51To James Madison from Rufus King, 18 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 December 1802, London. No. 77. The language and measures of the British ministry during October produced “no beneficial effect” upon the French government. “The temper then manifested, had it been persisted in, would have involved the Nation in a new War. But the tone was soon lowered: the orders supposed to have been given to retain certain Possessions … have been recalled, and with the...
52To Thomas Jefferson from Rufus King, 18 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Gore having during my absence acknowledged the receipt of your letter to me, and at the same time transmitted to you copies of the correspondence with the President of the Sierra Leone Company, I have only to resume the subject where he left it— The idle and disorderly Character of the Negroes who deserted their masters and joined the Br: army in america , and who constitute the greater...
53To James Madison from Rufus King, 26 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 November 1802, London. No. 76. Notes that Gore has acknowledged letters received from the State Department during King’s absence and informed JM of what has been done toward accomplishment of the president’s instructions. “I shall immediately resume the business that has been so well commenced, and as well from the nature of the subject, as from the temper and disposition that are...
54To James Madison from Rufus King, 18 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
Since I left London I have received your letter accompanying the instructions & authority concerning the settlement of our Boundary with Great Britain —and in consequence thereof have written to Mr Gore, desiring him to communicate to Lord Hawkesbury that powers have been sent to me for this purpose, and to request his Lordship to put the business in such a train as to be settled upon my...
55To James Madison from Rufus King, 10 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 August 1802, London. No. 75. Reports on a conference with Lord Hawkesbury on trade and navigation in the West Indies and the Maryland bank stock. Hawkesbury said that measures would be taken to transfer the bank stock to the Crown. Although he indicated that there were other claims besides Maryland’s, Hawkesbury seemed to think that after the stock was transferred “there would be no...
56To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 6 August 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote to you two days ago by a private ship, as the Packet goes in a day or two I avail myself of the Opportunity to inform you that I have sent to the Secy of State my Resignation, and requested to be relieved in time to return home in April next. As there is reason to apprehend that we may be at war with all the barbary powers, as well as morocco I have asked for a Passage home in a...
57To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 6 August 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
After further enquiry, I annex little credit to the notice posted at Loyds’, that two american vessels had been carried into Algiers. Two vessels the Franklin morris master, and the Rose (master not known) said to be of Philadelphia, are reported to have been taken by the cruisers of morocco or some other of the Barbary Powers. These are also the vessels which are mentioned at Loyds as having...
58To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 5 August 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your obliging letter in duplicate of June —enclosed I have now the pleasure to send you a copy of my letter to the Secretary of State resigning my mission, and requesting to be relieved in season to return home in may next. In a few days I purpose to avail my self of the leave of temporary absence which I have received to visit the continent. My plan is to go to Holland, and...
59To James Madison from Rufus King, 5 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 August 1802, London. No. 74. Requests that the president accept his resignation and permit him to return home. Had originally intended to serve no more than four years, but the war and subsequent negotiations kept him in Great Britain for six. Believing there is “nothing very material remaining to be discussed, in which I can flatter myself with being able to render any important Service,”...
60To James Madison from Rufus King, 5 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 August 1802, London. Suggests that if the president consents to his return to the U.S., the same public ship could bring his successor and return King home. Realizes it is unlikely a frigate from the Mediterranean would be convenient, since “coming from that Quarter she might be liable to perform Quarantine which would occasion a long detention, as well as great Expense.” Requests to be...
61To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 23 July 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
[ London, July 23, 1802. King’s description of this letter reads: “General Hamilton. Determination to return home &c.” Letter not found. ] Rufus King’s “Memorandum of private Letters, &c., dates & persons from 1796 to Augt 1802,” owned by Mr. James G. King, New York City.
62To James Madison from Rufus King, 21 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 July 1802, London. Explains an item in his contingent account relating to the publication of Robinson’s admiralty reports. Decisions of British prize courts are not published by the government. Observes that although it is a “pretty general opinion” that Great Britain “administers the Law of Nations in matters of prize with great rigour, Englishmen have uniformly asserted that these...
63To James Madison from Rufus King, 19 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 July 1802, London. No. 73. Reports receipt of 25 June letter from Commodore Morris at Gibraltar announcing Morocco’s “unexpected declaration of war” on U.S. Has notified U.S. consuls in Great Britain so that American ships might be forewarned. Does not know why “this unjust Proceeding has arisen,” having “no exact information either concerning the internal condition of Morocco, or of the...
