1To 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...
2To 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...
3To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 21 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed are my accts. of disbursments & acct. curt. and likewise a quintuple of Mr. Leon Farfara’s acct. for cash & bills paid in lieu of the stores stipulated by the treaty between the United States and this Regency & likewise for the Brig Sophia promised to the Bashaw by Captn. OBrien when said treaty was concluded, The contingent expencis ammounted to 1500 dollars, the whole sum paid by me...
4To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 16 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 May 1801, Tripoli. No. 6. Recounts further deterioration in U.S.-Tripolitan relations since 19 Apr. Reports pasha’s ceremonial declaration of war, when U.S. flagstaff was cut down. Encloses letter to pasha of 26 Apr. and message of 11 May protesting war threats and treatment of U.S. flag. Has reached an agreement (copy enclosed) with Danish consul, who will tend to American affairs,...
5To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 16 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
The following is a Journal of occurences since the date of my dispatches forwarded direct to America by our Consul at Tunis. On April the 19th. I received a packet from Mr: Eaton at Tunis which came enclosed to Mr. Nissen containing letters from Messrs. Smith and OBrien, from the former of the 10th. of November & 4th. of February in which I am inform’d that several of my dispatches have been...
6To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 June 1801, Leghorn. No. 7. Explains why, departing Tripoli, he sailed to Leghorn [where he arrived 2 June] rather than Tunis: he feared attacks from Tripolitan cruisers, believed communications from Europe to U.S. more direct, and hoped at Leghorn to determine the reaction of Swedish crown to pasha’s demand of tribute. Renders account of financial transactions since 14 May, complaining of...
7To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
In my dispatch No. 6 of which the enclosed is a copy I had the honor to inform you that I should proceed with my family to Tunis and there wait the Presidents orders. You will therefore be surprized to find my letter dated here before you know my reasons which are as follows. First the Cruisers of Tripoli being all ready to sail I suspected that the y might follow our rout & plunder the vessel...
8To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 2 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I am extremely happy to inform you that honor has re-assumed its Empire in the bosom of the King of Sweden & that he has protested the Bills drawn by Mr Tornquist to the amount of Two hundred & forty thousand Dollars the sum promised by him to the Bashaw of Tripoli as the price of Peace & that he has resolved to repel the demand for an annuity of 20,000 Dols by force of Arms & will send a...
9To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 8 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 August 1801, Leghorn. No. 9. Encloses dispatches received 4 Aug. from Eaton with copies of other papers. Awaits notification of arrival of American squadron, which he expects to receive from the commodore himself. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Tripoli, vol. 2); FC ( NN : Cathcart Papers). RC 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. Enclosures include copies of an appraisal of items of jewelry by...
10To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 8 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed with this are some dispatches which I receiv’d on the 4th. inst. from Mr. Eaton, with the Copys of some papers which will probably reflect some light on our affairs; as I expect to receive intelligence from govt. as well as an Official Advise of the arrival of our Squadron from the Comodore himself I shall postpone any farther communications until I receive them. I presume they have...
11To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 10 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 August 1801, Leghorn. No. 10. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 21 May letter accompanied by a letter from Commodore Dale. Encloses copies of Dale’s letter and his reply to inform JM of their proposed method of procedure. His dispatches forwarded direct from Tunis and by True-man on the Columbia will convince JM that the dey of Algiers will never intercede on behalf of the U.S. but rather in...
12To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 10 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of receiving yours of the 21st. May on yesterday evening & shall scrupulously observe the instructions contain’d therein. It was accompanied by a letter from Comodore Dale a copy of which is enclosed A—with my answer B, which will inform you of the operations which we mean to pursue should the meet with the Comodores approbation. By my dispatches forwarded direct from Tunis,...
13To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 7 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 September 1801, Leghorn. No. 11. Sends enclosures that will show current American position. Adds that “the Capture of the Tripoline Cruiser in its tendency is equal to a victory.… A few more actions will effectually establish our national character in this sea, & prove to the Tyrants of Barbary that the government of the United States will not suffer indignitys with impunity.” Assures JM...
14To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 7 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I embrace the earliest opportunity to forward the enclosed dispatches which I have copied in order to multiply their conveyance: their being no vessel here ready to sail for the United States I have enclosed them to Mr. Cathalan at Marseilles. By the enclosures A & B you will be inform’d of our actual position; the Capture of the Tripoline Cruiser in its tendency is equal to a victory, &...
