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, 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...
6To 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....
7To 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...
8To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 19 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 7. Takes advantage of Stevens’s delayed departure to relay word that two British frigates appeared off the harbor on 17 Aug. One frigate boarded, then released, American schooner Commerce as it entered port. Has not heard of their capturing any American vessels, although several left earlier. Encloses an order from Toussaint halting payments from the treasury...
9To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 24 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 8. Encloses letter from Toussaint revealing plans to move seat of government to Port Républicain, to which Lear replied that he would ask for the president’s decision on his own place of permanent residence. Since Toussaint’s letter was the first indication of his having changed his determination to move to Gonaïves, Lear will take no steps until the seat of...
10To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 30 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 9. Encloses copy of a letter from Citizen Roume, last French agent sent to the island, and his reply. In the contest between Toussaint and Rigaud, Roume supported the former; encloses decree [not found] demonstrating this support. Since then Roume’s conduct has not been agreeable to Toussaint, who has kept him under guard. Roume is now permitted to return to...
11To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 9 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 September 1801, Cap Français. No. 10. Understands that Roume accepted Lear’s refusal to intercede in his problem with Toussaint over official documents. Roume has since sailed for New York under an assumed name after Lear obtained a false passport from government of Saint-Domingue to protect him from British cruisers. M. Nogérée, who delivers this dispatch, is a member of the central...
12To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 15 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 September 1801, Cap Français. No. 11. Has nothing further to report since his last letter. Dandridge has arrived from Aux Cayes with news that all is tranquil there and a good harvest is expected. Recommends Dandridge to succeed Ritchie at Port Républicain or to succeed Lear at the cape if government moves to Port Républicain. RC , FC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cap Haitien, vol. 3). RC 1 p....
13To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 September 1801, Cap Français. No. 12. Encloses a copy of the organic laws of Saint-Domingue framed by the central assembly. RC , FC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cap Haitien, vol. 3). RC 1 p.; marked duplicate; docketed by Wagner as received 24 Oct. FC docketed by Lear, with his notation: “Duplicate by Brig Brandy wine, Terence Downey—via Philada Sepr. 24h. 1801.” The enclosure may have been a copy...
14To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 October 1801, Cap Français . No. 13. Encloses decree of Toussaint opening some ports to neutrals. Has been too busy to make an intended trip to Port Républicain. Has received a letter from British agent Corbet complaining that American vessels clear from Jamaica for the U.S. then come to Saint-Domingue to buy produce with Jamaican profits. Has not replied in full but only stated that the...
15To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 27 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the 22d inst. I had the honor of writing a few lines to you by the Schooner Eliza, Captn. Coy, bound to Wilmington in (Del) stating that a small alarm had taken place in this City the preceding Evening, in consequence of the Governmt. having taken up some people who were suspected of having formed a plot to disturb the public tranquility. On the morning of the 23d inst. I was with Genl....
16To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 30 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 October 1801, Cap Français. No. 14. Wrote to JM on 28 Oct. via brig bound to Newburyport; has little more to add. As he mentioned, gunfire was heard on the night of 22 Oct. The following morning a plot was uncovered to raise an insurrection and exterminate whites not only at the cape but throughout the country to the northwest. An alarm spread on 24 Oct. that “the Country was in Arms and...
17To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 9 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 November 1801, Cap Français. No. 15. Reports that Toussaint placed an embargo on all vessels in port to prevent escape of insurrectionists and dissemination of inaccurate reports. Encloses governor’s official account of events; government is concerned lest tales of disorder discourage trade. Wishes to meet with the British agent, who has written several letters complaining about the practice...
18To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 21 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 November 1801, Cap Français. No. 16. Has nothing more to add to the report in his no. 15 [9 Nov.] than that order seems to be fully restored, the field hands have returned to their respective plantations, and measures have been taken to prevent another uprising. Reports numerous executions following the revolt in addition to those killed during the fighting. States that the heavy volume of...
