1To James Madison from John Armstrong, 14 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 10th of November had a long passage, and the duplicate copy by the way of Marseilles, was the first to reach me. With the exception of one of the 4th. of September, this is the only letter I have received from you. The claims are now nearly brought to a close, and my next dispatch will probably present a final report with regard to them. Of all the business I have ever had...
2From Richard Ridgway to James Madison, 2 May 1807 (Madison Papers)
Whereas our Friend and acquaintance Richard Carter Junr. having a prospect of making application for the Registers office in the new Land office to be opened for the sale of the lands lying west of the Tuscaraway and between the United states Militirry tract and the Connecticut reserve, and calling on us for our approbation, These are to certyfy that to the best of our knowledg Richard Carter...
3From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 28 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
What would you think of raising a force for the defence of New Orleans in this manner? give a bounty of 50 acres of land, to be delivered immediately, to every able bodied man who will immediately settle on it, & hold himself in readiness to perform 2. years military service (on the usual pay) if called on within the first seven years of his residence. the lands to be chosen by himself of any...
4From Thomas Jefferson to Heads of Departments (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks a consultation with the heads of departments tomorrow at 11. aclock, on the subject of N. Orleans & the Floridas. should we meet later, we may be prevented by the visits usual on the day. will mr Smith be so good as to send the inclosed over the way to mr Lincoln? RC ( MHi : Levi Lincoln Papers); undated or date clipped; endorsed by Levi Lincoln as 31 Dec. 1802; with...
5From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison and Albert Gallatin, 20 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The application of William Greetham for a Mediterranean pass for a vessel owned here, tho built abroad, being unauthorised by practice; tho’ perhaps not by law, and concerning the departments of both the State & Treasury, I ask the favor of mr Madison and mr Gallatin to give me their opinions thereon: at the same time I communicate to them what passed on the subject of passports under General...
6Enclosure: Note on Passports, 20 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
When the war broke out which is now raging in Europe, our treaties with France, and Holland required that we should furnish to the vessels ‘belonging to the citizens of the US.’ passports in the forms prescribed by the treaties. it was very early made a question whether they should be granted to all vessels belonging to citizens of the US. or only to those built as well as belonging here. the...
7From George Ic to James Madison, 9 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
If you may please to look over these lines, thinking of their Merit. In the year 1766 or when I was about fourteen years of age, when I was looking for fishworms, for Angle fishing, the foundation of my Since Experience, toke place in my Understanding, with such a demonstration that it was left without any Doubt. I can give my reasons for it. N ear 20 years ago, I tried it with potatoes. It...
8From William Hull to Thomas Jefferson, 10 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Governor Hull wishes to enquire of the Secretary of State, whether he received his Letter inclosing a Copy of the proclamation, he was directed to issue, and whether for the reasons stated in his Letter the President, thought it expedient, to authorize the Governor, or any other officer, to grant permission to cut such quantities of pine timber as was absolutely necessary, under the peculiar...
9From Thomas Jefferson to James and Dolley Madison and Anna Payne, 27 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson was much disappointed at breakfast this morning not having till then known of the departure of mr & mrs Madison & miss Payne . he hopes they will come and dine to-day with the miss Butlers who were assured they would meet them here, and tomorrow with mrs Gallatin & mrs Mason . affectionate salutations. RC ( ICHi ). Departure of Mr & Mrs Madison & Miss Payne : the Madisons, along...
10To James Madison from George W. Erving, 11 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
In a postscript (dated 8th. Inst.) of my dispatch No. 54, I communicated to you copy of a note dated the 7th., at the moment received from Mr. Cevallos, and containing the protest of this government against a negotiation which it apprehends to be on foot between the french Minister at Washington and our government, relative to the Floridas. I presume this to be a report excited by those who...
11To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 6 September 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have little to add to the letter of which I Send duplicates the absence of the First Consul & Minister, has Suspended all business, & I availed myself of the circumstance to make a tour in France, not chusing to go to England least any thing Should turn up that would require my attention, & particularly the return of the ratification which we are impatiently looking for. The decree of which...
12To James Madison from Augustus Woodward, 21 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
The last litigated question relative to titles here was decided yesterday. I have the pleasure to add that the form of our report is the only thing of consequence now engaging our attention. I have the honor to be Sir, respectfully your obedient servant, DNA : RG 59—Territorial Papers—TP, Michigan.
25 January 1802, Bremen. Reports that nothing material has occurred since his 13 July dispatch. Encloses list of vessels in port during the last six months. On 20 Nov., received through Pitcairn at Hamburg JM’s 1 Aug. circular letter and is pleased to have directions regarding registers and sea letters. Has notified the duke of Oldenburg, who oversees quarantine regulations on the Weser, of...
