1To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 5 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have received, my dear Sir, your invaluable communication of the 3d. instant. It is not in my power to express the sense, which I entertain of the notice taken of my services in the Treasury. For my own day, it will serve as a shield against the assaults of the envious, malicious, and inimical; and for the days of my Children, it will not be the least precious portion of their inheritance....
2To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 20 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
An oppressive attention to the business of the court has prevented my making the inclosed draft earlier; and I send it now in a very rough state, rather than lose a mail for the purpose of copying it. I could not venture to fill the blank in the second page; but the figures will be supplied in a moment by the Register, upon a question, what will be the aggregate of the public funded debt after...
3To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 14 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just received your favor of the 11t. inst. It has given me great pleasure; and in the course of two or three days, you will receive the note you request. If you should decide upon sending the Report of September last to Congress, I think it would be best to send it, in the shape of an explanatory Extract , relative to business, which was transacted before Mr. Crawford’s responsibility...
4To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 18 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just received your favor of the 15t. instant, and, conforming to it, I shall cease to act in the Treasury, after the dispatch of tomorrow’s mail. The kind expressions of your letter, make a deep and lasting impression. I shall resort to the testimonials of your approbation and confidence, for consolation, whenever the past reminds me of any sacrafice to be lamented; or the future shall...
5To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 5 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
If I had received your favor of the instant, at Washington, I should have been tempted to remain there, for the gratification of personal farewell. Indeed, I ran some risque, by undertaking the journey hither, the first day of my being able to leave my bed, for nearly a week. I always doubted Mr. Clay’s disposition to accept the War Department, although I have no doubt of his wish to be...
6To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 1 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
A severe indisposition has confined me to my bed for three days. I am sufficiently recovered, however, to decide upon beginning my journey this afternoon, or tomorrow morning. I have left every thing here in order; and I shall continue, with great pleasure, to transact the business of the Department, until you are ready to release me. You will, of course, give me notice of a day, on which I am...
7To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 27 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
Col. Lane seems to think, that the Librarian has been too officious in making his communication to you; and agrees that there ought not to be a change in the situation of the Library, until Congress shall decide upon it. This is, also, the opinion of Mr. Crawford and Mr. Rush. We have met on Col. Jessup’s letter; and Mr Crawford will communicate our general views upon the subject. The Colonel...
8To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 21 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed sketch will give you a general view of the finances. The item of floating debt is left open, until Mr. Nourse, the Register, returns, that the amount of Treasury Notes, absorbed by the payments for duties and taxes, may be precisely ascertained. It is very great; and may be estimated by the statement, which reduces the outstanding Treasury Notes to something like 6,000,000...
9To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 20 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
Preparing to surrender the official trust, which you were pleased to confide to me in October 1814, I have the honor to present a general sketch of the actual and prospective state of the finances. This Report, taken in connection with the Reports made to Congress upon other occasions, will clearly exhibit the principles, upon which the business of the Department has been transacted,...
10To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 11 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
When the report first reached me, that Mr. Sheldon was going to Europe, I felt some solicitude, that he should not go, before the Treasurer’s accounts were stated and settled; and I released him from all the other duties of the office, that he might attend exclusively to that object. I certainly felt no objection, generally, to his departure, as his health really required some relaxation from...
11To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 31 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 25. inst. has been received. All the answers to the Treasury proposition, for a partial renewal of payments in coin, are in the negative, except from the New-England Banks. I select a few of these, for your information; and I add the communications made officially to me, of the result of the proceedings of the Convention of Bankers at Philadelphia. Be so good as to return the...
12To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 27 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Bank subscription is filled. The deficit of the general returns, 3,000,000. Dollars, was taken by Mr. Girard, in a single line, to the great disappointment of the Brokers and Speculators. I congratulate you upon this event. There is little doubt of the organization of the Bank being republican, and friendly to the Government. The Cumberland road presents new embarrassments; and I shall...
13To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 24 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to submit the following Statement to the consideration of the President of the United States. Treasury Notes, which were issued under Acts passed prior to the Act of the 24. of February 1815, were payable at the expiration of a year from their respective dates, with interest at the rate of 5 2/5 per cent. per annum, at the Loan Offices, respectively,...
