The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
| II. |
TO JAMES MONROE. |
 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO JAMES MONROE.
MAD. MSS.
Richmond. Novr. 14th, 1784.
Dear Sir,[24]
—* * * The Indians begin to
be unquiet we hear both on the N. W. & S. E. sides
90
on the latter. As means of obviating the dangers,
the H. of D. have resolved to authorize the Executive
to Suspend the surveying of land within the unpurchased
limits, & to instruct the Delegation to
urge in Congs. Treaties with the Southern Indians
and negociations with Spain touching the Mississipi.
They also propose to set on foot surveys of Potowmac
& James Rivers from their falls to their sources.
But their principal attention has been & is still occupied
with a scheme proposed for a Genl Asset; 47 have
carried it agst 32.[25] In its present form it excludes
all but Xn Sects. The Presbyterian Clergy have
remonstrated agst any narrow principles, but indirectly
favor a more comprehensive establisht. I think the
bottom will be enlarged & that a trial will be made
of the practicability of the project. The Successor
to Mr. H[arrison] is not yet appointed or nominated.
It is in the option of Mr. H[enry], and I fancy he will
not decline the service. There will be three vacancies
in the Council, for which no nominations have been
made. Mr. C. Griffith will probably be named, &
Mr. W. Nicholas. Mr. Roane is also spoken of.
I am, Dr Sir, Yrs sincerely.
[24]
The opening of the letter relates to Monroe's journey over the same ground
substantially that Madison had just travelled.
[25]
The resolution was brought in by Henry. It declared that "the people of
the commonwealth, according to their respective abilities, ought to pay a
moderate tax or contribution for the support of the Christian religion, or of
some Christian church, denomination, or communion of Christians, or of some
form of Christian worship." Only one petition appeared against the measure.
A special committee with Henry at the head was appointed to prepare the bill.
See Rives i., 599, et seq.
| The writings of James Madison, | |