1To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose an Arrêté of the Governor of this Island, opening certain Ports to Neutral Vessels. The Governor has been for about 3 weeks in the Southern part of the Island. I intended, before this time, to have made a tour to Port Republican; but I have found so many things to call my attention here that it has as yet been out of my power. I shall, however, set out in a few...
2To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 4 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Tobias Lear. 4 September 1805, “On board the U.S. Ship Constitution Tunis Bay.” “The bearer of this, Sidi Soliman Mellamella, goes to the U. States, to present himself before the President, as Ambassador from His Excellency the Bey of Tunis; as his Credentials &ca. will fully shew. He has been Ambassador from this Court to Naples and Genoa, appears to be a Man of Correct observation,...
3To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 7 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
In obedience to the command of the President of the United States, I have the honor to enclose you a letter from Peyton Short Esquire resigning his Commission of Collector of the Port of Louisville in Kentuckey, and to request that you will be so good as to consult with Mr. Brown, and any other Gentlemen from Virginia who are acquainted with characters in that part of the Country, upon a...
4To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 October 1801, Cap Français . No. 13. Encloses decree of Toussaint opening some ports to neutrals. Has been too busy to make an intended trip to Port Républicain. Has received a letter from British agent Corbet complaining that American vessels clear from Jamaica for the U.S. then come to Saint-Domingue to buy produce with Jamaican profits. Has not replied in full but only stated that the...
5To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 29 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
The Vessel in which I have engaged my passage from this place to St. Domingo, will be ready to sail on tuesday; and if she should be delay’d beyond that time, it will be at my expense. If it should be convenient for you to have my instructions prepared by Mond[a]y, I will be in the City on that day and receive them. I presume you will either hear from Mr. Thornton before that time, or that he...
6To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 27 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 July 1801, Cap Français. No. 4. Reports that Toussaint has just arrived from Gonaïves, where he apparently spoke with British agent who had recently returned from Jamaica. Notes that British agent has not yet communicated with him; Lear will await his initiative. Expects to hold discussions with Toussaint “this Evening.” Comments on high reputation of Stevens—“he Appears to have served the...
7To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 19 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 7. Takes advantage of Stevens’s delayed departure to relay word that two British frigates appeared off the harbor on 17 Aug. One frigate boarded, then released, American schooner Commerce as it entered port. Has not heard of their capturing any American vessels, although several left earlier. Encloses an order from Toussaint halting payments from the treasury...
8To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 19 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the pleasure of writing to you this forenoon, I have been favored with your acceptable letter of the 12th. inst. with its enclosures, for which I am much obliged. I have been on board the Constitution since writing to you in the morning; and am fully convinced that she will not be ready to sail until the 10th of Augt. Captn. Preble appears to be making every exertion to get the...
9To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 29 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 March 1802, Cap Français. No. 23. Transmits copies of his dispatches of 28 Feb. and 22 Mar., since which one warship and two frigates have arrived from France with troops. “ Nothing more has occurred respecting Louisiana. That it is ceded to France is true and that part of the forces sent out are intended [for] that country there is no doubt but I are still of opinion that if they touch...
10To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 20 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
As the Honorable, the House of Representatives has been pleased to refer to you, for your report thereon, a Memorial which I laid before that Body, stating the circumstances attending my residence in the Island of St. Domingo, as Genl. Com. Agent of the United States, and the losses which I sustained in consequence of continuing there until the destruction of the City of Cape François; I take...
11To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 15 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose duplicates of my two last letters Nos. 9 & 10. Since writing the last nothing new has occurred here. The Governor has not yet returned to this place; but is expected in 5 or 6 days. Mr. Dandridge has arrived here this day from Aux Cayes, and informs me that everything is tranquil in that quarter. Industry and good order prevail there, and the crops promise to be...
12To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 8 April 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have taken the liberty of drawing upon you this day in favour of Colo. Clement Biddle of Philadelphia, for one hundred dollars, to be placed to my Account with the U: States, for money advancd for distressed Seamen in this place. My advances on this account exceeds this sum; but I should not have drawn had it been permitted to send money out of this Island; or could a bill be had on...
13To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 28 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 12th inst. by Captn. John Rodgers, late of the Navy of the U. States, who sailed from this on the 13h for Baltimore, in the Schooner Nelly. I then acknowledged the rect. of your letter of the 8h of January, which reached my hands on the 30th and also gave as full an account of the disasterous events which had taken place here, as time and circumstances...