64To James Madison from Rufus King, 16 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 July 1802, London. No. 72. Reports that he exchanged ratifications of the convention on 15 July with Hawkesbury. An original copy of the British ratification and certificate of exchange will be delivered to JM in Washington by Gabriel Christie, a former U.S. representative from Maryland. RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 10); letterbook copy ( NHi : Rufus King Papers, vol. 55). RC...
65To James Madison from Rufus King, 5 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 July 1802, London. No. 71. Reports that the loan recently obtained by the Dutch government at a rate of interest “hitherto unknown in that frugal and industrious Country” has “excited a good deal of curiosity.” It is believed that part of the loan, in the amount of 15 million guilders, has been paid to France to secure release from the claims of the Prince of Orange, pursuant to the separate...
66To James Madison from Rufus King, 23 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
I yesterday recd. by the foreign mail the enclosed letter from Leghorn. As I have no information relative to the extraordinary project of the Consul at Tunis, except what is contained in this Despatch, I can form no very precise notion of the Propriety of the means by wh. Peace is expected to be restored with Tripoli. Whether the president has in any shape authorised the measures wh. are in...
67To James Madison from Rufus King, 20 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 June 1802, London. No. 70. Has received the duplicate of JM’s letter of 1 May ; as soon as the original arrives, will take “immediate measures to complete the Convention by exchanging the Ratifications.” The commission under article 7 is proceeding satisfactorily; more than fifty cases have been decided since it recommenced its business, and once the exchange of ratifications is made,...
68To James Madison from Rufus King, 16 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 June 1802, London. Acknowledges JM’s private letter of 7 Apr. conveying the president’s permission to visit France and neighboring countries. Has no plans at the moment; might spend a few weeks at Paris in July or August. His secretary, John Pickering, returned home several months earlier; “I have expected as his successor my Nephew Mr. H. Southgate, who will probably arrive in the course...
69To James Madison from Rufus King, 10 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 June 1802, London. No. 69. Acknowledges JM’s public letter of 7 Apr. “communicating the Presidents approbation of the Convention respecting the 6 & 7 articles of the Treaty of 1794”; by “private accounts of a later date” has learned of the Senate’s consent. Has no news as to countervailing duties; “their continuance or repeal is a question submitted to the decision of Congress.” Does not...
70To James Madison from Rufus King, 26 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 May 1802, London. No. 68. Reports anxiety among British manufacturers and merchants “founded upon the Belief that France would exclude, either wholly or in a very great degree,” British manufactures. “The prohibitory Laws of France passed during the War have been declared to be in force, and were it not for a recent and extraordinary Law which puts into the hands of the Chief Consul,...
71To James Madison from Rufus King, 17 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 May 1802, London. No. 67. Reports strong support for the definitive treaty in Parliament despite Lord Grenville’s speech against it. Will send a copy of the debates as soon as published. Encloses a copy of the convention and additional articles between Great Britain and Russia, together with the acts of accession of Denmark and Sweden. The article concerning trade with the colonies and Lord...
72To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 7 May 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
As I know of no measure from abroad, which is capable of such extensive and injurious effects as the cession of Louisiana and the Floridas to France, it has been a subject of my unremitted solicitude and attention from the moment of our first suspicions concerning it. Its importance was fully and repeatedly developed to the Ministers of this Country before the conclusion of the Preliminaries,...
73To James Madison from Rufus King, 7 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 May 1802, London. No. 66. Asserts that a great principle of U.S. policy is “to maintain and perpetuate the union of our Country.” Expresses concern over the cession of Louisiana and the Floridas to France, because it is a measure calculated “to weaken and divide us.” Has reinforced verbal communications between British ministers and himself on this subject through a confidential letter to...
74To James Madison from Rufus King, 5 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 May 1802, London. No. 65. Reports that bill imposing duties on imports, exports, and ship tonnage passed House of Commons and will undoubtedly become law. Bill revives most provisions of the Convoy Act but raises duties on imports by one-fifth and reduces duties on goods exported to America by one-half. Because of increased quantity and superior quality of American cotton, it was proposed to...
75To James Madison from Rufus King, 3 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 May 1802, London. No. 64. Reviews arrangement made with Bird, Savage, and Bird for the disbursement of public money in Great Britain and describes measures he adopted for securing money recovered in prize cases. All money recovered from captors or British government is deposited in the Bank of England, credited to him in his official capacity, and paid out to claimants after deducting costs...
76To James Madison from Rufus King, 30 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 April 1802, London. No. 63. Reports ratification of definitive treaty and the proclamation of peace “with the accustomed formalities.” British begin to reduce army and navy, and the “warrants and orders to impress Seamen have been recalled.” Lenox has closed his agency and delivered his papers to Erving, as a special office for the relief of American seamen is now unnecessary. Sweden has...
