4251To James Madison from William Moultrie, 5 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1803, Charleston. Returns his commission as bankruptcy commissioner. “As Tis a business that requires much time and attention, it will be very inconvenient for me.” Recommends John Webb, who was appointed to the position by Judge Bee “some time ago” but was superseded by the recent appointment. “He is a man of integrity and the only one now in the Commission of this State that has been...
4252To James Madison from William Savage, 5 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1803, Kingston, Jamaica. Last wrote on 25 Jan. Encloses his quarterly account to 31 Mar. in the amount of $250.83 [not found]. A report prevails that the U.S. government is contemplating a law excluding “the landing of all Negroes & free persons of Colour.” Should such a law have been deemed necessary and be in force, he requests instructions “as to these free Negroes & people of...
4253To James Madison from Robert Smith, 5 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1803, Navy Department. Encloses a letter “this day received” from Israel Whelen in reply to a 26 Mar. letter from Smith requesting information about the stores due to the dey of Algiers. “As the subject is new to us, I beg the favor of you to let Mr Wagner make out a list of the articles wanted.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to Secretary...
4254From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 6 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose estimates of the sums necessary to be remitted to London and Amsterdam respectively, for nine month’s service, commencing from the beginning of the present year: you will be pleased therefore to cause the remittances to be made; that destined for London to be placed in the hands of the Depository of the Treasury funds, and the other in the hands of Messrs:...
4255From James Madison to Christopher Gore, 6 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Within a few days past the Secretary of the Treasury received information of the failure of Messrs. Bird, Savage & Bird, and yesterday Mr. Kings letter on that subject came to hand. As this event will have embarrassed our pecuniary arrangements and render a prompt supply necessary, the Secretary of the Treasury has consented to direct you to hold the sum of $17,887 50/100 of former remittances...
4256From James Madison to Vincent Gray, 6 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is a copy of a letter lately received from one Peter Foster, stating his complaint of unjust treatment, received at the Havana, on suspicion of his aiding a British Privateer in acts of hostility against the Island. It might have been required of him to make out his case by proofs, but as he states himself to be greatly distressed, and therefore may not perhaps have it in his power, I...
4257From James Madison to William Lee, 6 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
You will oblige me by taking care that the inclosed which has been put into my hands by a friend be safely delivered according to address, and by letting it be known that you will charge Yourself with the transmission of an answer, and of any article that may accompany it. You were so good as to make an offer of your attention in forwarding me any articles, particular wines, which I might wish...
4258To James Madison from Robert C. Gardiner, 6 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 April 1803, Gothenburg. Acknowledges receipt of the 26 Aug. 1802 State Department circular on 31 Mar. via Hamburg. “The Sum stipulated by Congress, is by no means adequate to the sustenance of a Man in this country at any season, but espicially [ sic ] during the Winter when no employment can be obtained for him.” Asks whether he should provide for American seamen “on as reasonable terms...
4259To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 6 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 April 1803, Baltimore. Informs JM that the packet for Erving will be forwarded on Sunday in the George in care of Smith’s nephew Robert Patterson. Recommends Mackenzie and Glennie. “They do our Business on their own Account, are Men of great prudence & Sufficient Capital. Should you Select them, and you want to send a power of Attorney—their Names are James Mackenzie, and Alexander Glennie,...
4260From James Madison to Charles Pinckney, 7 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a copy of a letter which I addressed to you in December last in favor of Mr. Cook. He has since presented himself here with such proofs and favorable recommendations of his case, as will entitle him to expect speedy satisfaction for his losses and the injuries he has received. You will therefore be pleased to interpose in his behalf in the manner best suited to...
4261From James Madison to Edward Thornton, 7 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose duplicate letters from the Navy Department, requesting their Agents in London to pay for the supplies furnished to the ships of War President and Enterprize.——.——.——. It would have given me satisfaction to comply with your wish for an earlier arrangement of this business, but as it depended on another Department, it will readily be perceived that no time has been...
4262To James Madison from William Baker, 7 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Being informed that sundry illegal Ship Papers have been transmitted to you that were issued from the United States Consulate of William Willis at Barcelona, I take the earliest opportunity of forwarding you my declaration relative to their existance: it will place this business in its proper light; in thus discharging my duty as a Citizen of the United States, I claim the protection of its...
4263From James Madison to John Read, Jr., 8 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
In your letter of the 18th. May last in answer to mine of the 6th. of the same month, in which I notified you that your office and all the appointments in it were to be considered as at an end, you stated that probably the time necessary for the settlement of the accounts of the Agents would require your services and those of your Clerks until the close of the then succeeding month or some...