14To James Madison from John Armstrong, 12 November 1804 (Madison Papers)
I arrived in this city on the 29th. ulto, and found here M[e]ssrs Livingston and Munroe; the one, on the point of setting out for Italy; the other, about to prosecute his journey to Spain. On an intimation from Mr Livingston of my arrival, I had an immediate interview with Mr Talleyrand, and, in a day or two, received from him a notice, that “the next diplomatic audience had been assigned for...
15To James Madison from Thomas Strode, 11 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
Suffer me Sir to tender You my gratefull acknowledgments for the friendly attention You bestowd. on my application at the War-Office, a favour that no time shall erase from my Memory & that no improper action or Sentiment shall disgrace. I have ever held the Savage character of the Soldier of fortune or ambition in detestation & equally dispised the slothfull wretch who wishd. to be uselessly...
16To James Madison from Joseph Pitcairn, 11 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Since I had this honor on the 11th. April—several Changes have taken place, which I hope you may not find it improper that I state to You. Prusia has desired the Danes to leave Hamburg, which they are preparing to do. The Navigation of the Elbe is become free to all flags (English not excepted) in consequence of the British allowing the Greenland Shipping of Holstein to depart with passports &...
17To James Madison from James Maury, 18 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
From time to time I lately have had the honor of transmitting you the orders in Council relative to Neutrals. In this you have a price Current with the remark that the apprehension of a rupture with the U: S: A: appears rather increasing and has occasioned some advances in several articles of American produce, tho’ none in Cotton. I have the honor to be with perfect respect your Most Servant...
18To James Madison from Seth Hunt, 18 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 August 1801, Boston. At William Lee’s request, encloses bond for $2,000 executed by Lee, Elbridge Gerry, and himself as security for Lee’s performance of his duties as commercial agent at Bordeaux. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bordeaux, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner: “William Lee’s official bond. / For the Secretary’s approbation.” Enclosure not found. A full transcription of this document...
19To James Madison from Joseph Rademaker, 21 May 1807 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor on the 20th. April to transmit to you a letter of communication from H. R. H. the Prince Regent of Portugal addressed to the United States of America on the happy occasion of the birth of a Royal Princess, but I have not yet been honoured with an answer. I now beg leave to inform You that H. R. H. having taken into consideration the many dangers which vessels are liable to when...
20To James Madison from Robert Williams, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The period is now at hand when I intend retireing from the administration of this government. I did hope for the arrival of my successor by that time, but of this I begin now to despair. I shall, therefore, prepare to take an important Step—I mean a dissolution of the general Assembly, which will take place this evening. Were it not Consistant with my duty to assign any reasons for this...
21To James Madison from Valentin de Foronda, 29 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
Tengo la honra de poner en noticia de V. S. que el Exmo. Senor Dn. Pedro Cevallos me previene de parte del Rey mi Amo, con fha. del 21. de Marzo, que dé parte à èste Gobíerno, como lo executo, que han resuelto, que en el preciso termino de un mes salgan fuera de los Reynos de España, los Vasallos Suecos. Dios guê. á V. S. ms. as. B. L. M de V S. su mas atento servidor DLC : Papers of James...
22To James Madison from William Savage, 7 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
Annexed is a Copy of my last Since which I have requested of Admiral Montigue the general liberation of all American Seamen. By this measure, I flatter myself I have antici p ated the Presidents wish. For his Satisfaction I inclose a Copy of my letter & the admirals answer. I formerly intimated that it was proper to insert in all Certificates of Native Americans the place of their Birth...
23To James Madison from Henry Dearborn, [30 May] 1803 (Madison Papers)
In a late communication from Col Hawkin⟨s⟩ I received copies of a corrispondence between him & the Govr. of Florida by which it appears that the Govr. had notified Col Hawkins of his having been informed that Bowls had crossed the line into the Territories of the United States, and requested the Col to make every exaction in his power for having him apprehended. I have written to Col Hawkins...
24To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 28 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
The President’s message in answer to the call of the House respecting Genl Wilkinson has condescended to notice me. It is expressed in such a manner as not to leave it altogether certain, whether it does not hold me accountable for a bundle of Mr. Clark’s papers, before the public. On the one hand I place a value upon a good name, and on the other am elevated above much anxiety, by the...
25To James Madison from William Hull, 31 July 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have constantly given information to the Secretary of War, respecting the state of the Territory, in relation to the Indians. Every thing is now perfectly pacific, and I hope we shall experience no future alarms. When I arrived, all business was suspended, and all the people were engaged in preparations for defence. Much sensibility in upper Canada is excited on account of their Slaves. Some...
