1From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, 20 May 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 20, 1801. On May 26, 1801, Madison wrote to Hamilton : “I have received your letter of the 20th.” Letter not found. ]
2To James Madison from Thomas Appleton, 5 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 March 1801, Leghorn. Encloses copy of Cathcart’s 3 Jan. circular letter, received on 3 Feb. Has forwarded copies to American consuls in Sicily, Naples, Elba, Genoa, Barcelona, Málaga, and Alicante; believes as a result all Americans now in Mediterranean will avoid capture. Discusses his effort to enlist aid of Belleville, French chargé d’affaires in Tuscany, in persuading pasha to wait...
3To James Madison from David Humphreys, 6 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
This letter is particularly intended to transmit to Government, the circular letter received this day from our Consul at Tripoli, announcing the imminent danger of an immediate rupture with that Regency. While I refer this communication to your attention, I cannot but anticipate from the various representations heretofore made by our Consuls in Barbary, that adequate measures will already have...
4To James Madison from William Eaton, 6 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 March 1801, Tunis. No. 34. Reports British pressure on bey has forced Tunis to expel French diplomats. Notes resulting change in plans for American charter vessel Anna Maria . Believes British-French hostilities and disruption of French Mediterranean trade offer opportunity for American shipping to replace French in Indian trade. Quotes from earlier statements of bey supporting improved...
5To James Madison from Rufus King, 7 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Owing to the continuance of the King’s illness, the change of the Ministry is still incomplete, and very little business, beyond the ordinary routine, is transacted. It is supposed to be on this account that no measure has been adopted in consequence of the Prussian Note avowing the King’s accession to the Northern Confederacy, the Principles of which, according to every appearance, are to be...
6To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 7 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 March 1801, Berlin. No. 184. Conveys news, received in letters from England, of George III’s illness, Pitt’s fall from power, and the suspension of public business. Suggests that these events and Prussian firmness in support of neutral league may postpone issue of war. Speculates on British plans to accommodate Czar Paul on question of Malta. Believes British overly hopeful that Danes will...
7To James Madison from William Kirkpatrick, 7 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 March 1801, Málaga. Sends by the schooner Samuel departing for Boston a copy of 17 Feb. letter from O’Brien just received. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Málaga, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 28 Apr. The enclosed letter from O’Brien to Kirkpatrick reported the release of four hundred European troops by the Algerine regency and speculated that the terms the Swedish representatives had...
8To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 7 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 March 1801, The Hague. No. 129. Encloses translation of state paper from the French Directory laying basis for change in Batavian ministry. Discusses opposition to plan and expresses relief that U.S. is “physically & politically beyond such influences!” Speculates that ports of any successful northern confederacy of neutrals would be closed to American shipping. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG...
9To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 7 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 March 1801, Lisbon. Reports that Spain has declared war on Portugal and embargoed its ships. Believes that “the present System of France” is “to force Engd. into a peace by excludg. her from all the ports of Europe.” Encloses copy of treaty shutting British out of Tuscany. Recounts rumor that a secret treaty grants France Spanish territory north of Ebro River (Biscay, Navarre, Aragon, and...
10To James Madison from Robert Montgomery, 8 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 March 1801, Alicante. Transmits copy of dispatch of 19 Feb., since which he has received letters from Leghorn and Genoa, one of which is enclosed, giving an alarming account of affairs in Tripoli. Will detain the brig Fanny of Beverly to carry dispatches. This post brought another letter from Appleton of 18 Feb. enclosing letters for Cathcart to be forwarded by express. RC and enclosure ( DNA...
11To James Madison from Arthur St. Clair, 9 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
In December last I gave information that a very violent violation of the Territory had been committed by the British near to Detroit, and a man carried away by force and murdered; but I had not then received the account of the particular circumstances, and, therefore, referred you to the Hon. Mr. Tracy, who happened to be at Detroit at that time. The clerk of the peace has since transmitted...
12To James Madison from William Willis, 9 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 March 1801, Norfolk, Virginia. Arrived on 8 Mar. after departure from Spain in mid-December, passing through Paris, London, and Martinique en route. Nothing new reported from Barcelona before his departure, and American squadron in Mediterranean will keep sea-lanes safe. Spoke with Talleyrand in Paris and learned of his support for amicable Franco-American relations. On subject of a general...
13To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 March 1801, Amsterdam. Transmits copies of Leiden Gazette . Reports that weight Great Britain will have in European balance of power is still undecided. France and Russia have important plans to be developed in a short time. Requests information on congressional action on memorial of consuls. In postscript, mentions Cathcart’s circular letter of 3 Jan. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol....
