I wrote you two days since & sent the letter to Charlottesville. It is only this moment that I recollect I omited to enquire whether you had heard of the overseer you promised to endeavor to engage for me. I shall take no step relying on him till I hear from you. Perhaps he wod. be satisfied with £50. as it is in a healthy country, and the entire command of the plantation in his hands. But you will do the best you can; since my last my child has had no relapse of his former complaints, but I have recd. a notice which shews I ought to be at Richmd. I wish I had more command of my time, that I might be with you some days before I go down. Our best respects to Mrs. Madison & family. Sincerely I am yr. friend & servt
Jas. Monroe


Title: To James Madison from John Dawson, 17 August 1800
From: Dawson, John
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir.
Balt. August 17. 1800.
I[t] behoves us to be on our guard, for you may be assurd, that notwithstanding the known view of this state, our opponents are making every exertion, & are not without hopes to carrying the approaching election against us, either by fair or foul means—on yesterday I was informd by one of the party, that they had a well concerted plan, (which was a secret) which woud give them the vote of this state, contrary to our expectations—the[y] have riders in every quarter, one of whom was here a few days ago.
I trust that the Executive have done every thing in their power—& that arrangements are made in the different counties to ensure a full, & fair election—well knowing as you do the party I fear their arts & villainy—have you attended to N Carolina? Yrs
J D


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 20 August 1800
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir
Aug: 20. 1800
I recd. your favor by the last mail and return the inclosures without repeating the remarks made to you heretofore. I have noted a trifling variation or two in the letter to G. S. which may perhaps the better guard it agst. misconstructions of any sort. The person contemp⟨lated⟩ for your Overseer has not yet come up nor been heard from. His brother however has written to him, and it is probable he will at least hold himself unengaged till he has treated with you. You may be assured we shall do the best possible for you; but he is so much in demand, that we dare not be too sanguine. Mrs. M. & the whole family are muc⟨h⟩ disappd. at the danger of losing the residue of the visit from yours, which was looked for with particular satisfaction. We Still hope that the obstacles will not be found insuperable; and that in any event, you will take this route on your return towards Richmond. Mrs. M. presents her since⟨res⟩t ⟨af⟩fection to Mrs. Monroe & Miss Eliza, in which her sisters join her; ⟨a⟩nd charges ⟨me⟩ to express both that & her hopes of still having them with her before Richd. repossesses them, with all the emphasis I can use. No oppy. havg. offered, I have been obliged to defer writing till today, by the mail which will not be in Milton till tomorrow morning. I fear therefore it may not get to hand before you leave Albemarle, unless you should halt for the arrival of the mail on your way thro’ Milton. Yrs. affy.
Js. Madison Jr
On reperusing your letter I find the letter to G. S. has been sent. My suggestions consequently will be of no use, if they otherwise deserved attention. I can not think a second letter requisite, unless called for by a reply to the first. Under all the circumstances of the case, I must advise you by no means to assume the debts nor do I see the necessity of sending copies to Mr. D. It may not be amiss to write him an acct. of the correspondence in terms to embarrass him as little as possible with himself or G. S.


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 27 August 1800
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Letter not found. 27 August 1800. Acknowledged in Monroe to JM, 9 Sept. 1800. Informs Monroe that JM has hired Richard McGee as overseer for Monroe’s Albemarle County farm.


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 29 August 1800
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Monticello Aug. 29. 1800.
Before the reciept of your last favor, mr. McGehee had called on me, and satisfied me that the entry of nails delivered in Aug. & left blank was really of nails charged in July & not then delivered. The misconception on my part arose from imperfect entries made on the reports of mr. Richardson who generally delivered out the nails. I am chagrined at it’s having been the cause of my holding the whole of the 69.23 D of your order on Barnes, when so inconsiderable a portion of it was for me. I now send a statement of our account and the balance of £13–7–2 shall be sent by mr. Barber from our court unless a more direct conveyance occurs.
I have recieved no letters of particular information since you were here: nor do I learn any thing lately respecting N. Carolina. The republican papers of Massachusets & Connecticut continue to be filled with the old stories of deism, atheism, antifederalism &c as heretofore & are very silent as to Pinckney. P. Carr yesterday lost his son; & his daughter is understood to be hopeless. Mr. Trist has at length made a purchase of lands, those on which James Kerr lived, on the road to mr. Divers’s, @ 7. D. the acre. A purchaser has offered for Colo. Monroe’s land above Charlottesville @ 6. D. He came from Loudon, with a mr. Craven, recommended to me as a tenant by Genl. Mason. Craven has rented 5. fields of me of 100. acres each on this side the river, with all the negroes belonging to the plantation (18 workers) stock, &c. at £350. a year for 5. years. I had before nearly compleated the leasing all my lands on the other side the river. My nailery & the erecting my mill are now to be my chief occupations. I hope to rent the latter advantageously. Lands are rising sensibly here. Several are wanting to buy, & there is little for sale. I imagine we shall hardly be summoned to Washington before the fixed time of meeting. Present my respects to mrs. Madison, & affectionate salutations to yourself.
Th: Jefferson

[Enclosure]

James Madison junr. to Th: Jefferson
Dr.

1799.

  July 25.
  }

  Aug. 23.

  To 23. ℔ IVd. nails
  }
  @ 14½d

  1. ℔ inch brads

1—9—0

500. 1½ brads @ 12½d pr. ℔
3—8

26. ℔ Xs. @ 11½d
1—4–11

35. ℔ XVId brads @ 10½d
1–10—7½

1800.
May 12.
To pd. for Aurora for I. Winston by yr order
1–10—

Aug. 10.
To remitted S. T. Mason for Holt &c. by your order
1–10—

balance due J. M.
13—7—2

20–15—4½

Jan.
By your order on J. Barnes 69.23
20–15—4½


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 9 September 1800
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Richmond Sepr. 9. 1800.
I have yr. favor of the 27. (last) in wh. you inform me of yr. engagment with Mr. Macgee to overlook my business in albemarle, with wh. I am much gratified. I believe the one on the mountain will remain, but whether he does or not I shall put great confidence in Macgee, and altho’ in case he stays and in consequence Macgee’s attention be confined to the lower place, I shall if you advise raise his wages to £60. and allow him to keep a horse. I very much hope under Mr. Macgees auspices to encrease considerably the product of plantation, of wh. I am satisfied it is capable. I was surprised to hear nothing of the papers sent & letter I wrote you from Albemarle, as I am not to have recd. the letter you mention to have written me the mail before that wh. brot. this. My letter conveyd one from Mr. Mason having reference to you, of wh. we confer’d before, as also mine to Colo. Smith, both of wh. ought to be seen by yrself only. I hope you have them & will keep them till we meet. The latter subject ought to be viewed with great favor to the party interested from the footing between him & me, in addition to wh. I think he had a discretionary power over what concerned me in every emergency. There has been an alarm here of an insurrection of the blacks wh. has not entirely subsided. It seems to be evident that something of the kind was contemplated. Abt. 25. of this neighborhood are committed who are to be tried next week. It is said they intended to seize the publick arms that were at the penitentiary, burn the city &ca. The evidence of its comprizing many of the negroes of Henrico, part of Hano[ve]r & chesterfield is satisfactory; but it is at an end if it was ever contemplated. Mrs. M. is gone on a visit to my sister Buckner in Caroline, and writes me she and Eliza are well & the child much improved. By moving him abt. he will I hope get the better soon of those diseases of childhood, & recover his strength. This alarm has kept me much occupied & I write you this in haste. We have nothing new from abroad. Our comrs. and govt. keep their secrets to themselves. Of the state of the publick mind we have no positive proof, but cause to think it is changing for the better. Our best wishes to Mrs. Madison & family. Sincerely I am your friend & servt.
Jas. Monroe


