51To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 9 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 9 August 1806, Boston. “I had every thing prepared for the Franklins departure at a moments warning when I was hond. with yours of the 4th inst. Having in some measure anticipated the answer I might expect to receive I had look’d for a proper vessel for the purpose and was fortunate in finding the two Brothers of Salem a very handsome little Ship of 155 Tons, I...
52To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart (Abstract), 2 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
2 March 1805, New York . “I have the honor to inform you that I arrived in the river on the night of the 27th. inst. & immediately forwarded Comodore Prebles dispatches to the Secretary of the Navy, I would have forwarded you a copy of them had I not been prevented from landing my family by bad weather and the negligence of the Pilot until this afternoon, but as the Comodore has proceeded to...
53To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 10 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of receiving yours of the 21st. May on yesterday evening & shall scrupulously observe the instructions contain’d therein. It was accompanied by a letter from Comodore Dale a copy of which is enclosed A—with my answer B, which will inform you of the operations which we mean to pursue should the meet with the Comodores approbation. By my dispatches forwarded direct from Tunis,...
54To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart (Abstract), 21 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
21 March 1805, New York . “Not having cash sufficient to transport my family to the seat of government their place of residence, I have taken the liberty to draw upon you in favor of Mr. Jacob Barker for the sum of two hundred & fifty spanish dollars which you will please to pay & deduct the said from the five hundred dollars allow’d by government to pay part of my expences home.” RC ( DNA :...
55To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 8 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
It has been contended i n this Consulate by Several Masters of Vessels, that Seamen left onshore in consequence of wounds or s ickness ought of right to be maintain’d at the co st of the United States and that consequently t hey have no right to pay three months wages i n advance to Seamen So discharged, & State as a re ason that those Seamen pay Hospital money to the United States As I would...
56To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 21 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
I was honor’d by the receipt of Yrs enclosing an Act pass’d on the 6th. of Feby. for the protection of the commerce & seamen of the United States of America on the 16th. inst. The communications therin mentioned I have not receiv’d probably owing to their bulk, as Mr. Gavino informs me that he has some Pamphlets for me which he intends to forward by sea. I enclose a copy of my dispatch No. 8:...
57To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 22 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 June 1803, Leghorn . No. 7. Has heard nothing of the capture of Smith by the last post from Naples, only that the Prudent , Captain Crowninshield, has departed. “From an almost uninterrupted series of misfortunes which literally commenced before I was born & seems to be assiduous in persecuting me through life I have become naturally credulous in believing reports which excite sensibility &...
58To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 5 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform You th at on the 25: Jany Admiral Duckworth’s Squadron hove into sight, composed of the Ships named at foot, in chase of th e Rochford Squadron of Six Sail of the Line & Frigates, who h ad Escaped their Vigilance in a Gale of Wind, and Supposing th ey were a head of them hove too. The Comus Frigate arrived t he 26th. at Night from Terceira, and had been chased by a...
59To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 10 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 10 August 1806, Boston. “I had the honor to write to you yesterday informing you that I had pitch’d upon the Ship two Brothers of Salem to carry Mella Menni out in: she is a fast sailer has a bulwark pierced with twelve ports exactly like the Franklin which might be lined in little time & at small expense & would then make a very good appearance. It occurs to me...
60To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 19 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
Understanding that the Consulate at the Island of Madeira is vacant, I have taken the liberty to address the President, soliciting him for the appointment. If my former services, with which you are well acquainted, renders me an object worthy your attention, I request the favor of your interposition in my favor, & you may be persuaded that the strictest attention to the duties of the office &...
61To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
On the 31st. of Jany. the United States Ship Washington arrived here from Tunis and Naples & sail’d in a few days with all the merchant vessels under her convoy that were ready to depart. We have since heard of her safe arrival at Mersailles. The President has been thoroughly repair’d at Toulon & has sail’d for Gibraltar, I presume to await the arrival of the other squadron which we expect...
62To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 26 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that on the 23d. Inst. this Island was returnd to its former Masters, and on the 24th. the Portuguese Flag, was displayed on all the Fortifications. The Civil Government w ill be administerd by the Portuguese Governor & Council as heretofore, but the British Troops are to be continued here to protect This Colony, consequently will re main in Possession of all the...
63To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 16 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 May 1801, Tripoli. No. 6. Recounts further deterioration in U.S.-Tripolitan relations since 19 Apr. Reports pasha’s ceremonial declaration of war, when U.S. flagstaff was cut down. Encloses letter to pasha of 26 Apr. and message of 11 May protesting war threats and treatment of U.S. flag. Has reached an agreement (copy enclosed) with Danish consul, who will tend to American affairs,...
64To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 15 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 15 June 1806, Philadelphia. “I receiv’d your favor of the 10th. inst. in course of post, & since have been constantly employ’d in the execution of the duties assign’d me: The Ambassador has seen every thing worthy notice in this City & its environs, & I had proposed to leave town on monday morning but am prevented by the eclipse which renders it improper to...
