1From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 28 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 24th. The conduct of the B. Govt. in protesting the arrangement of its Minister surprizes one in spite of all their examples of folly. If it be not their plan, now that they have filled their magazines with our supplies, and ascertained our want of firmness in witholding them, to adopt openly a system of monopoly & piracy, it may be hoped that they will not persist in...
2From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 30 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have recd. yours of the 26th. If the sketch of Erskine’s instructions be faithful, ⟨it⟨ shews as clearly that Canning was determined to prevent an adjustment, as that Erskine was, to effect it. The proof is the stronger of C.s insidiousness, as he must have known from the answer of Mr. Pinkney to the expedient which wd. substitute the capture of our trade under our laws for...
3From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 25 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have recd your favor of the acquainting me with your proposed trip to N. York. I had entered into the same train of ideas with yours as to the probable state of Jackson’s situation and wishes. It is difficult at the same time to reconcile them with the tenor of Cannings last Conversation with Pinkney; especially as Erskine’s defensive explanations accompanying his arrangement, must have...
4From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, [5 October] 1809 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Smith has had an official conversation with Mr. Jackson, and is to see him again today at One OC. He is to be with me in the mean time at ½ after 10, when I wish you to join the consultation. RC ( NHi : Gallatin Papers). Docketed by Gallatin. For conjectural date, see n. 1. The only Thursday falling between 3 Oct., when British minister Francis James Jackson presented his credentials to...
5From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, [ca. 22 January] 1810 (Madison Papers)
A letter from Govr. Tyler answering an enquiry as to the $300 deposited in my hands to pay for the Sword purchased by Chan: Livingston, informs me, that the money was returned to Virga. & lies ready to be applied to its object. That item of course in Mr. L.’s accts. may be struck out, and the charge pd. by a remittance from Va. I do not recollect the cost of the Sword; but if more than $300,...
6Memorandum to Albert Gallatin, [ca. 21 February] 1810 (Madison Papers)
The sea-letter, as its name & its address, import are meant to verify the ship on the High seas. As Belligerents alone have a right to such a verification, is not the Document unnecessary when there is no belligerent. If the verifying papers, intended for the Jurisdiction at the port of destination be not at present suitable or sufficient, should not some other more appropriate than the sea...
7From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 7 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
A nephew of J. M. with the approbation of his father, is desirous of finishing a mercantile education, begun at Fredericksburg about a year & a half ago, in the Counting House of some respectable Merchant in N. York. The youth is about 19 or 20 years of age, believed to be of amiable temper and of virtuous habits. His father is willing to conform to the conditions usual in such cases. J. M....
8From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 21 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
I recd. your favor written the day before your intended departure from Washington, and complied with its contents. The inclosed letter from Dr. Bache, has just come to hand. I can not do better with it, than to give you an opportunity of extending to a distressed family, whatever accomodations may be permitted, by fidelity to the public interest. You will be the better judge of the case, as a...
9From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 26 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
I inclosed to you, a few days ago a letter from Docr. Bache stating the complaints of Mrs. Jones, agst. the proceedings of the District Attorney at N. O. I have just recd. & inclose one from Mrs. Trist which is more full on the same subject. I am aware, that the business may lie, rather with the Controler, than with you; but it is not amiss that it should be under your view also. As Grymes’...
10From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 14 August 1810 (Madison Papers)
I understand that the measures taking by the Bank of the U. S. for provisionally winding up its affairs, are likely to bear hard on the other Banks, and that the evil will be increased, by the drain on the latter for paying the bonds, as they become due in the hands of the former. Would not some remedy be afforded by a distributive transfer, (which would also have a provisional reference to...
11From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 17 August 1810 (Madison Papers)
I now forward the paper on the Batture promised in my last. It appears by Mr. Pinkney’s last letter that Brown the fugitive was in London & had engaged his attention. As no proceeding, answerg our purpose, can be had agst. him, other than a suit for recovering the debt, will it not be proper to forward to Mr. P. whatever documents may sustain the action, particularly his official Bond; or an...