14To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 23 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I find Mr. Jones so infirm in body and mind that I feel uneasy to be longer absent from Washington. I shall, therefore, return next week to finish my treasury report there. It will give you pleasure to learn that I am able to give notice for payment of the treasury notes due in New York as far down as the month of June, 1816. Indeed, everything but the currency will be in good order. The bank...
15To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, [ca. 19 August 1816] (Madison Papers)
It appears that Dr. Flord [Flood] returned to New Orleans on the 3d of July, and that the bank subscriptions were opened. The amount is not expected to exceed $300,000 at that place. The general deficit will probably be $3,000,000, but it will be immediately supplied by companies already formed. Mr. Girard alone will take $1,000,000, if he can obtain that sum. I am anxious to receive your...
16To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 11 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed application from Mr. Hughes, appears to be within the rule, exempting the effects of public Ministers, upon their return to the United States, from the payment of duties. If you approve, the proper instructions will be given to the Collector. My solicitude, respecting the conduct of the State Banks, the organization of the National Bank, and the disorder of the currency, encreases...
17To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 8 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
A convention of representatives from the Banks of New-York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, decided yesterday, that they would reccommend to their Constituents, the resumption of specie payments on the 1st. of July next. A Committee called upon me to communicate the decision. I remonstrated against so distant a day, and stated that there were two periods, designated by the measures of the...
18To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 6 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Collectors selection of a site and buildings, for the New-York Custom House, is generally approved; and the price deemed moderate. The inclosed letter from Mr. Derbigny creates an apprehension, that the Subscription to the Bank has not been opened at New-Orleans. The Commissioners were named by the Louisianna members of Congress; and as Mr. Brown and Mr. Robertson are on the spot, I hope...
19To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 3 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Jones promised to communicate to you a statement of the subscriptions to the Bank of the United States. The deficit will not be great, and will be immediately subscribed, at Philadelphia. Mr. Jones’s prospect brightens. He is opposed, however, by Major Butler, whose appointment produces all the inconveniences, that I apprehended. The Treasury Circular seems to be approved by all, but the...
20To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, [ca. 25 July 1816] (Madison Papers)
I inclose the Memorial of the Merchants of New-York, to which Mr. Irving’s letter (already communicated to you) referred. It appears to me, that the only proper mode of interfering for the relief of the Memorialists, would be to authorise the District Attorney to stay executions, after judgments had been entered, taking, if necessary, additional security. To suspend suits, or to renew the...
21To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 23 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Having considered the question, as to purchasing a site for the Observatory, more attentively, I conclude that it would be deemed, probably, an extreme latitude of construction, to make an expensive purchase of lots, as an incident to the authority for a survey of the coast, which is a temporary work. The objection does not arise to occupying lots already belonging to the public; and which...
22To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, [ca. 16–22 July 1816] (Madison Papers)
Upon reflection, I think it best to proceed with the Circular to the State Banks, and to issue the Notice, for the payment of the Treasury Notes, which are due in New-York. I ought not to anticipate a failure in the revenue, by the delinquency of the merchants; nor can I perceive any power in the Treasury Department to interfere for their relief. The case is not at all, like the case of a...
23To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, [ca. 17 July 1816] (Madison Papers)
I inclose Mr. Hassler’s letter, respecting a site for the Observatory. The reccommendation of the ground selected, is very strong; but it requires consideration, whether the authority is sufficient, for purchasing that portion of it, which does not belong to the public? The appropriation is adequate, regarding it as an incident to the survey of the coast. I have requested from Mr. Munroe and...
24To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 16 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I trouble you with a draft of the agreement with Mr. Hassler relative to the survey of the coast. The work is an important one, and must require both time and money to complete it. I am confident that Mr. Hassler is the only person equal in all respects to the undertaking, within the reach of the government. The circular to the banks is prepared for issuing, and the prospect of an accumulation...
25To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 11 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have received your favor of the 4. instant; and shall alter the Circular on the currency, in the way which you suggest. The receipt of several additional reccommendations for the Loan Office in New-Hampshire, induces me to suspend an application for the Commission in favor of Mr. Plumer, until you have seen the doccuments now sent. I do not anticipate, however, a change in your instructions....
