11To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 4 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 5. Will write frequently since any information, however trivial, may prove to be of consequence. Still has not received any communications from British agent to the island [Edward Corbet]. In a 30 July conversation Toussaint told him to send passports for French and American ships going from one port to another on the island to the British agent for signature....
12To 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...
13To 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...
14To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 17 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed to you by Dr. Stevens, who embarks tomorrow, with his family, on board the Brig Amphitrite for Philadelphia. As Dr. Stevens intends going on to the seat of Government immediately on his arrival, I shall say but little more in this letter than to refer to him for the detail of the present state of things here. In my letter of the 27th. ultimo I mentioned that the official...
15To 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...
16To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 19 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Dr. Stevens’ departure being delayed two days beyond the time he expected to sail, gives me an opportunity of writing this, in addition to my letter of the 17th. Two British frigates appeared off this harbour on the 17th., and continued there until last evening. One was the Trent—the other not known. The latter boarded the Am. Schooner Commerce, Capt Ingersoll, from Salem, coming into this...
17To 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...
18To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 24 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the honor of writing to you on the 17th. & 19th. inst. by Dr. Stevens, I have received a letter from the Governor (a Copy of which is enclosed) informing me that his residence would be established at Port Republican, and requesting that I would obtain instructions from my Government to fix myself near him. In my answer, I informed him that I would hasten to communicate his wishes...
19To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 30 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 9. Encloses copy of a letter from Citizen Roume, last French agent sent to the island, and his reply. In the contest between Toussaint and Rigaud, Roume supported the former; encloses decree [not found] demonstrating this support. Since then Roume’s conduct has not been agreeable to Toussaint, who has kept him under guard. Roume is now permitted to return to...
20To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 30 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter which has been written to me by Citizen Roume, the last agent sent to this Island by the French Government, together with my answer. This Gentleman was appointed and sent out before the present order of things took place in France. Whether he has been confirmed, or acknowledged by the present Government, or not, I cannot tell. In the contest...