4201To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 22 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 17th. is recieved. I concur in your ideas that the request from the Bey of Tunis of a frigate of 36. guns should be complaisantly refused. I think the greatest dispatch should be used in sending either the gun carriages or money to Simpson for the emperor of Marocco, and the stores to Algiers; &, if you approve it, the powder on account : or perhaps it would be better to authorise...
4202From James Madison to John Leonard, 22 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 March 1803, Washington. “I duly recd. your letter of the 17th. in consequence of which you will receive by tomorrow’s mail the despatches for Mr. Pinkney, of which I wish you to take charge. The letter to him herein inclosed [not found] is a private one giving you the introduction desired.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1801–9, filed under “Leonard”). 1 p.
4203To James Madison from William Eaton, 22 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 March 1803 , “ At Sea .” Notes that the enclosed reflection was not intended to be communicated, being only the ideas noted in a memorandum on the passage from Tunis to Algiers. “On Mr. OBrien’s coming on board he seemed somewhat surprised at seeing me. I stated to him, as correctly as possible in a few words, the cause and manner of my leaving Tunis.” O’Brien said the Sahib-at-Taba had...
4204To James Madison from William E. Hũlings, 23 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 March 1803, New Orleans. “I have this day been inform’d by Mr. Morales that the French Prefect for this Colony is in the River and will probably be in town tomorrow.” The governor’s son and some of the officers have gone to meet him. “No change whatever has yet taken place in what relates to the American Interests.” General Victor is expected to arrive in May. “He will arrive in a bad...
4205To James Madison from Daniel Clark, 24 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
I came to this place two days since to confer with the Governor of the Territory & Genl. Wilkinson on the approaching Changes in Louisiana & to communicate to them such intelligence as I had procured of the views of the French with respect to us. On my way up I met a Doctor Watkins formerly of Kentucky now of St. Louis at the Ilinois who returned last Year to the U. S from France where as well...
4206To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 24 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
The question of war yet remains undetermined my letters from Mr. King of the 18th lead me to believe as well as my persuasion of the present System of politicks in England that war will come Soon. Here there is an earnest & Sincere desire to avoid it as well in the Government as the people. I enclosed in my last a note to the Minister. Some days after I called upon him & he told me an answer...
4207To James Madison from William Buchanan, 24 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 March 1803, Île de France. “I have the pleasure to inclose you a return, of the American Vessels, which have arrived at this Port, during the last six months of the year 1802 [not found], by which you will perceive, that the intercourse between the United States and this Island, has been very inconsiderable during that period. Since the Peace no change has taken place in the commercial...
4208To James Madison from George W. Erving, 24 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 March 1803, London. Assumes JM is anxious “at this very critical & important moment” to receive all possible information and opinions on the question of war between Great Britain and France. “The general apprehension here, & the vigorous preparations which are going on, would lead one to suppose that the British government Either considered war as inevitable, or were determined upon it; but...
4209To James Madison from James Maury, 24 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 March 1803, Liverpool. Last wrote on 25 Feb. , since which time “the alarm of war has occasioned a great press for Seamen.” Many Americans, probably confident of a continuation of the peace, do not have certificates of citizenship and are therefore in a position “which exposes them to impressment.” Writes to suggest the propriety of recommending that no American seamen leave home without...
4210From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 25 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 March 1803, Department of State, Washington. Asks that a warrant for $2,520 be issued on the appropriation for the relief of seamen in favor of James Davidson, Jr., assignee of George W. Erving. Davidson holds a bill of exchange drawn by Erving, who is to be charged on the treasury books. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p.
4211To James Madison from Rufus King, 25 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 March 1803, London. No. 87. “Baron Silverhjelm, the Swedish Envoy, after mentioning once or twice that he had received orders to explain to me for the information of the President, the motives which had influenced Sweden to make peace with Tripoli, some days since called upon me, and for this purpose read me the Instructions which he had received from his Government. I suggested to him that...
4212To James Madison from Jacob Latting, 25 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 25 March 1803, New York. Acknowledged in Wagner to Latting, 29 Mar. 1803 (DNA: RG 59, DL, vol. 14), as an inquiry about claims against Spain.
4213From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
The chart from which the enclosed was copied is contained in a collection made for the Department of State by Arrowsmith of London. The soundings and other minute circumstances, relative to the northern coast of the Bay of Mexico and the Islands situated in it, have induced the belief that it may prove serviceable to you. With very great respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obed....
4214From James Madison to James Simpson, 26 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since my letter of the 22d of August, I wrote you one dated in October, supposed to be on the 21st but of which no copy is now found in the office: I therefore request you to return me a copy of it. I have now to acknowledge the rece[i]pt of your numbers from 47 to 52 both inclusive. All your Bills have been honored as they appeared: and on the 9th of November last Messr[s] Bird, Savage & Bird...
