51From James Madison to Winthrop Sargent, 16 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
In adverting to the law constituting the government of the Mississippi territory, it appears that the Secretary thereof is authorised to discharge the Executive duties in no other cases than those of the death, removal, resignation, or necessary absence of the Governor. It follows that since the expiration of your term on the 7th. of May, no provision exists for the emergency, and that it is...
52From James Madison to Ebenezer Stevens, [17 June] 1801 (Madison Papers)
… It is intended that the vessel you have freighted for Tunis should, if possible, sail with the George Washington , now loading at Philadelphia … for Algiers, in order that she may avail herself of the protection of the latter. To enable me to judge of the practicability of this expedient, be pleased to inform me when she will be ready to proceed to sea.… Printed extract (Charles Hamilton...
53From James Madison to Thomas Worthington, 20 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
The Bearer Mr Shields having occasion to visit to the N. Western territory, where he will be an entire stranger, I avail myself of the slight acquaintance I have with you, as an apology for introducing him to your attention. He has long been known to me, and I feel myself bound in justice to say of him, that he has a well-informed mind, irreproachable integrity, good qualifications for...
54Circular Letter to Collectors of Customs, 22 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
After the receipt of this letter, you will issue no commission to any private armed vessel of the United States, but without delay return to me all such blank Commissions and the blank instructions adapted to them, which may remain in your hands, as well as all such Commissions and instructions as may have been surrendered to you, and all the original applications for those issued, and which...
55From James Madison to David Humphreys, 22 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
The letter of the day of March last from Mr. Lincoln, then acting Secretary of State will have made you acquainted with the grounds on which the President has permitted your return. A duplicate of that letter and a letter under a flying seal to His Catholic Majesty communicating the permission, are herewith forwarded. You will derive from them the sentiments which it will be proper for you to...
56From James Madison to Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard, 23 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 June 1801, Department of State. Owing to the interruption of all commerce between Spain and Portugal, David Humphreys has been unable to draw funds on deposit at Lisbon. Has directed Humphreys to draw on them for balance due him and for three months’ extra salary, to allow for his return. Will make an additional remittance to cover. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, IC , vol. 1). 1 p.
57From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 24 June] 1801 (Madison Papers)
I suggested some time ago to Col. Habersham the objections to a Contract for 4 years for carrying the mail. His reply was that frequent contracts would not only be very troublesome, but by lessening the value of contracts, discourage good undertakers. He added that a clause in the contracts reserved to him a right at all time to make any of regulations he might chuse, making at the same time...
58From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 24 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 June 1801. Acknowledged in Gallatin to JM, 14 July 1801 . Encloses requisition designating Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard as bankers at Amsterdam to whom $50,000 will be remitted.
59From James Madison to Elbridge Gerry, [25 June] 1801 (Madison Papers)
… I am not acquainted with either the person, or the character of Mr. Corran. My respect for his Lady is nevertheless sufficient to give me all the interest in her wishes, which public considerations will permit. I shall consequently not fail to keep the President in mind of Mr. Corran as a candidate for the posts you mention. I must observe at the same time that there are so many applications...
60From James Madison to Israel Whelen, 26 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Marbury reports, that he cannot have the beams shipped so as to reach you under three weeks, nor the remainder of the cordage under five weeks. After all, as the beams, when reduced, would not be quite clear of sap, and the freight high, it would not be adviseable perhaps to send them, if it could be seasonably done. They were never designed by this Department for the George Washington....
61From James Madison to Benjamin Rush, 28 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have received your favor of the 23d. instant, inclosing one of the 15th. from Mr. Webster. The subject of Quarantine laws in Europe which oppress our commerce, had been brought to the attention of the Executive by suggestions from a Consul in Lisbon; and some arrangements have been under consideration for diminishing if not removing the evil. The interesting remarks in your letters, will...
62From James Madison to Samuel Williams, 29 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
The President has thought proper to appoint George W. Erving of Massachusetts, Consul for the United States at the Port of London, and has directed me to acquaint you that both your commission as Consul, and your appointment as Agent for claims and appeals, will cease on his arrival. Mr. Erving will sail, it is expected in two or three weeks. From this probability you will be able to estimate...
63From James Madison to Rufus King, 30 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 June 1801, Department of State. Encloses letter to Samuel Williams and refers the matter of Williams’s recall to King’s attention. RC ( CSmH ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, IC , vol. 1). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Enclosed JM to Williams, 29 June 1801 .