4264From James Madison to Robert Smith, 8 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with your request, I have the honor to enclose four lists, comprehending the Articles which it is expedient should be now forwarded to Algiers. It is necessary to remark that the timber should be of the best quality, to ensure to us a preference in sending such articles rather than others in future, if the commutation for money should not succeed, and because it will be returned...
4265From James Madison to Peter Foster, 8 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 April 1803, Department of State. “In consequence of your letter of the 1st. Ulto [not found] I have written to the person who acts as American Agent at Havana, requesting him to enquire into the validity of the allegations you make and to report the result, in order that measures may be taken for procuring satisfaction for the injuries you may have sustained contrary to the treaty with Spain...
4266To James Madison from William Duval, 8 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 April 1803, Richmond. At the request of many Republicans in Richmond, he has consented to stand as a candidate for delegate to the assembly. Since state law forbids anyone holding a presidential commission to serve in the assembly, he is constrained to resign as commissioner of bankruptcy. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1801–9, filed under “Duval”). 1 p. Docketed by Jefferson. On 14 Apr. 1803...
4267To James Madison from William Jarvis, 8 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 April 1803, Lisbon. Last wrote on 12 [15] Mar. via the Argus to Norfolk, forwarding two letters from Pinckney and enclosing a copy of a letter from O’Brien, a duplicate of the semiannual return, and a London newspaper of 8 Mar. Has since received the original of JM’s 17 Jan. dispatch. Encloses a copy of his letter to Almeida and the reply. “What the real motive was that caused the refusal I...
4268Circular Letter to American Consuls and Commercial Agents, 9 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since the commencement of the year 1802, I have received your letter of the date of June 28 and I now transmit you a copy of the laws of the session of Congress preceding the last. Of those of the last session, a copy of the ’Act supplementary to the “Act concerning Consuls and Vice-Consuls,” and for the further protection of American seamen,[’] is annexed; the remainder will be forwarded as...
4269From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 9 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of January 25th. with the other communications under the same cover. Those before received and not acknowledged are of June 3. 11. July 4. 15. Augt. 6. 25. 26. Sepr 3. 4. 18. Octr 8 in the last year. My last to you was of Augt 22 1802. It was then hoped that you would have been successfully engaged in making peace with Tripoli; for which the crisis was peculiarly...
4270To James Madison from Samuel Coleman, 9 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have at last had time to weigh and repack the plate, and repack the Glass ware and porcelain which you desire may be sent to Washington. I shall with pleasure comply with that desire as soon as a proper opportunity offers; but residing in the country and very little versed in matters of the kind, I beg leave to suggest that the better mode will be for you to confide the business to some...
4271To James Madison from James Monroe, 9 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
We arrived here yesterday in 29. days from the Hook. The voyage was as favorable in other respects as it was in point of dispatch, having experienc’d no storm or other unpleasant incident in it, the sea sickness of my family excepted. To avoid the expence of entering the port with the ship, the Captn. had contracted to land us from the road which he proposed doing in his own boat, but as there...
4272To James Madison from Robert W. Fox, 9 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 April 1803, Falmouth. “We continue in the same uncertain state respecting Peace or War between this Country & France: many people are of opinion War will be the consequence. The Impress Service is going on with great vigour in this Country, but hitherto the Citizens of the United States have not been molested, except one Man, who has been married in this Town for about 6 Years: I have...
4273To James Madison from Rufus King, 9 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 April 1803, London. No. 90. “The question of peace or War may at this moment be decided. Lord Hawkesburys Note in reply to the refusal of France to admit of any discussion respecting Malta is dated the 3rd. and was dispatched on the 4th. instant.” The note expresses the king’s regret that the French government had declined giving the satisfaction and explanation he demanded and had...
4274To James Madison from John Mitchell, 10 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I take the Liberty to Mention to You that the Warren Captn. Hammond got well out the 6h.—& that I had the honor of forwarding for Mr Livingston the Copy of His former Despatches ⅌ that Vessell. It is with Sincere pleasure that I ad My Old friend Mr. Monroe Landed here the 8h. instant & set out this Morning for Paris Which he will reach the 12h. It will be agreeable to you to know on Mr....
4275To James Madison from William Riggin, 10 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 April 1803, Trieste. Transmits a copy of his dispatch of 30 Mar. Proposes departing “in the course of this month” as his private affairs require his presence in the U.S. “for a short time.” Has appointed Swinton C. Holland, “a gentleman who has been in America and is acquainted with the Laws of the United States,” to act as “Pro Consul” during his absence. Hopes this will meet with the...