12From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 22 August 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your several letters of the 15, 16, & 17th. The appointment for the Revenue Cutter at N. O. is approved & so noted to the T. Dept. and a Commission for Freeman ordered to be made out without delay. Poinsett promises, by his qualifications, every thing to be expected from a substitute for Gelston. I have sent the returned papers to the Dept. of State, that new ones may be forwarded...
13From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 5 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 21st. Aug. I can not say precisely what use is to be made of the paper on the Batture, in its present form. If it be intended for publication, directly, as well as thro’ a report of the arguments at the Bar, some alterations will be proper. It appears that Brown, partly by the application of the Alien law, partly in consequence of his operations under a...
14From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 12 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 5th. inclosing one from Mr. Aster. Whatever personal confidence may be due to him, or public advantage promised by his projected arrangement with the Russian Fur Company, there is an obvious difficulty in furnishing the official patronage which he wishes; whether the arrangement be regarded as of a public or of a private character. In the former, it would require...
15From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 10 August 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. safe the manuscript of Dupont, and the pamphlet sent with it. The letter from Foster to you, I have handed on to the Secretary of State. The exemption of Articles for the use of pub. Ministers, from the impost, was founded in courtesy, & has been continued from respect to a course of precedents. The plea that it was required by the L. of N. cannot be sustained: Still less could...
16From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 14 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed Letter was brought to me by the young gentleman in whose behalf it was written. He had other respectable recommendations addressed to you, which he has doubtless forwarded: His personal appearance does not make against him. He therefore stands in fair comparison with the other candidates to be taken into view, and who are better known to you than to me. The accounts by the Jno....
17From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, [28 June] 1812 (Madison Papers)
Will you ascertain by a line to Philada. this evening, whether Carswell will accept if appointed to the commisariate? As another person is under consideration, it will be best if it cd. be done, without disclosing the source of the enquiry. If you write & have no other occasion to send to the post office, Mrs. M. will take charge of the letter & have it delivered for the mail. RC ( NHi :...
18From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 29 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 July 1812. In accordance with the 3 Mar. 1809 “act further to amend the several acts for the establishment & regulation of the Treasury, War & Navy Departments,” directs that $450,000 “be applied out of the following appropriations Viz Pay & subsistence of the Navy two hundred thousand dollars, Provisions one hundred thousand dollars, ordnance one hundred & fifty thousand dollars, to...
19From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 8 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
The communications from the B. Govt. lately recd. thro’ Baker are of a curious character. They promise that the O. in C. would cease on the 1st. Aug: with a right reserved to renew them in May next, in case the conduct of France and of the U. S. should require it; and particularly in case the Non-Imp: Act should not be repealed within 14 days after a notification of the actual repeal should be...
20From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 15 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your favor of the 13th. I had proposed to set out for Virga. on friday, and am very glad to learn that you will be with us before that takes place. I expect Mr. Monroe every moment; and Mr. Pinkney being within call, I shall be able to decide with the best advantage the several important questions on hand. Previous to the acct. of the loss of Michillimackin⟨ac⟩ orders had...
21From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, [ca. 26 August] 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Command of the Lakes is obviously of the greatest importance & has always so appeared. I am glad to find it not too late to have that of Ontario. There must have been some mistake as to the effort to obtain it. It does not appear that any application, such as is intimated has been made to the Navy Dept. Mr. Hamilton has much confidence in Lt. Wolsey, and says that he shall be furnished...
22From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 7 October 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 October 1812. In accordance with a 3 Mar. 1809 act of Congress, directs “that the sum of seventy thousand dollars be applied out of the appropriation of Pay & subsistence of the Navy to Contingent expenses.” RC ( DLC , series 7); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, entry 4, Letters to Secretary of Treasury). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. At the foot the letter is redirected in...
23From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 29 October 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 October 1812. In accordance with an act of 3 Mar. 1809, directs “the sum of Five hundred thousand Dollars, of the fund appropriated for the pay of the Army, be applied to that of the Clothing Department.” RC (owned by Albert C. Wilkerson, Richmond, Va., 1961). 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. See U.S. Statutes at Large The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America … (17...