64From James Madison to Louis-André Pichon, 1 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 July 1801. Invites the Pichons to dine with the Madisons “on Sunday next at 3 oClock.” RC (Biblioteca Civica, Torino, Italy). 1 p.; in Dolley Madison’s hand.
65From James Madison to John Langdon, 2 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Every thing in your favor of the 24. ult: gives me pleasure, but the determination which it discloses to decline the share to which you were invited in the present administration. We had all flattered ourselves with the hope that we should have had you among us. The apology you make for disappointing us is by no means satisfactory. You should have allowed your friends to decide the point which...
66From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 2 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 2 July 1801. Acknowledged in Gallatin to JM, 14 July 1801 . Encloses requisition designating Bird, Savage, and Bird to receive U.S. funds.
67From James Madison to Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 7 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 July 1801, Department of State. Jefferson has renewed Cathalan’s appointment to post at Marseilles. Encloses new commission in which Cathalan is designated commercial agent. Also encloses bond to be executed. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, IC , vol. 1). 2 pp. Enclosures not found. A note in the letterbook indicates that “A copy of the Instructions to commercial Agents” was sent to Cathalan...
68Circular Letter to Port Collectors, [8 July] 1801 (Madison Papers)
You will receive herewith a list of men who alledge they are American citizens, born in the State of Pennsylvania, and are detained on board British ships of War, for want of proof of their being such, together with an additional one of persons in the same predicament, whose places of birth or abode in the United States ⟨are un⟩known. Both these lists are sent to you ⟨for the⟩ same purpose,...
69From James Madison to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 10 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I can not at so late a day acknowledge your two favors of without an explanation which I am sure your goodness will accept as an apology. Having brought with me to this place a very feeble state of health, and finding the mass of business in the Department, at all times considerable, swelled to an unusual size by sundry temporary causes, it became absolutely necessary to devote the whole of my...
70From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 11 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 1st. instant. Your observations on Neutral rights & the means of promoting them are certainly very interesting, & will merit consideration. It is questionable however whether any leading arrangements by the U. States during the war, even in an eventual form adapted to a state of peace, would be free from the danger of entangling us too much in the present...
71From James Madison to Edward Thornton, 12 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your letter of the 6th instant. Mine of the 12th of June made you acquainted that orders had issued for the immediate departure of the British prize brought into the port of Philadelphia by a Spanish armed Ship; and that the circumstances of the latter would be enquired into particularly as a guide to any farther steps that might be requisite. Information has...
72From James Madison to William Jones, 13 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have been duly favored with yours of the 6th. instant inclosing the Memorial of Mr. Torey. It has been for some time supposed that an American Consul at St. Petersburg might be useful, in the present course of trade and general turn of affairs; but besides the difficulty of finding a Citizen well qualified for the service & willing to undertake it, there has been no regular proof as yet that...
73From James Madison to Louis-André Pichon, 13 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 July 1801, Department of State. Encloses list of French ships taken by U.S. naval vessels and not condemned by 1 Oct. 1800 as well as those taken since that time. This list comes from the Navy Department, and Pichon can probably add to it. Given the lack of reliable sources, the list is not as correct as desired. Accordingly, JM reserves the right to correct it if, as a result of subsequent...
74From James Madison to David Meade Randolph, 13 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 July 1801, Department of State. Directs Randolph to deposit western Virginia census returns and related documents with Edward Carrington at Richmond. The suggestion in Randolph’s 6 July letter concerning payment for exertions he made “in execution of the Act for taking the Census” deals with a subject handled only by the Treasury Department. Expresses belief that Treasury Department will...
75From James Madison to John Shaw, 15 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Your ship being loaded with a Cargo, the property of the United States and intended for Algiers, you are to proceed to Sandy hook, and take under your convoy, the Ship Peace & Plenty bound to Tunis, with a Cargo of Military & Maratime Stores also the proporty [ sic ] of the United States, and such Mercht. Vessels as may be ready to join you. You will then make the best of your way with the...
76From James Madison to Louis-André Pichon, 16 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 July 1801, Department of State. Acknowledges receipt of Pichon’s 10 July note listing the different points contained in previous letters. Responds to them in numerical order, omitting the fifth, which JM has already answered. Defers answering the first as much for reasons Pichon indicated as because the current situation does not suggest a need to interpret the treaty immediately regarding...