Title: To James Madison from John Taylor, 10 September 1800
From: Taylor, John
To: Madison, James

Dr. Sir
Caroline Septr. 10. 1800
When Majr. Lindsay died, I have heard that you interested yourself on behalf of Mr: F. Taylor, as his successor. Colo. Byrd is now dead, and I take the liberty of informing you, by the request of Mr: Taylor, that he is again soliciting the naval officer’s place at Norfolk.
I have heard Mr: Taylor frequently spoken of by merchants on this river, of opposed political principles, in terms of the highest approbation, both as the naval officer in fact during Majr. Lindsay’s time, and also as a man of well established reputation; from whence I concluded, that you, knowing as you probably do, the same things, would feel a particular interest, in serving the public and advancing merit, by patronizing him again with your powerful recommendation. And I wrote, because an opportunity of doing this would have been lost, unless you received the speediest notice of his application, a rapid decission upon which must inevitably ensue, from the nature of the case. I am with the highest respect & Esteem, Dr. Sir Yr: mo: obt: Sert.
John Taylor


Title: To James Madison from Andrew Moore, 14 September 1800
From: Moore, Andrew
To: Madison, James

Sir
September 14th. 1800
The bearer Colo. Alexander McNat Now on his Way to Richmond—and from thence to Novascotia—Wishes to Call on you. He has in earlier Life—Seen much better Times. His Object in returning to Novascotia is To regain Possession of Property He has been disposs[ess]ed of by the Refugees.
Republicanism increases in this Quarter. A Piece Signd Lycurgus—(Of Which You are Suspected to be the Author)—Is read by all Parties—And from its Moderation—Claims Attention. And Should Its Progress be Marked with the Same Plainness & Moderation—I doubt not—It will have Considerable Influence. I am Sir With great Respt &c Yours,
A Moore


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 17 September 1800
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Monticello Sep. 17. 1800.
I now send by Bp. Madison the balance which should have gone from our last court by mr. Barber: but not seeing him the first day of the court, & that breaking up on the first day contrary to usage & universal expectation, mr. Barber was gone before I knew that fact. Is it not strange the public should have no information of the proceedings & prospects of our envoys in a case so vitally interesting to our commerce? That at a time when, as we suppose, all differences are in a course of amicable adjustment, Truxton should be fitted out with double diligence that he may get out of port before the arrival of a treaty, & shed more human blood merely for the pleasure of shedding it? I have a letter from mr. Butler in which he supposes that the republican vote of N. Carolina will be but of a bare majority. Georgia he thinks will be unanimous with the republicans; S. C. unanimous either with them or against them: but not certainly which. Dr. Rush & Burr give favorable accounts of Jersey. Granger & Burr even count with confidence on Connecticut. But that is impossible. The revolution there indeed is working with very unexpected rapidity: before another Congressional election it will probably be complete. There is good reason to believe Massachusets will increase her republican vote in Congress, & that Levi Lincoln will be one. He will be a host in himself; being undoubtedly the ablest & most respectable man of the Eastern states. Health, respect & affection.
Th: Jefferson
 D c
44.53


Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 23 September] 1800
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
[ca. 23 September 1800]
I recd. by Bishop M. the 44D. 53C. committed to his care. The silence which prevails as to the negociations of our Envoys, is not less surprizing to my view than to yours. We may be assured however that nothing of a sort to be turned to the party objects on the anvil, has been recd. unless indeed the publication shd. be delayed for a moment deemed more critically advantageous. As we are left to mere conjectures, the following, have occurred to me. The long continuance of the Envoys at Paris, of itself indicates that difficulties of some sort or other have sprung up or been created. As the French Govt. seems to have provided for the future security of our commerce by repealing the decrees under which it had been violated, and as the ultimatum of the Ex. explained by former instructions permitted a waver at least, of claims for past spoliations, it would seem that no insuperable obstacles would be likely to arise on these articles. In looking for other solutions, my attentions have fallen on the articles contained in the Treaty of 1778. relating 1. to free ships freeing their cargoes. 2 to the permissions granted to prizes. 3. to convoys. That a difficulty may have happened on the first, is rendered not improbable by the late transaction with Prussia the 2d. is suggested by the circumstances under which the stipulation was sought & obtained by G. B. & the 3d. by the late occurrences & combinations in Europe. Should any one or more of these conjectures be just, the explanation will also coincide with the reports from different quarters, which speak of the Treaty of 78 as at the bottom of the impediments, and if so it seems more likely that they would be found in such parts of it as have been alluded to, than in the guaranty which cannot be needful to France, and which her pride would be more ready to reject than to claim. I cannot but flatter myself, that your letter from Mr. B. is to be otherwise explained than by admitting the accuracy of his information. Mr. Dawson now with me has a letter from Macon of Aug: 15. which with apparent confidence promises 9 Repub: votes in N. C. and in general seems to be pleased with the present temper of it. As to S. C. I learn in various ways that there is thought to be no danger there, and that the adverse party openly relinquish expectation. From the North your intelligence will be later as well as better than mine. Yrs. always & affecly.
Js. Madison Jr.