24From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 31 October 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 October 1812. In accordance with a 3 Mar. 1809 act of Congress, directs “that the sum of fifty thousand dollars be applied out of the appropriation of Sulphur & Salt Petre to Provisions & twenty five thousand dollars out of the same appropriation to Contingent expenses.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to Federal Executive Agents, 1798–1824). 1 p. See U.S. Statutes at Large The...
25From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 18 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
For perusal & to be returned. Why not prohibit altogether fine Cottons & Woolens, which we do not want—& which in fact are not imported from any Country other than G.B. unless bought there from G.B. Such a total prohibition of these & some other Articles perhaps, wd. render a partial repeal of the Non Impn. Act, more operative, than the act at present is, or will be, under the new arts for...
26From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, [ca. 23 February] 1813 (Madison Papers)
What are the provisions , & for what purpose ? Is it strictly regular for the Govt. to have any positive relation to a trade, in its own Vessels contrary to the Law of N? Govts. are not bound to prevent . Still a passport to protect agst. American cruisers, seems to be the minimum of interposition. The Scy. of State will decide the case; in consequence of an interview with Mr. Dashkoff. The...
27From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 5 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
It is determined finally to associate Mr. Bayard in the Mission Extraordinary to St. Petersburg. The Secretary of State informs him of it by this mail. It cannot fail to be useful, if you can see him on your way thro’ Wilmington, ascertain his sentiments on the occasion, and hasten his preparations if he should be willing to undertake the service. We hope the vessel will sail in 14 days at...
28From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 24 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 22d. from Baltimore. I find that the dispatches of Mr. Dashkoff will not leave Washington till Tuesday. Mr. Monroe avails himself of this to prepare his the more leisurely. Payne will be the Bearer of them. He could have set off tomorrow morning, if necessary: but will be the better for the delay; his boil not being healed, though relieved by the salutary maturation &...
29From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 26 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
I inclose a draft for $800 dollars to be a fund in your hands for J. P. Todd. He has in his own $200 more; which our estimate called for. Should the whole be judged, on a better calculation, to be deficient, be so good as to convert a draft on me into a supply of the deficiency. He sets out tomorrow morning and will be in Philada. the day after this reaches you. A blank Commission has been...
30From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 2 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
You will learn from the Secy of State the painful manner in which the Senate have mutilated the Mission to St Petersburg: But the course and circumstances of the proceeding may require more of explanation than may fall within his scope and more indeed than can well be conveyed on Paper. Previous to sending in the nomination of the Envoys there was no indication, that if the popularity of the...
31From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 11 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. your favor of the 4th. I congratulate yourself and Mrs. Gallatin on your safe arrival, and under circumstances which must console her so much for your prolonged absence. I was not unprepared for a heavy demand for expenses of J. P. Todd. I thank you for your kindness in lending your responsibility; and being unable in my present situation to do better for repaying the...
32From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 13 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
In my hurry yesterday to be ready for a waiting mail, I overlooked your question when I should return to Washington? I have not fixed on the precise time, but it will probably be not sooner nor more than a few days later than the 1st. of October. If you have a trip there in view why not extend it, bringing Mrs Gallatin with you, to Virginia? Cordial regards RC ( NHi : Gallatin Papers).
33From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 12 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Dallas has signified to me that it being his intention not to pass another Winter in Washington, he has thought it his duty to give me an opportunity of selecting a Successor during the present session of Congress; intimating a willingness, however, to remain, if desired, in order to put the national Bank in motion. Will it be most agreeable to you, to proceed on your mission to France; or...
34From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 8 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have not yet made the remittance to Mr. Baring, and cannot do it at the present moment without an increased sacrifice. I would prefer making it however notwithstanding the hope of a Change for the better ere long, to giving Mr. B. any ground for complaint. Be so good as to say whether you consider the delay as in the least dissatisfactory or disadvantageous to him, and I will take my...
35From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, [3 June 1816] (Madison Papers)
I have written you several letters all of which, except one committed to your attention, letters for others. The one excepted requested an answer, and as it has not yet come to hand, and I learn that a late mail was wrecked on its passage, I am apprehensive my letter may have been in it. On the eve of my departure therefore I repeat its contents. It remarked that I had not yet made the...