77From James Madison to William Eaton, 17 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed is the invoice of the ship Peace and Plenty, which carries out the last cargo of the stores, stipulated to be delivered to the Bey of Tunis. We hope they will be favorably received, and that the business of the present of jewells has been arranged at as small a sacrifice as possible. By the last advices from Mr. King it is probable, that they have before now arrived at Tunis. If you...
78Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [17 July] 1801 (Madison Papers)
The following memoranda, & the inclosed letter from Mr. Dallas will present to the President the state of the information in the office of State on the subject of the indictmt. under the sedition act agst. Duane, at the request of the Senate. The President will observe, that another prosecution agst. him, at Common law , is pending in the same Court. 16. May. 1800. Mr: Lee’s letter to Mr....
79From James Madison to Richard O’Brien, 17 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
You will receive this from Capt. John Shaw, commander of the Frigate George Washington, which carries a cargo, as per the three enclosed invoices, viz No. 1. of ship Timber, naval and military stores, in pursuance of the order transmitted by you last year, and some cables and gun-carriages, you had borrowed of the Regency for the use of the Polacre Dey. It also includes some masts not ordered,...
80Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 17 July] 1801 (Madison Papers)
It is objected that the act of Congress Mar. 3. 1800. c. 14. sect. 1. 2. entitles a citizen owner of a vessel to restitution until the vessel has been condemned by competent authority on paying salvage to the captor. Every man, by the law of nature, and every fellow citizen by compact, is bound to assist another against violence to his person or property. Tho’ therefore by the law of nature...
81From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 20 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
It is the pleasure of the President of the United States, that you should enter a nolle prosequi upon the indictment found against William Duane, in the Circuit Court for the District of Pennsylvania, for an offence, by a seditious libel against the Senate of the United States contrary to the Act entitled “An Act in addition to the Act intituled [ sic ] ’An Act for the punishment of certain...
82From James Madison to Louis-André Pichon, 20 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 July 1801, Department of State. Acknowledges Pichon’s two notes, the first requesting JM to authorize payment of $11,000 credited to the French Republic on the books of the Treasury Department, the second containing Pichon’s opinion on the propriety of an arrest carried out on a foreign warship in a U.S. port. By a letter to the secretary of treasury, Pichon’s request on the first object...
83From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 20 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 20 July 1801. Mentioned in JM to Pichon, 20 July 1801 . Concerns Pichon’s request for the payment of $11,000 credited to the French Republic on the Treasury Department books.
84From James Madison to John G. Jackson, 20 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 20 July 1801. Acknowledged in Jackson to JM, 3 Aug. 1801 (ViU). Reports efforts on Jackson’s behalf regarding a postal contract and conveys news of French army in Egypt. Encloses copy of Strickland’s Observations on the Agriculture of the United States .
85From James Madison to Samuel Cabot, 21 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 11th. instant has duly come to hand. This being the first notice received by the Executive of your being still in the United States, no time is lost in observing to you, that under circumstances where services cannot be rendered to the public, it is deemed reasonable that the public should not be chargeable with the expense attached to them. I am accordingly instructed by...
86Circular Letter to the Agents of the United States for the Relief and Protection of American Seamen, 22 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
You will be pleased to furnish this Department as soon as possible with a statement concerning impressed American seamen, that have come under your notice since your appointment as Agent in which shall contain the following particulars: 1st. An annual and aggregate account of the number impressed. Citizens { Native Aliens { British
87From James Madison to Rufus King, 23 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr. William Gibson, Merchant of Charleston, south Carolina, has represented to me, that he has two appeals now depending in London from the sentences of the Vice Admiralty Court of the Bahamas in the cases of the American Ship Sally and Brig Isabella, the former owned and both of them laden in part with his property, and which the presiding Judge, Condemned for the sole reason, that Mr. Gibson...
88From James Madison to Richard Söderström, 23 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have been honored with your letter of the 20th, requesting to know the determination of the Executive on the cases of three Danish vessels explained in your letter of the 10th ult. Should the Executive, on an investigation of those claims, be satisfied that compensation is due to the Danish subjects, on whose behalf they are made, it must be sanctioned by an appropriation of the Legislature....
