1To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 28 June 1790 (Madison Papers)
Being informed that some Members of the House of Representatives are opposed to allowing any emoluments whatever to our Consuls resident in foreign Ports—I am led to request the exercise of your influence in support of such a gratuity as may not have a tendency to burthen the trading Interest—which consequence I think cannot arise from a small contribution chargeable on each Vessell according...
2To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 1 December 1790 (Madison Papers)
Expecting in a few days to embark for Hispaniola under a Consular Commission from the United States—I feel very desirous to have the Consular Bill now pending in Govt. matured & passed as early as other public Interests will permit; wishing not to have gone till it was finished I requested leave of Govt to tarry yet a while but the Secy of State informed me it was “peculiarly interesting to...
3To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 March 1801, Amsterdam. Transmits copies of Leiden Gazette . Reports that weight Great Britain will have in European balance of power is still undecided. France and Russia have important plans to be developed in a short time. Requests information on congressional action on memorial of consuls. In postscript, mentions Cathcart’s circular letter of 3 Jan. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol....
4To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to transmit you the Leyden Gazettes up to the present period which is one peculiarly interesting in the state of European Affairs. The aspect of those of G.B. is above all observed at this moment & it remains to be decided what weight she is hereafter to hold in the ballance of Europe. France & Russia have great important Plans or prospective ones which in a short time will...
5To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 April 1801, Amsterdam. Transmits continuation of Leiden Gazette . Reports local belief that relations between Great Britain and northern powers will be adjusted in a short time, though expectations of general peace are not as strong. In postscript, announces news of death of Czar Paul of Russia; succeeded by Alexander I. Reports rumor that British fleet was repulsed in attack on Copenhagen...
6To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I send you a continuation of the Leyden Gazette to this date. It is here generally believed that the affairs between England & the North of Europe will be adjusted in a short time—while the Expectations of a general peace do not seem to have equal currency. In all due respect Sir Yr ob Hle. Sert. P. S. We just received the important news of the death of the Emperor Paul of Rus sia...
7To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 5 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 May 1801, Amsterdam. Is disappointed to learn Congress rejected the memorial on behalf of U.S. consuls that he transmitted in fall of 1800. Fears request was misinterpreted, the point being that consular fees ought to be paid according to tonnage of American ships. No fixed salary was sought, and the request was never intended for stipulated fees “by way of Salary from the public Chest.” RC (...
8To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 5 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosing you the Leyden Gazette of this date I avail myself of the opportunity to express to you my regret at finding by the Gazettes of our Country, that the memorial which I had the honor to transmit your Predecessor last fall in behalf of the Consuls of the U States, has not met with the expected success in Congress, which I think must have resulted from a misapprehension of the nature &...
9To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 29 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 May 1801, Amsterdam. Continues practice of sending the Leiden newspaper, which is generally impartial in reporting important political news. Recent events in Europe have produced a change in views and principles of some major powers, destroyed the old equilibrium, and made peaceful solutions more difficult. Presumes U.S. will try to avoid political relations with Europe but urges...
10To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 29 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
In conformity to my practice towards your predecessors in Office I here transmit the latest Leyden Gazettes & shall continue to do so regularly by every opportunity which presents. This paper contains a late tho’ correct & generally impartial account of the most material events occurring in this scene & cannot be read but with Interest at a moment when the political page is filled with such as...