26To James Madison from James Monroe, 11 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 11 October 1801. Acknowledged in JM to Monroe, 24 Oct. 1801 . Encloses letter for Robert R. Livingston.
27To James Madison from James McGreggar, 13 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
I had the Honor of addressing you on the 21st. ulto infor ming you of my arrival here, a Triplicate of which is enclosed I have several times visited the Officers of this Government with a view of cultivating a good understanding with them. I find that a Consul cannot be acknowledged here untill he is first ac knowledged in Denmark, which might be easily accomplish ed by informing his Danish...
28To James Madison from William Lee, 14 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 14 September 1805, Bordeaux . “I have the honor to enclose you a bill of Loading & Invoice of six Cases of Wine, one Tierce of Vinegar and two Cases of Cordials which I have shipped for you on board the Brig Lyon to the address of Mr Purveyance of Baltimore. I hope they will arrive safe and be to your liking.” RC and enclosures ( DLC ). RC 1 p. For enclosures, see n. 1. For...
29To James Madison from Anthony Merry, 11 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honour to transmit to you inclosed the Copy of a Letter which, though dated yesterday, has just been sent to my House by Mr Henry Suttle, the Person named in the Representation which I had the Honour to make to you on the 4th of this Month. In Consequence, Sir, of this Letter, it is now necessary that I should trouble you farther by stating that on the Day (the 2nd Inst. now Nine...
30To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 12 September 1804 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you yesterday & finding a safe opportunity of a gentleman going this morning to Corunna or to Ferrol I avail myself of it to repeat to you the intelligence I sent yesterday which is that they are fitting out for sea immediately there three sail of the Line two frigates & some transports to join others at Cadiz as it is said to go to strengthen their forces in Cuba & Florida. I have...
31To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 13 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
I send you a letter of Short’s for perusal, & one of Edgar Patterson asking what is already I presume provided for. One of General Armstrong which I do not well understand because I do not recollect the particular letter which came by Haley. I presume the counsel he refers to is to take possession of the Floridas. This letter of June 15. is written after the cession by Carlos to Bonaparte of...
32To James Madison from Frederick Jacob Wichelhausen, 18 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 July 1803, Bremen . Wrote last on 12 June of the occupation of Hanover by French troops. Feared that “on the shores of the Elbe, it might … come to bloody actions,” due to the Hanoverian troops’ having refused to “lay down their arms” when the king of England did not ratify the Convention of Suhlingen. “However upon repeated remonstrances made to them of their resistance being fruitless,...
33To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 22 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the 9th. Inst. arrived at algiers The us. Ship President and Schooner Enterprize. I have recd. your letter of the 21st. of may and the Cloth and Linnen. The money the Commodore did not land as I had Considerd. nothing Could be done in makeing a Cash payment, untill the arrival of the washington with Stores, when the regency —in Eating of the Sheep might be induced to Eat allso some of the...
34To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
Capt: Nathl. Harvey of the Ship Eliza of Baltimore Joseph Street & others owners died here on the 7 Novr. last & not having prior to his decease appointed any one to take charge of his effects I esteemed it to be my duty to attend thereto agreeably to the Law of the UStates in such cases. I herewith transmit my accounts with said Estate that you may take Steps as the Law provides for...
35To James Madison from James Monroe, 13 September 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to Send you a copy of my note to Mr. Fox and of his answer respecting the misconduct of Captain Whitby at the port of New York in April last. You will find by it that that officer was removed from the command of the Leander by an order from the Admiralty of the 22d. of June, and that he is to be brought home to be tried by a Court Martial on that charge. I have lately...
36To James Madison from Charles Holt, 3 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
Last Sunday evening, in great haste, I happened to direct a letter, on the subject of printing the Laws of the United States in Connecticut, to Mr. Gallatin, instead of you. Gen. Stanton, a member from Rhode Island, bore this letter, and probably will have delivered it to the Secretary of the Treasury, as requested. I have therefore written a note to Mr. Gallatin to explain the mistake, and...
37To James Madison from William Jarvis, 24 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 June 1804, Lisbon. “I was honored a few days since with your favour of the 8th. of March past. The information alluded to was from a Captain, who acquainted me as a positive fact, that the Collector of the Port from which he sailed, would not allow him to take British Seamen and told him that after the first of September the Government had instructed the Collectors not to clear our Vessels...
Ca. 24 October 1804. Informs JM that by the same day’s mail he is sending the description and plan of a new machine for making gunpowder in the fastest and most economical way. Hopes that JM’s zeal for the arts and the goodwill he has always shown DuPont and his father will cause him to view with pleasure a discovery interesting as a useful manufacture and important to DuPont’s success. Is now...
