51To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 7 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The day before yesterday, when the Nuncio and the Diplomatic Corps were at my house, the former with some of the latter mentioned the existence of a private report, that the King of France had attempted to make his escape and that he had been arrested near Strasbourg. Yesterday, I dined with the Duke of Alafoñes, where the same rumour was repeated. Last night, at the Royal Academy, I met with...
52To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I do not wait to become fully acquainted with the commercial intercourse which subsists between the United States and Portugal, before I resume the subject mentioned in my letter of the 19th of Novr. last, so far as relates to the manner in which our trade has been managed here, since the year 1783. Immediately after the war, upon the arrival of the first vessels from America, there appeared...
53To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
A dispatch boat has just arrived from Algiers, which brings authentic intelligence, that a Truce for 12 months is concluded between Portugal and that Regency. In consequence of which eight Algerine cruizers, viz. four frigates, one brig and three Xebeques, have just passed through the Streights, into the Atlantic. Our vessels will now be exposed to the most eminent hazard of capture, as it was...
54To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 9 September 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 9 Sep. 1792. Since his last of 12 Aug. TJ has undoubtedly learned of the bloodshed in Paris, the provisional suspension of the King of France, the convocation of a new national convention on the 20th of this month, and the retreat of Poland to the old government. The Queen’s condition has worsened after Dr. Willis’s departure and the Princess of Brazil is believed to be pregnant. A...
55To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 2 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The vessel, in which I have engaged my passage, attempted to go down the river at the time appointed: but contrary winds have prevented, so that she cannot before this evening reach Gravesend. For which place I shall proceed immediately by land. I have the honor to enclose a Paper containing a translation of the Correspondence between the King of France and his Ministers, consequent to the...
56To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
In addressing a letter to you the day before yesterday, and announcing the arrival of Captn. Cutting, I promised to write to you again by an opportunity which would occur in a few days. Determining there would be no sufficient compensation for the delay of going by Madrid, my hope was that you would have been informed, at this time, of our having at least secured a passage to Gibralter. This...
57To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 20 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
In my first letter, I mentioned such circumstances of a political nature, relating to several of the principal Powers of Europe, as had then come to my knowledge. The facts, according to subsequent informations, were pretty justly stated. Leaving you to deduce such conclusions as your better judgment shall enable you to form, I proceed now to give you the sequel of intelligence which has...
58To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 7 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, 7 June 1791 . Knowing extreme jealousy of Spanish government and rigid regulations of this respecting all kinds of books, he almost despairs of being able to get those named in TJ’s private letter. Even if he had received it at Madrid, he could not have brought the books with him. But he will “revolve the matter in different views; and consult … my acquaintances” on means to effect it....
59To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 20 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last, which was dated the first of July, I have had the honour to receive yours of the 26th. of April, covering the Presidents Proclamation of the 22nd. of the same Month, and other communications on the subject of it. Hitherto hostilities have not taken place between this Country and France. Should they commence (which is not very improbable) I shall take care to comply with your...
60To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 15 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have employed my time here in communicating according to instructions the sentiments of the President on the navigation of the Missisipi, and other important points. Mr. Carmichael’s ideas are just; his exertions will be powerful and unremitting to obtain the accomplishment of our desires before his departure from this country: the task will now be difficult, if not impracticable, from the...
61To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 23 September 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 23 Sep 1791 . Despite Thomas Barclay’s arrival in Oporto, he still has not received the letters Barclay brought from America for him.—Two British packets and a cutter from England with dispatches for Mr. Walpole have arrived since his letter of the 10th instant. Peace has been concluded between the Emperor and the Porte, and peace will soon follow between the Empress and the Porte,...
62To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 22 November 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 22 Nov. 1791 . Since his last letter of 28 Oct. he has received certain information that the Dey of Algiers has declared war on Sweden. A Swedish ship which was loading here for a Mediterranean voyage has consequently been unloaded.—Public business “is often done slowly in this Country.” He had to write four or five notes or memoires and wait more than three months before he finally...
63To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 18 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 18 Aug. 1791 . He writes chiefly to send duplicate of resolution of States General concerning tea.—Spanish decree respecting strangers so vague three different constructions said to have been given by Spanish ministry. Recently several foreign mechanics have applied to him about going to America and possibility of success there. On threshing harvest in Portugal, wheat crop is much...