4215From James Madison to John Page, 26 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 March 1803, Washington. “General Muhlenberg the collector at Philada. informs me that a Box containing a Model, and addressed to Governor Monroe has been left at the Custom house there by a vessel which lately arrived. He wishes to know in what manner he is to dispose of it. Presuming that the address was meant for the Govr. of Virginia, I take the liberty of giving you this information,...
4216To James Madison from Samuel Coleman, 26 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 March 1803, Richmond. “The inclosed was opened here on a presumption that it might be a publick letter. As it is found to be a private one I have deemed it proper to forward it to you who will be the best judge of the propriety of forwarding it to Mr. Monroe or of doing for him in the Case what it is likely he would do had he have been here & received it himself.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Enclosure...
4217To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 26 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 March 1803, Philadelphia. Encloses a copy of a letter from Hawkesbury to Colonel Barclay, consul general for the eastern states, authorizing him to commission John Bernard Gilpin vice-consul for Rhode Island and Connecticut. Barclay, who is presently in Great Britain, “was not aware, that the usual mode pursued on similar occasions has been to issue a commission in the name of the Consul...
4218To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 March 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 14 Feb. letter with its enclosure on the evening of 24 Mar. Forwarded the New Orleans packet to Hũlings by express on 25 Mar. “It is reported that several french Officers have arrived at Orleans and Certain information received of the sailing of the fleet with the army for Louisiana.” He will learn if the report is true when the...
4219To James Madison from Bushrod Washington, 28 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Forsyth’s treatise which you were so polite as to lend me, I brought as far as Alexa, with an intention of returning it as I passed thro’ the City, but in the hurry which an unexpected call of the stage occasioned, the book was forgotten. I wrote last night from George town to request it might be sent on to you today, but lest this may not have been done, I forward you a Copy from this place....
4220To James Madison from Rufus King, 28 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 March 1803, London. No. 88. “My No. 86. [19 Mar. 1803] communicated the tenour of Lord Hawkesbury’s Note of the 15. to the French Ambassador: the conclusion of the Note refers to the demand of France for the evacuation of Malta and declares ‘that the King cannot consent to its evacuation unless substantial security be provided for those objects which in present circumstances would be...
4221To James Madison from John Mitchell, 28 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 March 1803, Le Havre. Thinking it interesting to the U.S. to be informed of European events, sends an extract of a 26 Mar. letter received from Paris which notes: “I think War inevitable, the Dutch Troops &c that went to take possession of the Cape good hope Are made Prisoners, that is, they are allowed to Land Under many restrictions and not to take the Country under their Government. A...
4222To James Madison from James Simpson, 28 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 March 1803, Tangier. No. 55. States that he kept his dispatch no. 53 [24 Dec. 1802] , awaiting Captain Murray’s arrival, until 2 Feb., when Captain Campbell of the Adams took charge of it together with no. 54 [31 Jan. 1803]. A severe eastern gale prevented Murray from calling at Tangier, but Campbell assured Simpson the letters would be forwarded safely. The emperor is still at Morocco but...
4223To James Madison from William E. Hũlings, 29 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you a few day[s] ago, via New York and inform’d you that the French Colonial Prefect was in the River. He arrived in town on Saturday last in the afternoon, and was received with great eclat. I have not yet seen him; I purpose to call on him in a day or two. Genl. Victor is expected here in twenty or thirty days, until then the Spanish Governt. will continue it’s authority. I heard...
4224To James Madison from David Humphreys, 29 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 March 1803, New York. “In compliance with a request from Mr. Thomas Bulkeley of Lisbon, now conducting the Commercial House of Messrs John Bulkeley & Son, I have the honour to forward to you the enclosed letter, which has just come to my hand. The subject of the claim of that House on the Department of State being so fully explained, I cannot doubt that a satisfactory arrangement will be...
4225From James Madison to Richard O’Brien, 30 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Navy, to whose Department the transmission of the Articles for Algiers has lately been transferred has given orders for collecting the maritime stores and other articles, the lists of which you have transmitted, with the exception only of the powder, on which as there would be a loss of two or three ⅌ Cent it is not believed that the occasion demands such a sacrifice,...
4226To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, [30 March] 1803 (Madison Papers)
In my numerous letters of late Date you will percieve the state of our affairs here & as many copies of the Order to the Intendant have sailed we have little doubt that some must be now near you. After I had accomplished the business of obtaining the Order to restore things to their former situation I then made a verbal requisition to the Secretary of State for indemnification for the Damages...