14To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 28 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose triplicate of my respects to you of the 4th. of January, and duplicate of that of the 9 th. instant, together with the Schedule of my accounts with the United States. Since forwarding the Originals of these letters I have heard nothing respecting the U. States, excepting by a letter from Mr. Montgomery, our Consul in Alicante, that an embargo had been laid on all...
15To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 30 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the 28th. instant I had the honor of writing to you a few lines in haste, respecting the state of affairs here. That letter was sent by the Brig Eliza Coats, Capt Hodges bound to Newbury Port, and left open, under a Cover to Dudley A. Tyng Esqr Collector at that place, that he might use its contents for the information of the mercantile part of the community in that quarter, and then to...
16To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 17 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 January 1802, Cap Français. No. 19. Reports that since his last of 11 Dec. he has received JM’s letters of 26 Oct. and 21 Nov. , both arriving on same ship. Appreciates president’s approval of his conduct. Will pursue individual claims on the basis of his amended instructions. Dandridge’s commission was not enclosed in JM’s letter; has informed him of appointment and asked Linn to continue...
17To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 17 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing you, under date of the 11th. of December, I have had the satisfaction to receive your letters of the 26th. of October and 21st. of November; both of which came to hand by the same vessel. Nothing could have been more gratifying to my feelings than the President’s approbation of my conduct since I have been here; and I pray you will have the goodness to...
18To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 8 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 April 1802, Cap Français. Has drawn on JM in favor of Clement Biddle of Philadelphia for $100, to be charged to his account with the U.S. for money advanced for distressed seamen. “My advances on this account exceeds this sum; but I should not have drawn had it been permitted to send money out of the Colony; or could a bill be had on Philada.… Till lately the expenses on this account have...
19To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 19 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
It is with extreme regret I learn, that the British Prisoners, detained in Kentuckey and Ohio, and who were to have been released and delivered, by the Convention concluded on the 16th of July, are still retained within the United States. As I was the Agent, on the part of the U. States, in concluding that Convention, which I beleive was highly advantageous to our Country, I feel a deep...
20To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 3 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 November 1804, Malta. No. 9. “Since my last, under date of July 16th (Duplicate of which and enclosures are herewith transmitted) I have been honored with your letters of the 6h & 13h of June, which were handed to me at Algiers, by Capt. Chauncy, on the 29th of July. “The letter from the President to the Dey of Algiers appeared to give him much satisfaction, particularly that part which...
21To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 7 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have received the letters which you did me the honor to write on the 1st & 4th of November, and 26h of January. The time of their getting to my hands you will find noted in a copy of my Diary, which is herewith transmitted. You will, undoubtedly have been informed, before this, that the Gun Carriages have been applied by Mr. Simpson, agreeably to their original destination. I am persuaded...
22To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 31 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
A Copy of what I had the honor of writing to you on the 28th. instant, with its enclosures, accompanies this. The Vessel which took the aforesaid letter did not sail ‘till the 29th. Yesterday I sent my Drogerman to the Pala ce to know of the Dey what were his ultimate intentions (if he chose to declare them) respecting the business mentioned in my last; and to request that I might be allowed...
23To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 25 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
On the 29o. of August, I had the honor to receive your respectable letter of the 15o. of May, and on the 14o. of October, that of the 7o. of June, with its enclosures; and on my Arrival at this place, Dr. Triplett put into my hands your several letters of the 9o. 11 & 19o. of July, and one from Mr. Wagner of the 6o. of August, with the several enclosures and papers mentioned therein. At the...
24To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 14 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to inform you that I have this day drawn upon you, in favor of John Gavino Esqr. at 30 days sight, for five thousand dollars, on account of the United States of America, for their Barbary Affairs. With the highest respect & consideration, I have the honor to be Sir, Your mo. ob. St. Privately owned.
25To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 20 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 17th. inst.—a copy of which I now enclose. Since that time nothing new has occurred here. The Governor, General Toussaint Louverture, has been absent from this place for 3 days past. It is supposed he has gone towards Port Republican. His movements are very rapid and uncertain. He commands everything in this Island. He is certainly an extraordinary man....