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, [24 September] 1800
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir
[24 September 1800]
Yours of the 9th. inst: never arrived till sunday last. I cannot account for your having heard nothing of the letter of Mr. M. & the copy of yours to Mr. D. According to your request when you inclosed them, they were returned by the ensuing mail, addressed to you & to be left at Milton, where they must have arrived on thursday morning, the day on which I presumed you would set off for Richd. If you did not enquire at the post office as you passed thro’ that place or if the mail had not at the time arrived, it is possible the letter may still be there; tho’ I rather hope it may have been forwarded, without having got to hand at the date of yours now acknowledged. We are glad to hear that your little son has mended so much, as well as that Mrs. M & the rest of you continue well. We still think however that this advantage wd. have been better secured in Orange, than by the arrangement which was substituted, and shall claim the ballance of the debt hereafter without abatement of interest. In settling an acct. with Mr. Dunbar I have occasion to know through whose hands & from what source I remitted you 150 dolrs. a year or more ago, which you intimated would be convenient to you at Fredg abt. that time. The mode of remittance has escaped my recollection, & I wish to ascertain whether any thing in a particular item in that acct. is connected with it. The sooner you can consult your memory & drop me a line on the subject, the better. I have heard nothing from McGee since he returned with the ague & fever on him to compleat his engagements with Mr. Triplett. You will understand that you are under no obligations even of the most imperfect kind, to go beyond the terms Stipulated, nor would I do it but in the event of its being actually merited, or of its constituting a title, as being a favor, to peculiar attentions. I except indeed the privilege of keepg a horse on which nothing was sd. and to which he might expect there wd. be no objection. On this point even you are free to refuse; but I think the indulgence if desired wod. be more advisable. With affectionate assurances from & to all. I remain Yrs.
Js. Madison Jr


Title: To James Madison from John G. Jackson, 25 September 1800
From: Jackson, John G.
To: Madison, James

Colo. Madison.
Clarksburg Septr 25th 1800
The friends of republicanism have to congratulate each other upon the auspicious appearance of political events. It is reduced to a certainty as far as human foresight can predict that both Houses of the Pennsylvania Legislature will be republican after the October Elections. I conversed last Week with a Monsieur Savary de Valcoulon intimate friend & copartner with Mr Gallatin who says that he (Mr Gallatin) after the most mature deliberation and enquiry has no doubt nay, is certain, that in consequence of the reelection of six Senators the annual constitutional number and some others occasioned by deaths & resignations a sufficient change will be effected to produce a Majority of the friends to the constitution in the Senate—in that case Govr. McKean will immediately convene the Legislature, and the immaculate Jefferson will be our next President. Then will the genius of american Liberty be reanimated, truth & honesty long vilified and trampled under foot by the Machinists of Sedition Laws &c. &c. will resume their respective stations and shine refulgent throughout our political hemisphere. But stop! I must not forget that a Sedition Law and a modern Jeffreys (alias Chase) are in existence, also that the Post Masters (with a few virtuous exceptions) are subservient to the views of the Administration and my Letters liable to interception my fears suppress the effusions of my pen when contemplating the agreeable prospect before us.
I must therefore be content with assuring you our politics here are decisively right and leave us no room to doubt their predominance in our own State. My Father joins his salutations with mine he intends doing himself the pleasure to call upon you on his way to Congress some time previous to the 3d Monday in November. Adieu your obt Servt.
John G Jackson


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 29 September 1800
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

My dear Sir
Richmond Sepr. 29. 1800.
An unhappy event has occurr’d which has overwhelmed us with grief. At ten last night our beloved babe departed this life after several days sickness, wh. attended the cuting his eye teeth in the last stage, when we flatter’d ourselves the danger had passed. I cannot give you an idea of the effect this event has produc’d on my family, or of my own affliction in being a partner and spectator of the scene. Many things have occurr’d my friend, in these late years that abated my sensibility to the affrs. of this world, but this has roused me beyond what I thought it was possible I cod. be. Knowing the interest you take in our welfare, I perform a painful task in communicating to you and family this great calamity. Affectly I am yr. friend & servant
Jas. Monroe


Title: The Election of 1800, October 1800–February 1801 (Editorial Note)
From:
To:

Editorial Note
In 1834 JM recalled the “Crisis” in government during the Adams administration and the part he had played in Jefferson’s “election to the Chief Magistracy” in 1800. His role in those events, he declared, was well known, but since the letters received at Montpelier that survive far outnumber those sent during this period, it is more difficult now to determine just how involved JM was in the activities that preceded the election. JM’s reluctance to engage in campaigning on his own behalf has been noted before; what is clear here is that his sense of outrage at the policies of Federalism forced him from retirement and led him to assume a public as well as a private role in helping to bring about the election of his friend and fellow Republican Thomas Jefferson (Madison to Henry Lee, 3 Mar. 1834, Madison, Writings [Hunt ed.]Gaillard Hunt, ed., The Writings of James
          Madison (9 vols.; New York, 1900–1910)., 9:533).
As early as May 1799 JM’s attention was drawn to the coming presidential election. Reminding him that Jefferson had lost the election of 1796 by a mere three votes, Charles Pinckney of South Carolina urged JM to spearhead an effort to change the way in which Virginia presidential electors were chosen from a district to a general-ticket method. The latter method would ensure that Virginia’s overwhelmingly Republican sentiments would be reflected by having all of its twenty-one electoral votes go to Jefferson. JM was a member of the committee that drafted the bill when the General Assembly took up the measure in the 1799–1800 session, and although no record of the debates on the issue survives, it is highly likely that JM spoke in favor of its passage. The proposal of the general ticket was “so novel,” however, that it clearly aroused some opposition to its success, and despite JM’s insistence that its purpose was to ensure Virginia “fair play” in the coming election, the law passed by a small margin only (Charles Pinckney to JM, 16 May and 30 Sept. 1799; JM to Jefferson, 18 Jan. 1800; JHDVJournal of the House of Delegates of the
          Commonwealth of Virginia, Begun and Held at the Capitol, in the City of Richmond.
        Volumes in this series are designated by the month in which the session began., Dec. 1799 [EvansCharles Evans, ed., American Bibliography …
          1639 … 1820 (12 vols.; Chicago, 1903–34). 38954], p. 83).
Following on the heels of this victory, Virginia Republicans, including JM, met in Richmond between 21 and 23 January 1800 to organize a rudimentary political machine that provided for a general committee of correspondence and a committee in each county to disseminate campaign literature and to drum up the vote. The state committee also chose a general ticket of prominent Republicans to stand as electors. JM agreed to be placed on the ticket, and although he did not serve on the Orange County committee he did distribute a number of copies of his own Report of 1800 to his neighbors, the legislature having ordered five thousand copies to be circulated throughout the state. And as a presidential elector JM would cast his electoral votes for Jefferson and Aaron Burr in December 1800 (Circular Letter from the Chairman of the General Committee of Correspondence, 30 Jan. 1800; Circular Letter from the Governor of Virginia, 28 Mar. 1800; “Proceedings of two meetings in Richmond on 21 and 23 Jan. 1800,” CVSPWilliam P. Palmer et al., eds., Calendar of
          Virginia State Papers and Other Manuscripts (11 vols.; Richmond, 1875–93)., 9:74–87).
In private JM played an equally influential role in the coming election. Montpelier became a clearinghouse for political information as JM was kept abreast of developments in the key states of New York, Maryland, and South Carolina. More important still was the critical part JM had in assuring the supporters of Aaron Burr that Virginia would cast all its ballots for both Jefferson and the New Yorker. Burr had been awarded the vice presidential nomination for his success in organizing victory for the Republicans in the New York legislative elections, a result that assured the party of the state’s electoral votes. However, Burr had not forgotten his treatment during the presidential election of 1796—when Virginia had withheld several electoral votes from him and thus contributed to his defeat as vice president. His supporters insisted that on this occasion there be no betrayal, with the implicit threat that if a guarantee was not forthcoming, New York might throw away a vote or two from Jefferson. JM was quick to reassure the New Yorkers and to pass the word among his correspondents that they should hold to their promise (see, for example, David Gelston to JM, 8 Oct. and 21 Nov. 1800; JM to Monroe, ca. 21 Oct. 1800).
That assurance was enough to help keep southern Republicans in line; but a similar assurance by the New Yorkers that one of Burr’s electoral votes would be thrown away was disregarded. The result was a tied vote between Jefferson and Burr in the electoral college, followed by two months of anxiety over the final outcome of the election. Earlier, JM had not given much thought to the possibility of a tie, believing that should one occur it would be resolved according to the will of the people; that is, Jefferson would undoubtedly become president. But Federalist politicking and the less than frank behavior of Burr himself threatened scenarios fraught with civil disorder, party machinations, and the setting aside of the election results. JM’s reaction to these developments was simple and expedient. He suggested that, in the absence of a resolution of the electoral tie before 4 March 1801, the two candidates jointly call the next Congress into session, and this Republican body could then proceed to the correct selection of Jefferson (JM to Monroe, ca. 10 Nov. 1800; JM to Dawson, 3 Jan. 1801 [not found]; JM to Jefferson, 10 Jan. 1801).
Jefferson, however, seems to have expected that he would ultimately secure his election in the House of Representatives, and he was probably acting on this assumption when he invited JM to come to the nation’s capital “a day or two at least before the 4th of March.” There JM could play a role in assuaging any ill feelings that the electoral contest had created in Congress and help Jefferson as well in making some early arrangements for the new administration. JM was reluctant to do so. He was unwell at the time and doubted anyway the propriety of “appearing on the political Theatre before [he] could be considered as regularly called to it.” Moreover, JM was concerned about the “declining state” of his father’s health, and James Madison, Sr., after an illness of several weeks, did indeed die on 27 February 1801. For all these reasons then JM could only wait at Montpelier for the outcome of the presidential election in the House of Representatives, where the voting by state delegations began on 11 February. The first ballot revealed that Jefferson was one state short of the majority required for victory; he had eight states, Burr had six, and two states were divided. For nearly a week the tally remained the same, until on 17 February, on the thirty-sixth ballot, Jefferson was elected president by the vote of ten states. A number of Federalist congressmen from Delaware, Maryland, South Carolina, and Vermont eventually agreed among themselves to end the contest by either not voting or by casting blank ballots. For their part, the Republicans in the House of Representatives had held firm, and they thus forced the Federalists to acquiesce in the election of Jefferson. Though JM had anticipated the good news and reacted to it calmly, this vindication of his friend and the Republican program doubtless filled him with a sense of satisfaction that for too long had eluded him (Jefferson to JM, 19 Dec. 1800; JM to Jefferson, 10 Jan. and 28 Feb. 1801; Dawson to JM, 12 Feb. 1801; Jefferson to JM, 12 and 18 Feb. 1801).
(Secondary sources used for this note: Noble E. Cunningham, Jr., “Election of 1800,” in History of American Presidential Elections, ed. Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., and Fred L. Israel [4 vols.; New York, 1971], 1:101–34; Risjord, Chesapeake Politics, pp. 552–63; “The Republican Vice Presidential Nomination,” and “The Electoral Tie of 1801,” Kline, Papers of BurrMary-Jo Kline, ed., Political
          Correspondence and Public Papers of Aaron Burr (2 vols.; Princeton, N.J.,
        1983)., 1:430–34, 481–87; Ketcham, James Madison, pp. 404–6; Brant, MadisonIrving Brant, James Madison (6 vols.;
        Indianapolis and New York, 1941–61)., 4:23–34; Harry Ammon, “The Republican Party in Virginia, 1789–1824” [Ph.D. diss., ViU, 1948], pp. 226–55.)


Title: To James Madison from David Gelston, 8 October 1800
From: Gelston, David
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
New York Octr. 8th. 1800
The extreme anxiety we feel on account of the approaching election must be my apology (if any is necessary) for writing to you on the important subject, can we, may we rely on the integrity of the southern States? We have lately had some reports that have alarmed us from Tennessee, will you let me know how many votes we may certainly calculate upon for Messrs. Jefferson & Burr? We depend on the integrity of Virginia & the southern States as we shall be faithfull & honest in New York, we have strong assurances that Rhode Island will give us three Votes—both sides claim the Victory in Jersey—the 14th Inst. will decide, but if our calculations may be relied upon we shall we will succeed without Jersey, Pennsylvania having no vote.
It would be presuming in me even to suggest to you the immense the infinite importance of the final Issue—rely upon it no exertions will be wanting, no pains will be spared by the republicans in this quarter to save our Constitution to save our Country or in other words to secure the election of Jefferson & Burr—this is by a confidential Friend Mr Alston of So. Carolina—pray let me hear from you—I believe there can be no doubts of your letters coming safe by the Post. I am with the highest esteem most respectfully yours
David Gelston


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 8 October 1800
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Richmond Octr. 8. 1800
I ought to have answerd yr. last favor sooner, relative to an advance made me sometime last year at Fredbg., but many interesting concerns have prevented it. That advance was I presume made to Mr. Jones, as I recollect writing by him to request abt. that sum to be applied to my use there. I think too you advanc’d him the cash as he paid the debt wh. I owed on his arrival at Fredbg., tho I rather think it was in sepr. the year before, on his way to the district court. I have seen an interesting paper in several of the gazettes, taken from a Paris paper respecting the state of our negotiation with France. By this it appears to be suspended on a strange pretext of our Comrs. that we have no right to put France on a footing with Engld.; a pretext worthy the head of a little lawyer but unworthy a diplomatic agent. The insurrectional spirit in the negroes seems to be crushed, tho’ it certainly existed and had gone to some extent. 15. have been executed, and 10. or 12. more will be on friday next. I submitted the question to the council whether those less criminal in comparison with others, shod. be reprieved that their case might be submitted in all the lights in wh. it may be contemplated to legislative consideration; the council was divided & having no vote those not recommended to mercy by the court will be executed. Our best regards to yr. lady & family. Your friend
Jas. Monroe


Title: To James Madison from Charles Peale Polk, 10 [October] 1800
From: Polk, Charles Peale
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir,
Frederick Town 10th. [October] 1800.
I was honor’d with your Letter of Augt. 5th. at which time much uncertainty rested on the state of political affairs in Maryland. I have now the pleasure of communicating to you that the People of our State will exercsise the right of suffrage in the Choice of Electors in Districts. Altho I cannot give an Official statement of the different polls throughout the State, yet I can Assure you that the Republicans have a majority in the Lower House.
I have also the pleasure to add that, from the best information I have recieved on the subject, Mr. Jefferson will most probably have 7 Votes from this state. By the News Paper of our Town, which accompanies this Letter, you will see the astonishing increase of Republicans in Our County. With Sentiments of the highest esteem and respect, I am, Dear Sir, your Obd Hue Servt.
Charles P. Polk