14To James Madison from James Monroe, 11 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I am happy in yr. acceptance of the department of State in the new admn. & sincerely hope yr. service will prove honorable to yourself, and prosperous to yr. country. Nor have I a doubt of the result, since we have had enough of crisis, to teach the people how to estimate an admn. which is attached & faithful to republican principles. Mr. Jefferson’s address delivered on taking the oath gives...
15To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 12 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I offer you my sincere condolances on the melancholy loss, which has detained you at home: and am entirely sensible of the necessities it will have imposed on you for further delay. Mr. Lincoln has undertaken the duties of your office per interim, and will continue till you can come. Genl. Dearborn is in the War Department. Mr. Gallatin, though unappointed, has staid till now to give us the...
16To James Madison from James Monroe, 12 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to present to yr. acquaintance Mr. Camp of Culpepper a young man who was presented to me by Mr. Wm. Lambert, who formerly wrote in Mr. Beckley’s office, and likewise by Mr. Pollard of this place who is his relative. His object is to obtain some office, or rather employment, under you if to be had, or in the treasury department if yr. office can give him no place. By Mr. Lamberts...
17To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 13 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Since my last dispatch the enclosed being a duplicate, I have not heard a syllable from the Bashaw which convinces me that he waits for answers to his letters from Algiers, before he takes any decisive measure, if the Bashaw of Algiers peremptorily orders him to accept my offer: I think notwithstanding all his bravado, that he will acquiesce, if on the contrary the Dey does not write to him...
18To James Madison from Samuel S. Cooper, 13 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
The law which suspended the commercial intercourse between the United States, and France and her dependancies having now expired, and the citizens of the United States being left free, to pursue their Commerce with that Nation: Several Merchants of this city are about dispatching Vessels to the Isle of France, in the Indian Ocean. But as that place is far distant from the Mother Country, and...
19To James Madison from David Gelston, 13 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Having just returned from attending our Legislature at Albany I take the earliest opportunity most sincerely to congratulate you and all good men on the late happy termination of our exertions and our struggles, and that we have happily succeeded in the Man of our choice, being scarcely if at all personally known to Mr. Jefferson, I take the liberty from former expressions of Friendship from...
20To James Madison from Alexander Kerr, 13 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
For the liberty I am now about to take, I have no apology to offer, save that of Mrs. Kerr having been intimately acquainted with you and Mrs. Madison in Philadelphia. Your knowledge of, & intimacy with the President of the U. S. I know to be great. In your Official capacity as Sy: of State you will no doubt have many Places to fill of yourself, & with the President your recommendation will...
21To James Madison from Ebenezer Stevens, 13 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is Invoice & Bill of Lading of a Cargo I have laden on board the Ship Grand Turk, James Laughton Master, by order of John Marshall Esqr. late Secry State, for account of the Tunisian Powers; You will please to annex the proper Certificates, and documents to accompany the Ship, as early as practicable—the person from whom I chartered her has agreed to wait the return of mail, for the...
22To James Madison from Israel Whelen, 13 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that the ship Grand Turk, charter’d at New York to proceed to Tunis finish’d her loading yesterday. Invoices will be transmitted directly from General Stevens to you to prevent delay. I have enquired to day at our Offices, and find the Cargo can be insured at 5 ⅌ Cent premium; you will please to give directions if it is to be effected. The Oak timber directed to...
23To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 14 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
The question of peace and War between Great Britain & the North of Europe still appears to depend upon the determination of the british Cabinet, relative to Count Haugwitz’s note of the 12th: ulto. How long this may be delayed it is yet impossible to say. At the date of the last accounts we have, the king’s health, though hoped to be in a recovering state, was not such as to permit the...
24To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 16 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I waited here sometime in expectation of the pleasure of seeing you. It is now nearly fourteen Years since we parted & the changes we have encountered as well in our individual situations as in our political concerns made me particularly anxious to see a friend with whom I had been so intimately acquainted & for whom I have always had the most sincere affection. I am to lament extremely the...
25To James Madison from William Thornton, 16 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had expected, with more satisfaction & pleasure than I can express, your arrival in this City, when I heard of your late afflictive loss, in which I sincerely sympathize. I also lament, on another Account your detention in Virginia. The President, whose tender regard for you makes him always speak with an uncommon degree of Interest for your Welfare, informed me that you had long experienced...