26To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 24 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 8. Encloses letter from Toussaint revealing plans to move seat of government to Port Républicain, to which Lear replied that he would ask for the president’s decision on his own place of permanent residence. Since Toussaint’s letter was the first indication of his having changed his determination to move to Gonaïves, Lear will take no steps until the seat of...
27To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 26 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a duplicate of my respects to you of the 12th. ultimo, Since which nothing new has occurred relative to our affairs here. As several of the Corsairs of this Regency have returned from their Cruize since the affair of the 31st. of March, and some of them had spoken American Vessels without offering any molestation, I have written to our Consul in Alicante, as well as...
28To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 9 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that I have just arrived from Cadiz, after a pleasant passage of 38 days; and have forwarded to The Honble. The Secretary of State, a copy, in the Spanish language, of a communication made by the Regency of Spain to the Cortes, on the 31st of december last, on the subject of the conduct of the U. States towards Spain and her American colonies; which is a...
29To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 27 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I embrace a favourable opportunity offered by Mr. D’Arcy, who goes passenger in the Schooner Fox to Philada. to write you a few lines, and enclose a Copy of my last of the 25th. inst. which covered a Copy of the Constitution formed for the Island. I would forward another Copy by this Opporty., was it practicable for me to get it; but that seems to be out of the question at present. I hope to...
30To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 11 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1802, Cap Français. No. 25. “On the ninth the Genl. in Chief arrived here from Port au Prince, in a Frigate. In the forenoon of the tenth I waited upon him, when he informed me, in the first moment of our meeting, that he could not receive me as a public Character from the U. States, and desired I would no longer exercise the functions of Commercial Agent in the Island. I demanded the...
31To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 3 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
On my return from Portsmouth last evening, I had the satisfaction of finding here, your letter of Instructions under date of July 14th, enclosing letters from the President of the United States to the Dey of Algiers, the Bey of Tunis, and Bashaw of Tripoli; together with four new Mediterranean Passports, and two hundred tops of this Passport; also your respected favor of the 27th of July,...
32To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 14 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that I have this day drawn upon you, in favor of John Gavino Esqr. for ten thousand dollars, at 30 days sight, on account of the United States of America for their Barbary Affairs. With the highest respect & consideration, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your mo. Ob. St. Privately owned.
33To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 13 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
In consequence of the arrangement made with this Regency, in pursuance of the Instructions which I have had the honor of receiving from you under date of the 7th. of June 1806, &c. (a particular detail of wch negotiation and arrangement is given in my letter to you of the 25th. of January) I have found it necessary to draw upon Wm. Higgins Esqr. of Malta, for money to pay the reimbursement...
34To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 2 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that I have this day drawn upon you, in favor of John Gavino Esqr Consul of the U. States in Gibraltar, for twenty thousand dollars, in four sets of Exchange, each set in five Bills, at 30 days sight, vizt, One set for $3000. One do for 4000. One do for 6000. One do for 7000 $20,000 value received from him on account of the U. States, for their Barbary Affairs;...
35To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 15 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 September 1801, Cap Français. No. 11. Has nothing further to report since his last letter. Dandridge has arrived from Aux Cayes with news that all is tranquil there and a good harvest is expected. Recommends Dandridge to succeed Ritchie at Port Républicain or to succeed Lear at the cape if government moves to Port Républicain. RC , FC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cap Haitien, vol. 3). RC 1 p....
36To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 2 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 18th of October from Gibraltar, by the U. States ship New York, in which I informed you that I expected to sail in a few days for this place; but on the 22nd, Commodore Preble sailed in the Constitution for Cadiz, to get a Cable and sundry Articles of which he stood in need, and which could not be procured at Gibraltar. He expected to return in a few...
37To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 3 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
I embrace the last moment of the ship old Tom being here, to inform you that the Dey sent in great hast[e] this morning for Mr. O’Brien & myself to the palace. We found him in a violent rage, and on the point of giving orders for the execution of some of the Captains of his cruizers, who, on their late cruize, had taken a Maltise Vessel which was under the protection of English passports, and...
38To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 12 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 February 1802, Cap Français. No. 20. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 8 Jan. letter and enclosures. French fleet of fourteen ships of the line and nine frigates arrived on 2 Feb.; whites rejoiced and blacks prepared to resist. Christophe refused to allow fleet to enter the harbor without orders from Toussaint. Lear advised Americans to get themselves and their valuables aboard vessels in the...