15To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 27 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 September 1801, Leghorn. No. 12. Sends enclosures covering occurrences since his last dispatch. Danish commodore Koefoed has arrived from Tripoli, where he adjusted terms of tribute rather than taking advantage of the current opportunity to eliminate payments; coercion of the pasha seems contrary to Danish policy. Though enclosures show the friendly disposition of Swedes, he believes they...
16To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 27 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
By the enclosures mark’d from A to G—you will be inform’d of what ever has occur’d to my knowledge since my last. I am in hourly expectation to hear from the Comodore who I make no doubt will act with energy & concur with me in the mode of operation which I have recommended. Comodore Koefoed who commands a Danish Squadron in this Sea lately arrived here from Tripoli. He has taken the advantage...
17To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 November 1801, Leghorn. No. 13. Transmits dispatches received on 5 Nov. from Eaton and duplicates of earlier ones already forwarded. Is distressed at news from Eaton that U.S. squadron had gone to Gibraltar and left enemy coast unguarded; hopes at least one frigate will have returned. U.S. citizens trading at Leghorn complain of lack of protection, no warship having appeared at Leghorn since...
18To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
By the enclosed dispatches—which I recd. yesterday from Mr. Eaton, & the duplicates of those already forwarded government will be inform’d of every transaction which has transpired since my last. I am exceedingly distress’d lest some of the Tripolines puts to sea as Mr. Eaton informs me that the enemys coast is abandon’d by our ships of War & that the whole Squadron has proceeded to Gibraltar...
19To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 28 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 December 1801, Leghorn. No. 14. Sends enclosures “which will inform you of the trifling occurrences since my last.” Reports “we are amazingly fortunate that none of our merchant vessels have been captured,” as one of the Tripolitan cruisers has been as far west as Cartagena; President is at Toulon, George Washington at Naples, Philadelphia off Tripoli, and Essex guards cruisers at...
20To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 28 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
Permit me the honor to forward for your perusal the enclosed papers which will inform you of the trifling occurrences since my last. We are amazingly fortunate that none of our merchant vessels have been captured as one of the Tripoline Cruisers has been as far to the westward as Carthagene. At this inst. the President is at Toulon the Washington is at Naples the Philadelphia is stationed off...
21To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 February 1802, Leghorn. Has drawn on JM for $453.09 in favor of John Shaw, commander of the George Washington . In postscript states that he has no news worth relating and is awaiting instructions from the president “with the same anxiety & impatience that a Mussulman awaits the prostrations of a pusillanimous christian chief, or that an Algerine Jew awaits the arrival of a Barbary Consul...
22To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
This day I have taken the liberty to draw upon you in favor of John Shaw Esqr. Commander of the United States Ship Washington for the sum of four hundred & fifty three dollars nine cents payable upon sight, which sum you will please to pay & place it to my acct. until final settlement & by so doing you will very much oblige Sir Yr: very hble Servt. Pt. St. Nothing has taken place since my last...
23To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1802, Leghorn. No. 2. Has learned that the U.S. ship George Washington , which arrived 31 Jan. from Tunis and Naples and sailed a few days later with merchant vessels under convoy, reached Marseilles safely. The President was repaired at Toulon and has sailed for Gibraltar. Eaton arrived in Leghorn on the George Washington and remained until 28 Feb. He will stop at Naples “to determine...
24To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
On the 31st. of Jany. the United States Ship Washington arrived here from Tunis and Naples & sail’d in a few days with all the merchant vessels under her convoy that were ready to depart. We have since heard of her safe arrival at Mersailles. The President has been thoroughly repair’d at Toulon & has sail’d for Gibraltar, I presume to await the arrival of the other squadron which we expect...
25To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 5 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 March 1802, Leghorn. No. 3. States that “during Mr. Eaton’s delay at Leghorn he inform’d me that no consideration on earth could have sufficient weight to induce him to remain in Barbary a moment after our affairs were terminated with Tripoli…. I therefore request that I may be removed from Tripoli to Tunis as I presume I have a prior right to that appointment to any person in the United...
26To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 5 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
During Mr. Eaton’s delay at Leghorn he inform’d me that no consideration on earth could have sufficient weight to induce him to remain in Barbary a moment after our affairs were terminated with Tripoli which would naturally envolve in its consequences a final settlement with Tunis. I therefore request that I may be removed from Tripoli to Tunis as I presume I have a prior right to that...