4227Circular Letter from the American Board of Agriculture, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803, Washington. Articles 7 and 8 of the board’s constitution state that each member of the committee of correspondence shall “consider it his duty to collect information and transmit it to the Secretary (of State)” and that any agricultural society in the U.S. “having the same objects as this Board” shall be entitled to membership. Recommends opening “a subscription towards a fund...
4228To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803 , “ U. S Ship Chesapeake Gibraltar Bay .” No. 3. Notes that his last dispatch informed JM of transactions at Tunis; he now communicates those at Algiers. He and Morris arrived in the bay of Algiers on the evening of 19 Mar. and found there a French frigate whose commander informed them that Mustafa Dey had not declared war on France, as they had been told at Tunis, and that the...
4229To James Madison from Levett Harris, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803, Philadelphia. Received his commission as consul to Rotterdam with documents pertaining to the appointment by the last mail. Replied on 25 Mar. [not found] to JM’s letter of 14 Mar. [not found] requesting him to decide between Rotterdam and St. Petersburg so that when the president returned from Virginia no delay would arise if the president saw fit to change the appointment. “As...
4230To James Madison from William E. Hũlings, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803, New Orleans. “I address’d you on the 27th. day of this mo. by the Brig Vanilla, Capt. McNeal Via Baltimore, and inform’d you that the Colinial [ sic ] Prefect had arrived.… He has address’d a piece to the Louisianians—in which he promises to make them happy, and preserve peace with their neighbours. I have not been able to obtain a copy yet, but will send you one in a few days.”...
4231To James Madison from William Riggin, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803, Trieste. Transmits a copy of his 26 Feb. dispatch and encloses copies of his 3 Mar. letter to the secretary of state for foreign affairs and the official acceptance of his appointment as U.S. consul, which he received 29 Mar. and “by which you will please to observe the delay has been owing to the representations made to this Government by Mr. Lamson.” Will forward the bond...
4232To James Madison from Smith & Ridgway, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803, Philadelphia. “We take the liberty of inclosing you a Letter, from Jacob Ridgway, a partner of our House, now residing at Antwerp,… soliciting the appointment of the Consulate of Antwerp; he having been informed, that a vacancy is likely to take place there. We have requested the favour of a few of our friends here, to inform you respecting the Character he bears in this place....
4233To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803, Philadelphia. Has been directed by Hawkesbury “to present to you the inclosed account of provisions furnished at Gibraltar to the American Ship of war President and Enterprize Schooner towards the close of the year 1801, and to request that the American Government will be pleased to order the payment of it.” Understands from Commodore Dale, who is in Philadelphia and “has a...
4234To James Madison from Thomas Thompson, 30 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 30 March 1803, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Acknowledged in Brent to Thompson, 12 Apr. 1803 (DNA: RG 59, DL, vol. 14), as a request for payment. Brent wrote that Thompson’s account had been adjusted at the treasury “some time since” and $211.60 would be sent to him. On 11 Jan. 1803 Thompson had written to Gallatin that he had been instructed in a letter from the State...
4235To James Madison from Lafayette, [31 March] 1803 (Madison Papers)
General Bernadotte is so gloriously introduced by his own reputation, and Character, that I shall only present him to you as my personal friend. He is of all men the one I would better like to see going to America as an ambassador, was he not also the man, whom all true and steady patriots cannot but heartily wish to keep nearer to his own country, where none surpass, and but few can equal the...
4236To James Madison from William Kirkpatrick, 31 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1803, Málaga. Transmits a duplicate of his 16 Mar. letter and encloses a copy of a 16 Mar. letter “just received” from O’Brien with news of the French peace with Algiers. Presumes JM has been informed of the 23 Mar. arrival at Gibraltar of Commodore Morris in the Chesapeake , accompanied by the New York, John Adams , and Enterprize . Believes they returned to Gibraltar for provisions....
4237To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, April 1803 (Madison Papers)
In my last of the 30th March dated at this place you were informed of the state of our affairs up to that time. I had yesterday another conference with Mr Cevallos, in which I repeated to him the Arguments in favour of our Claim for indemnification, for such of the Damages as could be properly ascertained to have arisen from the refusal of the Intendant of New Orleans to permit a deposit at...
4238From James Madison to John Milledge, 1 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1803, Department of State. In compliance with the request contained in Milledge’s letter of 11 Mar. [not found], encloses a copy of the treaty concluded with the Creek Indians at Fort Wilkinson. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p. For terms of the treaty, see Joel Early to JM, 7 Dec. 1802, n. 2 .
