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Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

TO JAMES MONROE. 1 - James Madison, The Writings, vol. 8 (1808-1819) [1908]

Edition used:

The Writings of James Madison, comprising his Public Papers and his Private Correspondence, including his numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed, ed. Gaillard Hunt (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1900). Vol. 8.

Part of: The Writings of James Madison, 9 vols.

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TO JAMES MONROE.1

Brookville, Aug. 26, 1814, 10 o’clock, p.m.

Dear Sir—

I expected this morning to have reached General W. and yourself before your departure from Mongtomery C. H., but was delayed so that I did not arrive there till six o’clock, partly to obtain quarters, partly to be within communication with you. I have proceeded thus far, in company with Mr. Rush, General Mason,1 &c., and avail myself of the bearer to inform you, that I will either wait here till you join me, or follow and join you, as you may think best. Let me know your idea on the subject by the bearer. If you decide on coming hither, the sooner the better. Mr. Rush will remain here also. Mr. Jones is with my family and his own on the other side of the Potomac, but will come to the city the moment he hears of its evacuation. General Armstrong and Mr. Campbell are, I understand, at Fredericktown. I shall give them immediate notice of the change in the state of things, and desire them to conform to it. A letter from General Smith (of Winchester) to General A. was put in my hands, by an express at Montgomery C. H., stating that a brigade of militia could come on or not, as might be desired. I have sent it open to Gen. W., who can judge best of the answer proper to be given, and will act on the letter accordingly.

Accept my best wishes and great esteem.

James Monroe, Esq.,

Secretary of State.

To be opened by Gen. Winder.

[1 ]From A Sketch of the Events which preceded the Capture of Washington, by Edward D. Ingraham, Philadelphia, 1849. Ingraham probably obtained the letter from William H. Winder, of Philadelphia, General Winder’s son.

Madison and his party had just arrived at Brookville and he was staying at Mrs. Bently’s. “Just at bedtime the Presd. had arrived and all hands went to work to prepare supper and lodgings for him, his companions and guards—beds were spread in the parlour, the house was filled and guards placed round the house during the night. . . . All the villagers, gentlemen and ladies, young and old, throng’d to see the President. He was tranquil as usual, and tho’ much distressed by the dreadful event, which had taken place not dispirited.”—Mrs. Samuel Harrison Smith to her sister. The First Forty Years of Washington Society, p. 108.

The Mayor of Washington, James H. Blake, wrote to Madison the evening of Aug. 26th, but could find neither horse nor rider to carry the message and sent him a message Saturday morning at 7 o’clock that everything was perfectly quiet and a few of the citizens returning.—D. of S. MSS. Miscl. Lets.

[1 ]John Mason of Analostan Island. He and Rush were continuously with the President from the time of the flight.—The First Forty Years of Washington Society, p. 105.