26To James Madison from Winthrop Sargent, 16 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1801, Mississippi Territory. No. 45. Unpaid services of an Indian interpreter have required him to draw upon State Department for $262.50. Wrote a letter on the past due account 14 May 1800, but nothing was done. The interpreter’s attorney made “an Extravigant Charge” and brought “an action against me,” which delayed matters. Still needs instruction on how to pay interpreters. Printed...
27To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 16 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1801, Lisbon. No. 45. Encloses translation of Spanish declaration of war against Portugal. The counter-declaration is expected daily. Reports on Portuguese preparation for war. Notes that the best protection against invasion by France has always been the French fear of throwing Portuguese colonies into the hands of the British. Transmits dispatches from Tunis that he has just...
28To James Madison from Ebenezer Stevens, 16 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1801, New York. Requests passport for French passenger, Felix Verger, and his family, who wish to sail on his brig to Ile de France. Encloses Verger’s letter to Stevens. Stevens’s son goes on the vessel as supercargo and will carry diplomatic dispatches if required. Hopes nothing will delay loading the ship bound for Tunis carrying U.S. tribute. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, ML )....
29To James Madison from David Humphreys, 17 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 March 1801, Madrid. No. 267. Encloses copies of remonstrances to Spanish government on behalf of American merchants who sold Spanish government commodities, expecting to be paid in specie, and instead were paid in depreciated paper money; also encloses Spanish replies. All communication with Lisbon has been interrupted, so funds to operate his office must come through a Dutch bank. The...
30To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 17 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 March 1801, Lisbon. Encloses a letter from Humphreys, which was left open for his reading but which he found himself unable to decipher because their codes differ; “as many inconvens. may arise from the Minrs. in Spain & Portugal not being able to correspond in cypher at this period , I submit to your Judgmt. whether I ought not to be furnished with that which Col H. has.” Predicts closing...
31To James Madison from John Dawson, 18 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed to you by Capn. Barney, who believes, and I believe with him, that he has been treated very ill by the post office department. As that will, I expect, soon fall under your superintendence, I recommend him to you, as a person worthy any encouragement which you can afford him. Yrs, RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM. See Barney to JM, 27 Apr. 1801 . John Dawson (1762–1814) was an old...
32To James Madison from William Kirkpatrick, 18 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1801, Málaga. Transmits copies of his last three letters. Encloses copy of [3 Jan.] letter received from Cathcart indicating Tripoli may attempt to injure U.S. Mediterranean trade. Six U.S. seamen he claimed from French commissary have been delivered to him and will be placed on board American vessels bound for U.S. Has given clothes to some. Minister at Madrid has not succeeded in...
33To James Madison from John Mathieu, 18 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1801, Naples. Encloses statement on U.S. ships in port between 1 July and 31 Dec. 1800 and one for port of Messina [not found] from consular agent there. King of Naples has obtained thirty-day truce through mediation of Russia; objective was to exclude British from the ports of the Two Sicilies. A French commissary is in Naples to see that armistice is fulfilled. The king’s minister...
34To James Madison from James C. Mountflorence, 18 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1801, Paris. Reports that the Prize Council has not tried any captured U.S. vessels for several months; he is assured that no trial will occur until after exchange of ratifications. Six U.S. vessels arriving in Málaga have been placed under rigorous quarantine. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Paris, vol. 1). 1 p.; addressed to Marshall; docketed by Wagner as received 12 June. Partly in code;...
35To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 18 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1801, Lisbon. Relays news from England of George III’s illness and Prussian hostility against Great Britain. Observes that Portuguese now are less hopeful of receiving British aid either in peace negotiations or military preparations. Portugal “seems abandd. to its fate, like Leghorn, Naples &c.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Portugal, vol. 5). 1 p.; marked private; docketed by Wagner as...
36To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 18 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1801, Bristol. Transmits copy of his 17 Dec. dispatch (since which he has received no letters); encloses accounts of imports and exports by American vessels during six-month period ending 31 Dec. 1800, newspapers, and a price list of London commodities. Food costs continue to rise. Shortage is now critical, and continued war will interfere with supplies from European continent....
37To James Madison from Thomas Bee, 19 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Two days ago I was honoured with a Letter from the late Secretary of State, inclosing me a Commission as Chief Judge for the fifth Circuit Court of the United States. As I feel myself unable to undergo the fatigue of the long Journies necessary to the performance of the duties of that Office, and as I apprehand I can render as Essential service to my Country by continuing in the Station of...
