1To James Madison from George Joy, 14 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
The Constitution is at length arrived, and Mr: Russell informs me that she is to return to France before she will proceed to America; which will not probably be till some time in the Month of Janry. My Plan of embarking in her is by this means disconcerted; and the detail of Communication, that I was desirous of making personally, delayed. I am now strongly persuaded to defer my departure till...
2To James Madison from George Joy, 9 January 1816 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From George Joy. 9 January 1816, New England Coffee House London. “I have just heard of an opportunity of sending the enclosed Duplicates, by a fast sailing Vessel from Dover. Should both Copies arrive, one will be sufficient to transmit to Mr. Benjn: Joy.” Adds in a postscript: “The 1sts. are in the Nabby: Care of Mr: Gelston.” RC ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison Papers). 1 p. Docketed on...
3To James Madison from George Joy, 31 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
It is long since I had the honor of addressing you; much longer since I had that of receiving a Line from you; the last being of the date of Janry 1811. I have very sudden notice of Mr: Carroll’s arrival and Departure; and write this in the Coffee House with him, without any opportunity of referring to or enclosing any papers save the printed section of the Pamphleteer No 8. which, if the...
4To James Madison from George Joy, 12 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I attended yesterday at the Court of Admiralty rather to hear what could be said than from any doubt of the result of the trial of the Somerset, captured during the war, and recaptured after the period assigned for exemption by the treaty. The Proctor for the Captor, whom I happened to know, assured me that he had not been able to find a case in point; which I did not think it difficult to...
5To James Madison from George Joy, 19 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you in great haste by Mr: Carroll, and cannot boast of much leisure on the present occasion, which was offered to me late last evening by a Gentleman intending to leave town tomorrow. I doubt if I shall be able to send you the Sequel of my Essays under the Signature of Conciliator having no Copy of the M.S. at hand; and the Editor of the Pamphleteer, who has lately been appointed to a...
6To James Madison from George Joy, 27 June 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 June 1809, London. Appointed the American consul in Rotterdam, Joy has not taken his post. He has heard of the difficulties now thrown in the way of travelers trying to reach Holland. Encloses a letter telling of the uncertain status of neutral vessels, including American ships now in the Amsterdam port. Joy has applied for a passport through “the Court of Holland” instead of through Paris,...
7To James Madison from George Joy, 20 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have just parted with Lord Sidmouth who after the recognition of a meeting some years ago, and the repetition of the same friendly disposition to the United States and reference to the same constitutional analogies, customs &c which I remember to have communicated to you at the time or since, proceeded to assert his right to be considered a friend of the United States, by adding that he had...
8To James Madison from George Joy, 18 October 1811 (Madison Papers)
The Constitution is now daily expected at Cowes; and by her I hope to embark for the U.S. I am just now advised of a Bag at the N. York Coffee House for Letters to be sent by a fast sailing ship from Liverpool, and send this in the presumption that it may arrive before the Constitution. I am advised of the Condemnation of the Julian, Hercules, Catharine & Atlantic, (carried into Dantzic in May...
9To James Madison from George Joy, 17 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have just parted from Mr Adams with whom I have had a tête à tête of five hours; and as he tells me the Neptune does not sail to morrow as reported, but on the contrary she will remain ’till the following Sunday, I shall send this by her to announce that the project, mentioned in my letter of the 12th of May, is at an end. Mr A. does not encourage it, thinks it would answer no valuable...
10To James Madison from George Joy, 14 September 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 September 1810, Gothenburg. Has sent “copious Communications” to JM and to the secretary of state but vessels carrying them have been delayed by adverse winds. Requests JM to wait for the receipt of his letters before taking any measures or making any appointments relative to this region. RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
11To James Madison from George Joy, 7 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
As I am prevented proceeding to Liverpool to embark in this ship only by a doubt lately suggested by Mr: Maury whether she will proceed or not; (tho’ I think, (and so does Mr: Russell,) that no conciliatory measures on the part of this Government, are likely to detain her for a freight;) I am not prepared with such Duplicates, and other Communications, as I should otherwise have sent in her....
12To James Madison from George Joy, ca. 20 October 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 20 October 1810, Copenhagen. Reports that he arrived in Copenhagen on 11 Oct. and that he has had discussions and correspondence with the French minister and Danish cabinet officials on the subjects already mentioned in his letters of 7 Oct. and 8 Sept. The French minister asked him what he thought of the extension of the Continental System. Privately the minister admitted the absurdity of...
13To James Madison from George Joy, 23 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have yet received no appointment from Lord Sidmouth since I wrote you on the 20th. Instant. I may have been mistaking in his saying he would write me on Sunday but I am sure he said the appointment would not pass this day and it is now ½ past 3 O’Clock. I have sent him the letter of yesterday of which I enclose copy & which I presume reached his hands within the last hour. Having a letter...
