51From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 7 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
Representations have been made to this Department by Mr Mountflorence and his friends, relative to a dispute between him and Mr Barnet; and also as to his imprisonment. Will you be so good as to transmit to me such information on these subjects as you may think entitled to the attention of this Government and in the mean time to interpose in favor of Mr. Mountflorence any good offices which...
52From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 22 May 1807 (Madison Papers)
The two last letters received from you were of Decr. 24. and Jany 16. The decree of Novr. 21st. communicated in the first had previously reached us, and had excited apprehensions which were repressed only by the inarticulate import of its articles, and the presumption, that it would be executed in a sense not inconsistent with the respect due the Treaty between France and the United States....
53From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 8 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose a copy of a letter just received at this office from Messrs. Mathew Cobb & Asa Clerp, Merchants of Portland, and to request that you will take such steps in the case as may be best adapted to it. I have the honor to be &c DNA : RG 59—IM—Instructions to Ministers.
54From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 9 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
The St. Michael not having yet returned nor any late information received thro’ any other channel as to our relations with France, I can add nothing of importance to what was communicated on that subject by Mr. Baker. A private letter from Mr. Pinkney dated about ten days before the reported arrival of the St. Michael in England, expresses hopes founded on an interview with Mr. Canning, that...
55From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 8 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
Your letters and communications by Dr. Bullus were duly delivered on the day of . The same conveyance brought a copy of the sentence pronounced by the French prize Court in the case of the Horizon, giving a judicial effect to the Decree of Novr. 21. 1806, as expounded in the answer of Mr Champagny to your letter of the . Whilst the French Government did not avow or enforce a meaning of the...
56From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 15 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
In the event of a war, or even of a general stop to the commerce with Great Britain, the renewal of the intercourse with St. Domingo, will become an object of great importance to the United States. In a letter of the 31 Jany 1804 to Mr Livingston, your predecessor, observations on the subject of this intercourse were addressed to the inte rest of France, as requiring her acquiescence in it....
57From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 10 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
When possession was delivered to our Commissioners by Mr. Laussat under the Treaty of 30 April 1803 it happened that a small settlement called Bayou Pierre was not included; altho it lies Eastward of the Sabine, is much nearer to our frontier post at Natchitoches, than to the Spanish one at Nacogdoches, and is known to have been a French settlement which was never under Spanish jurisdiction...
58From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 20 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed copy of a letter to Mr. Ervine, accompanying a statement of the case of the Marquis de Casa Yrujo, with certain other documents, will give explanations very proper to be possessed by you. To these are added other printed papers, which bring down to this date, the information and proceedings which relate to the enterprize of Burr and to such of his associates as have been arrested....
59From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 10 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
The letter, of which a copy is inclosed, from Mr Portalis, the French Minister of Worship to a Citizen at New Orleans named Castillen who is stiled President of the Fabrique of the Church of St. Louis, appears to have excited considerable sensation there, as an interposition disrespectful to the Government of the United States, and as evidence of a wish in that of France to keep alive in the...
60From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 18 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have received since my last of July 15 your letters of May 12th. June 4. 7. 26. July 12. 24. August 3d. continued 15 and one of the 23d. Your communications with Mr Champagny give some hope that our affairs with Spain may have been at length put into an effective course of adjustment; tho’ it is seen with regret that nothing has yet passed absolutely inconsistent with further delays, if...
61From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 21 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
Herewith you will receive a copy of the papers relating to one of the vessels which were destroyed at sea by the French Frigates returning from the West Indies. I observe that in your letter to Mr. Champagny of the 2d. of April, you have incidentally noticed this occurrence. If ample reparation should not have been made to the sufferers, the President thinks it proper that as their cases...
62From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 20 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I inclose the sequel of the information respecting Mr Burr’s enterprize as communicated to Congress yesterday whereby you will perceive that he has surrendered himself to the Civil authority of the Mississippi Territory. I have the honor to be with great respect, Sir, your most Obt. Svt. Privately owned.
63From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 22 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
Your dispatches by Lt. Lewis were delivered on the 8th. inst. It is regretted that the interval between his arrival and the date of your letter to Mr. Champagny, during which I presume some verbal intercommunication must have taken place, had produced no indication of a favorable change in the views of the French Government with respect to its decrees; and still more that instead of an early...