Title: To James Madison from Gabriel Duvall, 17 October 1800
From: Duvall, Gabriel
To: Madison, James

Dear sir,
Annapolis, 17 Oct. 1800.
The result of our elections for the State legislature being known, it is with great pleasure that I inform you of our success. It has exceeded our most sanguine expectations. Of 80 members who compose the House of Delegates 47 are decidedly opposed to a legislative choice of Electors. Therefore an alteration of the present mode of election by the people will not be attempted. The consequence will be that Mr. Jefferson will get five, perhaps six votes in Maryland, unless a change of sentiment should take place before the election. This change is not likely to happen unless from a conversation which is said to have been had between Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Fitzhugh, & which is detailed in the inclosed handbill. A good deal of the opposition which has been made to the re-election of Mr. Adams has proceeded from a belief in many that he is a Monarchist; and this opinion, the advocates for Mr. Jefferson, particularly Col. Mercer & myself, have endeavoured to inculcate. We are now placed in an awkward situation by the opinion of Mr. Jefferson himself “that Mr. Adams is as firm & decided a republican as ever lived.” Fitzhugh is a man of known honour and integrity; his veracity is not questioned by anyone. Is it possible that Mr. Jefferson, after reading Mr. Adams’s volumes (which it is presumable he has done) should be of opinion that he is a republican? Can he think so after Mr. Adams’s conversation in the Senate chamber with Mr. Taylor & Mr. Langdon? If he does, he must think with Mr. Adams that the English constitution (as he calls it) may justly be denominated a republic, & the best species of Republics. After the publication of the handbill I have thought it best to say that it is probable Mr. Jefferson in 1796 had not had Mr. Adams’s Works & that he had not heard the conversation alluded to. The handbill has been circulated in thousands all over the state, & I am fearful, will influence many.
The charge of Irreligion had almost subsided, when the New York pamphlet made its appearance. The conversation then stated to have happened between Mr. Jefferson & Mazzei, as they passed a decayed Church, (which you have no doubt seen) has occasioned a renewal of the charge. The probability is that no such conversation ever passed, & we have seen a different statement of it in the Newspapers. This we insist on. I am with great Respect & Esteem yr. obedt. Sert.
G. Duvall.


Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 October 1800
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Ocr. 21. 1800
This will be handed to you by Mr. Altson [sic] of S. Carolina, who proposes to call at Monticello on his return from a Northern tour. He will probably be made known to you by other introductions; but those which he has brought to me, as well as a short acquaintance with him make me feel an obligation to add mine. He appears to be intelligent, sound in his principles, and polished in his manners. Coming fresh from N. Y. through Pena. & Maryld. he will be able to furnish many details in late occurrences. The fact of most importance mentioned by him & which is confirmed by letters I have from Burr & Gilston, is that the vote of Rho: Island will be assuredly on the right side. The latter gentleman expresses much anxiety & betrays some jealousy with respect to the integrity of the Southern States in keeping the former one in view for the secondary station. I hope the event will skreen all the parties, particularly Virginia from any imputation on this subject; tho’I am not without fears, that the requisite concert may not sufficiently pervade the several States. You have no doubt seen the late Paris Statement, as well as the comment on it by Observator who is manifestly Hamilton. The two papers throw a blaze of light on the proceedings of our administration, & must I think, co-operate with other causes, in opening thoroughly the eyes of the people. Sincerely yours
Js. Madison Jr.


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, [ca. 21 October] 1800
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir,
[ca. 21 October] 1800
I now inclose a letter left here by Mr. Alston. It will communicate all that I could repeat from one to me from Col. Burr and Mr. Gelston. The latter is uneasy lest the Southern States should not be true to their duty. I hope he will be sensible that there was no occasion for it. It seems important that all proper measures should emanate from Richmond for guarding against a division of the Republican votes, by which one of the Republican Candidates may be lost. It would be superfluous to suggest to you the mischief resulting from the least ground of reproach, and particularly to Virginia, on this head.


Title: From James Madison to David Gelston, 24 October 1800
From: Madison, James
To: Gelston, David

Letter not found. 24 October 1800. Acknowledged in Gelston to JM, 21 Nov. 1800. Reassures Gelston that Virginia will cast all its electoral votes for Jefferson and Burr.


Title: To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 26 October 1800
From: Pinckney, Charles
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir,
October 26: 1800 In Charleston
Permit me to put you to some little Expence & trouble in forwarding the inclosed to our friend at Monticello or wherever he may be when you get it—please send it to him under cover as I wish him much to get it safe. I congratulate you on our very fair prospects at present. We shall do well here. I am hopeful you got my little republican Farmer from Philadelphia, & afterwards from hence the Volume of my Speeches in Congress & since (that is lately) “the Republican” in twenty four numbers which I have written for this Election. As you see Mr Jefferson very often I refer you to him for our political intelligence from hence as I have written him circumstantially of all our movements & prospects here & in Georgia & North Carolina. I came home in June from Congress with a dislocated right arm—& from that time to the present I have incessantly laboured to carry this Election here & to sprinkle all the southern states with pamphlets & Essays & every thing I thought would promote the common cause against what I well know must be the Consequence if the federalists succeeded—for this purpose if nothing prevents I go to Columbia to be present at the Election of Electors & shall of course be very late at Washington this year. I am charged with being the sole cause of all the Opposition in South Carolina—my two Kinsmen have of course divided & will be separated from me in future. But regardless of this I persevere in that Line which I believe to be right & from which I have never deviated a tittle since my opposition to the British Treaty, that foundation of all our Evils & Divisions. In consequence I have been obliged to bear alone the whole weight of the abuse of the British & federal parties here, & so much public & private scandal & rancour I believe no man has yet borne in the same space. I still however push on & hope by our success that they shall Have something to abuse me for. Please send me a Line to say you recieve this—direct to me at Columbia this state. I rejoice to hear as I have just done by Post that Mary Land is returning to her friends & her Duty—& hoping & praying that Before I see you in Virginia all things will be as they ought believe me with every sentiment I ought to bear towards a friend I so much value as yourself—one whom I have not seen so long & who I so long to see my dear sir with affectionate regard Yours Truly
Charles Pinckney
My best respects to your Lady. You recollect we used often to talk about Matrimony & I have much curiosity to see your Lady. I have heard every thing I could wish of her—for certainly if ever a man deserved a good Wife you did. Had you unfortunately got, as Doctor Johnson says, in to a state of Gennococracy (is it right spelt) or petticoat Government I know no man I should have pitied more nor none I could have more sincerely wept over. But as it is, if ever I get into your neighbourhood I will go & see you with confidence. Have you any little Madisons running about & giving you a feeling which I assert is not otherwise to be found in human nature? The unceasing affection from Penelope to Ulysses or the ardent one from Alcyone to Ceyx was weak & impotent when compared to the affection of a parent (I mean an enlightened & cultivated one, & of principle, not a Beast, as too many are) to a Child. I wish you could see my little fellow reading me his Lesson & vying to match some twice his years, or my little Frances playing at ten years old a tune & singing to it on the Piano—if you did you would only wonder that politics or any thing else could ever induce me to be so much absent from them. But you know I always Loved Politics & I find as I grow older I become more fond of them. I have just heard that Rhode Island is to give us a Vote or two—is it possible? As I have asked Mr Jefferson (speaking of Rhode Island) can good Come out of Galilee? I hinted to Dexter that his Office would be a shortlived one—as well as some others, & the Lord of his infinite Mercy grant it. God Bless You.
I have had your Portrait sent me for my Drawing room—it is a Most exact likeness in the face—But makes you about the Body much fatter than when I saw you. If it is so I suppose you have thriven upon Matrimony & find it a good thing.


