Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, 6 March 1785
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
N. York. March 6. 1785.
The arrangment in our foreign affairs begins at length to assume some form. Upon whatever ground they were taken up for a considerable time, either with respect to France, Spn. or G. B., the same difficulties arose. If it was mov’d that Dr. Franklin be permitted agreeable to his request to retire home it was firmly oppos’d by R. Island [&] Massachussetts. If that a minister be appointed to Great Britain it was mov’d that those instructed to form commercl. treaties be instructed &c. It was argued on the other hand that our affairs with these courts stood on their own ground respectively and that negotiations with each seperately & at their respective capitals wod. be more eligible & likely to produce success. It was at length mov’d by Mr. Howell that a minister be appointed to represent [the] U. States at the Court of Great Britain and carried. Adams, R. R. Livings[ton] & Rutledge were put in nomination. It had been previously, with the ill-founded expectation of facilitating this measure, mov’d, by Mr. Pinckney “that the commns to foreign ministers unless renew’d by Congress shod. continue in force only for three years.” This was negativ’d; but being agn. renew’d by the mover & press’d upon Congress from other quarters was at length carried. Upon several ballots Adams had 5. votes, Livingston 4. & Rutledge 2., Jersey at length voted for Adams, having previously nominated & voted for Livingston, upon wh. Virga. & Maryld. joined in favr. of Adams & gave him his appointmt. Mr. Smith lately an aid to the general hath been since appointed secry. to the legation. A Mr. Trunbull of Connecticut was his only competitor. Had this affr. come on upon the first meeting of Congress at Trenton the event must have been the same. 5. States, the 4. Eastern & Pena. were decidedly in favr. of Adams in preference to any other person, Jersey was at first dispos’d to commit our for: business to Adams & Jefferson only, and wod. therefore have voted Adams to the above Court. He wod. of course had the majority in Congress & the expedience of the measure wod. have superseded any difficulties with respect to the man. I suppose Mr. Jefferson will shortly be appointed in the room of Dr. Franklin to the Court of France. Carmichael writes that some person in the character of Charge’ des affrs. will shortly be sent from Spn. instructed &c. so that the affrs. with Spn. will sleep till we hear further on the subject. I have recd. letters from Mr. Jefferson of the 10th of Novr. & 11. of Decr. last. In the former he considers war betwn. the Emperor & the Netherlands with their respective associates the Empress with the Emp: & France Prussia & the Porte with the Nether: as unavoidable. He considers the intermediate negotiation as an act only of the Imperial Courts to enable them to commence the campaign on better conditions; in the last he says the genl. opinion is there will be no war but that he sees no reason for it, except the indisposition of the Empress upon whose health the projects of the Emperor must depend. He believes that if it takes place Engld. will keep herself out of the scrape for the following reasons, 1. because she cannot borrow money to take part in it. 2. Ireland is likely to give her disturbance & 3. because her disputes with us are not settled by a full execution of the articles of the treaty and the hatred of her people towards us has arisen to such a height as to prepare their minds for a recommenc’ment of hostilities shod. their govt. find this desirable. “If the war takes place & the States have the direction of their commerce upon fœderal principles I shod. suppose, provided we settle our affrs. with Great Britain, it will be advantageous to us. Every divertion wh. it creates to the vessels of other power[s] from the business of commerce must form an additional demand for ours and admit us gradually into the carrying trade.[”] By his last letter I find that a correspondence had taken place between our ministers & the Duke of Dorset the B. minister at Paris upon the subject of a commercial treaty. His Grace makes a previous stipulation on the part of his court “that a minister instructed &ca. by Congress repair to London.” They say they are jointly authoriz’d to treat, that they have no objection that it shall be in London, from wh. I suspect they may be there at this time. The commn to Adams will perhaps find him there, but this will not give him powers singly to form a commercl. treaty.
The States of Mass: & N. York having previously agreed upon the members to constitute the Court enter’d also into a stipulation that the place of session shod. be determin’d by a majority of the States present in Congress. When brought before Congress, the Delegation of Mass: propos’d Wms.burg & that of N. Yk. Wilmington. The former had 5. votes & the latter 4. Of course the decision agreeably to the covenant enter’d into by the two States was in favr. of the former. N. York was dissatisfied with the decision. Mass: mov’d that the Presdt. forward the letters to the gentn. appointed, upon wh. the displeasure of N. York was discover’d. Mr. Williamson movd “that the decision of Congress by 5. States under the agreemt. of N. Y. & Mass: under the consideration wh. requires 7. in all cases except &c was void.” Whether the States of Mass: and N. Y: had independently of Congress the right of fixing the place & might chuse any intermediate plan, wh. shod. be obligatory on themselves & the Union, or whether Congress had the power of controul became the question. Whenever it came before them a decision of the main question was always evaded by those of order so that it was never taken. The two States at length agreed that whatever had been committed to the journals shod. be eras’d wh. was adm[it]ted. In this condition it remains. It is expected they will agree to some more northern position. I am dear Sir very respectfully yr. frnd. & ser.
Jas. Monroe
P. S. Since the appointmt. of Adams it seems generally agreed that some person shod. be sent to the Hague, but no one is yet thought of.


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 10 March 1785
From: Madison, James
To: Randolph, Edmund

My dear Sir
Orange March 10. 1785.
Your favour of the 12 Ulto. came safe to hand through the conveyance of Capt. Barber together with the several articles inclosed. The letter from Mr. Jefferson speaks of the state of things on the 11th. of Novr. on the other side of the Atlantic as follows. “The lamp of war is kindled here not to be extinguished but by torrents of blood. The firing of the Dutch on an Imperial vessel going down the Scheld, has been followed by the departure of the Imperial Minister from the Hague without taking leave. Troops are in motion on both sides towards the Scheld, but probably nothing will be done till the Spring. This Court has been very silent as to the part they will act. Yet their late treaty with Holland, as well as a certainty that Holland would not have proceeded so far without assurance of aid, furnish sufficient ground to conclude they will side actively with the Republic. The King of Prussia it is believed will do the same. He has patched up his little disputes with Holland & Dantzic. The prospect is that Holland, France, Russia & the Por[te] will be engaged against the two Imperial Courts. England I think will remain neu[tral]. Their hostility towards us has attained an incredible height. Notwithstanding this they expect to keep our trade & cabotage to themselves by the virtue of their proclamation. They have no idea that we can so far act in concert as to establish retaliating measures. Their Irish Affairs will puzzle them extremely. Should things get into confusion there perhaps they will be more disposed to wish a friendly connection with us. The Congress which met on the 25 of Ocr. consisted of deputies from 8 Counties only. They came to resolutions on the reform of Parliamt. & adjd. to the 20 of Jany. recommending to the other Counties to send deputies then.”
I learn from an intelligent person lately from Kentucky that the Convention there produced nothing but a statement of grievances & a claim of redress. The topic of independence was not regularly brought forward at all, and scarcely agitated without doors. It is supposed that the late extension of the tax on patents which as it stood before is on the list of grievances, will turn the scale, in favor of that measure.
Mr. Norton called on me about a week ago on his way to Fredg. If you sd. have recd no later information from Albemarle, it may be a satisfaction to Mrs. Randolph to know that her friends in that quarter were then well—present my best respects to her & beleive me to be with the sincerest affection your friend & servt.
J. Madison Jr


Title: To James Madison from Lafayette, 16 March 1785
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Madison, James

