| Visit of President James Madison Visits Annapolis
EOS spoke with Martha King, Assistant Editor, Papers of James Madison
518 Alderman Library
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA 22903
jmadison@poe.acc.virginia.edu
January 22, 1998
Brant, Irving. James Madison: Commander in Chief , 1812-1836. (New York: Bobbs-Merrill Co., Inc., 1961), 406-407.
in late May 1816, James and Dolley Madison and other high officials went to Annapolis in a navy barge to inspect the new seventy-four gun ship, Washington.
Madison did not consider the trip official business and insisted that the $25 paid to the naval boatmen should be charged personally to him.
Daily National Intelligencer, May 20, 1816
The Washington arrived in Annapolis on the evening of May 16th. It was commanded by Commodore Chauncey of Boston and was destined to the Mediterranean to carry out to
Naples Mr. Pinkney the minister to Russia and Naples and his family and Mr. King, the secretary of the legation.
Daily National Intelligencer, May 22, 1816
"The visit of the Washington seventy-four gun ship to Annapolis makes that place the seat of high attraction at present. Many have been drawn to that place within a few days, by
curiosity, business, or to visit their friends on board the ship. Among others the President, the Secretary of the Navy, and their families are at Annapolis." So we know Madison was
present in Annapolis at least by 22 May. He returned from there to Washington, DC on May 25th.
Daily National Intelligencer, May 30th
"The President returned on Saturday from his visit to Annapolis, where he received that respect due to his station and elevated character."
Maryland Republican, May 25, 1816
"Our city is seldom honored with the presence of so many distinguished personages as during the present week. The president of the United States and lady, general Mason and lady,
the secretary of the navy, William Pinkney, Esq. and the gallant general Scott; commodores Rogers, Porter and Chauncey are amongst the visitors. The President and his lady, with
several military and naval officers and others, dined on board the Washington 74, now off the harbor, on Tuesday last. The salutes usual on such occasions were fired from the forts and
ship. The president I am informed is much pleased with the general appearance of Washington."
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