77Enclosure: Rufus King to Lord Hawkesbury, 21 April 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
By the Treaty of Alliance concluded at Paris in 1778, between the United States of America and France, with the Exception of New orleans the latter renounced for ever the possession of every part of the Continent of america lying to the East of the course of the River Mississippi. This renunciation, confirming that which had been previously made in the Treaty of 1763, between Great Britain and...
78To James Madison from Rufus King, 10 April 1802 (Madison Papers)
Some months ago I informed you that Mr. Jackson would probably be sent to the U. States as Mr. Liston’s successor. Mr. Merry had been previously thought of and indeed named for this mission . As I have had the opportunity of knowing both these gentlemen during my residence here it was not without some regret that I heard of the intention to appoint Mr. Jackson in lieu of Mr. Merry . From this...
79To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 8 April 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
By Dr. Romayne I send you a pamphlet lately written upon the interesting subject of the public credit of this Country. The author is a member of parliament an old & practical Banker, Brother to the president of the Bank of England, and for many years much conversant with the great money operations of the Country. When you have read it I wish the favour of you to send it together with the other...
80To James Madison from Rufus King, 7 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 April 1802, London. No. 61. Text of definitive treaty was published in the Moniteur of 26 Mar. In general it “seems to adhere pretty closely to the Preliminaries: in such Articles as have undergone a modification, it is not obvious that the alteration is favourable to the views of this Country. Malta … will be liable to the influence of France.” Unless there is a separate article explaining...
81To James Madison from Rufus King, 29 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 March 1802, London. No. 60. Annexes a copy of Lord Hawkesbury’s note announcing the signing of the definitive treaty. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 10); letterbook copy and copy of enclosure ( NHi : Rufus King Papers, vol. 55). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by King; docketed by Brent. Cover postmarked New York, 22 May. Hawkesbury’s 29 Mar. note, copied on the...
82To James Madison from Rufus King, 20 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 March 1802, London. No. 59. Reports that Bird, Savage, and Bird will send to the Treasury Department the accounts for the Tunisian present and encloses copies of his letters on shipment of the articles. Has had no word from Hargreaves since he left Algiers; in early February Eaton was temporarily in Leghorn for his health. Nothing decisive has occurred in the negotiations at Amiens, but...
83To James Madison from Rufus King, 13 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 March 1802, London. No. 58. Reports there is no further information on the negotiations at Amiens since his last letter. In a “ free conversation ,” Addington “ yesterday told me that during the last Fortnight his mind had balanced whether to wish the conclusion or rupture of the negotiation ” but that the British were ready to sign a definitive treaty “provided it be done without any...
84To James Madison from Rufus King, 9 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
As your Letters to me concerning Mr. Ervings appointments do not explicitly state the Presidents intentions in respect to his being employed as an Assessor to the Commission under the seventh article of our Treaty with this Country, I desired him to send to the Board an Extract of his Instructions which define his Duties and which would be Sufficient to shew the Presidents expectation on this...
85To James Madison from Rufus King, 8 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 March 1802, London. No. 56. Reports that Austria is “highly dissatisfied, as justly she may be, with the issue of the meeting at Lyons.” Obstacles delaying conclusion of definitive peace treaty and the “unexampled stagnation of the Trade of this Country” have abated ardor for peace in Great Britain as well. This change in the “temper of the public mind” is attributed to Napoleon, whose views...
86To James Madison from Rufus King, 5 [March] 1802 (Madison Papers)
Commodore Dale while at Toulon having informed me that he might have occasion to draw upon Messrs. Mackenzie and Glennie for more than the amount of the Funds in their hands subject to his Draughts, I communicated the same to these Gentlemen, who have assured me that the Commodore’s Bills shall be duly honoured. The arms which have been making by Mortimer for the Bey of Tunis are completed;...
87To James Madison from Rufus King, 27 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 February 1802, London. Within the past ten days, some persons have begun to question whether the Amiens negotiations would end in a definitive treaty. Does not share this opinion and points out that prolonging the negotiation would harm British financial and commercial interests. Can only deal in conjectures as to the discussions at Amiens but is confident “they bear no resemblance to the...
88To James Madison from Rufus King, 18 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 February 1802, London. No. 54. Encloses copy of bill proposed in Parliament by Vansittart concerning countervailing duties on American ships and cargoes. Expects that privy council will issue an order suspending countervailing duty on tobacco for six months as soon as bill passes. Commissioners under article 7 of Jay treaty have reassembled and are proceeding with business. RC and enclosure...