My dear Sir
Paris March the 16th 1785
Was I to found my Hopes Upon the Letters I have from Congress, I would please my fancy with the Expectation of Wellcoming You to the European Shore—and Yet, when I Remember Your obstinate plans of life, I am affraid least my Warm Wishes Should be disappointed—in the Mean While, I will Continue writing, and By the Way Will advise You to send Your Answers By the packets Rather than By a private Vessel. Those letters I sent from Richmond are not Yet Arrived, and I do not think Any letters of the Executive, nor any Private dispatches from Virginia Have as Yet Got to Europe. The politics of this Country are not Yet perfectly Cleared Up. But I am firm in the opinion we shall Have no War at this time. The Emperor’s plans Have Been Opposed by France—it Has on one side saved the dutch, whose Sacrifices, in Comparison of What threatened them Will probably Be Small. It Has on the other Kept Up the Suite in the Empire of Germany, As By its dependance Upon the protection of France and Prussia, the duke of deux ponts Has Been Emboldened to oppose Arrangements Between the Emperor and the Elector of Baviera Where By this Would Have, it is Said, given up His Electorate for the low Countries of the Austrian House. The Conditions Betwe[e]n the dutch and the Emperor are not Yet published. But I Send You a declaration of the king of France to the Emperor, Which took place When He Entered the political Field a few months Ago. Count de Vergennes Has acted, in My opinion, with a Moderation and firmness which does Him Great Honour.
I am Every day pestering Governement with My prophetics Respecting the Mississipy. My favourite plan, they think, Cannot Be Accepted By Spain, who Know not How to Give up what they once Have. On My Arrival, I strongly Advised, at least, to tell the Spaniards to make for themselves New orleans a free port. I am to Have a Conference on that interesting Subject with duke de la Vauguim Who is Going Next Week to Spain as an Ambassader. I Have writen letters By post to Madrid and Cadiz, to Be intercepted and Read. I wish theyr Ministry Were as Sensible and as well disposed as Ours is. I am told Congress Want to Send You there. Could’nt You Accept of it, only for a time, and in the Mean While make Your journey through france and italy? Kentucky, its growth, Its principles, and its inHabitants are, I find, Very little Understood in Europe, and not much so perhaps By many Europeans in America.
There is a Book of Mr. Necker Upon Finances which Has Made Great deal of Noise. It Has Raised a Party Spirit, where By Both Have to an Excess Hated or Adored Him. But I only Speak of the Book, which is a Very Sensible One, and Worth Your Reading. Untill You get it, I inclose a Miniature portrait of France, Made By the Man Who of Course Knows its Ressources. Its publication may Afford Entertainement.
Cher de Caraman’s Best Compliments wait Upon You, My dear Sir, and I Beg You Will Remember me to all Friends in Virginia—Mr. jefferson’s Health is Recovering—But He Keeps Himself too Closely Confined. By My last letters from the General, He was in full enjoyment of a plan for the Navigation of the Pottowmack. God Bless You, My dear friend, Remember me often, and for ever depend Upon the Warm Affection, and Most High Regard of Your devoted friend
Lafayette
The Mercantile interest is Warmer than Ever Against the New Regulations in favour of the West india trade. They are Encouraged By the Narrow Conduct of England, and the total interruption of Commerce Betwe[e]n french and Americans, who are all flocking to Great Britain.


Title: From James Madison to Richard Henry Lee, 20 March 1785
From: Madison, James
To: Lee, Richard Henry

20 March 1785. Concerns Virginia and Confederation affairs mentioned in Lee’s letter of 30 May 1785.


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 21 March 1785
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir
Orange March 21. 1785.
Your favor of the 1st day of Feby. did not come to hand till a day or two ago, having travelled on to Richmond, remained there during the absence of Mr. Jones, & on his return, been sent to me by the way of Fredg. Before I left Richmond I wrote you that the assembly had adjourned and requested that your subsequent letters might be addressed to Orange, and if I do not forget to care of Mr. Maury at Fredericksbg. This letter ought to have reached you before the date of yours. I hope it has since got to hand. I also forwarded from Richmond to your care a letter for Mr. Jefferson which I hope has not miscarried. It contained a rehearsal of our last legislative politics & proceedings, which I find by his letters to me, are a material object of his curiosity. I shall be glad to know by your next, whether you have ever recd. it, that in case of miscarriage I may endeavour to supply the loss.
I do not wonder at the paragraph which you have copied from Mr. Jays letter to Congress. His feelings are such as every man must possess who is worthy of the Station which he holds. If the Office of foreign affairs be a proper one & properly filled, a reference of all foreign despatches to it in the first instance, is so obvious a course, that any other disposition of them by Congress seems to condemn their own establishment, to affront the Minister in office, and to put on him a label of caution agst. that respect & confidence of the Ministers of foreign powers, which are essential to his usefulness. I have always conceived the several ministerial departments of Congress to be provisions for aiding their Counsels as well as executing their resolutions, & that consequently whilst they retain the right of rejecting the advice which may come from either of them, they ought not to renounce the opportunity of makg use of it. The foreign department is I am sensible, in several respects the most difficult to be regulated, but I cannot think the question arising on Mr. Jay’s letter is to be numbered among the difficulties. The practice of Congress during the administration of his predecessor was never fixed, & frequently improper, and I always suspected that his indifference to the plan resulted in part at least from the mortifications to which this unsteadiness subjected him.
You will not be disappointed at the barrenness which is hence to mark the correspondence on my part. In the recess of the Legislature, few occurrences happen which can be interesting, and in my retired situation, few even of these fall within my knowledge. The situation of Mr. Jones will probably make his correspondence a more productive one. He has probably already mentioned to you the advances which Kentucky was said to be making towards an independent Govt. It is certain that a Convention has been held, which might have been set on foot with an eye to such an event: but I learn from an intelligent person lately from that district, that its deliberations turned altogether on the pressure of certain acts of the General Assembly, & terminated in a vote of application for redress. He supposes however that the late extension of the tax on Patents will give a successful handle to those who wish to accelerate a separation. This tax as it stood before was in the first class of their grievances.
You will I expect receive this from the hand of Mr. Burnley, a young gentleman of my neighbourhood, who has passed with reputation through Mr. Wythes School & has since taken out his forensic diploma. Your civilities to him will be well placed & will confer an obligation on me. If Col. Grayson has recovered from the Gout which I hear arrested him on the moment of his intended departure, and is with you, be so kind as to make my best respects to him. I am Dear Sir with sincere regard & esteem Your obedt. friend & Servant
J. Madison Jr.


Title: From James Madison to Patrick Henry, 25 March 1785
From: Madison, James
To: Henry, Patrick

Sir
Orange March 25th. 1785
In compliance with your Excellency’s letter of the 22 of Jany. the Gentlemen to whom it was addressed excepting Mr. Grimes had a meeting yesterday for the first time, when they took the subject of it into consideration and have directed me to inform you that they recommend for County Lieutenant of Orange John Spotswood Esqr for Lieutenant Colonel Commandant, John Lee Esqr. for first Major William White Esqr. and for the other major Francis Cowherd Esqr. these being all the field offices required for the Militia of this County.
I have the honor to be with the greatest res[pec]t. & esteem Yr. Excelly’s most obt. & hble servt.
J. Madison Jr.