64From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 15 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed copy of a Proclamation of the President will inform you of a late extraordinary hostility and insult committed by a British Ship of War on a frigate of the U. S. near the Capes of Virginia, and of the measure taken by the President in consequence of the outrage. The subsequent proceedings of the British Squadron in our waters have borne a like stamp of hostility; and altho’ it may...
65From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 2 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
Information has been received thro’ a channel justly claiming attention, that the people of West Florida meditate an effort to liberate themselves from the Spanish Government; and that with this view it is intended in case the pulse of this Government does not promise a taking them by the hand, to address themselves to the British Government. No doubt is entertained of the ease with which the...
66From James Madison to Jesse Atwater, 21 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
The dispatches with which you are charged for Mr. Pinkney, you will deliver to him in London. The Schooner Hope, in which you take your passage, is to land you at some convenient place on the English Coast, on her way to Havre de Grace. You will let Mr. Pinkney know that the Hope, after receiving at that place Dispatches from Genl. Armstrong is to pass over to Cowes or Portsmouth, in order to...
67From James Madison to Peter Audrain, 7 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 11th. ult.. The printed laws of Michegan have been packed up and are on their way to Detroit, if they have not arrived there. Governor Hull has been authorised to procure the seals necessary for the Territory. I have directed a copy of the laws of the last session of Congress to be forwarded to you. The proportion intended for the use of the Territory has...
68From James Madison to Thomas Auldjo, 9 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Thomas Auldjo. 9 January 1806, Department of State. “I enclose a copy of a letter from Capt. Stephen Merrihew, stating that your Consular Agent at Portsmouth, also acts as prize Agent for the Vessel which captured and sent his into that port. As it would be contrary to his most obvious duty for any Consul or Agent of the United States to interfere in the incidents of the war, more...
69From James Madison to the Marqués de Avilés, 27 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
In behalf of an individual Citizen of the United States, who has been deeply injured in his private Circumstances by certain proceedings which took place in the province over which your Excellency presides, I am induced now to call your attention to his Case. This Individual is James Yard Esqre, who is a very respectable Inhabitant and extensive Merchant of Philadelphia. He represents to me...
70From James Madison to Joseph S. Ayers (Abstract), 20 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
20 February 1805, Department of State . “I have received your letter of the 27th. Ult. The injury you sustained by the detention of your vessel is of a nature to be redressed only by your prosecuting the captor or his surety. There is therefore no form in which the Executive can with propriety interpose.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p. No letter of 27 Jan. 1805 from Ayers...
71From James Madison to John Martin Baker, 2 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
You will hasten to Baltimore, and embark at that place in the Brig St. Michael. This Vessel being employed in the service of the Government is placed under your direction, and the Master will of course follow such instructions as you may give him and as are consistent with the Charter Party, of which a copy is enclosed. You will proceed with all practicable dispatch to the Port of L’Orient,...
72From James Madison to John Martin Baker, Ca. 7–15 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To John Martin Baker. Ca. 7–15 April 1806, Department of State. “I have received your letter of the 8th of January requesting leave to return to the United States this Spring, and I have the pleasure to inform you that no objections occur to the gratification of your wishes.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, IC , vol. 1). 1 p. Undated; conjectural date assigned based on the document’s location...
73From James Madison to François Barbé-Marbois, 4 November 1803 (Madison Papers)
I recd your favor of the 21 prairial, with a pleasure which is redoubled by the consideration that I am able in acknowledging it, to inform you of the formal approbation of the late Treaty & Conns. by every branch of our Govt. The event establishes, I hope for ever, perfect harmony between the two countries. It is the more likely to do so, as it is founded in a policy, coeval with their...
74From James Madison to Joel Barlow, 7 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have recd your favor of and valuing as I do the friendly & favorable expressions it contains, I can not but be truly gratified by them. I perceive that I did not impress Mr. Fulton as distinctly as I meant to do with the circumstance, that previous to the receipt of his letter, I had, as far as might lie with me, not only fixed, in my thoughts, on a person for the approaching vacancy in the...
75From James Madison to Joel Barlow, 30 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Joel Barlow. 30 April 1806, Department of State. “Mr. Madison’s compliments to Mr. Barlow. The Treasury is the proper Department to decide on his claim for exemption from duties; but it would seem from the letter to Mr. Pinckney of which a copy is enclosed, that there is scarcely any room to hope for a decision in Mr. B.’s favor, further than a liberal construction of the words of the...
