1To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 29 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
The Vessel in which I have engaged my passage from this place to St. Domingo, will be ready to sail on tuesday; and if she should be delay’d beyond that time, it will be at my expense. If it should be convenient for you to have my instructions prepared by Mond[a]y, I will be in the City on that day and receive them. I presume you will either hear from Mr. Thornton before that time, or that he...
2To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 17 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that I arrived here on the 4th. instant, after a passage of 21 days from the Capes. We met with no Cruisers, and saw but three or four Vessels of any kind on our passage. On my arrival I delivered your letter to Dr. Stevens, and received from him every mark of polite attention. He went with me to General Toussaint Louverture, to whom he introduced me as the...
3To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 20 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 17th. inst.—a copy of which I now enclose. Since that time nothing new has occurred here. The Governor, General Toussaint Louverture, has been absent from this place for 3 days past. It is supposed he has gone towards Port Republican. His movements are very rapid and uncertain. He commands everything in this Island. He is certainly an extraordinary man....
4To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 25 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 July 1801, Cap Français. No. 3. Forwards copy of constitution of Saint-Domingue, just received and not yet published. Reports that Toussaint has not yet returned. American vessels are arriving daily without incident. Explains that he has issued eight passports, which Stevens had given him already signed by Toussaint and British agent, only after making it clear that the U.S. no longer...
5To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 25 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of addressing you on the 17th. instant, by the Sloop Polly of Wilmington (Del.) and on the 20th. by the Brig Neptune of Alexandria. A Copy of the last is enclosed. I have now the satisfaction of forwarding a Copy of the Constitution formed for the Government of this Island. I have obtained it with difficulty, and under an injunction that it shall not be made public in the...
6To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 27 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 July 1801, Cap Français. No. 4. Reports that Toussaint has just arrived from Gonaïves, where he apparently spoke with British agent who had recently returned from Jamaica. Notes that British agent has not yet communicated with him; Lear will await his initiative. Expects to hold discussions with Toussaint “this Evening.” Comments on high reputation of Stevens—“he Appears to have served the...
7To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 27 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I embrace a favourable opportunity offered by Mr. D’Arcy, who goes passenger in the Schooner Fox to Philada. to write you a few lines, and enclose a Copy of my last of the 25th. inst. which covered a Copy of the Constitution formed for the Island. I would forward another Copy by this Opporty., was it practicable for me to get it; but that seems to be out of the question at present. I hope to...
8To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 4 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 5. Will write frequently since any information, however trivial, may prove to be of consequence. Still has not received any communications from British agent to the island [Edward Corbet]. In a 30 July conversation Toussaint told him to send passports for French and American ships going from one port to another on the island to the British agent for signature....
9To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 4 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
As I feel it my duty to write to you by every good and safe opportunity which offers, I am afraid that the frequency of my letters may be troublesome, as they do not contain matters of much importance. But as every occurrence, however trivial, may, in the present state of things between the United States and this Island, be of some consequence to our government, I shall rather chuse to be...
10To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 17 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 6. Sends dispatch by Dr. Stevens, who leaves 18 Aug. on the Amphitrite for Philadelphia and intends to go on immediately to Washington. Continues to believe that Stevens’s official conduct has been faithful and beneficial to U.S. trade and that he has suffered great loss of personal fortune in the exercise of his duties. Has received from Stevens a copy of...