27To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 April 1802, Leghorn. No. 4. “The enclosed extracts from my correspondence & Mr. Eatons dispatches will inform you of our actual position, every thing seems to be in a train to promise apparently a satisfactory conclusion to this war which I assure you envolves serious consequences ’tho visibly it is of little moment. I have before observed that Tunis and Algiers have their eyes fix’d on...
28To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 April 1802 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed extracts from my correspondence & Mr. Eatons dispatches will inform you of our actual position, every thing seems to be in a train to promise apparently a satisfactory conclusion to this war which I assure you envolves serious consequences ’tho visibly it is of little moment. I have before observed that Tunis and Algiers have their eyes fix’d on Tripoli to know how far their...
29To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 9 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 May 1802, Leghorn. No. 5. Has not heard from “Barbary” but supposes Eaton persuaded Hamet to remain at Malta until the U.S. naval squadron arrives with instructions from the president. Has been informed that the Enterprize arrived “with dispatches at Gibraltar” and immediately went in search of the Boston , “who I presume is off Tripoli, but this is only conjecture as I have not been favor’d...
30To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 9 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have not heard from Barbary but think it probable that Mr: Eaton has agreed with Ciddi Hamed to remain at Malta untill the arrival of our Squadron & instructions from the President, otherwise what should induce him to enter that Port where he had reason to suppose some of our vessels of War were stationed. The Tioga arrived here from Baltimore in 60 days on the 7th. inst. &...
31To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 21 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 May 1802, Leghorn. No. 6. Acknowledges JM’s letter enclosing the 6 Feb. act for the protection of the commerce and seamen of the U.S. Encloses a copy of his dispatch no. 8 “& cannot imagine how it miscarried.” Has received no word from Barbary or about U.S. warships since his last dispatch. “I have kept myself in readiness to embark at a moments warning ever since the arrival of Comodore...
32To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 21 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
I was honor’d by the receipt of Yrs enclosing an Act pass’d on the 6th. of Feby. for the protection of the commerce & seamen of the United States of America on the 16th. inst. The communications therin mentioned I have not receiv’d probably owing to their bulk, as Mr. Gavino informs me that he has some Pamphlets for me which he intends to forward by sea. I enclose a copy of my dispatch No. 8:...
33To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 3 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 June 1802, Leghorn. No. 7. “Yesterday” he enclosed dispatches from Eaton through 4 May. Now encloses an extract of intelligence received from Tripoli “containing the most prominent transactions of that government from the 12th. of March to the 30th. of April,” to which he adds the following extracts from Eaton’s letter to him of 21 May. On the day before yesterday the Schooner Enterprize...
34To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 3 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
Yesterday I enclosed dispatches from Mr: Eaton at Tunis down to the 4th: of May. I have now the honor to forward an extract of the intelligence which I receiv’d from Tripoli on the 1st: inst. containing the most prominent transactions of that government from the 12th: of March to the 30th: of April in addition to which I take the liberty to forward for the information of govt. the following...
35To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 July 1802, Leghorn. No. 8. Enclosures A and B, along with his dispatch no. 7 which was forwarded by the Liberty on 3 June, relate all information of importance on U.S. affairs with Tripoli and Tunis. Tripolitan cruisers have been frequently at sea since the war began, and this at a time when the extent of American commerce “never was so valuable.” Has seen twenty-four American ships “in this...
36To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
By inclosures A. & B & my dispatch No. 7 forwarded by Ship Liberty on 3d. June you will be informed of every transaction worthy notice in relation to our affairs with Tunis & Tripoli. You will please to observe that the cruizers of Tripoli have been frequently at Sea since the war commenc’d & thence concieve the danger our Merchant ships have been exposed to, from the returns of our Consuls...
37To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 15 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 July 1802, Leghorn. No. 9. Cannot find “words expressive of my feelings” about the capture of the brig Franklin by the Tripolitans. “It proves that we cannot evade the depredations of the most insignificant cruisers of the most insignificant Barbary State. What? after the pains that had been taken to defeat the projects of the Bashaw of Tripoli … had been attended with success … & we were...
38To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 15 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
I cant find words expressive of my feelings when I contemplate the national consequences attending the capture of the brig Franklin. Had those pirates got her crew safe into Tripoli it would have reduced us nearly to the same humiliating situation that the Swedes are in. As it is, it proves that we cannot evade the depredations of the most insignificant cruisers of the most insignificant...
