President Madison and Col Jno Taylor of Caroline; Wm. and Mary Qrtly., Vol. 3, No. 1

Transcribed by Barb Hill for the USGenWeb Archives Special Collections Project

************************************************************************
USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE:  These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in
any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or
persons.  Persons or organizations desiring to use this material,
must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal
representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb
archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission
to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access.

http://www.usgwarchives.net
***********************************************************************

President Madison and Col Jno Taylor of Caroline
     A.G. Grinnan


     William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine, Vol. 3, No. 1 (Jul., 1894), 
pp. 9-10



page 9          President Madison and Col Jno Taylor of Caroline.
                          by Dr. A.G. Grinnan

     On the question of adoption of the Federal constitution these two statesmen were very decided
opponents; Col. Taylor being violent in his opposition.  In about a decade, however, we find them more
nearly together, as the subjoined anecdotes given on authority of Gen. Jas. Taylor of Kentucky will
show.

     In the canvass for election of member of the Virginia Convention to consider the adoption of the 
U.S. Constitution Col. Jas. Taylor of Midway, Caroline Co. (father of Gen. Jas. Taylor of Ky.), and
Judge Pendleton were candidates for election.  On the Court Green of Caroline Co., Col. Jno. Taylor
met his cousin, Col. James and remarked that the proposed constitution abounded in defects, and 
ought not, in his opinion, be adopted.  Col. James Taylor answered that he had been waited on by
many of the influential men of the County, and unsoliciting, been called upon with Judge Pendleton
to become a candidate, and could not withdraw, but told Col. John, if he thought proper, to offer 
his services, and assured him that it would not be considered a breach of friendship.  About this
time, Judge Pendleton stepped up, and said "No, Col. Taylor, my nephew John thinks he knows
more than we do, and will support nothing which does not accord with his opinion of perfection.
We know that the old Confederation was a rope of sand, nothing compulsory in it."  Col. James
Taylor remarked that there were some features which



page 10                    William and Mary College Quarterly

he thought required amendment, that a mode was provided for this is that instrument, and when its
defects were experienced by Congress, he had no doubt amendments would be effected, and told
Col. John to offer as a candidate, if he thought proper, and it would give no offence.  Col. Jno. 
Taylor replied "No sir, for two very good reasons.  I know that I could not succeed if I would,
and I would not if I could against you."

     In January, 1799, Gen. Taylor visited Virginia, and spent the night at President Madison's,
who had retired from Congress, as the Federalists had secured control of it, and his efforts 
against them were of no avail; and also, as was supposed, to build an addition to the old-fashioned
two story brick house, built many years before by his father.

     Col. Jno. Taylor had written to Mr. Madison, requesting him to become a candidate for the 
Virginia Assembly, saying that he would be one, if Mr. M. would also offer.  Gen. Taylor was
the bearer of Mr. Madison's reply agreeing to become a candidate, which he delivered in person,
on reaching Caroline Co., to Col. John.  They were both elected, as is well known, and got the
famous Virginia resolution of "99" passed by the Legislature, drawn up by Mr. Madison and
presented by Col. John Taylor, and called Taylor's resolution.

     Gen. Taylor says that both of those distinguished men were opposed to resisting the U.S. laws
by force, their plan was by remonstrance and enlightening the people to influence public opinion:
and when it could be done, to have the objectionable laws passed upon by the Supreme Court at
Washington.