26To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 8 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Act of the 30. of April 1816 appropriates 250,000 Dollars for Custom-House establishments. It will, probably, be a sum sufficient for the five principal commercial Cities; but I have not received satisfactory information from any Collector, but the Collector of Boston, upon whose report I now transmit to you an official statement, which you will be so good as to return with your directions...
27To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 7 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
On the day of my departure from Washington, the Heads of Departments assembled at Mr. Monroe’s office, and considered all the subjects, which you had referred to them. Mr. Monroe will communicate the result to you; together with a statement of the measures suggested, in relation to Mr. Kusloff’s case. There is no business to trouble you with, from the Treasury; and there is neither foreign,...
28To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 5 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to submit to the President, a copy of his letter to the Auditor of the Treasury, respecting the settlement of Mr. Hassler’s accounts, which will require the President’s approbation. RC ( CSmH ). Enclosure not found.
29To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 1 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I send, for your consideration, Govr. Plumer’s reccommendation of his Son, to succeed Mr. Gardner, whose resignation of the Loan Office in New-Hampshire, was forwarded a few days ago. Mr. Smith, the Marshal of New-York, is dead, and you will, I presume, be harrassed with applications for the Office. I am, Dr Sir, most respectfully & faithfully, Yr. obed Serv. RC ( CSmH ). For Plumer’s...
30To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, [29 June 1816] (Madison Papers)
The inclosed report gives you the result of our consultation on the Resolution of the 29. of April 1816. I entertained a doubt, for a moment, upon the power of the Treasury to make a discrimination in the terms of paying different descriptions of public debt and duties. I am satisfied, however, upon reflection, that the arrangement is indispensable for the accommodation of the country; and as...
31To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 27 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
At a meeting at the Department of State, Mr. Monroe brought under consideration the Algerine case, and the case of the whaling vessels in the Pacific. He will communicate the result in both cases; but I find, upon an explanation, that only one of the whaling vessels is known to have been seized by the Spaniards, though there are 24 at risque. The dispatch from Mr. Harris is an unpleasant one;...
32To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 26 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
The communications from the Departments of State and the Navy, will give you a great deal of interesting intelligence. The Algerine business requires decision; and yet, in the affair of the Brig, you have a delicate case to act upon. The Dey has always considered the restitution of the prizes, as a part of the negotiation; and though we considered the promise as merely gratuitous, it was a...
33To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 18 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
Your instructions relative to Fort Harrison, and the reservation of the land in its neighbourhood, have been carried into effect. I hope now to be able to put the business of the Cumberland road, as well as the business of the Survey of the coasts, into a course of execution, without troubling you again. The consultation on the Resolution of Congress, respecting the currency, will be attended...
34To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, [12 June 1816] (Madison Papers)
The Cumberland road progresses (in ways other?) than I expected. The report is that Mr. Shriver will be tempted to relinquish his charge for employment under a Company in Maryland. It will be difficult to supply his place, though his slow march has been censured. Col. Williams estimates his services at too high a price; and there are other reasons for confining his share in the work to a...
35Alexander J. Dallas to Thomas Jefferson, 16 February 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of M r Isaac Briggs , I take the liberty of asking you to state your reccollection of the facts represented by that gentleman in the inclosed letter, relative to the subject of his Petition, referred by the Senate to this Department. I have the honor to be, with every Sentiment of respect and attachment, Sir, Y r mo. obed Sev t RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The Honble Thomas...
36To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, [25 September 1815] (Madison Papers)
Since my report was forwarded to you, I have had the pleasure of discharging the temporary loan of 500,000 Dollars, long due to the State Bank at Boston. The reduced amount of the outstanding Treasury Notes, has produced the effect intended. The Notes are rapidly mounting to par; and you will have the pleasure of seeing the public engagements paid in gold & silver, or Bank notes convertible...
37To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 19 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
Since writing to you yesterday, I have received the inclosed letter from Mr. Baring, which will give you a distinct view of our situation with the Bankers in London. Every Mail brings me additional accounts of the rise in exchange, and, indeed, of the extreme difficulty of procuring good Bills. The importance of reinstating our credit, by payment of the advances, which have been so handsomely...