89From James Madison to Louis-André Pichon, 23 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 July 1801, Department of State. Acknowledges Pichon’s two notes of 21 July. Notice of the peace established between the contending European powers is pleasing to the U.S. government, since it diminishes the scourge of war and is further proof of the return of friendly relations between France and the U.S. In the hope of avoiding the useless embarrassments for trade occasioned by the...
90From James Madison to Rufus King, 24 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
My letter of the 15th. of June acknowledged the receipt of your communications of April 20 and 21st. by Mr. Sitgreaves. Your several favours received prior to that date and since, and not acknowledged complete your new series including No 36 with the addition of No 19. Having already communicated to you the decision of the President with regard to the proposed commutation of the claims against...
91From James Madison to Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 24 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 July 1801, Department of State Encloses an extract from letter written by American consul in Santiago de Cuba indicating there are several American vessels lying in the harbor that were recaptured from Spain’s enemies and condemned. Furthermore, American sailors seized from captured British vessels are now prisoners of war in that port. Notes that their rights as neutrals were violated,...
92From James Madison to Levi Lincoln, 25 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Tho’ much hurried in preparing for my journey home I can not leave this place without thanking you for your last very kind letter, and wishing you all the happiness in your domestic situation which will be added by the perfect reestablishment of Mrs. Lincoln’s health, and that of her mother. Mine in which you are so good as to take an interest, ⟨h⟩as with a slight bilious interruption...
93From James Madison to James Monroe, 25 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed came last evening in a packet from Bourdeau. By the same conveyance I have a letter from Dawson of May 27. at Paris. Every appearance assured him that the convention would be ratified. Letters from King of May 30. & June 1 represent the British Govt. as in dispositions equally favorable. They have given peremptory orders to their W. Inda. cruisers to abstain from the Captures...
94From James Madison to Isaac Hite, 25 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 25 July 1801. Offered for sale in James F. Drake Catalogue No. 28 (1909), item 110, which notes that the two-page letter “mentions the treaty with France, the attitude of Great Britain, the election of Jefferson, etc.” Also offered for sale in Stan. V. Henkels Catalogue No. 975 (1908), item 778.
95Agreement with Benjamin Grayson Orr, [27 July] 1801 (Madison Papers)
It is agreed by the parties subscribing vizt. James Madison & Benjn G. Orr, that Plato the slave of the said Orr is to serve the said Madison for five years from this date during which time the said Orr nor any other person in his or any other right but his the said Madisons, Shall exercise any Kind of rights ownership or controul over the said Plato, who is to be & remain for the term of...
96From James Madison to George W. Erving, 27 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 July 1801, Department of State. Announces president’s decision to appoint him to London as agent for managing American claims and appeals in the High Court of Admiralty, court of appeals, and before the board of commissioners under article 7 of the Jay treaty. Instructs Erving to obtain documents relating to claims and appeals from former agent, Samuel Williams. Notes that Erving will also...
97From James Madison to Rufus King, 28 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
By the Treaty of peace, the mouth of the St. Croix is supposed to be in the Bay of Fundy. But as the Commissioners have in their decision settled the mouth of that River (called the Scoodiac) to be in Passamaquoddy Bay, at a place called Joe’s Point, it is left undetermined, to which nation the Islands in the last mentioned bay, and the passages thro’ them into the Bay of Fundy, belong. It...
98Circular Letter to American Consuls and Commercial Agents, 1 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
It is a considerable time since our Consuls originated the practice of providing with certificates foreign vessels purchased abroad by citizens of the United States; and it is even understood that some such vessels have been supplied with Consular Registers and Sea-letters. To secure the bona fide property of our citizens is an important duty of the Government, but to repress or regulate a...
99From James Madison to Caesar A. Rodney, 6 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 17th. continued on the 28th. ult: did not reach Washington, before I had left it for Virginia. It was however handed to me on the way by the President who overtook me. The circumstances under which we fell in together afforded but little room for conversation. I was left under the impression however that as any thing short of a resignation by the newly appointed officer would...
100From James Madison to William Thornton, 8 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your obliging letter of the 30th. ult: and thank you very sincerely for your attention to the request I left for you. I am sorry to find Mr. Harbough disposed to require the advances intimated by you; it being neither very convenient, nor otherwise eligible to make them. If he shoul⟨d⟩ relinquish this condition, and will provide stables & a carriage house of any kind that...