Title: To James Madison from James Yard, 28 October 1800
From: Yard, James
To: Madison, James

Dear sir
Philada. Oct. 28. 1800
On the 20th. Inst. I forwarded by the Schooner Elizabeth, James Allen Master, 20 Cases of Madeira Wine containing in all 22 Dozn.—put up with great Care. As I had mislaid your Letter of Directions I was forced to address these Cases to a Mr. Wm Wilson with orders to hold them at your Disposal which I hope may prove of no Inconvenience. This Gentleman is Said to be a respectable Man at Frederickbg.
You will no Doubt consider this as a Trouvaille; as you must have long Since have given over every Hope of Seeing one Drop of this Deposit. Our friend Monro is in the same situation with this Difference that he has got angry with me. In fact I did not think that we were so near to the Triumph of Republicanism or I Should have been more attentive both to you & him. But if I can but hear of the safe arrival of the Wine I Shall be certain of being again restored by this powerful Advocate to your & his good Graces.
You may remember that by an Accident to your pipe, it was diminished. Mr. Monro Said that an equal Division should take place. I have not altogether followed this order, for you have 22 & he 23 Dozen—of your own that which was drawn without stirring the Cask is sealed, the Residue is only corked in the common Way. You have the very Dregs. The Bottles having a string around the Neck are of Mr. Monros pipe.
You will expect my opinion of this little Shipment. I give it in unqualified Terms. Madeira Wine of this Age cannot be better. In three years it will not be exceeded by an Wine in the Universe. It was my fear that this precious Liquor would be prematurely consumed that induced me to keep it back ’till I thought it fit for Use, which it will now be in one year. To this Account only I beg you to place my seeming Inattention. I hope you will believe me sincere when I assure you that the Sentiments, with which I was early impressed on your subject, have remained undiminished & unchanged. I am very respectfully Dr. sir Your obd servt.
James Yard


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 6 November 1800
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Richmond Novr. 6. 1800.
I wrote you two days since by my servant who was to put the letter in the post office at charlottesville. This will be presented by Mr. Ervin a young man of merit from Boston. I saw him in Paris, but on some ground wh. I forget refused him my passport, in consequence whereof we did not become acquaint⟨ed. He pub⟩lished my book in Engld., of which he sent me a copy. Last winter he was introduc’d to Mr. Jefferson by a letter from Saml. Adams who vouched for his republicanism. I mention these circumstances that you may know his character, as he wishes to communicate confidentially with you on a topic of great importance & some delicacy in respect to a person interested in it. We are sufficiently on our guard agnst our opponents, but Mr. Jeffersons election ought to be secured agnst. accident wh. might otherwise give us in the first station, a friend we did not intend to place there. This is the subject on wh. he is disposed to confer with you, and as he has the strongest pretentions to confidence as above, think there will be a propriety in it: wh. however is submitted to you. I heard yesterday Mr. Macon had a letter for me, probably from you, wh. I mention to excuse my not answering it, if it be so. The elections have been very successful in favor of the republican cause. In Prince George, the vote was 197. for that ticket, and only 9. for the other: It is said that in chesterfield the suffrage was unanimous in its favor. It was certainly so late in the evening. Thus in this state the publick delusion seems to be fast dissipating. I hear that Mr. Jones has been confined for a fortnight to his bed in Loudon. His last letter recd. yesterday stated that he was still confined, but as he did not say to his bed hope it was only to his room. I shod. soon be with him if I cod. with safety leave my family & Richmond at the present time. Your friend & servant


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 9 November 1800
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Monticello Nov. 9. 1800.
This will be handed you by mr. Erwin, a gentleman of Boston, with whom I became acquainted last winter on a letter of introduction from old Saml. Adams. He is sensible, well informed & strongly republican, wealthy & well allied in his own state & in England. He calls to pay his respects to you. I inclose you two letters which the Govr. sent me by him for perusal. It is a pity that a part of one of them was not put into the papers, to shew the effects our maniac proceedings have had, & were intended to have. When perused, be so good as to re-inclose them to the Governor by the same bearer. I think it possible that mr. Adams may put some foolish things into his speech on the possibility of it’s being his valedictory one; and that this may give the Senate an opportunity again of shewing their own malice. I propose therefore to give time for the speech & answer to be over before I arrive there. At present I think of being with you on Friday the 21st. on my way. I have a great deal to do however before I can get away. The Republicans in Charleston have lost 11. out of 15 in their city election. The country is said to be firm: but this I imagine cannot be counted on, considering local & personal interests & prejudices. Nor do I rely on what Govr. Fenner of R. I. said to mr. Alston. You know that 2. of the 3. counties of Delaware elected Fedl. represent. to their legislature. Health & affection.
Th: Jefferson
P. S. I send by mr. Erwin 9. copies of Callendar’s Prospect forwarded me for you.


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 10 November 1800
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir
Novr. 10. 1800
I recd. yours of the 6th. inst. by Mr. Erwin, whom I have found to justify the recommendations he brought me. He appears to be intelligent well informed, sound in his principles and agreeable in his manners. He has not as yet touched on the subject to which you allude, & I have not been led to start a conversation on it. At the desire of Mr. Jefferson I return the inclosed letters which you sent to him. Part of one of them would be useful to the public, if it could be communicated without impropriety. The substance of it perhaps might be thrown into an unexceptionable form, and produce reflections suitable to the crisis of our affairs with France. I hear with some surprize & apprehension that Charleston has chosen a large majority of antirepublican members for the Legislature. Should the Country not afford a remedy in that State, and Pena. be kept from voting, the election of P. & V. P. will be a nice business. In this region of Country, the elections have exceeded our hopes. In this County, out of more than 350 votes, 7 only were in the wrong ticket. I hear that in Frederick the Jefferson ticket prevailed in the proportion of 3 to 1. Adieu Yrs.
Js. Madison Jr


Title: To James Madison from John Francis Mercer, 10 November 1800
From: Mercer, John Francis
To: Madison, James