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 12 April 1785
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir
Orange April 12. 1785.
I wrote you not long since, by a young gentleman who proposed to go as far [as] N. Y. acknowledging the rect. of your favor of Feby. 1st. I have since recd. that of March 6 which I meant to have acknowledged through the same hands. But finding that the delays which have hitherto kept back the bearer above referred to, are of uncertain continuance, & having no certain conveyance to Fredg. I embrace an opportunity of sending this to Richmond, whence it will be forwarded by Mr. Jones in the mail.
The appointment of Mr. A. to the Court of G. B. is a circumstance which does not contradict my expectations: nor can I say that it displeases me. Upon geographical considerations N. E. will always have one of the principal appointmts. and I know of no individual from that quarter, who possesses more of their confidence or would possess more of that of the other States: nor do I think him so well fitted for any Court of equal rank, as that of London. I hope it has removed all obstacles to the establishment of Mr. Jefferson at the Court of France. Will not Congress soon take up the subject of Consular arrangements? I should suppose them at least of equal moment at present with some of the higher appointmts. which are likely to occupy them. Our friend Mr. Maury is waiting with a very inconvenient suspension of his other plans, the event of the offer he has made of his Services. I find he considers Ireland as the Station next to be desired after that of England. He conceives & I believe very justly that the commercial intercourse between that Country & this will be very considerable, and merits our particular cultivation. I suppose from your silence on the subject that the Western Posts are still in the hands of G. B. Has the subject of the vacant lands to be disposed of, been revived? What other measures are [on] foot or in contemplation for paying off the public debts? What paymts. have been made of late into the public Treasury? It is said here that Massts. is taking measures for urging R. I. into the Impost, or rendering the scheme practicable without her concurrence. Is it so? How many of the States have agreed to change the 8th. Art. of the Confederation? The Legislature of this State passd a law for complying with the provisional act of Congs. for executing that article as it now stands; the operation of which confirms the necessity of changing the article. The law requires as the Act of Congs. does among other things a list of the Houses. If the list does not discriminate the several kinds of Houses, how can Congs. collect from it the value of the improvements, how do justice to all their constituents? And how can a discrimination be made in this Country, where the variety is so infinite & so unsusceptible of description. If Congs. govern themselves by number alone, this Country will certainly appeal to a more accurate mode of carrying the present rule of the Confederation into practice. The average value of the improvements in Virga. is not 1/4 perhaps not 1/10 of that of the improvements in Pena. or N. Engd. Compare this difference with the proportion between the value of Improvemts. & that of the Soil, & what an immense loss shall we be taxed with? The number of buildings will not be a less unjust rule than the number of acres, for estimating the respective abilities of the States.

The only proceeding of the late Session of Assembly which makes a noise thro’ the Country is that which relates to a Genl. Assessmt. The Episcopal people are generally for it, tho’ I think the zeal of some of them has cooled. The laity of the other Sects are equally unanimous on the other side. So are all the Clergy except the Presbyterian who seem as ready to set up an establishmt. which is to take them in as they were to pull down that which shut them out. I do not know a more shameful contrast than might be formed between their Memorials on the latter & former occasion.
In one of your letters recd. before I left Richmond you expressed a wish for a better Cypher. Since my return to Orange I have been able to get one made out which will answer every purpose. I will either enclose it herewith or send it by the Gentleman who is already charged with a letter for you. I wish much to throw our correspondence into a more regular course. I would write regularly every week if I had a regular conveyance to Fredg. As it is I will write as often as I can find such conveyances. The business of this neighbourhood which used to go to Fredg. is in a great measure turned towards Richmd. which is too circuitous a channel. Opportunities in every direction however will be henceforward multiplied by the advance of the Season. If you are not afraid of too much loading the mail I could wish you to inclose in your letters the last N. Y. or Phila. paper. I am Dr. Sir Yrs most sincerely
J. Madison Jr.


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, [14 April] 1785
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir
[14 April 1785]
By an opportunity to Richd. I wrote to you 2 days ago. Havg. now one to Frebg. I inclose the Cypher then promised. It will probably get to hand at the same with letter via Richd. Adieu.
J. M. Jr.


Title: From James Madison to George Wythe, 15 April 1785
From: Madison, James
To: Wythe, George

Sir
Orange April 15th. 1785
I have been honoured with yours of February accompanying the Testimony which the University of William & Mary have been pleased to bestow on me. A distinction which is rendered so flattering both by the characters of those from whom it is received, and of those with whom it associates me calls for acknowledgments, which I should feel greater satisfaction in expressing if I had less reason to distrust my title to it. Regarding it however as a proof that those who so worthily minister in the Temple of Science, are disposed not only to reward the merits of her illustrious Votaries, but to patronize in the humblest of them a zeal for her service I find in the sincerity of mine, an offering which they will not refuse, and which I beg you, Sir, in the most respectful manner to present to them. With great esteem and attachment I am &c
J. M.


Title: To James Madison from Martha Jefferson Carr, 18 April 1785
From: Carr, Martha Jefferson
To: Madison, James

Sir
April 18. 1785.
I received by your Brother your polite favour and am Sorry it is not in my power to give a more Satisfactory account of my Sons being placed at School agreeable to your Appointments. My Eldest Son was taken last fall with a fever which with repeated relapses kept him Extreemly weak & low till about the first of Janry from that time till the first of April he was detained at home by the disappointments we met with in collecting the money Necessary to be advanced for his Education, he then set out for Willmsburgh with promises to Endeavour to make up his lost time. My Youngest Son has also been detained at home by Ill health till very lately, when it was my Intention to have sent him to Prince Edward but hearing that A Vacation was shortly to take place there, thought it best to postpone it till the Expiration of that, which will be some time in June; then Sir I Shall most assuredly send him. His time however has not been intirely lost as his Brother was capable of Instructing him whenever his health would admit of it. I am Extreemly Oblige to you Sir for Your kind offer of forwarding my letters to my Brother but must defer writing to him till an other Oppertunity as I am fearfull of detaining Mr Madison who is So Obligeing as to wait at goochland Court for this. With much esteem I am Sir Your very Humble Servant
M Carr


Title: To James Madison from George Nicholas, 22 April 1785
From: Nicholas, George
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir,
Charlottesville April 22d. 1785.
My brother informs me that he conversed with you on the propriety of remonstrating against certain measures of the last session of Assembly and that you seemed to think it would be best that the counties opposed to the measures should be silent. I fear this would be construed into an assent especially to the law for establishing a certain provision for the clergy: for as the Assembly only postponed the passing of it that they might know whether it was disagreeable to the people, I think they may justly conclude that all are for it who do not say to the contrary. A majority of the counties are in favor of the measure but I believe a great majority of the people against it; but if this majority should not appear by petition the fact will be denied. Another reason why all should petition is that some will certainly do it and those who support the bills will insist that those who petition are all the opposition. Would it not add greatly to the weight of the petitions if they all hold the same language? by discovering an exact uniformity of sentiment in a majority of the country it would certainly deter the majority of the Assembly from proceeding. All my expectations are from their fears and not their justice. I have been through a considerable part of the country and am well assured that it would be impossible to carry such laws into execution and that the attempt would bring about a revolution. If you think with me that it will be proper to say something to the Assembly will you commit it to paper. I wish this because, I know you are most capable of doing it properly and because it will be most likely to be generally adopted. I can get it sent to Amherst Buckingham, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Augusta, Botetourt, Rock Bridge and Rockingham and I have no doubt that Bedford and the counties southward of it will readily join in the measure. I will also send it [to] Frederick and Berkeley and if it goes from your county to Fauquier, Culpeper and Loudoun it will be adopted by the most populous part of the country. I shall be glad to hear from you on this subject and am With esteem and respect Dr: Sir, Yr. obdt. servt.
G: Nicholas
The bill for supporting the clergy, the act for incorporating the Episcopal church and the faithful adherency to the treaty are the subjects on which the people have wish to demonstrate. It being supposed that Mr. Carter was against the latter lost him his election in this county.