65To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 28 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 28 August 1806, Boston. “I am happy to inform you that Mr. Mella Menni has changed his conduct since he has return’d, his politeness at present can only be equal’d by his inconsistency; he has promised to pay for the Merchandize which I had purchased by his order, the Schooner with the Guns &ce. has arrived & at present I am in hopes to be enabled to inform you...
66To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 27 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 March 1804, Leghorn. No. 6. Encloses copies of letters from Preble and Mathieu and his replies. “I shall depart for Naples to join the Come: in the morning & will remain with the Squadron as long as he may think it necessary; In a former communication I observ’d that I did not conceive it good policy to send the Consul general to Tunis & Tripoli even if practicable which is doubtful it...
67To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 20 January 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 January 1804, Leghorn. Has drawn on JM for $5,250 in favor of Anthony Dugan for $5,000 cash received from Dugan at 5 percent discount, “said sum to be applied for the relief of the Officers & crew of the United States (late) Frigate the Philadelphia now in Captivity in Tripoli, which I request you to honor & have placed to my acct: until final settlement.” “Mr: Dugan acting as Agent for his...
68To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 3 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
Enclosures No. 1: 2: 3, are letters which I have receiv’d since my last from Tripoli. No. 3 informs us of the Bashaws great desire to come upon terms which he may suppose to be favorable to us, but from the stile of the letter it is pretty evident that he still expects we will purchase our peace. I am really at a loss how to act for want of knowing the pleasure of government, not having...
69To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 7 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to inform yo u that this morning an American Vessel from the Streights came into this Roads, but did not anchor She was boarded from the British Guard Ship, the Officer of which reported t hat the Captain had informed him that the Emperor of Morroca had declared War against t he United States of America & that he had to uched at this Port merely to land a Letter for t he...
70To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 20 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 20 August 1806, Boston. “By the above copy of my letter to Mr. Smith of this date you will be inform’d of an uncontemplated embarrassment which has occur’d since my last letter to you; I have no other opinion to offer upon the subject but what is therein contain’d, & as the transaction & its result seems to depend in some measure upon both departments, I await...
71To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 24 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 July 1803, Leghorn . No. 9. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 9 Apr. circular , “enclosed with two letters from the President to the Bey of Tunis the one of the 14th: & the other of the 22nd: of April.” The commission for Tunis was not enclosed. Has taken passage on “a greek Polacca bound to Corfú whose master has agreed to land me at Malta.” Hopes to find U.S. warships there. Will execute the...
72To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
By the enclosed dispatches—which I recd. yesterday from Mr. Eaton, & the duplicates of those already forwarded government will be inform’d of every transaction which has transpired since my last. I am exceedingly distress’d lest some of the Tripolines puts to sea as Mr. Eaton informs me that the enemys coast is abandon’d by our ships of War & that the whole Squadron has proceeded to Gibraltar...
73To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1802, Leghorn. No. 2. Has learned that the U.S. ship George Washington , which arrived 31 Jan. from Tunis and Naples and sailed a few days later with merchant vessels under convoy, reached Marseilles safely. The President was repaired at Toulon and has sailed for Gibraltar. Eaton arrived in Leghorn on the George Washington and remained until 28 Feb. He will stop at Naples “to determine...
74To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 21 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 21 August 1806, Boston. “The annext copy of my letter to Mr. Smith of this date will inform you of our exact position, as I presume you are absent from the seat of Government I have profer’d this mode of communication in order to insure an answer from superior authority as soon as possible. I hope you will excuse my not addressing my letters direct to you as I...
75To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 20 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since the date of the enclosed communications to our Consuls in Barbary nothing has transpired either to confirm or to contradict the report therein contain’d of the capture of Mr. Smith, which I most sincerely hope may turn out to be a similar one to that of McNiels engagement, neither have I heard any thing official from our squadron. It is however here reported that on board the Newyork...
76To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 August 1802, Leghorn. No. 10. Has received circulars from Gibraltar announcing the Moroccan declaration of war against the U.S. “By my Circular of the 11th. of Septr. 1801 copy’s of which were forwarded to the Department of State and to Comodore Dale I foresaw this event, & I hope I will not be thought presumptuous should I assert that it might have been prevented.” Encloses Simpson’s answer...
77To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
This day I have taken the liberty to draw upon you in favor of John Shaw Esqr. Commander of the United States Ship Washington for the sum of four hundred & fifty three dollars nine cents payable upon sight, which sum you will please to pay & place it to my acct. until final settlement & by so doing you will very much oblige Sir Yr: very hble Servt. Pt. St. Nothing has taken place since my last...
78To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 13 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 13 August 1806, Boston. “I have this inst. receiv’d the enclosed papers [not found], independent of which the passengers are to be supplied with ships provisions, and births are to be built for them to keep them seperate from the people, at the expense of the owners. “I had every arrangement made to haul the Two Brothers alongside the Franklin on yesterday...