39To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 August 1802, Leghorn. No. 10. Has received circulars from Gibraltar announcing the Moroccan declaration of war against the U.S. “By my Circular of the 11th. of Septr. 1801 copy’s of which were forwarded to the Department of State and to Comodore Dale I foresaw this event, & I hope I will not be thought presumptuous should I assert that it might have been prevented.” Encloses Simpson’s answer...
40To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
By circulars from Gibraltar we are informed that Mr. Simpson arrived at that place on the 25th. of June having recd. orders to depart the Emperor of Morocco’s dominions in half an hour, in consequence of his having declared war against the United States of America. By my Circular of the 11th. of Septr. 1801 copy’s of which were forwarded to the Department of State and to Comodore Dale I...
41To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 August 1802, Leghorn. No. 11. During his residence at Tripoli, transmitted to the State Department a history of the reign of Ali Pasha, father of the reigning sovereign, including the “different revolutions in that State,” the murder of Mohammed Bey, and the usurpation by Yusuf Pasha Qaramanli of the throne of his brother Hamet Pasha. Is convinced that the inhabitants of Tripoli hold the...
42To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
During my residence at Tripoli I had the honor to transmit to the Department of State the history of the r eign of Aly Pacha father of the reigning sovereign of Tripoli including the different revolutions in that State, an account of the murder of Mohammed Bey & the dethroning of the rightfull sovereign of Tripoli Hamet Pacha who at that period was under the protection of the Bey of Tunis, but...
43To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 26 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 August 1802, Leghorn. Submits for the president’s decision a plan to coerce Yusuf Pasha of Tripoli to agree to a permanent treaty with the U.S. and “perpetual protection” for his brother Hamet by threatening him with the “use of such means as God had already placed in our hands … join’d to our influence at the sublime Port.” Encloses William Eaton’s letter to him of 12 July “with my...
44To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 26 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
In addition to my dispatch of yesterday give me leave respectfully to submit to the Presidents decision—Whether, supposing government should think proper to put an end to the War with Tripoli without prosecuting it to extremity; it would not be to the interest of the United States to embark Hamet Pacha on board our Comodores Ship & proceed with him before Tripoli, to then inform his brother...
45To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 3 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
Enclosures No. 1: 2: 3, are letters which I have receiv’d since my last from Tripoli. No. 3 informs us of the Bashaws great desire to come upon terms which he may suppose to be favorable to us, but from the stile of the letter it is pretty evident that he still expects we will purchase our peace. I am really at a loss how to act for want of knowing the pleasure of government, not having...
46To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
Having found an assistant I am enabled by this Post to forward the enclosed letter, and my answer to and from Mr: Nissen at Tripoli with my answer to his letter of the 8th: of July. I refer you to my dispatch No: 12. of last year dated September the 27th. 1801, for the reason which induced the Danish Comodore to adopt this pusillanimous conduct, he thinks he has effected a great deal by...
47To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 8 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
I conceive it my duty to forward Copy’s of all my correspondence that conveys the least intelligence to the department of State; however disagreeable this line of conduct may be on several occasions, I prescribed the rule myself, & from it I am resolved not to swerve, ’tho I am convinced it will procure me many private enemies, but at the same time I flatter myself it will promote the general...
48To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 8 October 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 October 1802, Leghorn. No. 15. Encloses a copy of a letter from the bey of Tunis to the president. “The nature of the demand therein made, as well as the insolent stile it is couch’d in will dictate the necessity of re-inforceing our squadron in this sea as soon as possible after the meeting of Congress, as I presume it would be inconsistent to accede to this demand after having refused the...
49To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 8 October 1802 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter from the Bashaw of Tunis to the President of the United States. The nature of the demand therein made, as well as the insolent stile it is couch’d in will dictate the necessity of re-inforceing our squadron in this sea as soon as possible after the meeting of Congress, as I presume it would be inconsistent to accede to this demand after having refused the cannon...
50To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 29 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 November 1802, Malta. No. 16. Acknowledges JM’s 18 Apr. and 10 May letters, received from Commodore Morris on 12 Oct. Enclosures nos. 1 and 2 will give JM the latest intelligence from Tripoli; no. 3 contains Cathcart’s opinions on the proper steps to take in the present crisis; and no. 4 shows the terms of a separate peace Sweden concluded and Danish and Dutch arrangements with Tripoli. “We...