Title: From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 April 1785
From: Madison, James
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir
Orange April 27. 1785.
I have recd. your two favors of Novr. 11 & Decr. 8. Along with the former I recd. the two pamphlets on animal magnetism & the last aeronautic expedition together with the phosphoretic matches. These articles were a great treat to my curiosity. As I had left Richmd. before they were brought thither by Col. le Maire, I had no opportunity of attending myself to your wishes with regard to him; but I wrote immediately to Mr. Jones & desired him to watch over the necessities of le Maire. He wrote me for answer that the Executive tho’ without regular proof of his claims were so well satisfied from circumstances of the justice of them, that they had voted him £150 for his relief till the assembly could take the whole into consideration. This information has made me easy on the subject though I have not withdrawn from the hands of Mr. Jones the provisional resource. I thank you much for your attention to my literary wants. All the purchases you have made for me, are such as I should have made for myself with the same opportunities. You will oblige me by adding to them the Dictionary in 13 vol. 4°. by Felice & others, also de Thou in French. If the utility of Moreri be not superseded by some better work I should be glad to have him too. I am afraid if I were to attempt a catalogue of my wants I should not only trouble you beyond measure, but exceed the limits which other considerations ought to prescribe to me. I cannot however abridge the commission you were so kind as to take on yourself in a former letter, of procuring me from time to time such books as may be “either old & curious or new & useful.” Under this description will fall those particularised in my former letters; to wit treatises on the antient or modern fœderal republics—on the law of Nations—and the history natural & political of the New World; to which I will add such of the Greek & Roman authors where they can be got very cheap, as are worth having and are not on the Common list of School classics. Other books which particularly occur, are the translation [French] of the Historians of the Roman Empire during its decline by——Paschals provincial letters—Don Ulloa in the Original—Lynnæus best edition Ordinances Marines—Collection of Tracts in french on the Œconomies of different nations. I forget the full title. It is much referred to by Smith on the wealth of nations. I am told a Monsr. Amelot has lately published his travels into China, which if they have any merit must be very entertaining. Of Buffon I have his original work of 31 vol. 10 vol. of Supplemt. and 16 vol. on birds. I shall be glad of the continuation as it may from time to time b[e] published. I am so pleased with the new invented lamp that I shall not grudge two guineas for one of Them. I have seen a pocket compass of somewhat larger diameter than a watch & which may be carried in the same way. It has a spring for stopping the vibration of the needle when not in use. One of these would be very convenient in case of a ramble into the Western Country. In my walks for exercise or amusements, objects frequently present themselves, which it might be matter of curiosity to inspect, but which it is difficult or impossible to approach. A portable Glass would consequently be a source of many little gratifications. I have fancied that such an one might be fitted into a Cane without making it too heavy. On the outside of the tube might be engraved a scale of inches &c. If such a project could be executed for a few Guineas, I should be willing to submit to the price, if not, the best substitute I suppose will be a pocket telescope composed of several tubes so constructed as to slide the lesser into the greater. I should feel great remorse at troubling you with so many requests, if your kind & repeated offers did not stifle it in some measure. Your proposal for my replacing here advances for me without regard to the exchange is liable to no objection except that it will probably be too unequal in my favour. I beg that you will enable me as much as you can to keep those little matters balanced. The papers from le Grand were sent as soon as I got them to Mr. Jones with a request that he wd. make the use of them which you wished me to do.
Your remarks on the tax transfers of land in a general view appear to me to be just but there were two circumstances which gave a peculiarity to the case in which our law adopted it. One was that the tax will fall much on those who are evading their quotas of other taxes by removing to Georgia & Kentucky: the other that as such transfers are more frequent among those who do not remove, in the Western than the Eastern part of the Country, it will fall heaviest where direct taxes are least collected. With regard to the tax in general on law proceedings, it cannot perhaps be justified if tried by the strict rule which proportions the quota of every man to his ability, time however will gradually in some measure equalize it, & if it be applied to the support of the Judiciary establishment, as was the ultimate view of the friends of the tax, it seems to square very well with the Theory of taxation.
The people of Kentucky had lately a convention which it was expected would be the mother of a separation. I am informed they proceeded no farther than to concert an address for the Legislature on some points in which they think the laws bear unequally upon them. They will be ripe for that event at least as soon as their interest calls for it. There is no danger of a concert between them & the Counties West of the Alleghany which we mean to retain. If the latter embark in a scheme for independence it will be on their own bottom. They are more disunited in every respect from Kentucky than from Virginia.
I have not learnt with certainty whether Genl. Washington will accept or decline the shares voted him by the Assembly in the Companies for opening our rivers. If he does not chuse to take to himself any benefit from the donation, he has I think a fine opportunity at once of testifying his disinterested purposes, of shewing his respect for the Assembly, and of rendering a service to his Country. He may accept the gift so far as to apply it to the scheme of opening the rivers, & may then appropriate the revenue which it is hereafter to produce, to some patriotic establishment. I lately dropped a hint of this sort to one of his friends & was told that such an idea had been suggested to him. The private subscriptions for Potowmac I hear amount to £10,000 Sterling. I can not discover that those for James River deserve mention, or that the undertaking is pushed with any spirit. If those who are most interested in it let slip the present opportunity, their folly will probably be severely punished by the want of such another. It is said the undertaking on the Susquehannah by Maryland goes on with great spirit & expectations. I have heard nothing of Rumsey or his boats since he went into the Northern States. If his machinery for stemming the current operates on the water alone as is given out, may it not supply the great desi[de]ratum for perfecting the Balloons?
I understand that Chase & Jennifer on the part of Maryland, Mason & Henderson on the part of Virginia have had a meeting on the proposition of Virga. for settling the navigation & jurisdiction of Potowmac below the falls, & have agreed to report to the two Assemblies, the establishment of a concurrent jurisdiction on that river & Chesapeak. The most amicable spirit is said to have governed the negociation.
The Bill for a Genl. Assesst. has produced some fermentation below the Mountains & a violent one beyond them. The contest at the next Session on this question will be a warm & precarious one. The port bill will also undergo a fiery trial. I wish the Assize Courts may not partake of the danger. The elections as far as they have come to my knowledge are likely to produce a great proportion of new members. In Albemarle young Mr. Fry has turned out Mr. Carter. The late Governor Harrison I hear has been baffled in his own County; but meant to be a candidate in Surry & in case of a rebuff there to throw another die for the borough of Norfolk. I do not know how he construes the doctrine of residence. It is surmised that the machination[s] of Tyler who fears a rivailship for the chair are at the bot[t]om of his difficulty. Ar. Le[e] is elected in Prince William. He is said to have paved the way by promise[s] to over set the port bil[l] which is obnoxious to Dumfries and to prevent the removal [of] the assise court from this town to Alexandria.
I recd. a letter from the Marquis Fayette dated on the eve of his embarcation which has the folowing paragraph. [“]I have much confered with the General upon the potowmac system. Many people [think] the navigation of the Mississippi is not an advantage but it may be the excess of a very good thing viz., the opening of your river. I fancy it has not changed your opinion but beg you will write me on the subject. In the meanwhile I hope Congress will act cooly and prudently by Spain who is such a fool that allowance must be made.[”] It is unlucky that he should have left America with such an idea as to the Mississippi. It may be of the worse consequence as it is not wholey imaginary, the prospect of extending the commerce of the Atlantic State[s] to the Western water having given birth to it. I can not believe that many mind[s] are tainted with so illiberal and short sited a policy. I have thought it not amiss to [write] the marquis according to the request of his letter and have stated to him the motive[s] and obligation which must render [the] United States inflexible on the subject of the Mississippi, the folly of Spain in contesting it and our expectation from the known influence of France over Spain and her friendly disposetion toward United States. It is but justice to the marquis to [observe] that in all our conversation on the Mississippi he expressd with every mark of sincerity a zeal for our claim and a pointed dislike to the national character and policy of Spain and that if his zeal should be found to abate I should construe it to be the effect of a supposed revolution in the sentiment of America.
This would have been of somewhat earlier date but I postponed it that I might be able to include some information relative to your Nephews. My last informed you that your eldest was then with Mr. Maury. I was so assured by Mr. Underwood from his neighbourhood, who I supposed could not be mistaken. I afterwards discovered that he was so, but could get no precise information till within a few days. One of my brothers being called into that part of the Country by business, I wrote to Mrs. Carr and got him to wait on her. The answer with which I have been favored imparts that “her eldest son was taken last fall with a fever which with repeated relapses kept him extremely weak & low till about the first of Jany. from which time till he was detained at home by delays in equipping him for Williamsbg. till the 1st of April, when he set out with promises to make up his lost time—that her youngest son had also been detained at him by ill health till very lately, but that he would certainly go on to the academy as soon as a vacation on hand was over, that his time had not been entirely lost as his brother was capable of instructing him whenever his health would admit.” Mr. Maury’s School is said to be very flourishing. Mr. Wythe & the other gentlemen of the University have examined it from time to time & published their approbation of its management. I can not speak with the same authority as to the Academy in Prince Edward. The information which I have recd. has been favorable to it. In the recommendation of these Seminaries I was much governed by the probable permanency of them, nothing being more ruinous to education than the frequent interruptions & change of Masters & methods incident to the private schools of this country.