76From James Madison to William Barlow, 22 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 April 1804, Department of State. “The claim for land, which you describe in your letter of the 2d. March [not found], appears to be barred both by the lapse of time and by the Sixty thousand acres allowed in the act of Congress of 13 May 1800, being exhausted by previous surveys.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p. For “An Act to authorize the issuing certain Patents,” 13...
77From James Madison to Joseph Barnes, 19 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 March 1803, Department of State. Encloses consular instructions and a blank bond. To execute the bond, “one or more persons beside yourself, who shall have property or a Commercial establishment in the United States, to be approved of by this Department, must be jointly bound in a sum not to be less than two thousand Dollars.” Asks that the bond be returned to the State Department when...
78From James Madison to Isaac Cox Barnet, 18 July 1804 (Madison Papers)
Since the letter which gave you an election of the appointments of Commercial Agent at Havre and Antwerp, information was received which indicated that the former place had your preference. A commission was therefore some time ago forwarded to Mr. Jacob Ridgway appointing him to Antwerp, and another to Mr. John Mitchell appointing him Vice Commercial Agent at Havre. The latter commission will...
79From James Madison to Isaac Cox Barnet, 12 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of Sepr. 10. has just been recd. I am glad to find that the appointment given you, proves so acceptable. Since it was forwarded, a vacancy in the consulate at Havre has come into view; and I am authorized by the President to enquire whether that place would be preferred by you to Antwerp. It is desireable that your answer on this point should be delayed as little as possible, that...
80From James Madison to Isaac Cox Barnet, 30 September 1803 (Madison Papers)
If the scope of your communication of the 19th. of June is correctly conceived you retain a predilection for the Commercial Agency at Antwerp; tho’ the uncertainty whether it remained vacant induced you to adhere to the appointment to Havre which you last received. Should this be the true state of your choice, you will be at liberty to retain Antwerp, and on your intimating that determination...
81From James Madison to Joshua Barney, 30 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
In answer to your letter intimating that a claim you had upon the French Government has been rejected by the Commissioners under the Convention respecting Louisiana, and desiring the interposition of the Executive, I have to inform you that as the Convention provides for its own exposition and execution there would be no room for such an interference. It may be further observed that your being...
82From James Madison to James Barry, 4 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
I return the notification which Mr. Palyart has given of your appointment to act in his place as Consul General of Portugal, during his absence; and beg leave to inform you, that there will be no impropriety in your giving it publicity. Any communications, which you may have to make to me, respecting the business of your charge, will be received and attended to in the manner which custom...
83From James Madison to Jonathan Barry, 24 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have just received a Letter from the Wife of William Bassett, whose case was committed to this Department in yours of the 12th. of August last, requesting that an application might be made to the proper authority at Cayenne, for the person of her Husband, the said William Bassett, in order to his being sent to the United States, to be tried for the offence with which he stands charged, by a...
84From James Madison to Frederick Bates, 15 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Frederick Bates. 15 April 1806, Department of State. “I have recd. your letter of the 26th. January [not found], advising me of a draft you have drawn in part of your Salary as Judge of the Michegan Territory. It is necessary, therefore, to observe, that the Department of State has no agency in the payment of Salary, which is a subject belonging to the Treasury Department: it is however...
85From James Madison to Frederick Bates, 4 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States of America, To all who shall see these presents, Greeting: Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Integrity, Diligence and Abilities of Frederick Bates, of the Michigan Territory, I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate do appoint him Secretary in and for the Territory of Louisiana; and do...
86From James Madison to Joseph Bates, 21 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 April 1804, Department of State. “Mr. Williams placed in my hands your statement respecting the Ship President, carried into Aligesiras and condemned under a pretence of the Blockade of Gibraltar. This will be cognizable under the late Convention with Spain as soon as the Board of Commissioners for which it provides is organized, of which due notice will be given.” Letterbook copy ( DNA :...
87From James Madison to Samuel Bayard, 23 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Samuel Bayard. 23 March 1806, Department of State. “Your letter of the 20 January and the memorial of Mr. Slade inclosed in it having been considered, instructions have been forwarded to Mr. Lyman, the public Agent in London, to settle his bills upon the same footing individuals usually pay the bills of proctors.” RC ( NN ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 15). RC fragment. First...
88From James Madison to Samuel Bayard, 31 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to inform you that the Secretary of the Treasury has this day been requested to cause a Remittance of Thirteen hundred and eighty eight pounds, nineteen shillings and two pence stg. to be made to General Lyman, Consul of the U. States at London, to pay the Balance still due to the Proctors, agreeably to the Intimation in your letter of the 3rd. Inst. I am, respectfully, Sir,...