My dear Sir
Annapolis, Nov. 10. 1800.
You’ll feel for me when I tell you that I feel like a Culprit when I take up my pen to write to you—but exclusive of some very serious dissapointments that have arisen from the failures in Baltimore, I have actually been in a manner under execution the whole year—the last will be settled in this month after which, I shall not owe 3000$ in the world, of which yours will be the first paid. If I was to relate to you the efforts that have been made to destroy me in reputation & embarass me in fortune, it woud surprize you even in these surprizing times, but thank God they have all reverted on the heads of the authors so far, & I trust will, I will perhaps send you a Copy of all the papers that have teemd with the infamous & nauseous abuse, R. G. Harper, is the ostensible person & a creature in Virginia one Enoch Mason, but I believe my old friend Sam Chase is at the bottom of it. He told me himself that he had been pledged for years to prevent my ever coming into public life in this State. The truth, is Smith & Duvall, brought me forward here, without my consent, in fact they deceiv’d me, at least Duvall, but it tur[n]ed out better than I coud expect. We beat them more than two to one. My old friend Jere. Chase took the field pointedly against me, but in these meetings, I gave him the coup de grace. Still we are all here assembled. Not a man in the Legislature, on either side, Senate or lower House absent, but one—the lame the halt & god knows the blind have all attended—counting their 15. Votes in the Senate we are divided exactely. Tomorrow tries our strength, on the Council. We agree to the Governor who in fact deserv’d it of us, as his refusal to call the old Assembly alone sav’d Jefferson’s Election here. They have brought forward their motion today to appoint a Senator of US. instead of Lloyd, but we shall postpone it, till next Session when, we shall have a new State Senate.
I will write you very soon, & in mean time endeavor to make arrangements to receive payment of what I owe you in Baltimore. God bless you I pray sincerely
John F. Mercer


Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 11 November] 1800
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
[ca. 11 November 1800]
Yours by Mr Erwin was delivered by him, safe with the two letters inclosed. I forwarded them by him this morning, as you desired to the Governour. They confirm in substance the state and difficulty of the negociation as presented by the late Statement under the Paris head. The observations on the delays carried out by the Ex. and the favorable moment lost thereby, are interesting, and deserve the public attention, if they could be properly submitted to it. I have suggested the idea to the Govr. The accts. from S. Carolina are rather ominous, but I trust we shall soon be relieved by an overbalance of republicanism in the upper elections. To the most unfavorable suppositions we can as yet oppose the hopes presented by Pennsylva. and the chance that a competency of votes may be obtained in spite of defections in the former State. I inclose a hand bill lately published in Maryland and industriously circulated there, & to the Southwd. You will probably be surprized at one of the documents included in it. Mr. Duval expresses considerable fears of its tendency, but I cannot view the danger in so serious a light. I am glad to find you do not mean to postpone your journey to Washington later than the 21st. as I wish much to see you on the way, and shall set out for Richmd. if called thither on the electoral errand as is probable, at least 8 or 9 days before the legal day. The elections as far as I have learned are successful beyond expectation. In this County the votes were 340 odd to 7. and in a number of other Counties in the most commanding majorities. Even in Frederick, I hear the difference was nearly as 3 to 1. Yrs. affy.
Js. Madison Jr


Title: To James Madison from David Gelston, 21 November 1800
From: Gelston, David
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
New York Novr. 21st. 1800
I have just returned from Albany where I had the supreme pleasure of giving my voice for 12 electors who will unequivocally give 12 Votes for our Jefferson.
I am now favored with your very obliging letter of 24th Ulto. which has removed many fears and jealousies with which my mind was much agitated, it is an important moment, a solemn crisis on which our political salvation essentially if not ultimately depends. I should not have troubled you again so soon on this subject, had it not been for some reports circulating, and those reports corroborated by a letter from Mr Taylor of your State, that a kind of calculation is to be made, that one two or more votes must be taken from Colo. Burr in order to insure Mr Jeffersons election as Presidt. I am not willing to believe it possible that such measures can be contemplated—integrity and honour we rely upon in Virginia, we shall be faithfull and honest in New York, we know that the honour of the Gentlemen of Virgina. and N. Y. was pledged at the adjournment of Congress, we in this State have our attachments for Colo Burr, we will not however even think of taking a vote from Mr J. We should consider it as sacrilege—we are well aware from good information that three States, two at least, will give Mr J.—3 or more Votes, more than Mr B. will have, but I trust that it never will be said that either Virga. or NY could be guilty of such a subterfuge.
It is the general voice as well as the individual wish that Mr J. should succeed as Presidt and Mr B. as V. Presdt. and we are happy in the present prospect of success, no pains shall be spared, nor any possible measures neglected to insure the great object of our wishes, and I yet hope a glorious reward for our exertions. With great respect and esteem I am Dear Sir sincerely yours
David Gelston
Will you let me hear from you?


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 23 November 1800
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir
Novr. 23. 1800
The state of the Electoral poll as published affords such strong presumptive evidence of the result, that altho’ no official notice may arrive, I shall set out in due time for Richmond. Mrs. Madison will avail herself of the occasion to make a short visit to Mrs. Monroe. In order to guard agst. casualties of the weather, & for the advantage of being rather early on the ground, we shall endeavour to be with you several days before the time appointed. Our accts. from Maryland are short of expectation, 4 votes only being secured to Mr. J. The reports from Pena. are more favorable. I learn too from a respectable source that notwithstanding some disappointments in S. Carola. a good result will take place there. On all these points you must by this time have decisive information at Richmond. With affectionate adieus Yrs.
Js. Madison Jr


Title: To James Madison from John Nicholas, 28 November 1800
From: Nicholas, John
To: Madison, James

