1To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 22 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have received the inclosed letters from Genl. Jackson and General Gaines. The former does not appear to have received any of our letters; and the latter has only received the letter, inviting him to Washington, or his answers have miscarried. There is a remarkable coincidence between Genl. Gaine’s, reccommendatory list, and the selections made here; and Lieut. Spotts, who is strongly...
2To 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....
3To 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...
4To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 4 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I send a third Report of the Board of Officers, containing a plan, for establishing a Northern and Southern Division of the United States, to be subdivided into nine military Departments; for the distribution of the rank and file of the Army, to the Corps and Regiments of the peace organization; and for apportioning the Corps and Regiments to the two great Divisions. It is proper to note, that...
5To 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...
6To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 23 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
The acting Secretary of War has the honor to represent to the President of the United States: That the appropriations for the subsistence, for the Quarter Masters Department, for Arsenals, Magazines &c, Maps and plans, forage of Rangers, and Camp Equippage of the Army of the united States for the years 1814 & 1815; are inadequate to the accomplishment of their objects; and that it has become...
7To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 14 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I am anxious to make our Army arrangement satisfactory, without taking too great a latitude in the discretion left to the Executive. I am afraid Genl. Jackson will be mortified, if Major Butler and Major Hayne are not noticed in some part of our arrangement; and I think we can manage the matter safely, by allowing an Adjutant General (Major Butler) to be provisionally retained for the Division...
8To 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...
9To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 15 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose to you a statement, specifying the appropriations for the expenditures in this department, in the years 1814 and 1815, including the balances of appropriations on the 31st. of December, 1813: the amount actually expended from the 1st. of January, 1814, to the 10th. of March, 1815; the unexpended amount of the appropriations; and the amount for which warrants have...
10To 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...
11To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 16 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
We have received Genl. Macomb’s acceptance of his appointment to continue in the Army; but we have not heard from him, nor from Genl. Brown, as to the time of their coming to Washington. The City fills fast with Officers of all ranks; and it is very desireable to terminate their solicitudes. As soon as your answer to my letters, relative to the organization, are received, I will set Genl Scott...
12To 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...
13To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 5 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I send inclosed a report of the Board officers, respecting Surgeons, Judge Advocates, and Chaplains. The next report, probably the concluding one, will be upon Garrisons, Forts &c. As soon as they have closed the business referred to them, I propose, with your approbation, to write a letter of thanks to them, and to request that they will return to their respective commands, until further...
14To 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...
15To 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....
16To 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...
17To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 26 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I had prepared a letter to Genl. Brown, respecting the surrender of the Fort at Michillimackinac, before I received your favor of the 24. instant. Every consideration presses that object upon our attention; and an early possession must be insisted on, by all means, except force. If the delay continues until Mr. Monroe’s return, you will, perhaps, think it right to address Mr. Baker on the...
18To 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...
19To 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...
20To 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...
21To 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...
22To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 6 July 1815 (Madison Papers)
The acting Secretary of War, has the honor to represent to the President of the united States: That the appropriations for the Salary of the Commissary General, and for the Militia of the united States, for the years 1814 & 1815, are inadequate to the accomplishment of their objects, and that it has become necessary for the public Service that a portion of the monies appropriated for other...
23To 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...
24To 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...
25To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 29 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I inclose a report upon the expediency of selling a part of the Gunpowder, to which you will be so good as to subjoin your approbation. My friend Col. Johnstone spares no one, on the subject of Ward and Taylors contract. The truth is that by his assiduity, during the session of Congress, they fared much better than any other Contractors. They have actually received near 500,000 Dollars on...
26To 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...
27To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 29 July 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure of acknowledging the reciept of your letter of the 24. inst. I hope you will be able to enjoy the calm of Montpelier until the close of October. It does not appear probable, that the return of our Envoys will render it necessary to change the scene. Their protracted absence, and unconscionable silence, authorise a conjecture, that they have been negotiating with the British...