14To James Madison from George Joy, 16 September 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 September 1810, Gothenburg. Has not yet had an answer from Saabye to the enclosure. Reports that he has been mortified by rumors “that Mr. Joy had no authority and could therefore be of no use” in protecting American ships in the Baltic. Discusses the methods of determining commissions paid by mercantile houses and the reasons for his preference of another Copenhagen firm over Saabye’s....
15To James Madison from George Joy, 5 July 1815 (Madison Papers)
Contrary to the information of Mr Adams, the Neptune sailed on the 18th. Ult; and I shall send my letter of the 17th with this to the Isle of Wight; where I have some friends embarking for Boston. As things have turned out I could not but regret in a late conversation with Mr A. that the chance of such an effort had not been tried; and I ought perhaps to say that without giving any...
16To James Madison from George Joy, 24 May 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 May 1809, London. Reports varied reactions from members of the American community in London to news of the Erskine agreement. In a postscript he adds: “the Committee of American Merchants have been apprised that Mr: Erskine had exceeded his instructions & the Govt: will not ratify his Agreemt:—since confirmed by two of the Committee whom I have seen.” RC , two copies ( DLC ). 4 pp. One copy...
17To James Madison from George Joy, 8 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
If this should overtake, at Liverpool, my letter of yesterday, it will serve to correct an Error, which, as I did not read after writing it, escaped my notice. It passed unobserved also by the Copyist, who took it down as I wrote it, whom I asked, in my haste, if he had perceived any Mistake, and who assured me there was none. Instead of “ it would be repugnant,” I should have said “ my...
18To James Madison from George Joy, 25 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
Of all the Events of this eventful period in which our lot is cast, that which has recently taken place is surely the most astonishing. To pretend not to be astounded at it would be an affectation of Stoicism beyond the Stupor of an American Indian. The Question of the Peace of Europe is as much afloat as ever; and how to speculate upon it, is really beyond all depth. The french military is...
19To James Madison from George Joy, 7 October 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 October 1810, Gothenburg. Reports that his letter of 16 Sept. to JM had not left the port when he received the enclosed letter from Saabye. Finds Saabye’s reply personally satisfactory and is convinced that Saabye is a man of integrity; but is still at a loss how to proceed. Suspects that there is an effort to “conceal from our Countrymen the Object of my residence in these cold Regions.”...
20To James Madison from George Joy, 15 August 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have just crossed the Sound in much better Health than when I left this place. You will perceive, in the concluding Paragraph of my letter to my Brother of the 21st. ultimo, that it was not my intention to cross the Atlantic very soon. Some Murmurs that have reached me have induced serious thoughts however of making the Voyage from this place; and further consideration, to take England in my...
21To James Madison from George Joy, 5 October 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 October 1809, Gothenburg, Sweden. Transmits copy of his letter to JM of 9 Sept. Awaits in Gothenburg the arrival of “the Documents necessary to support my Pretensions,” which have been delayed by irregular mail and wartime interruptions. If he does not receive papers within forty-eight hours, proposes proceeding to Copenhagen without them. The wind and weather make it possible that the...
22To James Madison from George Joy, 3 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 August 1809, London. Encloses draft of a memorial to the king of Denmark and Norway protesting Danish depredations on U.S. shipping. These attacks on “no less than fifty four ships” are the latest object of Joy’s attention and diverted him from taking up his post as American consul in Holland. The American minister in London has advised him “to deviate from his intended Voyage [to Holland]...
23To James Madison from George Joy, 31 May 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 May 1809, London. Has read the parliamentary debates on the Erskine agreement, which “are best reported in the Chronicle.” No doubt JM is better informed “than we can be here.” Encloses a copy of the instructions accompanying the 26 Apr. revision of the orders in council, as well as his letter to Canning in which Joy expresses his disappointment at the foreign secretary’s adamant stand...
24To James Madison from George Joy, 23 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
The delay of Mr: Welles by contrary winds enables me to add to my Letter of the 19th four other numbers of my Conciliator Vizt: Ns 5, 6, 7 and 9. If farther delay should occur I shall forward the remainder which are copying for that purpose. Always very respectfully Dr sir Your most obedt servt: RC and enclosures ( DLC ). RC docketed by JM . Joy enclosed manuscript copies of his “Conciliator”...
25To James Madison from George Joy, 9 June 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 June 1811, Copenhagen. Reports arrival on 30 May of Erving who gave him JM’s letter of 28 Jan. The documents he sent to JM and the secretary of state will show how he protracted the most important cases until Erving’s arrival, and he has no doubt decisions can be delayed “till Mr: Erving has had sufficient opportunity to confer with Count Rozenkrantz.” His own conversation with the latter...
