1To James Madison from William Tatham, 16 July 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have this morning carefully traced on a copy of Mitchells Map of America (my own property, from the same plates from which the impression whereon the original boundary of the United States was traced, as testified by President Adams Mr. Jay and Doctor Franklin,) the boundary of the United States as it seems to have been settled by the discussion of our former Commissioners; Copies whereof,...
2From James Madison to William Tatham, 4 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 1st. instant: Whatever may be the regret, at delays in the settlement of your accts., further reflection will suggest to you, that the usual course can not be properly varied. Nor can I doubt that any lights which Mr. Simmons may be able to furnish will meet with all the attention from the War accountant, which any instruction from me could authorize. It is...
3To James Madison from William Tatham, 1 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have written to Genl. Armstrong, as you instructed, concerning my account & standing with the department of War; but his answer is not yet recieved; to day is quarter day, my Landlord Butcher &c expecting their money impatiently. I percieve a great difficulty arising from intercourse with several Secretaries in succession, for a number of years; and each has pursued his own course. The...
4To James Madison from William Tatham, 30 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
The justice which is due to creditors who contribute to support me in an extensive and an accumulating topographical establishment (my own private property) devoted, with all my time, to the public service, through an assiduous personal exertion by day & by night, urges me to call your attention to my last letter, & to the one inclosed; though with great reluctance, on account of the important...
5To James Madison from William Tatham, 14 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
The case called Charles Gobert’s is so very extraordinary that it cannot possibly be “ neuteral! ” Two years ago, I told you “I would be the last man to desert the President of the U. States;[”] and, if any yet live who really know me, they will testify that the word of my conscience, and the obligation of my legal responsibility, have been synonymous in my intentions through life; and that my...
6To James Madison from William Tatham, 18 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have faithfully attended to the two bills before Congress for authorizing the President to cause a survey of the inland coastwise navigation, and for authorising the Secretary at War to contract with me for my military models and apparatus and topographical charts, as instructed by the Honl. Secretary at War; but, unfortunately, both are laid over till December next, on the last day of the...
7To James Madison from William Tatham, 26 March 1814 (Madison Papers)
To the President of the United States; the honorable the Vice President and President of the Senate; the honorable the Speaker of the House of Representatives; each and every member of Congress; the honorable Secretaries, heads of departments, their respective clerks, the post-master general, every general and other officer in the army, every intelligent citizen in the United States: High...
8To James Madison from William Tatham, 14 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 January 1813. Suggests the “propriety of an immediate application to the State Sovereignties of Delaware Maryland Virginia and North Carolina (perhaps Circular to all the States might be well) for Acts authorizing the President of the United States to provide for the public safety, by causing surveys to be made of the inland hydrography of the Maritime frontier, by the construction of such...
9To James Madison from William Tatham, 14 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 January 1813. “I presume the late measures concerning the increase of the Navy will require wet and dry Docks for Seventy fours: Believing my experience in this branch to be at least at par with any other person, and my economical methods superior, I beg it may be understood that I offer my services as chief Engineer ⟨or?⟩ Supervisor.” Describes the process by which the engineers or...
10To James Madison from William Tatham, 7 December 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 December 1812. “Last evening I recieved information, accidentally, that the Committee had acted on my Memorial concerning the subject of topographical documents, without investigating the vouchers or surveys prepared in support of my statement. This being a matter of surprize to myself,… I have this day applied to the Chairman for information. “I learn … that the Committee (being persuaded...
11To James Madison from William Tatham, 6 October 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 October 1812, Washington. Expresses his concern that “the Administration is exposed to considerable danger of being suddenly siezed by the enemy, without any efficient, and reasonably practical, means having been hitherto thought of as a precaution for their information and safety.” Believes that “this danger is threatened from the following considerations: 1st. there are many disaffected...
12To James Madison from William Tatham, 26 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have had repeated conferences with the honl. the Secretaries, heads of departments aiding the Executive of the United States, on the subjects communicated in my letter to you dated the 11th. instant; and find, in reference to my propositions No. 1. 2. & 3. exclusive of any other subject matter claim or proposal, that we have the same view of the great importance of the British and other...
13To James Madison from William Tatham, 11 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have come up from Norfolk prepared to offer proofs to government of that unabating zeal for the public safety & prosperity which your late proclamation recommends; and to demonstrate to Administration that I am in a condition to be useful at the present crisis in many particulars resulting from singular pursuits, exclusive knowledge of our military & maritime topography, and many years...
