NOTE. - James Madison, The Writings, vol. 9 (1819-1836) [1910]
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. 9.
About Liberty Fund:
Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.
Copyright information:
The text is in the public domain.
Fair use statement:
This material is put online to further the educational goals of Liberty Fund, Inc. Unless otherwise stated in the Copyright Information section above, this material may be used freely for educational and academic purposes. It may not be used in any way for profit.
June, 1910
NOTE.
The system which I have followed in compiling the volumes of Madison’s writings has been to include those which narrate events important to American history, those which show his agency in such events, those which expound the Constitution of the United States, and those which illustrate his private life and character. The progress of the Revolution, the formation of the Constitution, the constitutional crises of 1798 and 1832, the struggle for neutrals’ rights, the economic and social conditions surrounding a Southern planter and slaveholder are the chief subjects which are illuminated by these pages. Many of the papers have never been printed before and all of them are printed from original sources where such exist. A few have been available only from a previously-printed record. Such are his speeches in the Virginia convention which ratified the Constitution in 1788 and in the early congresses; but such important state papers as his vital instructions when he was Secretary of State, while most of them had contemporaneous publication, are here given with accuracy from the official record, and few of them were given accurately in their previous publication. In determining what papers should be included I have resisted the temptation to select newly-discovered letters rather than better known but more important papers.
Since my work began a number of additional sources of material have been opened to me, and for this courtesy I have made acknowledgment in the appropriate places; but I wish to record separately my indebtedness and gratitude to the Chicago Historical Society, whose great collection of Madison papers, second only to that which the Federal Government owns, has been freely placed at my disposal and freely made use of.
G. H.
Washington, April, 1910.
Titles (by Subject) 