89From James Madison to Thomas M. Bayly, 10 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter directed to Mr. Giles, and in his absence to me, dated 25th. Feby.. An act of Congress passed the 2d. day of the present month, giving a further time, of three years, to complete the location of the Virginia Military land warrants, and five years to return the surveys & warrants to the office of the Secretary of War. This law amongst others, will be published in a...
90From James Madison to Francis Becker, 12 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Francis Becker. 12 July 1805, Department of State. “The Louisiana Convention not providing for admitting restitution in case of property being irreversibly condemned, the claim you refer to, in your letter of the 6th. inst. [not found], seems to be unprovided for.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 15). 1 p. Becker had two claims against the French government. One was for the...
91From James Madison to John Beckley, 22 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To John Beckley. 22 November 1805, Department of State. “I have the honor to enclose a certificate of the election of a new member of the House of Representatives for the State of Delaware with the letter of Mr. Robinson in which it was transmitted to me.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 15). 1 p. The new member of the House of Representatives from Delaware was James Madison Broom...
92From James Madison to John Beckley, 8 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 November 1804, Department of State. “Mr. Madison presents his compliments to Mr. Beckley and informs him that the articles mentioned in the enclosed letter from Mr. Barnet are now at the Department of state, subject to Mr. B’s, disposal, pursuent to such powers as he may have or obtain in the char[a]cter of Librarian.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p. Isaac Cox Barnet to...
93From James Madison to William Bell, 21 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 May 1804, Department of State. “The omission of the endorsement on the bill which I received in your letter of the 17th. would alone prevent its payment, but its being unaccompanied with vouchers to the account, and Mr. Willis being no longer in office forms another difficulty.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p.
94From James Madison to Christian Gynther Bernstorff, 16 September 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 2d. June last, accrediting Mr. Pedersen as the Chargé des Affaires of His Danish Majesty. Mr. Olsen having before his departure intimated that this gentleman might be expected to arrive in order to take upon himself that character, he was, through the effect of a courtesy so naturally produced by the friendship existing between the two...
95From James Madison to Divie Bethune, 20 October 1808 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison presents his compliments to Mr. Bethune, and in acknowledging the receipt of his letter of the 17th. instant, avails himself with much pleasure of the occasion, to thank Mr. Bethune for the care & attention he paid, as well to the dispatches which he brought from Mr. Pinkney, as to those he carried out for him. DNA : RG 59—DL—Domestic Letters.
96From James Madison to Divie Bethune, 4 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Nourse having informed me that you propose to embark in the British Packet for England, and to proceed immediately from Falmouth to London, and wishing to avail myself of so respectable an opportunity, I take the liberty of committing to your special charge the Packets for the Minister of the United States in Great Britain herewith forwarded by Mail. I hope that you will not find the bulk...
97From James Madison to Abraham Van Bibber, 26 December 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 December 1804, Department of State. “I have recd. your letter of the 22d. inst. [not found] respecting the Brigantine Neptune and her Cargo. The enclosures to which you refer as having been sent to this Department, have been received, if you allude to a power of Attorney, a copy of the decree of restitution of the Brig by the District Court of Pennsylvania and a letter from Mr. Wharton of...
98From James Madison to Clement Biddle, 6 December 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 December 1804, Department of State. “I have received your letter of the 1st. inst. [not found], and have to inform you, that as the instrument, a copy of which it enclosed, appears to be exicuted by no other of the party than Thomas Reilly, it will be insufficient to enable you and Mr. Latimer to receive the two instalments due on the awards in the case of the Brig Sally, Logan, Master. As...
99From James Madison to Barnabas Bidwell, 18 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have been some time possessed of your favor of the 19th. Ult. from Bennington; and have duly communicated its contents where it was proper they should be known. The idea which prevails is that the people you describe should understand that their good dispositions are valued & will be respected; but that nothing more is wished than is consistent with prudence on their part; that is they...
100From James Madison to William Billings (Abstract), 12 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
12 March 1805, Department of State . “In answer to the letter in which you make certain enquiries respecting the Agency of Mr. Jacob Sheafe in claiming restitution for the Capture of the Brig Philanthropist, I can only inform you, that he appears to have had a business of that sort; but the name of the Vessel not appearing, it is uncertain whether it respected the one above named. The...