89To James Madison from Rufus King, 13 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 February 1802, London. No. 53. Informs JM that Great Britain will accede to a proposal to abolish all discriminatory duties between U.S. and British territories and that Vansittart has moved for a bill in the House of Commons authorizing the king “by an order in Council, or by Proclamation, to cause the countervailing Duties … wholly to cease, or to be suspended.” Counts on the bill passing...
90To James Madison from Rufus King, 13 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 February 1802, London. Reports that no one defends the unequal operation of the discriminating duties against U.S. commerce. All prefer abolition to revision; and no one supports the proposal to transfer the countervailing duties from imports from, to exports to, the U.S., as it is against British policy to impose duties on their manufactures except in unusual circumstances and the sum of...
91To James Madison from Rufus King, 9 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 February 1802, London. No. 52. States that the definitive treaty is not yet signed but preparations are being made to reduce the war establishment. Virtual annexation of Italian Republic by France will not impede peace with England, and neither Austria nor the rest of Italy has a voice at Amiens. The size of Great Britain’s peacetime establishment is unknown, but it will be larger than...
92To James Madison from Rufus King, 5 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 February 1802, London. No. 51. Reports receipt of JM’s 10 Dec. instructions and the resulting conversations with Lord Hawkesbury on the state of American trade with British dominions in peacetime. Encloses copy of a paper he sent to Hawkesbury on the subject. Acknowledges receipt on 4 Feb. of duplicate of JM’s 22 Dec. letter , “which has enabled me to be more explicit than I otherwise should...
93To James Madison from Rufus King, 15 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have before mentioned to you that the cession of Louisiana (of which it seems to me we can have no doubt, notwithstanding what may be said to amuse us) was not once a topic of Enquiry or discussion in the negotiation of the Preliminaries: and for the same reason that it was not heard of on that occasion Lord Hawksbury has recently informed me that it had not been, and would not be mentioned...
94To John Adams from Rufus King, 12 January 1802 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to send you enclosed the copy of a convention which I have signed with Lord Hawkesbury concerning the 6. & 7. Arts. of the Treaty of 1794—As the discussions which led to this Result were begun and conducted under your instructions, I feel it to be my Duty, as well as a mark of Respect that is due to you, to send you this Copy by the same opportunity that I avail myself of, to...
95To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 12 January 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
Both as a friend and a father I do most unfeignibly participate and condole with you in the heavy affliction that has fallen upon your family. It would be altogether vain for me to have recourse to the usual Topics of consolation, in so severe a Calamity: it must be sought for among the treasures of your own Mind, which nature has so eminently endowed; and after a while, it will likewise be...
96To James Madison from Rufus King, 12 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
We have almost daily rumours of new difficulties which are to defeat the conclusion of a definitive Treaty of Peace; but like most of the speculations of the Idlers and News-hunters of a great City, they are found to be unworthy of credit. There is reason to believe the business of the definitive Treaty is going on in a conciliatory way; and as soon as the variety of inferiour points brought...
97To James Madison from Rufus King, 12 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
From the month of May till September or October, including what is here called the long vacation, very little Business can be done in London; it being the custom of almost all official Characters to pass the summer in the Country, and to visit London as seldom as they can. I am not aware that anything very pressing will, in the course of the summer, especially if the Peace be definitively...
98To James Madison from Rufus King, 11 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
Although for the reason suggested (in my Official correspondence,) I have omitted to send you an account of what passed respecting the 6 & 7. Articles of the Treaty of 1794. subsequent to Mr. Dawson’s departure, I have on reflection thought it might be satisfactory, and perhaps useful, that I should in this way supply the omission. Lord Grenville, on being consulted by Lord Hawkesbury, having...
99To James Madison from Rufus King, 9 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
At length I am enabled to send you a Convention which I yesterday signed with Lord Hawkesbury, respecting the VI & VII. articles of our Treaty of 1794. The commutation of the 6. article of the Treaty of 1794, and the confirmation, so far as respects its future operation, of the 4. article of the Treaty of Peace remain as they were settled in October last, and I have nothing to add to my former...
100To James Madison from Rufus King, 31 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
The Letters which I have received from you are dated May 21. June 15. 30. July 23. 24. 27. 28. and Oct. 21. The principal Subjects to which they relate have already been taken notice of in the course of my Correspondence: the object of this Letter is to reply upon those miscellaneous Subjects which have hitherto been omitted. —St. Croix River Boundary.— I have taken occasion to explain to Lord...