38To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 18 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letters from Mr. Adams shew the impracticability of selling the Stock in Europe, within the limits which were prescribed. It is indispensable, however, to provide for the reimbursement of the heavy advances of Mess: Barings in London, and for the advance of Messr. Willincks in Amsterdam. It is time, also, to make arrangements for paying the dividends on the Louisiana stock in...
39To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 12 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have received your favor of the 8: instant. Having heard from Messrs. Gallatin & Clay the contents of the Commercial Treaty, as well as their opinion upon the necessity of a special call of the Senate to ratify it, I was prepared to express to Mr. Rush, in compliance with your request, a decision against the call. Your letter anticipates the principal reasons of the decision. I will only...
40To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 11 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
On my return from New-York, I received your favor of the 2d. instant, and the copy of Mr. Crawford’s letter on the question of brevet rank. I can add nothing, by way of information on public points, to the last communication of the talk of our Commissioners. Mr. Gallatin has, probably, written to you at large, on all that relates to the mission. As to his future pursuits, he has left me...
41To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 5 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
On my arrival at New-York, I was attacked with a fever; and although I saw Mr. Gallatin and Mr. Clay, I was not able to write to you, that they had, at last, reached the United States. I presume, however, that they have written to you themselves; and that by the hands of Mr. Cutts, you have received the Commercial Treaty, with the correspondence relating to it. The Treaty does not contain any...
42To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 29 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed Register contains the latest news from Europe. The termination of Bonaparte’s political life, is in character with its progress. There are two accounts of Mess. Gallatin and Clay; one sends them to Philadelphia in the Electra; and the other sends them to New-York in the Ship Lorenzo. It is affirmed in a Paris paper, that they sailed in the latter vessel on the 22d. of July. The...
43To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 28 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 13h. instant, relative to the distressed Seamen in New-York. I had previously put the business upon the footing, which you recommend; and informed the Mayor, that seamen in the public service would find relief from the Naval commander at the New-York station; that seamen belonging to Privateers, or merchant vessels, might easily find employment; but that, in...
44To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 22 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
The arrival of several Bremen vessels at Baltimore, has put the claim of entry on American duties into action. The letter, which I have received on the subject, and my answer to it, will be transmitted, under cover, from Washington, for your information. The British Government contracted with a Mr Jacobs for Cartels, to bring our seamen from England to the United States. The owners of the...
45To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 15 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 10. instant. The silence of the Ministers in London is to me inexplicable. Mr. Gallatin has even ceased to write to his family. Every vessel that arrives, however, confirms the report of a negotiation. The downfall of Bonaparte will again reduce the questions of impressment, of blockade, and of the Colonial trade, to...
46To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 7 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to represent to the President of the United States, That he has received from the Mayor of the City of New-York, a letter dated the 3d. instant, to which the answer dated the 7: instant has been given, relative to the American Seamen, who have arrived in Cartels from England, and are exposed to great want, being destitute of pecuniary funds: And that...
47To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 6 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed paper gives, it is alledged, the sequel of the battle of the 18: of June, between Bonaparte and the Allies. The report, in the extent stated, is doubted here; but I think it probable, that Bonaparte’s repulse will produce something like a test of his popularity at Paris. I have written to Mr. Crawford, but no answer has been recieved. It may be, that he is on his way to visit you....
48To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 3 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I can gather no news from the Officers of the Neptune worth communicating. Mr. Crawford has told you all that is important of our own affairs, and of the affairs of Europe when he left it. The newspapers will tell you, as soon as this letter can reach you, of the dreadful battle of the 15, 16, 17. & 18: of June. The carnage must have exceeded anything in the history of battles. The Duke of...
49To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 1 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I enclose a rough sketch of a letter to Genl Jackson. The nature of the subject, and the character of the man, have made it difficult to address him. After several essays, I have thought it best to take him at his word, that he acted from necessity; and to distinguish the law of necessity from the law of the land. Be so good as to favor me with instructions and amendments. The Neptune arrived...
50To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 31 July 1815 (Madison Papers)
The business of Fort Washington is a bad one. The inclosed papers will shew, that there is no plan, no responsibility, no honesty. I do not mean to inculpate Major L’Enfant, on the score of honesty; but his strange course of conduct is embarrassing in the extreme, and will render it impossible to give any explanation to Congress. If you approve of my report on the subject, be so good as to...