14To James Madison from William Tatham, 26 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 June 1812, Norfolk. “I am making the last effort which seems to be left in my power to return to You in Washington with accumulated military & topographical documents &c. The official plans, Manuscript Charts, & minute topographic & Ichnographic Surveys, of Canada, Nova Scotia, & Florida, are vastly important in our Military & Maritime Archieves [ sic ].” Offers them “for a fair...
15To James Madison from William Tatham, 16 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
The conspiracy which has transpired northwardly, as just announced in the public prints, calls on every citizen to lend a helping hand towards defeating such plots, or repelling their evil consequences: I am stimulated by this consideration to mutilate my private collection of scarce and valuable documents, in favor of government; believing that, in the event of an explanation which is...
16To James Madison from William Tatham, 14 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed offer to the people of Norfolk, in whom I have not yet found those boasted patriotic virtues which I have too often felt their deficiency in, will shew you how my time has been occupied since I had last the pleasure of seeing you in Washington. Twelve months ago I left Harbour Island with a view to be with you before the meeting of Congress (I mean the last of October 1810), but...
17To James Madison from William Tatham, 4 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1811, Norfolk. “Perhaps there never was a period when speedy communication was more important to the safety and prosperity of the United states than the present; especially when we consider how difficult it must be to manage a population so far and widely expanding itself.” Encloses a sketch to demonstrate a method of telegraphic communication “whereby I deem it practicable to pass a...
18To James Madison from William Tatham, 1 January 1811 (Madison Papers)
Observing that Government are now occupied on the claim of the United States to West Florida, & having some idea of that subject through my researches in London, at the instance of our late Minister Mr. Monroe, I shall be pardoned for offering to the executive aid certain evidences tending to strengthen our pretensions—viz. 1st. An old Map (heretofore mentioned to you) procured by me at the...
19To James Madison from William Tatham, 10 July 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 July 1810, Norfolk. Believes it is important to add to his former communications the enclosed statement of facts concerning the legal right of the public to “the Desart” at Cape Henry. Is continuing his topographical work. Relates that his family is in distressed circumstances. RC and enclosure ( DLC ). RC 2 pp. Printed in McPherson, “Letters of William Tatham,” WMQ William and Mary...
20To James Madison from William Tatham, 25 May 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 May 1810, Norfolk. Sends JM papers “on the defence of Lynnhaven Bay, the Chesapeake, Norfolk, &c,” including a paper “which contemplates a co-operation by Fire rafts.” Lists seven more communications he will complete “if encouraged to do so,” ranging from field fortifications to an inland canal system. Asks for JM’s assistance, as he is without income and the administration has neglected...
21To James Madison from William Tatham, 18 May 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 May 1810, Norfolk. Gratefully acknowledges receipt of JM’s friendly reply to his 10 Mar. letter . He is recuperating from a long illness. Since last seeing JM in Washington, has never heard from Gallatin concerning his ideas on “the Coastwise improvement of the revenue powers.” About 10 Mar. he also wrote to the secretary of the navy regarding “Maritime improvements … far superior to the...
22To James Madison from William Tatham, 18 May 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 May 1810, Norfolk. The same mail that brought JM’s letter [not found] also carried one from London, telling of the death of Miss Tatham, the writer’s cousin, at Hornby Castle, the seat of John Marsden. “As sole heir on my Mothers side,” he may inherit an annual income of £5,000 and from Miss Tatham “the Peerages of Morville, L’Engleys, and Barony of Askham,” to which the duke of Norfolk...
23To James Madison from William Tatham, 10 March 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 March 1810, Norfolk. Transmits enclosures for JM’s perusal but reminds him that “these uncountenanced pursuits” cannot continue “unless some respectable appointment in the power and inclination of the executive can afford me means wherewith my leisure hours may be thus employed.” A plan to present JM with “some very extensive results of my topographical researches” is in abeyance for lack...
24To James Madison from William Tatham, 18 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 August 1809, Washington. Relates his financial losses suffered during and after the Revolution. Proposes a survey which would be sponsored by the federal government to create military maps of U.S. territories. RC ( DLC ). 8 pp. Docketed by JM.
25To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 17 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
A few days ago, in conversation with an Officer of high standing in the Naval Department, with whom I had held Considerable intercourse, and mutual opinion in the auxiliary mode of defence by Gun-boats, during the affair of the Chesapeake, he intimated such a change of sentiment in favor of increasing the navy for the purposes of external service, and treated the former system so lightly, as...