4239To James Madison from William E. Hũlings, 1 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1803, New Orleans. “Yesterday eveng I recd. a packet from Govr. Claiborne contg. a letter for the Intendt … (But in case of the French Authorities being arrived; to the Capt. Genl., or other agent authorized by the Governmt of France). I accordingly waited on Mr. Laussat, the Colonial Prefect, and delivered it to him. Mr. Laussat recd. me with much Affability, & assured me that it was...
4240To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 1 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1803, Baltimore. A State Department packet directed to Bird, Savage, and Bird came to the collector “yesterday.” It will not be forwarded until further directions arrive from JM. “An Oppy. for England will offer on Wednesday next. It will Occur to you that a power of Atty. will be necessary from you to whomsoever you may appoint to Succeed those Gentlemen as your Agent in London—again...
4241To James Madison from James Soucheiron, 1 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1803, Barcelona. Encloses a copy of a circular from O’Brien “which Seems to be of some importance.” “Mr. Willis by his absence has left this place without a Consul.” Expects daily that Pinckney, to whom he wrote several letters about the situation, will appoint someone to take charge of the consular business. Willis having charged no consular fees, the captains will not readily comply...
4242To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 2 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 April 1803, Hamburg. Last wrote on 20 Dec. 1802 . “Our River being at length cleared of Ice I avail myself of the first opportunity to transmit to you the Semi annual Report of Arrivals &c of American Vessels ending in December A.D. 1802 [not found]. The present is a most interesting moment with us. We have a new and very Serious alarm of a great probability of recommencement of hostilities...
4243To James Madison from Rufus King, 2 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 April 1803, London. No. 89. Reports that no answer has yet been given to Andréossy’s note, which declined all discussion of Malta. “Lord Hawkesbury’s Answer will probably be delivered to day; it will without doubt persist in the Determination communicated in his first Note, and may disclose new and additional reasons in its support.” The issue of an overture Napoleon reportedly made to...
4244To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 April 1803 , “ U S Ship Chesapeake, Gibraltar Bay .” Informs JM that he has drawn on the State Department “this day” for $430.25 in favor of John Gavino; “said sum when paid you will please to have placed to my Acct. untill final settlement.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Tripoli, vol. 2). 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Cathcart. Docketed by Wagner. A full transcription of this document has been...
4245To James Madison from John Gavino, 4 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 April 1803, Gibraltar. No. 117 [118]. Has received no letters from JM since his last, no. 117 [17 Mar. 1803] . “Consul Simpson … sent me the inclosed Dispatch for you; and at Same time Thos: Beck, and David Ervin, two american Seamen saved in June last from the Schooner Betsy of Norfolk which was Wreckd on the Southern Coast of Barbary, and the Empr. of Morrocco since redeemed from the Arabs...
4246To James Madison from John Lamson, 4 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 April 1803, Trieste. Informs JM that his consular functions ceased on 31 Mar. 1803 by a government decree in favor of William Riggin. In a 22 May 1802 letter , Lamson sent JM a report of all American ships that had entered Trieste to that date. Encloses a list of those entering between then and 31 Mar. 1803 [not found]. The brig Two Betsys of Baltimore was driven ashore and sank on 12 Jan....
4247To James Madison from Josef Yznardy, 4 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 April 1803, Cádiz. “I had the honour of writing you the 12th. October ultimo, since when I have been at the Court of Madrid, from which Capital I am just returned.” During his absence JM was informed of the quarantine imposed on U.S. ships at Cádiz. As Pinckney was absent from Madrid during that time, Yznardy obtained a reduction of quarantine on vessels in his district and also obtained...
4248From James Madison to Daniel Clark, 4 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 4 April 1803. Acknowledged in Clark to JM, 20 June 1803 (DNA: RG 59, CD, New Orleans, vol. 1). Requests Clark to keep “an account as exact as possible of the amount of all payments exacted from our Citizens in violation of the Treaty.” Encloses a letter from Pichon to the colonial prefect of Louisiana.
4249To James Madison from Harry Toulmin, 5 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
In conformity with the law of the United States relative to the securing of copy rights, I have the honour of transmitting to you a copy of a collection of the Laws of the general assembly of this commonwealth, and I am happy in the occasion it affords me of renewing, in some degree, that intercourse which several years ago, I had for a short time the pleasure of holding with you, and of...
4250To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 5 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1803, Hamburg. Last wrote on 2 Apr. via Boston and New York enclosing a report of American vessels in port to December 1802. Transmits a triplicate copy of the report. “I wish it was in my power to Communicate any thing Correct on the important discussion between France & England which excites, at this moment, such universal interest.” The latest letters of 28 Mar. from Paris and 29...