Our winter has been full of vicisitudes, but on the whole far from being a severe one. The Spring has been uncommonly cold & wet, and vegetation of course very backward; till within a few days during which it has been accelerated by very uncommon heat. A pocket Thermometer which stands on the second floor & the N. W. side of the House, was on the 24 inst. at 4 oClock, at 77°., on the 25. 78., on the 26. 81½., to day 27. at 82. The weather during this period has been fair & the wind S. the atmosphere thick N W.—our Wheat in the ground is very unpromising throughout the Country. The price of this article on tide water is about 6/. Corn sells in this part of the Country at 10/. & under, below at 15/. and where the insect prevailed as high as 20/. It is said to have been raised by a demand for exportation. Tobo. is selling on Rappahannock at 32/. & Richmd. at 37/6. It is generally expected that it will at least get up to 40/. Some of our peaches are killed & most of our Cherries. Our Apples are as yet safe. I can not say how it is with the fruit in other parts of the Country. The mischief to the Cherries &c was done on the night of the 20. when we had a severe black frost.
I can not take my leave of you without making my acknowledgmts. for the very friendly invitation contained in your last. If I should ever visit Europe I should wish to do it less stinted in time than your plan proposes. This crisis too would be particularly inconvenient as it wd. break in upon a course of reading which if I neglect now I shall probably never resume. I have some reason also to suspect that crossing the Sea would be unfriendly to a singular disease of my constitution. The other part of your invitation has the strongest biass of my mind on its side, but my situation is as yet too dependent on circumstances to permit my embracing it absolutely. It gives me great satisfaction to find that you are looking forward to the moment which is to restore you to your native Country, though considerations of a public nature check my wishes that such an event may be expedited. Present my best respects to Mr. Short, & Miss Patsy, & accept of the affectionate regards of Dear Sir, Your sincere friend.
J. Madison Jr.

What has become of the subterraneous City discovered in Siberia?

Deaths.
Thomson Mason

Bartholemew Dandridge

Ryland Randolph

Peyton Randolph

Joseph Reed of Philada.


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 28 April 1785
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir
Orange Apl. 28. 1785
I have written several letters within a little time past which were Sent to you partly by the post, partly by Mr. Burnley, a young Gentleman of this County. In one of the latter I inclosed a Cypher wch. will serve all the purposes of our future Correspondence. This covers a letter for Mr. Jefferson which you will be so good as to forwd. by the first packet or other equally eligible conveyance. Our Elections as far as I hear are likely to produce a great proportion of new members. In some Counties they are influenced by the Bill for a Genl. Assesst. In Culpeper Mr. Pendleton a worthy man & acceptable in his general character to the people was laid aside in consequence of his vote for the Bill, in favour of an Adversary to it. The Delegates for Albemarle are your friend Mr. W. C. Nicholas & Mr. Fry. Mr. Carter stood a poll but fell into the rear. The late Govr. Harrison I am told has been baffled in his own County, meant to be a candidate for Surry & in case of a rebuff there to throw another die for the Borough of Norfolk. I do not know how he proposes to satisfy the doctrine of residence.
I hear frequent complaints of the disorders of our Coin & the wan[to]f uniformity in the denomination of the States. Do not Congress think of a remedy for these evils? The regulation of weights & measure seem also to call for their attention. Every day will add to the difficulty of executing these works. If a mint be not established & a recoinage effected while the fœderal debts carry the money thro’ the hands of Congress I question much whether their limited powers will ever be able to render this branch of their prerogative effectual. With regard to the regulation of weights & measures, wd. it not be highly expedient as well as honorable to the fœderal administration, to pursue the hint which has been suggested by ingenious & philosophical men, to wit, that the standard of measure sd. be first fixed by the length of a pendulum vibrating seconds at the Equator or any given latitude—& that the Standard of weight sd. be a Cubical piece of Gold or other homogeneous body of dimensions fixed by the standard of measure. Such a scheme appears to be easily reducible to practice; & as it is founded on the division of time which is the same at all times & in all places & proceeds on other data which are equally so, it would not only secure a perpetual uniformity throughout the U. S. but might lead to Universal standards in these matters among nations. Next to the inconveniency of speaking different languages, is that of using different & arbitrary weights & measures. I am Dr. Sir Yr. affece. friend
J. Madison Jr.