4276To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 11 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
My Notes will tell you how far I have officially pressed the Government on the subject of Louisiana. I have omitted no means in conversation of eradicating their prejudices in its favor & I informed you that I had reason to think that I had been successful with all unless it was the first Consul to whom I addressed myself in the letter & essays that you have seen, & that were attentively read...
4277To James Madison from Peder Blicherolsen, 11 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1803, Philadelphia. Has just received two royal ordinances from Copenhagen, one detailing quarantine regulations for Americans and the other stipulating laws and rules prescribed for Danish and all other ships. Has had the former translated in full and seven articles connected with and explanatory of it extracted from the latter. Encloses translations. Believes a knowledge of them...
4278To James Madison from Enoch Robins and Others, 11 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1803, Jacmel. The petitioners, Enoch Robins of New York, Joseph Gardner of Massachusetts, and James J. Barry of Maryland, state that they were permitted by the government of Saint-Domingue to reside on the island as foreign merchants and are therefore entitled to the “privileges and immunities allowed by all civilized nations to strangers residing in their dominions,” one of which is...
4279To James Madison from James Sullivan, 11 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1803, Boston. “If I had an idea of what its commonly called the making of interest I should not possess confidence enough in the weight of my own character to attempt it: but in an extensive government, information, as to men qualified for offices must be had through some channel or other.” Encloses a letter signed by men “respectable and friendly to the present administration” and...
4280From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 12 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you an application from Col. Leven Powell of Virginia, relative to a claim he makes upon the French Government for losses sustained by him about the year 1792. by reason of the stoppage, by French authority, of the Mail in which some bills of exchange in which he had an interest were passing to England; the same bills having been afterwards depreciated and paid to...
4281To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 12 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Wells, an American Gentleman, who has been here some time on claims from South America, informs me he will return to the United States in a few days—by him I have the further opportunity of informing you, that finding Mr. Cevallos considered himself as obliged to wait until he received Dispatches from the Colonial Officers of New Orleans before he could give a decisive answer to the...
4282To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 12 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 April 1803, Treasury Department. Has received JM’s 6 Apr. letter and has taken measures to place the requisite sums in London and Amsterdam. There not being at the time any depository in London for treasury funds, those funds were remitted “to the order of Messrs. Rufus King & Christopher Gore or of either of them.” Lists the accounts for which funds were remitted to Amsterdam: $19,425 for...
4283To James Madison from William E. Hũlings, 12 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 April 1803, New Orleans. Refers to his letter of 1 Apr. via Natchez informing JM of the arrival of Laussat, “Whose professions are amical” toward the U.S. “There is a letter in town from a respectable Mercht. of Bordeaux whom I formerly knew in Philada. by which we learn that in consequence of the disastrous news from St Domingo, the troops destined for this Province, were positively...
4284To James Madison from Hans Rudolph Saabye, 12 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 April 1803, Copenhagen. Last wrote on 11 Sept. 1802 . Received the 26 Aug. State Department circular “a few days ago” and will pay attention to its contents. Refers JM to his letter of 16 Jan. 1802 for comments on the subject. “I add this one Remark, that the Allowance of 12 cents ⅌ diem for a sailor’s maintenance, is quite insuficient for their support, not only here, but also at the...
4285To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 13 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have just come from the Minister of the Treasury our conversation was So important that I think it necessary to write it while the impressions are Strong upon my mind, & the rather as I fear that I Shall not have time to copy & Send this letter if I differ [ sic ] it till morning. By my letter of yesterday you learned that the Minister had asked me on the 11th whether I would agree to...
4286To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 13 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 April 1803, Baltimore. “As I expect to leave this for Boston in course of ten days, I think it proper to give you this information in order that you may direct the Documents I am to receive from your Department to be prepared (if convenient) prior to that period.” Will probably embark for Europe from Boston but cannot yet fix the precise time. Should it be material for JM to know the date,...
4287To James Madison from J. Lewis, 13 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 April 1803, New York. Acknowledges JM’s “polite letter” of 5 Mar. [not found]. Thanks JM for the offer it contained. “It wou’d have been very acceptable to me, if it had been made a few days sooner, I am now determined on going upon the waters of the Misisippi, have made my arrangements accordly &. shall depart In all the present Month.” Offers his services “in that Quarter.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
4288From James Madison to William Bingham, 14 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Your two letters respecting the Brig Hope, for the proceeds of whose cargo certain persons in Massachusetts have obtained a judgment against you, have been referred to the Attorney General: but his present opinion is in unison with the former that the United States are under no engagement to indemnify you from the effects of that judgment. Even did such an obligation exist, as no legal...
