The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
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TO THOMAS JEFFERSON |
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 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO THOMAS JEFFERSON
A dysenteric attack at Georgetown with its effects
retarded my journey so much that I did not arrive
here till a few days ago. I am free at present from
the original complaint, but a little out of order with
the piles generated by that or the medicine it
required.
The Cato in which were the busts of P. Jones and
the box of books for myself never arrived till the
day before yesterday, having sprung a leak which
obliged her to put into an English Port. Everything
consigned to me appears as far as the parcels
are yet opened to have escaped injury. I beg you
to accept my unfeigned thanks for the proof medals,
of which the value is much enhanced in my estimation
by the circumstance which demands that
tribute. I have supposed that I could not better
dispose of the letters to Mr Eppes as well as that
to Col: Lewis than by inclosing them to yourself.
The business of Congs. is as yet merely in embryo.
The principal subjects before them are the plans of
revenue and the Militia, reported by Hamilton &
Knox. That of the latter is not yet printed, and
being long is very imperfectly understood. The
other has scarcely been long enough from the press to
entire by the mail. I will by the next mail commence
a transmission in fractions. Being in possession at
present of a single copy only I cannot avail myself
of this opportunity for the purpose. You will find
a sketch of the plan in one of the Newspapers herewith
inclosed. Nothing has passed either in Congs.
or in conversation from which a conjecture can be
formed of the fate of the Report. Previous to its
being made, the avidity for stock had raised it from
a few shillings to 8s or 10s in the pound, and emissaries
are still exploring the interior & distant parts
of the Union in order to take advantage of the ignorance
of holders. Of late the price is stationary,
at or fluctuating between the sums last mentioned.
From this suspence it would seem as if doubts were
entertained concerning the success of the plan in all
its parts.
I take for granted that you will before the receipt
of this, have known the ultimate determination of
the President on your appointment.[131]
All that I
am able to say on the subject is that a universal
anxiety is expressed for your acceptance, and to
more conducive to the general good, and perhaps
to the very objects you have in view in Europe,
than your return to your former station.
I do not find that any late information has been
received with regard to the Revolution in France.
It seems to be still unhappily forced to struggle
with the adventitious evils of public scarcity, in
addition to those naturally thrown in its way by
antient prejudices and hostile interests. I have a
letter from Havr. of the 13th Novr., which says that
wheat was then selling at 10 livrs. per Bushel, and
flour at 50 livs. per 100 lbs, and the demand pressing
for all kinds of materials for bread. The letter
adds that a bounty of 2 livs. per 100 lb. marc on
wheat & on flour in proportion &c &c was to commence
the 1st Decr. last & continue till the 1st of
July next, in favr. of imports from any quarter of
the Globe.
With sincerest affection I am Dr. Sir Your Obedt.
friend & Servt..
August 28, 1789, a memorial and petition to Congress from public
creditors in Pennsylvania praying that provision be made for the
public debt was referred to a committee of which Madison was chairman.
September 10th he reported in favor of taking the matter up
at the next session. January 14th Hamilton's report was submitted
in favor of "funding and assumption."
| The writings of James Madison, | |