Title: To James Madison from William Grayson, 1 May 1785
From: Grayson, William
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir.
N. York May 1st. 1785.
I am afraid my silence since I came to this place has giv’n you some reason to suspect me to be impregnated with that vis inertiæ, which has been so often attributed to me. The only apology I have to make, is that I wish’d to have some thing to write to you worth your acceptance. However as there would be some danger in risquing a farther delay, I shall give you what I have in the manner. The New England delegates wish to sell the Continental land, rough as it runs; what I miss in quality I will make up in quantity.
All our attentions here have been for some time turned towards the hostile preparations between the Emperor & the Dutch; as it was thought the event might have a considerable influence on the affairs of the United States. The Packet which arrived yesterday has brought different accounts of what is doing respecting this business; however I take the following to be nearly the truth of the case: That the Emperor has only made the opening the Schelde a pretext for marching his troops into the low Countries while he has been underhandedly treating with the Elector of Bavaria for an exchange of his territories in the low Countries for Bavaria: That France has not only been privy to the negotiations but has actually countenanc’d them; While no other power has entertain’d the most distant suspicions of what was going forward: That the prince de Deux Ponts presumptive heir to Bavaria, on recieving the first notice of it, made application to the King of Prussia, supposing that old Statesman would exert himself to the utmost, to prevent Bavaria from becoming part of the domains of the House of Austria. It therefore seems to be probable that all those who wish to preserve the proper ballance of power in the Germanic body will unite with the Prussian Monarch against that accession of weight to the Austrian scale. Should this confederacy take place in its fullest extent, it will be very formidable, & in all likelyhood produce a bloody contest before the matter is finally decided. War therefore seems to be as probable as ever although the ground of the contest may be altered. For my own part I cannot clearly find out from any informations wch. I have had, what have been the views of the Court of France; they seem to have departed from their antient principles in assisting the Austrian family to increase their power; ’tis true they adopted this system in the last reign, but then the French Statesmen say, that nothing done during that period ought to be quoted from their history. If the Queen of France has drawn in the Ministry to countenance the measures of her brother it is an evidence of her great influence in the Governmt. but from what appears at present, it is no proof of the criden[ce] of the public-councils as it is obvious if France keeps up large standing armies, she must neglect her marine by which she will risque her foreign possessions wheneve[r] she happens to be engaged in a war with G. B.
The Parliament has so lately sit, that little has yet transpired; the Minister is to bring forwd. a plan for a Parliamentary reform, which it is thought will require all his interest & ability to support.
The Wallachians who were so oppress’d as to be drove into a state of open resistance are on the point of being subjugated; they are in numbers about seven hundred thousand; & I heartily wish they were all here.
Congress are engaged in ascertaining a mode for the disposal of the Western territory; I send you the first draught as reported by the Grand Comme. also a second edition with amendments in Congress. The matter is still under consideration, and other alterations will no doubt take effect. An amendment is now before the house for making the Townships 6 Ms. Sqe. & for dividing those townships by actual surveys into quarters of townships, marking at every interval of a mile (in running the external lines of the quarters,) corners for the sections of 640 acres; Then to sell every other township by sections: The reservation (instead of the four corner sections,) to be the central section of every quarter; that is to say the inside lot, whose corner is not ascertained: Whether this will be carried or not I cannot tell, the Eastern people being amazingly attached to their own customs, and unreasonably anxious to have every thing regulated according to their own pleasure.
The construction of the deed of cession from Virga. has taken up four days, & at length it is agreed not to sell any land between the little Miami & Scioto untill the conditions respecting the Offs. & soldiers are complied with. Some Members of Congress think they have a right to have the land laid off for the Offs. & soldiers in such manner as they please & by their own surveyors, provided they give good land & square figures: others are willing it shall be laid off in the same manner as the rest, & the Offs. & soldiers to chuse by sections. If the State insists on the right of surveying agreable to their own laws I shd. suppose that Congress could have no objection to appointing Commrs. for deciding that question as well as all others that might arise respecting the Compact.
Mr. King of Massachusetz has a resolution ready drawn which he reserves till the Ordinance is passed for preventing slavery in the new State. I expect Seven States may be found liberal enough to adopt it.
Seven hundred men are voted for protecting the settlers on the frontiers, for guarding the public stores & for preventing unwarrantable intrusions on the lands of the U. S.
I inclose you a plan for altering the 9th. article of the confederation, also a newspaper informing what the people of Boston are about. The requisition for the present year is before Congress; one article to wit 30,000 dollars for fœderal buildings at Trenton, I objected to, & was supported by the delegates of Maryland Delawar & New Hamshire, N. Carolina was divided. Unfortunately for me the rest of the delegates for our State do not think as I do; [(]This is entre nouz). I shall notwithstanding do every thing in my power to frustrate the measure. We shall in all probability get it struck out of the requisition, because nine States will not vote for it; I understand however that it is intended to get seven States to vote for the sum out of the loans in Holland supposing that as a hundred thousand doll[ars] were voted at Trenton by nine States, generally, that seven can direct the particular appropriation. This matter I have not yet considered, neither do I know how it will turn out on investigation however I hope I shall find means to avoid it for the present year, & I hope by the next the Southern States will understand their interests better.
Congress have refused to let the State discount any part of the monies paid for the Western territory, out of the requisitions for the prest. year. & I believe if they don’t help themselves, they will never find Congress willing to discount. In the mean time they will sell the lands. A treaty is directed to be held with the Barbary States to purchase their friendship. Treaties are also to be held with the Cherokees Chickesaws &c. also with the Western Indians shortly. I am sure you are surfeited—therefore conclude with great sincerity Yr. Affect. friend & Mo. Obed. Serv.
Willm. Grayson.


Title: To James Madison from James Monroe, [8 May] 1785
From: Monroe, James
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
New York May [8]. 1785.
Your favor of the 12th. of April accompanied with the cypher I receiv’d yesterday. The appointment of Mr. Adams to the ct. of G. B. was soon afterwards succeeded by that of Mr. Jefferson to that of France. Their commns have been some time since forwarded & before this they are no doubt station’d at their respective courts. The removal of the former gave uneasiness to Mr. V[a]n. Berkell but as it was immediately resolv’d to appoint a successor, it hath probably abated. Govr. Livingston, Rutledge, & R. H. Harrison C. J. of Maryld. are in nomination. G. B. is still possess’d of the posts [on] the lakes nor have we reason to suppose she means to evacuate. Of this however Mr. Adams will inform us. Our affair with Spain is suspended untill the arrival of Mr. Gardoqui. He is expected. The affs. of Langchamp hath not been acted on; for particular reasons it hath hitherto been deferr’d. A recommendation hath been made to the States of Connecticut, N Yk., Jersey & Pena. to raise 700. men for the protection of the frontier settlements. It was question’d whether it were not better by requisition & upon the Union, since it might be the commencment of an establishmt. wh. might last for ages, & if the right of requisition existed, the effecting by other means might tend to weaken & ultimately destroy it. The delegation of Mass: at Annapolis protested agnst. this right & their state approv’d their conduct. But as the right of requisition existed only when exerted on the Union & it seem’d generally preferr’d to raise them from 3. or 4. of the States most conveniently situated, it was ultimately agreed to adopt the mode of recommendation. An ordinance regulating the mode of survey & sale of the lands ceded by Virga. hath lately engag’d the attention of Congress—it hath not yet pass’d but as all the points of variance seem at length accomodated, it will perhaps in the course of the succeeding week. The original report admited of the sale only of tracts containing 30,000 acres call’d townships; this was adher’d to with great obstinacy by the E. men & as firmly oppos’d by the southern. At length however the Eastern partly gave up the point at least so far as to meet on middle ground. As it now stands it is to be survey’d in township containing abt. 26,000 acres each, each town-ship mark’d on the plat into lots of one mile square, and 1/2. the country sold only in townships & the other in lots. 13. surveyors are to be appoin[t]ed for the purpose to act under the controul of the Geographer, begining with the first range of townships upon the Ohio & running north to the lakes, from the termination of the line which forms the southern boundary of the State of Pena., & so on westwd. with each range. As soon as five ranges shall be survey’d the return will be made to the Bd. of Treasury, who are instructed to draw for them in the name of each State in the proportion of the requisition on each, & transmit its portion to the loan officer in each, for sale at publick vendue, provided it is, nor any part, sold for less than one dolr. specie or certificates the acre. Thus stands the ordinance at present.
Sometime since a treaty was order’d to be held with the Indians in the southern department, to wh. commn Mr. Hawkins of No. Carolina, Joseph Martin of Virga. & some others were appointed. A treaty is also to be held with the Indians westward at post St. Vincents or somewhere on the Wabash or Missisippi for the purpose of extinguishing the claims to soil of the tribes who inhabit in that direction. The late comrs. are continued in the appointment.
The interest on the loans in Holland for the last year we understand is paid but not on those of France by the completion of a loan order’d to be effected before the peace. No new loan is orderd nor will there be as I conceive. A requisition is before Congress for money for the payment of the interest on the domestic debt to the 31. of Decr. 1784 & on the foreign to the 31. of 85. amounting to 3,000,000 of dolrs., inclusive of the current expences of Government; the monies to be applied to the payment of the interest on the foreign debt & the expences of govt. amounting to abt. 1,000,000 of dolrs. to be recd. in specie only & the application to the interest on the domestic debt in certificates under the modification of the late requisition being abt. 2 thirds. I am strongly inclin’d to believe the wester[n] lands will absorb all the domestic debt Eastwd.; the gentn. from that quarter think so. I am also fully persuaded that when the accts. of Virga. & No. Carolina shall be liquidated the amount will be greater than is expected here. The delay in this business from the negligence of Mr. L. Wood prevents the operation of these requisitions having relation to us, & when these accts. shall be liquidated most probably ours will comprehend the greatest part of the domestic debt. No doubt we shall be paid but we had better go on pari passu with our neighbours to expedite the business we lately obtain’d the addition of a 2d comr. to the State for the purpose. They are, each to act in a district. We have had returns from but few of the States changing the 8th. article of the confideration; several have already adopted it. The requisition is on the principle, in that respect, of the late one. A report sometime since pass’d Congress for appointing a committee to wait on the legislatures of R. I. New Yk. & Georgia to advise the immediate passage of the impost, but hath never been taken up. R. I. hath adopted it, with a seperate credit, for sums beyond her quota, & the appointment of her own officers. N. York hath had it before her legislature this winter & negativ’d it. I believe a bill hath been publish’d for inspection of the people in Massachussetts wh. had the objects you mention in view but that it hath not pass’d as yet into a law. Of this however in my next I will inform you. Yr. friend & servant
Jas. Monroe