4289From James Madison to Samuel Chase, 14 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to inform you, in answer to your letter of the 11th. Instant, that the latest Intelligence received from Mr. King concerning the Maryland Bank Stock is of the 28th. Jany. last and of the following substance—That Lord Hawkesbury some weeks before had sent an Instruction to the Attorney General for effecting a transfer of this Stock to the King, in order that His Majesty might...
4290From James Madison to William Eaton, 14 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have received your several letters of the 5. 7 & 9th. August 12th. September 9. 13 & 22d. October, 9 & 12th Novr. 13 & 20th. Decr. 1802. The Dey of Algiers having urged several objections to receiving Mr. Cathcart as Consul in the room of Mr. OBrien, the President has determined to appoint another; thus yielding to the usage, which admits of the refusal of a Consul for reasons peculiar to...
4291From James Madison to J. H. C. Heineken, 14 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th. of the present month stating that the Batavian East India Company were injured by the conduct of two citizens of the United States, one of whom has embezzelled a cargo belonging to them and the other departed from Batavia leaving considerable debts behind. The facilities afforded by the East India company to the American...
4292From James Madison to David Humphreys, 14 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letters of the 29th. Ult and 4th. Inst. and the letters and accounts of Messrs. John Bulkeley & Son, which it enclosed. The latter have been adjusted at the Treasury, and 37.841 Milrees found due which will be remitted thro’ London to those Gentlemen of which in due time, they may expect to hear from the Bankers of the Treasury Department at that place. From a change,...
4293Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [14 April] 1803 (Madison Papers)
1t. Quer. if the laws give any authority at present beyond the limits of the U. S? 2 “This Mission having reference to the Commerce”—may repell, more than the expression used, the criticism of illicit principal objects of the measure. 3 “including the fish” 4. if practicable he might note occasionally the variations of the Needle. RC ( DLC : Jefferson Papers). Undated. Docketed by Jefferson,...
4294From James Madison to Robert Purviance, 15 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 12th inst. respecting the communication made to you by the Consul at London, that Captain Lewis of the ship Birmingham left two destitute seamen behind, whom he was directed to take on board and transport to the United States according to law. If the dispositions of Captain Lewis and one of the seamen of the vessel furnished a less satisfactory exculpation,...
4295To James Madison from James Monroe, 15 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I informed you from Havre on the 9th. of my arrival there the day before, and that I should set out the day after for Paris. On the 12th. I arrived here, and on the 13th. was announced by Mr. Livingston to the Minister of foreign Relations, who received me yesterday in a Manner which was perfectly satisfactory. He said that the first Consul was much gratified by the disposition which our...
4296From James Madison to Robert Gilmor, 15 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 April 1803, Department of State, Washington. “Agreeably to your request, I enclose the answer to Mr. Bingham’s letters respecting the judgment obtained against him in Massachusetts by the owners of the Pilgrim privateer.” RC (Bibliothèque Municipale, Nantes); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). RC 1 p. In Wagner’s hand, signed by JM. The enclosure was probably JM to William...
4297To James Madison from Richard Harrison, 15 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 April 1803. Requests the dates of the commencement and termination of Moses Young’s services as secretary to the U.S. minister at Madrid and asks what, if any, allowances are to be made to him for contingent expenses, including compensation for a translator. “The inclosed Accot. [not found] exhibited by Mr. Beckley will shew, the Amot. claimed under each head by Mr. Young himself.” RC ( DNA...
4298To James Madison from John Stevens, 15 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 15 April 1803. Mentioned in William Thornton to Stevens, 29 Apr. 1803 (listed in the preliminary volume of Calendar of the Stevens Family Papers [Newark, N.J., 1940], item 244), as dealing with Stevens’s boiler invention. In 1996 the New Jersey Historical Society was unable to locate Thornton’s letter. On 11 Apr. 1803 a patent for “a new and useful improvement In producing...
4299To James Madison from Seth Lewis, 16 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 April 1803, Natchez. Has determined to resign as chief justice of the Mississippi Territory as of 15 May. Asks JM to convey this to the president and to acknowledge receipt of this letter “as early as possible.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LRD , filed under “Lewis”). 1 p. Docketed by Jefferson. Printed in Carter, Territorial Papers, Mississippi , 5:215.
4300To James Madison from Levett Harris, 17 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Being scrupulous of troubling you farther on the subject of my late letters, I requested a friend I had at Washington to enquire of the practicability of the change, in relation to which, I have had the honour to address you: And I learn that some doubts have arisen in the department of State, of a Consul from this Country being received at St. Petersburg. (I have the authority of an...