19To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 25 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 November 1801, Cap Français. No. 17. Encloses copies of his correspondence with Toussaint on an incident involving a French citizen, Mr. Arnaud. States that Toussaint has always rendered the U.S. justice when Lear demanded it and has signified his intention to continue doing so. At Lear’s request, Arnaud has been released from prison but with a severe reprimand. Although Arnaud may have had...
20To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 28 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 November 1801, Cap Français. Forwards the enclosure, just received, by the same vessel as his 25 Nov. dispatch. Expects it will be carried into operation. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cap Haitien, vol. 3). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. Enclosure not found, but it was probably Toussaint’s 25 Nov. proclamation and the decrees issued in the wake of the revolt that broke out in late October. These...
21To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 11 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 December 1801, Cap Français. No. 18. Reports that accounts of European peace have caused a “total suspension of business” as all anxiously await news of French plans for the island. Toussaint is at Port Républicain. Anticipates “dreadful” consequences if the French arrive in force to “subject the people to their former State,” but “should they conduct with moderation in their demands and...
22To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 17 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 January 1802, Cap Français. No. 19. Reports that since his last of 11 Dec. he has received JM’s letters of 26 Oct. and 21 Nov. , both arriving on same ship. Appreciates president’s approval of his conduct. Will pursue individual claims on the basis of his amended instructions. Dandridge’s commission was not enclosed in JM’s letter; has informed him of appointment and asked Linn to continue...
23To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 12 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 February 1802, Cap Français. No. 20. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 8 Jan. letter and enclosures. French fleet of fourteen ships of the line and nine frigates arrived on 2 Feb.; whites rejoiced and blacks prepared to resist. Christophe refused to allow fleet to enter the harbor without orders from Toussaint. Lear advised Americans to get themselves and their valuables aboard vessels in the...
24To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 28 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 12th inst. by Captn. John Rodgers, late of the Navy of the U. States, who sailed from this on the 13h for Baltimore, in the Schooner Nelly. I then acknowledged the rect. of your letter of the 8h of January, which reached my hands on the 30th and also gave as full an account of the disasterous events which had taken place here, as time and circumstances...
25To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
I yesterday received the duplicate of the letter which you did me the honor of writing on the 26th of feby. I hope my conduct, which you will find detailed under date of the 21t of feby, will meet the approbation of the President. Keeping in view the interest of our Citizens here, as well as the relation in which our nation stands with the Fr. Republic, I have endeavoured to conciliate the...
26To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 29 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 March 1802, Cap Français. No. 23. Transmits copies of his dispatches of 28 Feb. and 22 Mar., since which one warship and two frigates have arrived from France with troops. “ Nothing more has occurred respecting Louisiana. That it is ceded to France is true and that part of the forces sent out are intended [for] that country there is no doubt but I are still of opinion that if they touch...
27To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 8 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 April 1802, Cap Français. No. 24. Quotes the 2 Apr. postscript he added to the duplicate of his dispatch no. 23; reports that a severe indisposition kept him from going to Port-au-Prince as he intended then but he has since learned that General Leclerc will arrive at the cape in ten or twelve days. Notes that he had informed the prefect and General Boyer of his intention. “As the Admiral was...
28To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 8 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 April 1802, Cap Français. Has drawn on JM in favor of Clement Biddle of Philadelphia for $100, to be charged to his account with the U.S. for money advanced for distressed seamen. “My advances on this account exceeds this sum; but I should not have drawn had it been permitted to send money out of the Colony; or could a bill be had on Philada.… Till lately the expenses on this account have...
29To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 11 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1802, Cap Français. No. 25. “On the ninth the Genl. in Chief arrived here from Port au Prince, in a Frigate. In the forenoon of the tenth I waited upon him, when he informed me, in the first moment of our meeting, that he could not receive me as a public Character from the U. States, and desired I would no longer exercise the functions of Commercial Agent in the Island. I demanded the...
30To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 June 1802, Walnut Tree Farm. In compliance with Brent’s request, transmits to JM “copies of my correspondence with General Leclerc concerning Captain Rogers and Captain Davidson, which you will find enclosed under Nos. 1. 2 & 3.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cap Haitien, vol. 4). RC 1 p. The enclosures, numbered by Lear and docketed by Brent, relate to the imprisonment in...