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 11 May 1785
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Paris May 11. 1785.
Your favor of Jan. 9. came to my hands on the 13th. of April. The very full and satisfactory detail of the proceedings of assembly which it contained, gave me the highest pleasure. The value of these communications cannot be calculated at a shorter distance than the breadth of the Atlantic. Having lately made a cypher on a more convenient plan than the one we have used, I now transmit it to you by a Monsr. Dora-dour who goes to settle in Virginia. His family will follow him next year. Should he have occasion of your patronage I beg leave to solicit it for him. They yesterday finished printing my notes. I had 200 copies printed, but do not put them out of my own hands, except two or three copies here, & two which I shall send to America, to yourself & Colo. Monroe, if they can be ready this evening, as promised. In this case you will receive one by Monsr. Doradour. I beg you to peruse it carefully because I ask your advice on it & ask nobody’s else. I wish to put it into the hands of the young men at the college, as well on account of the political as physical parts. But there are sentiments on some subjects which I apprehend might be displeasing to the country perhaps to the assembly or to some who lead it. I do not wish to be exposed to their censure, nor do I know how far their influence, if exerted, might effect a misapplication of law to such a publication were it made. Communicate it then in confidence to those whose judgments & information you would pay respect to: & if you think it will give no offence I will send a copy to each of the students of W. M. C. and some others to my friends & to your disposal. Otherwise I shall only send over a very few copies to particular friends in confidence & burn the rest. Answer me soon & without reserve. Do not view me as an author, & attached to what he has written. I am neither. They were at first intended only for Marbois. When I had enlarged them, I thought first of giving copies to three or four friends. I have since supposed they might set our young students into a useful train of thought, and in no event do I propose to admit them to go to the public at large. A variety of accidents have postponed my writing to you till I have no further time to continue my letter. The next packet will sail from Havre. I will then send your books & write more fully, but answer me immediately on the preceding subject. I am with much affection Dr. Sir Your friend & servt
Th: Jefferson


Title: To James Madison from John Blair Smith, [ca. 16 May] 1785
From: Smith, John Blair
To: Madison, James

Dr Sir:
[ca. 16] May. 1785
I am sorry to interrupt your attention to more important objects by an appeal to you in a dispute between Carter H. Harrison Esqr. of Cumberland & myself, but as you were present at its origination, & as my character for veracity is interested in your decision, I have no doubt of your inclination to do me the justice which is in your power. All that I have to request of you at present is, to know whether you do not recollect to hear him say that “The greatest curse which heaven sent at any time into this Country, was sending Dissenters into it.” I am, Sir, yr. respectful hble sert.
Jno. B. Smith.


Title: To James Madison from Gabriel Royez, 24 May 1785
From: Royez, Gabriel
To: Madison, James

a Paris ce 24 May 1785
Je m’engage a fournir chez moi aussitot l’announce toutes les Livraison futures de l’Encyclopedie par ordre de matieres in 4°. Dont j’ai reçu le montant des livraisons y compris la 13°. montant a la Somme de troit cent quatrevingt Livre en deduisant sur ce prix fixe par la souscription et Suivant la notte y joint un primer quarante huit livres Suivant nos convention.
Royez.
Libraire quai et près les augustins.
A Monsieur James Madison of Orange Virginia.

ou a son ordre.Reçu la Somme De trois Cent quarante huit livres pour les 13 livraisons a pari[s] ce 24 Mai

Gabriel Royez.


Title: To James Madison from William Grayson, 28 May 1785
From: Grayson, William
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
New York May 28th. 1785.
I did myself the pleasure some time since of writing to you; and I expect by this time you have recieved my letter; since which nothing has happened of any consequence except the passage of the Land Ordinance & the arrival of Don Diego de Gardoqui at Philadelphia. I inclose you a copy of the Ordinance: & if it is not the best in the world, it is I am confident the best that could be procured for the present. There was such a variety of interests most of them imaginary, that I am only surprised it is not more defective.
The Eastern people who before the revolution never had an idea of any quantity of Earth above a hundred acres, were for selling in large tracts of 30,000 acres while the Southern people who formerly could scarce bring their imaginations down so low as to comprehended the meaning of a hundred Acres of ground were for selling the whole territory in lots of a mile square.
In this situation we remained for eight days, with great obstinacy on both sides, untill a kind of compromise took effect.
As to foreign news we are entirely uninformed: neither can [any] body here say with certainty what will be the event of the present hostile preparations in Europe.
I imagine you have heard of the arrival of an American vessel at this place in four months from Canton in China laden with the commodities of that country.
It seems our Countrymen were treated with as much respect as the Subjects of any other nation: i.e. the whole are looked upon by the Chinese as Barberians: & they have too much Asiactic hauteur to descend to any discrimination. Most of the mercantile people here are of opinion, this commerce can be carried on, on betters from America than Europe: & that we may be able not only to supply our own wants, but to smuggle a very considerable quantity to the West Indies. I could heartily wish to see the merchts. of our State engaged in this business.
Don’t you think an exemption from duty on all goods imported immediately from India in Virga. bottoms to our State might have a good affect?
Willm. Grayson


Title: From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 May 1785
From: Madison, James
To: Monroe, James

Dear Sir
Orange May 29. 1785
Your favor of May [8] came to hand a few days ago. It is fortunate that the variant ideas have been so easily accomodated touching the mode of surveying & selling the territorial fund. It will be equally so I think if you can dispossess the British of the Western posts, before the land office is opened. On this event and the navigation of the Mississippi will much depend the fiscal importance of the back Country to the U: States. The amount of the proposed requisition will I fear startle those to whom it will be addressed. The use of certificates as a medium for discharging the interest of the home debt, is a great evil, tho’ I suppose a necessary one. The advantage it gives to Sharpers & Collectors, can scarcely be described, and what is more noxious, it provokes violations of public faith, more than the weight of the Burden itself. The 1,000,000 Drs. to be paid in Specie, and the greatest part of it to be sent abroad, will equally try the virtue of the States. If they do not flinch however they will have the satisfaction of coming out of the trial with more honour, though with less money.
I have lately heard that the Kentucky Delegates will be instructed to propose to the next Session, the separation of that Country from this, and its being handed over to Congress for admission into the Confederacy. If they pursue their object through this channel, they will not only accomplish it without difficulty, but set a useful example to other Western Settlemts. which may chuse to be lopped off from other States. My information as to this matter is not authentic, but such as I am inclined to believe true. I hear also that a State is actually set up in the back Country of N. C. that it is organized, named, and has deputed representatives to Congress.
It gives me much pleasure to observe by 2 printed reports sent me by Col. Grayson that in the latter Congs. had expunged a clause contained in the first for setting apart a district of land in each Township, for supporting the Religion of the Majority of inhabitants. How a regulation, so unjust in itself, so foreign to the Authority of Congs. so hurtful to the sale of the public land, and smelling so strongly of an antiquated Bigotry, could have received the countenance of a Commtee is truly matter of astonishment. In one view it might have been no disadvantage to this State in case the Genl. Assesst. should take place, as it would have given a repellent quality to the new Country, in the estimation of those whom our own encroachments on Religious Liberty would be calculated to banish to it. But the adversaries to the Assesst. begin to think the prospect here flattering to their wishes. The printed Bill has excited great discussion and is likely to prove the sense of the Community to be in favor of the liberty now enjoyed. I have heard of several Counties where the late representatives have been laid aside for voting for the Bill, and not of a single one where the reverse has happened. The Presbyterian Clergy too who were in general friends to the scheme, are already in another tone, either compelled by the laity of that sect, or alarmed at the probability of further interferences of the Legislature, if they once begin to dictate in matters of Religion. I am Dr. Sir Yrs. affecly.
J. Madison Jr.
The letter herewith inclosed is from Mrs. Carr, sister of Mr. Jefferson.