26To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 30 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have directed Mr. Bonsal, Sir, to transmit to you the second printed Pamphlet on the subject of the Canal which I have the honor to propose from this port to Carolina, by way of Kempsville & the North Landing; embracing also a latteral naval cut from Kempsville to Lynhaven river, designed for bettering the defence of this place & the United States in general. I have also persevered, under...
27To James Madison from William Tatham, 24 October 1808 (Madison Papers)
By last Mail, I did myself the honor of transmitting to you a printed pamphlet on the subject of a link of our coastwise navigation inland, which passes through this County: a matter which I have been many years investigating, and concieve to be of the highest importance in the consolidation of the united force of the Country, the fraternization of its Citizens, and the common safety or...
28To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 2 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Calculating that you will be at the seat of Government on the 4th. July, perhaps to continue there a few days, and believing that then Sir You will possess both the power and inclination to rescue me from ruinous embarrassments which are resulting from a long continuance out of business, a long & steady attachment to the interests & prosperity of the United States, and a total deprivation of...
29To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 6 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just finished completing my agricultural designs for this year, leaving the Plantation in fine order, & the crop under good fence having a straight line fence of six feet high for all the partitions on a plan new in this Country, & which will, I hope, prove a profitable example. I shall leave the crop (now planted) in the hands of those who remain, & remove towards Harbour Island...
30To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 10 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I drop you a Note by this Post, chiefly to furnish you with the readiest address, if any occasion occurs to call for my services.—I presume the many important matters before Government at present, may be the reason why I am not honored with any communication from Yourself, or the heads of Department, touching my unfinished Surveys about the enterance of the Chesapeake, the Gunboat Canals,...
31To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 11 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Just as I completed the Land part of my Survey, (forming a correct base, and accurate adjustment of the most prominent objects) by Compass & Chain, perambulating high Water level from the Southward of the Light House on Cape Henry to the Mouth of Long Creek, including Lynhaven Inlet, a British tender [with] two row boats (one of them large) came to an Anchor Close to the Western junction of...
32To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 7 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
My last (4th. instant) advised You that I had consented, at Commodore De’Catur’s request, to proceed on the Survey requisite to satisfy the requisitions of the Navy; and I expect to be farther informed on that head; as they certainly do not expect to make me a [s]econd in the business. I have stipulated for the same terms as in the Coast Survey in Carolina, & the same motives which prompt me...
33To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 4 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
After dispatching the Survey &c, inclosed to You last night, Comr. Decatur called on me, in bed, and I have declined going to Carolina till the requisition of the Secy. of the Navy is complied with in the most economical way our economical resources will permit. I shall write You my Sentiments on this subject, at more leisure, & (for the present) I beg the honor of Your Communications to...
34To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 2 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment from Lynhaven Inlet, which I thought it proper to visit before I set out to the Southward; & it may be well (if any thing to say to me) to address to Newbern with duplicate to Norfolk: I shall certainly volunteer it there if circumstances require it, for no misfortune shall suffer fame to recognize an inconsistency in a life which has been perpetually oppressed, & persecuted,...
35To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 26 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here last night, after having gone through an additional & thourough examination of Pamptico Sound since my last to you from Newbern, and had designed to have set seriously to work in order to furnish Government with several Communications on the subject of our public economy, particularly one on the defence of the Coast, wherein (corresponding in sentiment with Comodore Decatur...
36To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 7 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
An indisposition which has followed me into this country, and attacked me with slight fevers and sweatings, ever since I left Lynhaven Bay, has prevented me from communicating to you such observations as I might have thought useful to you in the field of Public economy at the opening of the ensuing Session of Congress. I am now so fully recovered as to be able to set out this day (by water) to...
37To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 24 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 21st. Instant I was enabled to obtain an ultimate settlement of the accounts for current expences accruing near the British Squadron in the Chesapeak Bay, up to the 14th. Instant, to which time they were rendered:—Seven days delay are therefore unnoticed in the accounts, but I submit it to you whether that addition ought not to be all owed me. The accts. are transmitted to the Secy.—...
38To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 13 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Pursuant to the permission I asked, and now presume on, I inclose you my ideas on the particulars I formerly refered to at Lynhaven, which I have minutely reexamined since my Men were discharged. I have all my Accounts in order, & shall transmit them to the Secretary of the Navy without giving you the trouble of intermediating in the way your friendship has offered.—Whatever may be my personal...