39To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 12th. Ultimo (covering copies of the orders of the Secretary’s of War & of the Navy relative to the deserters which had been forcibly taken from the District of Baton Rouge) has been received; & in reply to a late letter from Governor Grand Pré, in which he expressed a Solicitude, to learn the orders of the President, relative to that transaction , I did on the 11th....
40To James Madison from John Gavino, 4 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 April 1803, Gibraltar. No. 117 [118]. Has received no letters from JM since his last, no. 117 [17 Mar. 1803] . “Consul Simpson … sent me the inclosed Dispatch for you; and at Same time Thos: Beck, and David Ervin, two american Seamen saved in June last from the Schooner Betsy of Norfolk which was Wreckd on the Southern Coast of Barbary, and the Empr. of Morrocco since redeemed from the Arabs...
41To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 7 September 1803 (Madison Papers)
Among the papers transmitted, by this post you will notice a copy of an award against the United States made by the Commors. under the 7 art: of the British treaty. The appropriation made for the payment of such demands having expired with the year 1800, there is at present no fund applicable to its discharge, and so I told Mr. Wood, the holder; at the same time suggesting that Congress would...
42To James Madison from Joseph Pitcairn, 26 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 January 1802, Hamburg. Wrote on 2 Dec. acknowledging receipt of JM’s 1 Aug. circular letter “together with those for the Consuls in this neighbourhood which have been forwarded to them.” Has written U.S. minister at Paris about accounts for 1802; encloses those for 1801. Has drawn on JM for $600.72 to cover expenses, which are heaviest during the winter. Also encloses list of U.S. ships...
43To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 3 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Alexander J. Dallas. 3 June 1806. “It gives me great pleasure, to comply with the request of the friends of Mr. Maurice Rogers, in stating to you, that he is a gentleman of commercial talents, amiable manners, and approved integrity. The merchants of our City are desirous to procure for him, an appointment as the Agent of the United States, at St. Iago de Cuba. I believe that the...
44To James Madison from Daniel Brent, 7 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
Mr Wagner not being yet returned from Bale., I do myself the Honor of forwarding to you such letters as I have thought might be interesting to you, and a large package of News-papers. Among the letters, you will find two from Genl Armstrong and the Copy of an answer to that of the oldest date, which I took the liberty of writing to him yesterday. I have just written to him again, acknowledging...
45To James Madison from H. Potter, 11 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am just informed that Mr. Francis X Martin has been named to the President as a proper character to fill a vacancy on the bench of the Orleans Territory, and am desired to commmunicate to Our Senators in Congress such knowledge as I Possess of his Character. He is a frenchman, as you know, but I think him a correct Lawyer & a man of honesty & integrity. His standing at the bar has been very...
46To James Madison from David Montagu Erskine, 22 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
I had the Honor of receiving your letter on the subject of some seamen Citizens of the U. S. stated to have been impressed by some of the ships of his Britannic Majesty’s Squadron at Halifax. I beg leave to inform you that I will immediately forward the Depositions concerning them to the Admiral of that station who I have no doubt will pay the proper attention to their Cases. With the Highest...
47To James Madison from Daniel Carroll Brent, 14 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
The mails of yesterday brought nothing for the office worth forwarding to you. Mr. Foster has observed to me on the subject of the supplies for the Columbine, (the Dispatch vessel at Norfolk) with a view to my communicating the Remark to you, that they scarcely ever victual one of their public vessels for a shorter period than four months at a time, and that the destination of the Columbine...
48To James Madison from Joseph Warner Rose, 14 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Joseph Warner Rose. 14 May 1806, Boston. “Having heard of an opportunity direct from this Port to the Island of Antigua which will Sail early the next month and being determined to avail myself of it, I beg leave to communicate it as you may have some orders for me. The Commission as commercial Agent which the President has confer’d on me directs me to render all the Assistance in my...
49To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 10 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Cn. Pichon returns the Secretary of State, with his best compliments, the inclosed papers which were communicated for Citizen Pichon’s examination. It is Cn. Pichon’s opinion that the cases of American captures by french West-india cruisers described in those papers, all, except the case No. 1. of the Brig Betzy of Norwich captured January 1797 and adjuged on the 14th come within the...
50To James Madison from James Simpson, 28 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour of addressing No. 59 to you the ninth of this Month in duplicate, by way of Gibraltar & Lisbon. The 18th. Inst. Passports for the Frigate Mirboka of 22 Guns and 100 Men, and on the 23d. for the Maimona of thirty Guns and One hundred and fifty Men, the former to sail from Larach and the latter from Salle on a Cruise, were demanded and of consequence granted by all the Consuls...