26To James Madison from George Joy, 30 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
There is a great dearth of news at this time from the U.S. and little doing here that has any relation to them. I am sorry that I never received any reply from you directly or indirectly on the subject of my proposition for an informal negociation with the King of France. The least encouragement of the measure from you, would, I have no doubt, have been seconded by Mr. Adams, who has known me...
27To James Madison from George Joy, 8 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 March 1809, London. He has written Lord Grenville regarding inconsistencies in the parliamentary debates over the naval blockade, the enforcement of which has exceeded “the rule of the War of 1756.” He attended the debates where Rose and Canning spoke, the latter saying with “the most consummate Impudence” that he would not discuss the state of American negotiations. Joy took “copious Notes”...
28To James Madison from George Joy, 17 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
Leaving Town for a few days I sent to Lord Sidmouth the letter of which I take the liberty to enclose copy herein. I returned on the 11th. Instant & found a card of Mr Russell subjoining a request in pencil that I would call on him on my return. My letters have been regularly sent me; but of this card I knew nothing though it had lain a week at my lodgings and on calling I found he had left...
29To James Madison from George Joy, 15 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed will shew you the cause and the sole cause, of my continuing ’till this time in England. The magnitude of the object and the encouragement of some friends have induced this attempt, against my own opinion of any advantage being derived from it. And to the general discouragement, arising from the prejudices complained of therein, I have an addition in a note this moment received...
30To James Madison from George Joy, 19 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
Though the debates of last evening exhibiting the pitiful and undignified manner in which Ministers are retreating from the Orders in Council, after the sordid principles upon which they have endeavoured to sustain them, give little encouragement to the hope of any beneficial consequences; I think it right to inform you that I have an appointment with Lord Sid-mouth at one O’Clock to morrow...
31To James Madison from George Joy, 14 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
My last under date the 25th Ult. finished with a remark on the disadvantage of a premature exposure of the instructions to the commissioners at Ghent, which has since been confirmed to me by Mr Clay, who, on my observing that I considered this a fault in our practice, did not hesitate to say (whatever his former opinion may have been) that he thought so too. It is one of the modes of...
32To James Madison from George Joy, 25 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
I had not long closed my letter of the 19th when I met Lieut: Brooks who informed me that he believed nothing had been done in France; that such was the common opinion but he could not speak from any authority, as Mr. Barlow was very close. He had indeed told him when he was coming away that he expected to make peace for all the world. It was said in haste and Brooks supposed with a view to...
33To James Madison from George Joy, 11 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 March 1809, London. Reports that at least eight ships from America have recently arrived in a British port in violation of the Embargo. Seeks appointment for himself and Samuel Williams as commercial agents for U.S. in London. Williams is known as an honorable man on the exchange and would be a valuable representative, particularly if Joy’s business took him elsewhere. RC ( DNA : RG 59,...
34To James Madison from George Joy, 16 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Maury has transmitted to you from time to time in M. S. and print the sheets of a work of which the commencement was enclosed in my letter to you of the 15th. of Feby. and I have given a discretionary authority to Mr. John Atkinson of New York to print it in America. I have since sent Mr. Maury M. S. copy of a smaller work entitled “A letter from a calm observer to a Noble Lord on the...
35To James Madison from George Joy, 25 July 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 July 1809, London. Joy believes his gadfly efforts have been partially successful and thinks his pro-American endeavors worthwhile, for he realizes “on what small Events the Affairs of nations sometimes hang.” RC ( DLC ). 2 pp.
36To James Madison from George Joy, 10 June 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 June 1809, London. Joy is upset over Canning’s handling of the Erskine affair. Expresses his own preference for the pleasures of private life over the plagues suffered when one is in the public eye and wishes JM could also withdraw from his political responsibilities. RC ( DLC ). 10 pp.
37To James Madison from George Joy, 27 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
There is one subject on which I ought to address a separate line to you; and I am glad of the opportunity presented by Mr: Langston, which I consider the best I have had for a long time. The question who is to be President, at the next election, is not unfrequent; and as the Idea is gone forth that it must not be a Virginian, and it has even been understood that Mr: Monroe will not stand for...
38To James Madison from George Joy, 22 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I did not intend troubling you with triplica⟨tes⟩ of these sheets but finding that the Orbit is about sailing in ballast from Liverpool, and may probably arrive before the William & Henry for Boston, or the Friends for Norfolk; I send them herewith to Mr: Maury for that purpose. The Resolution of the Captn: of the Orbit to sail in ballast arises from the News just received, that the Goods...