39To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 12 August 1808 (Madison Papers)
With a duplicate of my respects to you of the 16th. of July, I have the honor to forward Copies of all my letters mentioned therein, which I had sent to General Armstrong to be sent by any conveyance which might offer from France to the U. States; and also duplicates of my accounts with the U. States, and o f the agreement and representation of the Consuls residing in Algiers, togethe r w ith...
40To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 4 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
As I feel it my duty to write to you by every good and safe opportunity which offers, I am afraid that the frequency of my letters may be troublesome, as they do not contain matters of much importance. But as every occurrence, however trivial, may, in the present state of things between the United States and this Island, be of some consequence to our government, I shall rather chuse to be...
41To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 16 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
An opportunity offering from this to France, by Mr. Jonathan Colesworth of Nantucket, in Massachusetts (who came here from Marseilles a few weeks ago, on some commercial speculations, which, however, the peculiar circumstances of the moment have prevented him from entering upon) I embrace it, to forward to General Armstrong, our Minister in Paris, copies of all my letters to you since I had...
42To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 28 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Tobias Lear. 28 March 1806, Algiers. “I have the honor to inform you that I have this day drawn upon you, two Setts of Exchange as follows. “$500 } at 30 days Sight in favor of Mr John Wingate. “2500 } “3000—Say for three thousand Dollars, for Value received in the freight of the Ship Raleigh in bringing a Cargo of Wheat from Malta to this place, on Account of the Regency, and which...
43To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 21 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 November 1801, Cap Français. No. 16. Has nothing more to add to the report in his no. 15 [9 Nov.] than that order seems to be fully restored, the field hands have returned to their respective plantations, and measures have been taken to prevent another uprising. Reports numerous executions following the revolt in addition to those killed during the fighting. States that the heavy volume of...
44To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 30 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
Exchange for $12,000 dollars. At thirty days Sight of this my first of Exchange (second and third of the same tenor and date not paid) please to pay to the Order of Richard OBrien Esqr. the Sum of Twelve thousand Dollars, value received on account of the United States of America for their Barbary Affairs, and place the same to account, as per Advice from, Your Most Obedt Servt. Privately owned.
45To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 9 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 November 1801, Cap Français. No. 15. Reports that Toussaint placed an embargo on all vessels in port to prevent escape of insurrectionists and dissemination of inaccurate reports. Encloses governor’s official account of events; government is concerned lest tales of disorder discourage trade. Wishes to meet with the British agent, who has written several letters complaining about the practice...
46To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 25 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
Together with a duplicate of my letter of the 21st. inst (No. 16) I herewith enclose the Copy of my correspondence with the Governor, relative to an outrage committed on the rights of Commerce, by a french Citizen residing in this place. You will have the pleasure to see that the Governor has, in the most explicit manner, declared his determination to pursue that line which justice and...
47To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 28 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed has this moment come to my hands, and I embrace the present opportunity to forward it, in addition to my letter of the 25 inst. which goes by the same vessel. What the effect of this may be I cannot tell; but in the present temper of things I have no doubt it will be carried into operation. With the highest respect I have the honor to be Sir, Your most Obedt. Servt. The preceding...
48To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 17 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 6. Sends dispatch by Dr. Stevens, who leaves 18 Aug. on the Amphitrite for Philadelphia and intends to go on immediately to Washington. Continues to believe that Stevens’s official conduct has been faithful and beneficial to U.S. trade and that he has suffered great loss of personal fortune in the exercise of his duties. Has received from Stevens a copy of...
49To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 10 December 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Tobias Lear. 10 December 1805, Algiers. “I have this day drawn on you a sett of Exchange for twelve thousand Dollars, at thirty days sight, to the Order of Messrs. Degen, Purviance and Co. being for Value received, on Account of the Department of State, for the service of the United States of America in their Barbary Affairs, which please to honor Accordingly.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD ,...
50To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 18 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
My last (duplicate of which I have the honor to transmit by this conveyance) was down to the 26 of Sept. On that day the U. S. Frigate New York, left this bay on a cruize off Larache, Mogodore &c. On the 29th the U. S. frigate John Adams returned from her cruize, without having met the Moorish Frigate Maimona, which was the object of her search. At the same time our Consul, Mr. Gavino, recd a...