Title: From James Madison to William Grayson, 29 May 1785
From: Madison, James
To: Grayson, William

29 May 1785. Mentioned by Grayson in his letter to JM, 27 June 1785. JM to James Monroe, 7 August 1785, notes that he had answered Grayson’s letter of 1 May 1785 with suggestions concerning the revision of Article IX of the Articles of Confederation.


Title: To James Madison from Richard Henry Lee, 30 May 1785
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir,
New York May the 30th 1785
Two days ago, and not sooner, your favor of March the 20th was deliverd to me, so that you find it has been more than two months travelling thus far. It seems to me that our Assembly were influenced more by the letter than the spirit of the Confederation. The consequence will certainly be, if our meetings are slow as usual, that Virginia will be unrepresented for some time after the federal year commences. Tho no great mischief arises from this, the appearance is not so handsome as it should be; besides that it partakes too much of that too common inattention to the great Council of the U. S. upon the wise conduct of which so much depends.
I am very happy to see by the Newspapers that the business of opening Potomac goes on so well. Tis certainly an object of great consequence to extend our internal navigation. Concerning James river I have heard nothing. When I was in our Assembly it appeard to me rather to be the wish, than otherwise, that Kentucky should apply for separation. And I should suppose that if, when they found themselves compitent to the business of Self Government, they properly applied to our Assembly, no good objection could be made to a separation. For they have, & will remain for a long time, if not always, more expence than profit to the rest of the country. Washington County seems to be stimulated by a troublesome person who for self aggrandisement appears willg: to dismember that part also, & join with the Revolters from N. Carolina. This last seems to merit the wise & firm attention of Government & the Legislature. We have, after much debate indeed, & great waste of time, at last pass’d an Ordinance for disposing of such part of the Lands N. W of the Ohio as belongs to the U. S. & have been purchased of the Indians. If this proves agreeable to the public, it will extinguish about 10 Millions of the pub debt. And the remaining lands, going southward to the Mississippi, will nearly discharge all the domestic debt. Besides the probable prospect that we have of considerable cessions from N & S. Carolina & Georgia. This Source does indeed deserve our warmest cultivation as it seems to be almost the only one that we have for discharging our oppressive debt. Dr. Franklin has leave to retire. Mr. Jefferson remains in France. And Mr. J. Adams is sent to London. If the Court of this last country is sincere, we may expect an amicable & easy settlement of existing differences between us. The Minister (Mr. Pitt) does appear willing to be liberal in Commercial regulations, but the avaricious spirit of Commerce that is so great every where, but which in England has ever been excessive, opposes his views. And so we find it is in France, for the Marquis de La Fayette writes that the advantages already granted us are most violently exclaimed against by the Trading people of the Kingdom. Mr. Gardoque (who calls himself Plenepotentiary Charged with Affairs is arrived at Phila. and we expect him soon here. So that we shall quickly know whether he can or will do any thing conclusive concerning the Navigation of Mississippi. He reports a great scarcity of provisions at the Havannah, but yet we dont hear of the ports of that Island being opened to us for supply. It is reported that the frigate which brought him is taking in flower. The American enterprise has been well markt by a short and successful Voyage made from hence to Canton in China. The Chinese were kind to our people and glad to see a new source of Commerce opened to them from a New People, as they called us. The Europeans there were civil but astonished at the rapidity of our movements, especially the English. I fear that our Countrymen will overdo this business. For now there appears every where a Rage for East India Voyages. So that the variety of means may defeat the Attainment of the concurrent end—A regulated & useful commerce with that part of the World. It seems very questionable now whether Congress will adjourn or not this Year—if they do, it will not be until late in August. Inattention, Sickness, and a variety of causes occasion business to go on very slowly. I …


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Jones, 12 June 1785
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Madison, James

D. Sir.
Richmond 12th. June 1785
Being from Town when your order for the Trunk arrived was the reason it was not then sent. If an opportunity offers it shall be forwarded as you desire. In the mean time the precaution of preserving the cloaths from the moth by exposing them to the sun has been attended to and shall be repeated. I know not whether any Copy of the resolution you allude to has been officially communicated to Mr. Mason. Such as Beckley copied for the Executive have been so wh[ethe]r that shod have been of the number I cannot tell as we are not yet favoured with the Journals by the Printer and I cannot inform myself at the Clerks office Mr. Beckley being out of Town—he will I am told return Tomorrow. If the Attorney has not sent I will contrive you the Copies you desire. I heard but have only heard that Mason and Henderson proceeded to execute the other branch of the business committed to the Comrs. withot. the attendance or call for attendence of the other Commrs. What they have done has not come to my knowledge. I have determined to leave Richmond the first week of the next month for King George where I shall only stay a few days and then proceed towards the Berkeley Springs to return the begining of October. I think I shall pass through Orange going or returning. At one time I had a notion of going to Rhode Island being much pressed to it by Mrs. Lightfoot near Pt. Royal whose Husband is in bad health and is advised to make a water trip to that place and his wife is determined to attend him but had I gone we were to have taken our rout by land and met him there. After some reflection I declined the northern for the western trip whr. prudently I cannot tell but my little boy must accompany me and I thought the springs on that account most proper. If I pass through Orange and you are in the County I shall certainly do myself the pleasure of seeing you. H—r—n succeded in surrey where he offered after being disappointed in Chs. City. It is thought there will be a struggle for the Chair. What do you think of an alteration in the article of Confed: to vest the Congress with power to regalate Trade and collect imposts to be credited the respective States. The States having Staples will not I expect relish it, and yet the necessity of Congress possessing the power is at present apparent. Perhaps a Convention of Deputies from the several States for the purpose of forming Commercial regulations similar to the British Nav: act to be carryed into execution by Congress wod. be the most likely mode to obtain success to the measure as well as collecting the Wisdom of the States on the subject, which is unquestionably of the first importance. Yr. friend & Servt
Jos: Jones.


Title: To James Madison from Philip Mazzei, 15 June 1785
From: Mazzei, Philip
To: Madison, James

Carissimo Amico,
New-York, 15. Giugno 1785
Il nostro comune e degno Amico Monroe vi manderà un mio scritto sulla necessità di stabilire 2. soli Porti nel nostro Stato. Il Col. Innes estorse da me la promessa di scrivere sul detto soggetto prima d’ imbarcarmi, e di mandargli ciò che la Botte avrebbe prodotto. Ma siccome ei non intende questa lingua, il Col. Monroe glie ne manderà la traduzione, subito che le altre più pressanti occupazioni gli permetteranno di farla. Voi vedrete un’introduzione insulsa per i Dotti, ma che io credo utilissima per il Popolo. Son di parere che qualunque publicazione della Società dovrebbe sempre cominciare da stabilire certi dati, e poi condurre il popolo a poco a poco per la mano, come i ciechi. Vi avverto che il Col. Mason fa un’obiezione, la quale bisogna che vi prepariate a confutare. Ei dice che le città grandi tendono a corrompere la buona morale, e che conseguentemente dobbiamo evitare piuttosto che procurare di avere Emporj. Addio, son per partire. Spero che mi scriverete sotto coperta a Mr. Jefferson. Credetemi sinceramente e invariabilmente Tutto Vostro
Filippo Mazzei.

Condensed Translation
Monroe will forward to JM a paper written by Mazzei, at the insistence of Colonel Innes, on the necessity of establishing only two harbors in the state. Colonel Mason objects even to this limited proposal, on the grounds that large cities corrupt morals, but his arguments must be refuted (so that the Port bill can become operative).