39To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 1 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I came up here yesterday to settle my Monthly accounts; &, by the Evenings Mail, was honor’d with yours dated the 28th. Inst. at Washington. Your conclusions, Sir, touching the procedure of the British Squadron correspond with my own opinion, founded on the best observations I am able to make, & such information as I am in a condition to obtain.—I find the Brig & Tender I mentioned yesterday...
40To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 31 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Nothing material this last 24 Hours. I sent off my Store Boat to replenish at Nfk last night; & immediately after She got out of the Inlet, I found a British Gun Brig & Tender had got one on each side of her. I ran out a few miles in the Whale Boat; & then stood for the tender with the Flag of the U. States blown full out in the Wind. Signals were immediately made by the Commodore; & I...
41To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 30 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The Patriot went out again yesterday, & in the evening stood close in near the Light House, Cape Henry, from whence I am this moment returned: She is supposed to be cruising off the Cape. The Gun Brig, mentioned yesterday, has been beating all night towards Hampton road, & seems to be, at present, some distance below Willoughbys point: She seems to be a vicious looking thing; & is, I presume,...
42To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 29 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
My Whale Boat returned last night, from Smiths Island & the Eastern Shore at Cape Charles.— From the account given by them, & the guard near Cape Henry, signals were given (in vain) for Her capture. My Men report as follows.— On Saterday evening they left me (say 4 to 5, O.Clock at Lynhaven Inlet; & that night at Ten O.Clock, anchord in “ Fisherman’s ” Northampton)—At Daylight on Sunday...
43From Thomas Jefferson to William Tatham, 28 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your several letters from the 10th. to the 23d. inclusive have been duly recieved, and have served to regulate our belief of the state of things in Lynhaven amidst the variety of uncertain reports which were afloat. in mine of the 6th. I mentioned that it would be necessary for me to ask the continuance of this service from you only until I could ascertain the course the squadron of Commodore...
44To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 28 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment returned from the Cape Henry Light House. The Triumph, & Patriot, came in last night, & took their Station at their accustomed place, in Lynhaven Bay, in Blockade order. No small vessels seem to be molested; but it is uncertain what is done to the outward bound. This morning the Patriot went out, & seemed to be cruising off the Light House, as usual, when I left it. Fifteen...
45To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 27 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this minute arrived on shore from the L. House Cape Henry.— The Ship hitherto called the Triumph , I now find, is the Leopard; the Bellona & Melampus gone some days ago; & the Triumph & Patriot cruising just Southward of Cape Henry.— The Triumph & Patriot were close in with the Light House last night; &, in the early part of the evening fired heavy guns (they say at the L.H.) on some...
46To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 26 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Last night I dispatched my Whale Boats, with six trusty oars, to Cape Charles, & Smith’s Island; or as far to Sea as prudence requires, in order to observe the movements of the Ships gone out. At ¼ past six (leaving me at the Inlet at 5 OClock) last evening, they were as far as I could well discover them with the Tellescope, towards Cape Charles; and, I doubt not, would make a safe port on the...
47To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 25 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
This morning the Leopard & Melampus are off , in the last 4 Hours. The Triumph remains, but no tenders visible, excepting boats under sail at a distance.—I presume the vollies fired yesterday were by the Militia who were relieved: too much replete with spunk & imprudence. This is, at least, all I can learn on going over to the Cape side of the Havens, last night. I am this moment returned from...
48To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 24 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
This morning has produced nothing very material that we yet know of. The Triumph, Leopard, & Melampus appear to occupy their yesterdays station; which Capt. Decatur says they shall not continue to hold. The Tenders occupied as usual. Capt. Decatur has rounded the Inlet, out as far as the Tideway in front of the British Ships; & will communicate his sentiments to You on such subjects as we...
49To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 23 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
All today as last night, nothing new. The Tenders said to get supplies at the Wash Woods. I think it probable that the Triumph is sharing the provision taken from on board the Medway & others without the Capes; as they have been alongside each other ever since her veture into Port. Commodore De Catur is now on Board my Boat here; & tells me he is coming to you at Washington immediately: We are...
50To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 22 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
After dispatching my note to you, of yesterday, from Norfolk, I made haste to return to this place. I found the Skipper of my provision boat much alarmed, having been down to the Inlet in the small boat, & having observed a Boat rowing in at the inlet, which he supposed had come off from the British Ships in this bay. Shortly after the same boat came along side; & was kept off by our french...