38To James Madison from James Yard, 19 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I hope you do me the Justice to believe that I participate cordially in the general satisfaction occasioned by your Appointment to an office of high Trust & Importance. It is however probable that I Should have been less forward in expressing to you this Sentiment, were I not urged by Motives of Friendship to Dr. Stevens to make an early Communication to you on his Subject. In doing this I...
39To James Madison from Stephen Girard, 19 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 March 1801, Philadelphia. Reports his ship Good Friends will soon sail for Ile de France. Offers to forward packages or dispatches. Requests passports for four persons returning home after being detained because of nonintercourse laws. Letterbook copy ( PPGi : Girard Papers). 1 p.
40To James Madison from Robert Ritchie, 19 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 March 1801, Port Républicain. Reports that armed barge from British frigate Circe entered Jacmel harbor and cut moorings of brig Fair American of Philadelphia. Captain and vessel were presumably carried off to Jamaica. Has obtained vessel’s register and will forward copy to U.S. agent at Kingston. Has written to acquaint Toussaint with circumstances and expects him to send complaint to...
41To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 20 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
It is a pleasant circumstance for me, that when I do address you in writing for the first time in my life, I am to fullfil the agreable task of congratulating you on your appointement to one of the first dignities of the Republique. If talents & [ illegible ] the depositaries of the public authority can insure the happiness of the Common Wealth, America can not, but have the luckiest fate....
42To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 20 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 March 1801, Bordeaux. Encloses correspondence of his agent M. Pelletreau at Rochefort on sailors tried and sentenced there to twenty-four years in chains; adds copies of protests and his letter to naval minister on the subject and reply. Unlike ships of other nations, American vessels neither come to consular office on arrival, deposit ship’s papers there, nor report clearance on departure....
43To James Madison from Meriwether Jones, ca. 20 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 20 March 1801, Richmond. Mentioned in Jones to Levi Lincoln, 25 Mar. 1801 (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1801–9). Requests that contract for public printing be awarded to the Examiner . Explains why Mr. Davis should not continue to benefit from this emolument. Concludes that if JM thinks the change impolitic, Jones will be content.
44To James Madison from John Dawson, 21 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I regret that we did not meet before my sailing, which I expect will be on tomorrow. My trip will, I hope, prove usefull to my country, and advantageous and agreeable to myself. I shall return early in the fall, and expect that it will not be attempted in the district to take an advantage of my absence, or shoud it be that the attempt will be resisted by my friends. My wishes are to obtain...
45To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 21 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 March 1801, Berlin. No. 186. Reports continuing British embargo on Swedish shipping is likely to close Elbe and Weser to British vessels. Relays hearsay that among British seamen detained in Russian ports there are some Americans as well. Has pressed Russian minister to free such persons; recounts minister’s reluctance and his suggestions that U.S. appoint a consul in Russia and recall...
46To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 21 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 March 1801, Tripoli. No. 5. Encloses accounts of disbursements and accounts current and copy of banker-merchant Leon Farfara’s record of monies paid pasha in lieu of overdue U.S. tribute. Denounces Farfara as “incorrigible” villain but notes that O’Brien trusts him. Relates his financial embarrassments, urges annual stipend of $2,000 for the consular post, and stresses the indignity he must...
47To James Madison from Arthur Campbell, 23 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
It is difficult to remain silent amidst the general exultation on the Election of the present Chief Magistrate of the Union; I mean the joy is general among the Farmers and Labourers of all Classes. Some Merchants and the monied interest with the Bigots and fanatics in religious matters, may have their fears. But the old Tories, and new Gallants of the Whore of England can never be won, even...
48To James Madison from David Humphreys, 23 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment received intelligence from a person worthy of credit, at the Royal Sitio of Aranjuez, to the following effect: Last night Lucien Bonaparte signed (and it is he himself who told me) the Treaty by which the Heriditary Prince of Parma (and not his father) is definitively named King of the Etruscans. This election of the Prince, the Son, instead of the Prince his father,...
49To James Madison from William Irvine, 23 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I most sincerely & heartily congratulate you, on the late success in the Election of President, and appointments to office in consequence; not that I think yours has been sought, or is even agreeable to you, but in as much as you are willing to lend your aid and give some of your time to the public service, so soon as circumstances would render them acceptable. Many of us, you & I among the...
50To James Madison from Ralph Bowie, 24 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Perhaps it may be necessary to offer some apology for the liberty I take in now addressing you. It is not to congratulate you on your appointment to an office of high importance to the dignity and happiness of this Country, for I know the Office is honor’d, and I beleive the Interest of our Country will be eminently promoted by your acceptance of it; nor is it directly nor indirectly to ask...