My dear Sir
28 Nov. 1800
You have been informed I understand of the proceeding which took place in Phila. relative to Colo. B—r and I trust are also informed of the circumstances under which we thought it necessary to join in a nomination for an office in the disposal of others better qualified to fill it—the objections to such a proceeding were sensibly felt and nothing but the fear of losing all concert could have surmounted them—the revival of them, in some force, by the circumstances which the very honorable and discreet zeal of the gentleman who is the bearer of this Mr. Erving of Boston will disclose to you, has induced me to trouble you on the present occasion.
Although the persons with whom we met were fully informed that we pretended to no authority with the description of gentlemen who wd. probably be the electors of our state, yet the earnestness with which a nomination was ⟨pr⟩essed puts it beyond doubt that some influence was expec⟨ted⟩ from it. It may certainly be foretold therefore that a ⟨di⟩sappointment in the vote of our state will kindle the je⟨alou⟩sy and distrust which was felt at that time, especially when it will be so easy for ill disposed persons to extract a breach of faith out of the transaction⟨s.⟩ You are so well informed of the difficulties we have had to encounter in the pride of some of our neighbours and can so well ascertain those which may be hereafter thrown in our way if new pretences are given for complaining of the arrogance or selfishness of Virginia that I am sure you will understand my anxiety on this subject as totally unconnected with personal responsibility. I really feel none, for if I had been disposed to entertain lofty pretensions to influence I was too little disposed to the business in hand to make a display of them on that occasion.
If as I suppose there is increased danger of our thwarting the perverse temper of our friends I can really see nothing in the circumstances which will be mentioned to you which can justify a change of conduct—they really contain no evidence of design and will weigh with nobody who was not previously disposed to impute it—suspicion founded on character you know ⟨ca⟩n be no justification with those who expected any ⟨thin⟩g from our engagement, because it should have pr⟨ev⟩ented it. The election of a republican president is so ⟨dou⟩btful and there is so much danger of our efforts being thwarted that every inducement to fulfill the expectations from us is greatly augmented—if we are to fail of the complete effect of our struggle we should be more attentive to that sort of character which will enable us to recover from our defeat, especially as we have the certainty of a house of representatives in the next Congress which can do much to compensate for our disappointment.
It would be unjust in me not to declare my impression in favour of the disposition of the gentleman whose conduct is in question. I do not believe that he would wish a vote which cd. be considered as in his power to be diverted—if, the federalists were brought to decide between our candidates & as has been suspected, some of them should give him the preference I suppose he would have no objection—this is not likely to happen as they are at present very sanguine and the event of the election turns on the choice in So. Carolina which cannot be known ’till it is too late.
I have f⟨orw⟩arded these reflections without even wishing they shou⟨ld⟩ have an effect beyond their merit, and only becau⟨se⟩ I know you can ascertain their exact weight. I am ⟨w⟩ith the highest respect & esteem yr. mo. ob. st.
John Nicholas.


Title: To James Madison from John Dawson, 17 December 1800
From: Dawson, John
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir,
City of Washington. Decr. 17. 1800.
Before this you have returnd to Orange, & I trust in good health.
We are placd in a very unpleasant situation—the accounts which have been recievd from different states place Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Burr on an equall footing. Kentucky and Tennessee are not in, but we have good grounds to conclude that the votes will be equall. Shoud this be the case an effort will be made to prevent an election by withholding nine states—and there is reason to fear that they will succeed—N. York—Pennsylvania Virginia—N. Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky may be counted on with certainty, and we hope for this state and New Jersey—but every exertion will be used with them.
You have seen the ament. to the constitution respecting the choice of President & Vice President—it is an intricate subject, and I will thank you for your sentiments on it—the treaty with the French republic is before the Senate—I do not know the contents. Yrs with much esteem
J Dawson


Title: To James Madison from George Steptoe Washington, 18 December 1800
From: Washington, George Steptoe
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Hare Wood Decr. 18. 1800
Since I had the pleasure of addressing you upon the subject of the Hessian fly I have met with a letter from a Gentleman of Deleware State to the president of the Philadelphia society for the promotion of agriculture. The facts mad⟨e⟩ known by this Gentle[m]an seem so to tally with the observations of my Neighbours & ’self that I refer you to his letter. In page 206 of Morses Geography of the Ud.-States; published in 1793 it will be found. He attaches to the character of the yellow bearded wheat, an entire immunity, from the destruction of this insect. This however is not the cas⟨e⟩ from the experience of this neighbourhood. ’Tho it is less liable, and doubt, not, from the causes he mentions; yet I saw many fields very much infected last spring. This kind of wheat admits of being sown very late, as late I believe as the 15th. of November; by removing the snow at any time through the winter, you find it to have a fine healthful & vigorous appearance. The quickness with which it grows, in the spring very soon puts it out of the way of the insect. I have been this fall peculiarly fortunate, in not having my grain, as far as has been discovered, infected. But ’tis remarkable, that the worse looking grain sown upon my plantation this fall is the yellow bearded wheat. My neighbours tell, and my experience upon other farms informs me that this is not an indication of an unpropitious result.
The visit you propose making us next spring has, even in prospect, given us very great pleasure. We most sincerely hope that your situation may be such as not to prevent it, as I am fearful that my affairs will not permit me to leave home. It will require fully one year of close attention to repair the damage occasioned by my military ⟨pilgrims?⟩. The Ladies have written to you ⟨by⟩ our brother J. P. After Presenting my affectionate remembrance to Dolly, believe me with sincerity Dear Sir your friend and Hu S.
George Washington


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 19 December 1800
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Washington Dec. 19. 1800.
Mrs. Brown’s departure for Virginia enables me to write confidentially what I could not have ventured by the post at this prying season. The election of S. Carolina has in some measure decided the great contest. Tho’ as yet we do not know the actual votes of Tenissee, Kentucky & Vermont yet we believe the votes to be on the whole J. 73. B. 73. A. 65. P. 64. Rhode isld. withdrew one from P. There is a possibility that Tenissee may withdraw one from B. and Burr writes that there may be one vote in Vermont for J. But I hold the latter impossible, and the former not probable; and that there will be an absolute parity between the two republican candidates. This has produced great dismay & gloom on the republican gentlemen here, and equal exultation in the federalists, who openly declare they will prevent an election, and will name a President of the Senate pro tem. by what they say would only be a stretch of the constitution. The prospect of preventing this is as follows. G. N. C. T. K. V. P. & N. Y. can be counted on for their vote in the H. of R. & it is thought by some that Baer of Maryland & Linn of N. J. will come over. Some even count on Morris of Vermont. But you must know the uncertainty of such a dependance under the operation of Caucuses and other federal engines. The month of February therefore will present us storms of a new character. Should they have a particular issue, I hope you will be here a day or two at least before the 4th of March. I know that your appearance on the scene before the departure of Congress, would assuage the minority, & inspire in the majority confidence & joy unbounded, which they would spread far & wide on their journey home. Let me beseech you then to come with a view of staying perhaps a couple of weeks, within which time things might be put into such a train as would permit us both to go home for a short time for removal. I wrote to R. R. L. by a confidential hand three days ago. The person proposed for the T. is not come yet.
Davie is here with the Convention as it is called; but it is a real treaty & without limitation of time. It has some disagreeable features, and will endanger the compromitting us with G. B. I am not at liberty to mention it’s contents, but I believe it will meet with opposition from both sides of the house. It has been a bungling negociation. Elsworth remains in France for his health. He has resigned his office of C. J. Putting these two things together we cannot misconstrue his views. He must have had great confidence in mr. A’s continuance to risk such a certainty as he held. Jay was yesterday nominated Chief Justice. We were afraid of something worse. A scheme of government for the territory is cooking by a committee of each house under separate authorities but probably a voluntary harmony. They let out no hints. It is believed that the judiciary system will not be pushed as the appointments, if made by the present administration, could not fall on those who create them. But I very much fear the road system will be urged. The mines of Peru would not supply the monies which would be wasted on this object, nor the patience of any people stand the abuses which would be incontroulably committed under it. I propose, as soon as the state of the election is perfectly ascertained, to aim at a candid understanding with mr. A. I do not expect that either his feelings, or his views of interest will oppose it. I hope to induce in him dispositions liberal and accomodating. Accept my affectionate salutations.