64To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 16 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
We are this moment embarking, and I would not take my departure without just informing you of it. The wind prevented, or we should have sailed yesterday, as I had proposed. It is even now uncertain whether we shall be able to get over the bar to-day. The Portuguese Troops destined for Spain are beginning to embark this day, and will sail about the 20th. instant. Yesterday a Packet arrived from...
65To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 30 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, Portugal. 30 Apr. 1791 . On 13th Samuel Harrison, at instance of Jacob Dohrman, sent messenger from Lisbon to inform Humphreys that Dominick Joyce, merchant of Philadelphia, had written his brother Edward Joyce on 25 Feb.: “A Minister is appointed to your Court; Colo. Humphreys is the person.” This and three others from Philadelphia received in extraordinary manner. An American...
66To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 29 April 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 29 Apr. 1792 . There have been no important political developments in this kingdom since his letter of 30 Mch. The Queen continues to recover gradually. The government pursues the same course and the country enjoys the same peace as before the regency. He now has a reliable source of intelligence about the palace, having formed an intimate acquaintance with Dr. Willis.—Since his last...
67To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 27 September 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 27 Sep. 1791 . Barclay arrived on the evening of the 23d instant and delivered TJ’s dispatches of 13 May, 13 July and 26 July. These letters were the first to inform him of Barclay’s mission to Morocco, a letter on this subject from Barclay in Philadelphia having failed to arrive.—On the 24th instant he gave the Compte de Rhode, the Prussian minister to Portugal, a letter for William...
68To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 8 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have already forwarded for you five copies of Dispatches, to inform you, that a Truce for twelve Months was concluded between Portugal and Algiers; and that a fleet of Algerine Cruizers had gone through the Streights into the Atlantic, on Saturday night last. They were reported to me by an officer of a Portuguese frigate who spoke with them, to consist of eight sail; I believe, however,...
69To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 4 April 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 4 Apr. 1793 . Since his letter of 24 Mch. he has repeated his application to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs about “the hardship of refusing our vessels laden with wheat, after requesting Franquia , to proceed to their destination.” He has succeeded in this instance, as his letter to the Secretary and its enclosures indicate, and will continue to be unremitting in his...
70To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 25 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 25 Mch. 1792 . He has just received confirmation from Gibraltar of the death of the Emperor of Morocco mentioned in his last letter. Thomas Barclay is pleased that he did not reach Morocco “before the change of Masters in that Country.”—The Queen’s health has greatly improved in the last week. Dr. Willis concluded that her physicians had treated her improperly and that she would have...
71To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 17 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
We are now under way with a fair breeze, to go over the bar, in company with the vessel which will carry this letter. Since my letter of yesterday we have nothing new, except an account from Spain (which is depended upon) that the Spanish Camp near Perpignan commanded by Genl. Ricardos, has been surprised by the French, and that the Spaniards have lost three thousand men in the affair. The...
72To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 29 April 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 29 Apr. 1793 . He has received no direct intelligence from America since his last dispatch. The birth of a daughter to the Princess of Brazil this morning will require the diplomatic corps to attend court for ten successive days beginning tomorrow and lead to the suspension of all business for some days so that the Portuguese can celebrate the arrival of this eagerly awaited successor...
73To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 12 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 12 July 1791 . The news in his of the 7th about secret flight of French King has been confirmed. Assumption by National Assembly of executive powers notified in circular to diplomatic representatives. Yesterday, dining with diplomatic corps at Walpole’s, he was shown by him a letter from Lord Gower in Paris dated 25 June containing news of arrest of the King and his entourage, of...
74To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 17 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 17 Mch. 1792 . There has been no material change in the Queen’s condition during the last eleven days. She is slightly more tranquil as a result of several yachting trips on the Tagus. Dr. [John] Willis just arrived and was presented to the diplomatic corps last night at Mr. Walpole’s residence. After that Walpole immediately took the doctor to meet the secretary of state for foreign...
75To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 12 August 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 12 Aug. 1792 . He transmitted his accounts for the year past with his letter of 1 July. Since then no significant foreign news has arrived, but he expects to hear soon of the invasion of France and the Russian invasion of Poland. Now that Dr. Willis has returned to England, he will be able to learn little from “the interior of the Palace,” except from the Duke of Lafões, who is weary...
76To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 21 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I came to this place a few days ago, in order to avoid the heat of Lisbon. But before I left Lisbon, I had a conference with M. de Pinto, on the subject suggested for his consideration in your letter of March 15th, and enforced on me in the beginning of the cyphered part of your letter dated April 11th. He seemed to accord fully with you in his ideas of the propriety and utility of the...