39To James Madison from George Joy, 9 September 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 September 1809, Harwich, England. Discusses British attempt to blockade the entire French coast and control U.S. trade. Informs JM of the unfortunate situation of American ships held captive in Denmark and describes his plans to spend time there endeavoring to free them. RC and duplicate ( DLC ). RC 16 pp. Duplicate 21 pp.; enclosed in Joy to JM, 5 Oct. 1809 ( DLC ).
40To James Madison from George Joy, 24 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have now seen the letter from Mr. Percival which I mentioned to you in the Postscript to Dupl : of my Letter of the 22nd and the following is an Extract of it, written from memory to be sure, but in respect to the emphatical words literal, and in other respects substantially if not verbally correct. Viz: “That the perseverance in the measure of the orders in Council is not grounded in...
41To James Madison from George Joy, 2 September 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 September 1810, Gothenburg. Resumes the discussion of subjects raised in his last letter, in April, and considers the changes that have occurred since then. Declares that the “enormous Duties” imposed by France will annul the effects of the recent revocation of its decrees. Discusses the present state of the trade in colonial goods in the Baltic and the prospects for the repeal of the...
42To James Madison from George Joy, 19 December 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 December 1810, Copenhagen. “I am yet unadvised of the fate of my Letters that were put on shore at Gottenburg; and such of the Duplicates that I have sent to replace them … save that these last have passed safely into Sweden. I therefore give this an entirely different direction.” In a postscript lists the papers enclosed: Joy to JM, 8 Oct. 1810 and October 1810; cabinet secretary to Joy,...
43To James Madison from George Joy, 16 November 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 November 1810, Copenhagen. Informs JM he has credible information that some of his letters have been put ashore at Gothenburg, including a letter for JM enclosed in one addressed to Warder & Sons of Philadelphia. Cannot account for the captain’s conduct, nor can he discern the fate of the letters. The Eclipse of Philadelphia sailed with a similar set of papers, “but I enclose such Copies as...
44To James Madison from George Joy, 19 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you on the 16th. instant, 1st. and 2nd. Via: Liverpool, to the care of Mr. Maury, 3rd. Via: Plymouth pr: Mr. Hawker, since then I have had no further intercourse with Lord Sidmouth, except sending him, in its naked form, extract of a letter from one of my brothers in Boston, expressive of the indignation felt there at the interference pr. Henry, while holding out friendly pretensions;...
45To James Madison from George Joy, 29 May 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 May 1809, London. Repeats a rumor [mentioned in a postscript to a 24 May letter to JM ] that the British cabinet considered accepting the Erskine agreement, but the king rejected it on the ground that he was “personally insulted.” Encloses copy of a six-page letter Joy sent anonymously to Canning which is critical of the foreign secretary’s American policy. RC and enclosure ( DLC ). RC 2...
46To James Madison from George Joy, 28 April 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 April 1810, Copenhagen. The French minister at Copenhagen, Didelot, gave Joy the enclosed papers relating to “a claim or rather a pretension of the heirs of the late Mr. Gerard (first Minister of France to the U.S.) to Some lands or the value of them presented to him by the Illinois & Wabash Company.” The enclosed note of Gérard de Rayneval , brother of the deceased minister, shows that...
47To James Madison from George Joy, 18 July 1811 (Madison Papers)
Having a Copy of the Letter from the Danish Chancery to the Admiralty enclosed in my Letter to you of the 1st Inst: and hearing very suddenly of an Estafette bound to Gottenborg whence a schooner is about sailing to the U. S. I beg leave to hand you the said Copy annexed and am always very respectfully, Dear sir, Yr. friend & Servt. RC and enclosure ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison Papers)....
48To James Madison from George Joy, 8 October 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 October 1810, Gothenburg. Continues “the thread of my discourse of yesterday.” Stresses the importance of JM’s appointing good men to office in the region and hopes to recommend, as he promised, a good man for the consulship at Gothenburg. Is going to Copenhagen and regrets not being able to accomplish his purposes here. Believes that Sweden, having elected a French prince to its throne,...
49To James Madison from George Joy, 13 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have just parted from Mr. Walker of Birmingham whom you will find mentioned in the Chronicle of this date as having received a certain intimation from Lord Castlereagh. Mr: Walker denies altogether the imperious Language of Lord C. which he will require to be contradicted in the Chronicle—he even constructed from his Language that a directly different result would follow. But on repetition...
50To James Madison from George Joy, 6 October 1815 (Madison Papers)
The Manifold Writer, which I seldom use, except with the aid of another Machine called a Copyist, is useful on particular occasion; and I wonder that it is not more used. An objection to it is however seen in the enclosed; the first half dozen lines of which being obscure, I shall transcribe at the foot of this letter. There is nothing here, worth communicating, that you will not see in the...