To James Madison from James Monroe, 26 November 1805
From James Monroe
London Novr. 26. 1805.
Sir
I hasten to transmit to you a copy of a letter which I received yesterday from Lord Mulgrave in reply to mine of augt. 12. and Sepr. 23d.1 From the length of time which had elapsed, and other circumstances, I had almost concluded that his government had resolved not to enter on the subject, but to leave me to get its determination as I could⟨,⟩; from the decisions of the admiralty. I find however with much satisfaction that it is intended to take it up, whence there is some cause to presume that the business may yet be placed on a satisfactory footing. I shall not fail to cherish a disposition to such an adjustment, by all the means in my power, or to inform you with out delay of whatever may occur in it. I am Sir with great respect & esteem yr. very obt. servant
Jas. Monroe
RC, Tr, and enclosure (DNA: RG 46, President’s Messages, 10B–B1); RC (DNA: RG 233, President’s Messages, 10A–D1, vol. 1); letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure (DLC: Monroe Papers). First RC in a clerk’s hand, except for Monroe’s complimentary close and signature. The second RC is a letterpress copy of the first RC. Minor differences between the copies have not been noted. For enclosure, see n. 1.
1. The enclosure (2 pp.; marked “Copy”; printed in 3:108) is Lord Mulgrave to Monroe, 25 Nov. 1805, stating that after “due deliberation” on the question Monroe had opened in his two notes, he had “deemed it indispensably necessary” to refer the subject “to those who are best acquainted with all the circumstances respecting the decisions which have taken place, and the rules which have been established” in the courts of admiralty and appeal and adding that he had not yet received a report but hoped to be able “at no distant period” to give Monroe a “full and … conclusive answer.”