77To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 19 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received on the 9th. instant the letter which you did me the honour to write to me on the 30th. of March. Although two Packets have arrived from England since that letter came to hand, I have received no news of Captn. Cutting. In the mean time, I pray you will assure the President on my part, that I am making preparations for proceeding in the proposed business, in order that there may...
78To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 4 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 4 Aug. 1793 . Three vessels arrived here a few days ago from St. Michael with distinguished Moors, whom he visited with Church and Dohrman to offer assistance after receiving an account of them, via the American captain of one of these ships, in a letter from Thomas Hickling, acting consul at St. Michael, whose Portuguese patent he encloses. The Moors consisted of two widows of the old...
79To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 30 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
As soon as my baggage was landed, I wrote a note to M. de Pinto, advising that I was charged with the delivery of a letter from you to him, and requesting the honor of being informed at what time it would be convenient for His Excellency to receive it. To this he gave an extremely polite answer, and fixed upon the 25th of this Month at his House in Junqueira. I accordingly waited on him, and,...
80To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 20 June 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 20 June 1792. According to an account from a gentleman at Gibraltar, Barclay remains there and the civil war in Morocco continues. Muley Ischem and Muley Suliman both claim the title of Emperor. The former stays in the capital and is recognized everywhere south of the Morbeya, the latter resides at Mequinez and is acknowledged north of that river. Unless the brothers agree to divide...
81To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 17 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, 17 June 1791. Nothing final received by packet from England about war between Russians and Turks. Fox’ speech gives “a just representation of the interfering, restless and bullying conduct of the British Ministry for some years past; with the probable disgrace, disadvantage and humiliation to be expected from it.”—A real novelty appears in “true accounts of the prosperous condition of...
82To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 17 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 17 May 1791 . He was presented to the Queen on the 13th, delivered his letter of credence, and, with the approval of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed his discourse in English, a copy of which he encloses. The Queen, surrounded at the public audience by her ministers, the diplomatic corps, the nobility, the chief officers of the departments, and many ladies of the court,...
83To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 20 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was of the 19th. of May. Since which time no vessel has sailed from this Port for the U.S. I have anxiously expected Captain Cutting by every Packet from England, and particularly by that which arrived the day before yesterday. But there is no intelligence of him. Had he fortunately arrived at this instant, we might have obtained a Swedish or Danish vessel for our purpose. Those...
84To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 22 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 22 Aug. 1791 . Reports say a courier has arrived today from Paris with news King of France has declined to accept the constitution, because, though it might be very good, he was deprived of all counsel and could not act on it.—King of Sweden is said to have written very spirited letter to National Assembly, declaring Fersen acted on his orders to effect escape of King. Thus royalty...
85To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 4 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The only object of this letter is to inform you, that I have been unavoidably detained by the weather until the present moment; in which I am embarking. Nothing has yet transpired to enable one to form a definitive conclusion, whether the great hostile preparations will terminate in war. Notwithstanding the Public continues to be amused and deluded, with pompous accounts, in all the Papers, of...
86To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 13 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
We have chartered a Swedish vessel at the rate of 340 Millrees per Month for two Months certain, and as much longer as we shall have occasion for it. This was the only expedient left for us, and the best terms we could make, and at all events will prove œconomical in case of our success at the place of destination. We shall have our Money, Passport, and every thing provided, and I hope we...
87To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 1 October 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 1 Oct. 1791. He does not know when he will have another opportunity of directly forwarding letters to America as the last American vessel in the harbor has been sold and converted into a Portuguese ship. Taking advantage of the British packets, he announces that Louis xvi has accepted the French constitution and that acts of oblivion, recommended by the king and proposed to the...
88To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 8 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 8 Feb. 1793 . His letter No. 64, a duplicate of which went by a second conveyance, described Barclay’s sudden death and the reasons he felt it necessary to come here to take care of the public property. Upon his arrival last Sunday he found the packages Barclay had brought from Lisbon safely in the hands of the Russian consul, James Simpson, who promptly told all he could about them...
89To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 10 September 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 10 Sep. 1791 . He has just received a letter of the 19th ulto. from Carmichael delivered by Mr. Milne, who visited the President at Mount Vernon in 1779. Carmichael has sent his dispatches to America and complains of ill health. Milne said that he was “emaciated and weakened by the late attacks of the Cholic which he has suffered.”—The wavering policy of Spain manifests itself in the...