28To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, [ca. 9 May 1815] (Madison Papers)
I transmit to you the concluding Reports of the Board of Officers; and, I presume, that they will express a wish to be discharged, as soon as you have seen their plans. Upon the whole, they have furnished very good materials; and I will prepare from them a general report of the Department, for your consideration and sanction; which, when approved, will be the proper official document for...
29To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 22 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
The acting Secretary of War has the honor to represent to the President of the united States: That the appropriations for the pay, the Subsistence and the Quarter Masters Department, of the army of the united States for the years 1814 & 1815, are inadequate to the accomplishment of their objects; and that it has become necessary for the public Service, that a portion of the monies appropriated...
30To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 29 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
The Board of Officers still continue industriously at work; but I have no result yet. Perhaps, I shall be able to communicate a plan of organization by Monday’s Mail. The inclosd letter, and Extra newspaper, were received by me in the Mail of yesterday. The letter is certainly written by Mr. T. Biddle; and I presume Mr Bache threw it into the Mail, after the Bag had been locked; which accounts...
31To 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...
32To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 19 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letters of the 14: and 16t instant. It is evident, from the nearer view, which I have been able to take of military men, that your first selection of General Officers is as good as can be made. They are besides, the six General Officers, who have been distinguished by the thanks of Congress. General Ripley still harps upon the Court of Inquiry, and I have not succeeded in...
33Memorandum from Alexander J. Dallas, [ante–12 June 1815] (Madison Papers)
A general question occurs: what is the effect of the Act of the 7. of February 1815 upon the powers and duties of the Secretary of the Navy? 1. The Act, by its own declaration, must not be construed to take from the Secretary of the Navy his controul and direction of the Naval forces of the United States, as previously possessed by law. Some powers of controul and direction were meant to be...
34To 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...
35To 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...
36To 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...
37To 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...
38To 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...
39To 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...
40To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 20 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter from General Jackson shows that Fort Bowyer has been restored, without difficulty; but that the negroes taken near New Orleans are retained. There are no accounts from Niagara. I have sent by this mail the new Army Register, the general orders for effecting the organization of the peace establishment, and copies of my letters to Generals Jackson and Brown. These, together...
41To 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...
42To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 20 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to say, that the business respecting Genl. Ripley is arranged; and I hope it will be to your satisfaction. I inclose copies of the letters, which have passed between us. The selection of General Officers being compleat, I will announce it; and if Genl. Brown arrives today, or tomorrow, I think the general plan of organization may be sent for your consideration on Monday....
43To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 11 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I inclose the draft of a letter to the General officers, on the execution of the Act of the 3d. of March 1815, with a copy of the Act. You will see by a Memorandum from Mr. Monroe, that he thinks the peace establishment is to be composed of 10,000 men, exclusive of Officers. Genl. Scott agrees in that opinion; and I shall be very glad to adopt it, with your approbation. I shall write to you...
44Memorandum of a Conversation between Alexander J. Dallas and Luis de Onís, [24 June 1815] (Madison Papers)
Mr. Monroe being absent, the President requested me to receive a visit from the chevalier de Onis, in consequence of that gentleman’s letter, expressing a desire to present his credentials, as Minister Plenipotentiary of the King of Spain, and to report the result. The Chevalier called on me about Six o’clock in the evening and observing that Mr. Pleasonton had intimated the President’s...
45To 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...
46To 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....
47To 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...
48To 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...
49To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 13 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
Genl. Brown has not yet arrived; but the other Generals have been at work, as pioniers, to prepare the way for an immediate report, as soon as he appears. I am assured, that the selection will be impartial, and such as must command the approbation of the Army, and the confidence of the nation. I do not fail, however, to attend to the course pursued in making it. Indeed, such is the jealousy...
50To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 2 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
The restoration of Bonaparte is confirmed, as all the newspapers will tell you. The effect upon Europe will be general and important; but it is difficult to form a satisfactory conjecture of the result. The abdication included both France and Italy, will both Crowns be resumed? Bonaparte consented to the restoration of Ferdinand, will he retract, or will he support, that incorrigible tyrant?...