79To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 28 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
Permit me the honor to forward for your perusal the enclosed papers which will inform you of the trifling occurrences since my last. We are amazingly fortunate that none of our merchant vessels have been captured as one of the Tripoline Cruisers has been as far to the westward as Carthagene. At this inst. the President is at Toulon the Washington is at Naples the Philadelphia is stationed off...
80To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 23 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that I arrived in Funchal roads on the 18th: inst: in 28 days from Washington & 24 from the Capes after a passage so very pleasant that we never handed out top galt: sails but once during the whole time On my arrival I found that the Gentleman who was encharged with our affairs by the Governor had gone to another part of the Island upon a party of pleasure. I...
81To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 November 1801, Leghorn. No. 13. Transmits dispatches received on 5 Nov. from Eaton and duplicates of earlier ones already forwarded. Is distressed at news from Eaton that U.S. squadron had gone to Gibraltar and left enemy coast unguarded; hopes at least one frigate will have returned. U.S. citizens trading at Leghorn complain of lack of protection, no warship having appeared at Leghorn since...
82To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 15 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 July 1802, Leghorn. No. 9. Cannot find “words expressive of my feelings” about the capture of the brig Franklin by the Tripolitans. “It proves that we cannot evade the depredations of the most insignificant cruisers of the most insignificant Barbary State. What? after the pains that had been taken to defeat the projects of the Bashaw of Tripoli … had been attended with success … & we were...
83To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 9 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 July 1804, Leghorn. No. 8. “Conceiving it my duty to give you what information I collect in those parts give me leave to forward for your perusal the enclosed extract of a letter from Algiers which I have no time to translate: since I have seen a letter from a person in Office at Algiers which informs us that a British Ship of War arrived there with the Consul for Tripoli on board and has...
84To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 April 1802, Leghorn. No. 4. “The enclosed extracts from my correspondence & Mr. Eatons dispatches will inform you of our actual position, every thing seems to be in a train to promise apparently a satisfactory conclusion to this war which I assure you envolves serious consequences ’tho visibly it is of little moment. I have before observed that Tunis and Algiers have their eyes fix’d on...
85To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 8 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 August 1801, Leghorn. No. 9. Encloses dispatches received 4 Aug. from Eaton with copies of other papers. Awaits notification of arrival of American squadron, which he expects to receive from the commodore himself. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Tripoli, vol. 2); FC ( NN : Cathcart Papers). RC 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. Enclosures include copies of an appraisal of items of jewelry by...
86To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
Last night arrived from Tripoli & Tunis a french vessel which brought me the enclosed intelligence from Mr: Nissen at Tripoli. From Mr. Davis at Tunis & from Comodore Morris I have not rec’d. a line since I saw them last which seems to me as extraordinary as improper. As I am just going to embark for Malta I cannot be so diffuse as is necessary on the subject of Mr. Nissen’s report but foresee...
87To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 9 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have not heard from Barbary but think it probable that Mr: Eaton has agreed with Ciddi Hamed to remain at Malta untill the arrival of our Squadron & instructions from the President, otherwise what should induce him to enter that Port where he had reason to suppose some of our vessels of War were stationed. The Tioga arrived here from Baltimore in 60 days on the 7th. inst. &...
88To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 8 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 July 1803, Leghorn . No. 8. Informs JM that “the report of the capture of Mr. Smith has proved to be false, he arrived safe at Malta, as did the ship Prudent.” “A respectable merchant at Genoa” reports “that the Dey of Algiers, having order’d his Cruisers to capture all british merchantmen that had not changed their old passports according to stipulation with the british consul…, had...
89To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 21 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 March 1801, Tripoli. No. 5. Encloses accounts of disbursements and accounts current and copy of banker-merchant Leon Farfara’s record of monies paid pasha in lieu of overdue U.S. tribute. Denounces Farfara as “incorrigible” villain but notes that O’Brien trusts him. Relates his financial embarrassments, urges annual stipend of $2,000 for the consular post, and stresses the indignity he must...
90To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 1 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that since the date of my last by the Cartel Anson, were landed from the British letter of marque the Mars of Guernsey Le Sever master, the Officers & crew of the Schooner Speedwell of Boston John D. Dennis Master captured on a voyage from Marblehead towards Bayonne with a cargo of fish. They were here near a month before an opportunity offer’d to send them home...
91To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 3 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 June 1802, Leghorn. No. 7. “Yesterday” he enclosed dispatches from Eaton through 4 May. Now encloses an extract of intelligence received from Tripoli “containing the most prominent transactions of that government from the 12th. of March to the 30th. of April,” to which he adds the following extracts from Eaton’s letter to him of 21 May. On the day before yesterday the Schooner Enterprize...
92To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 13 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Since my last dispatch the enclosed being a duplicate, I have not heard a syllable from the Bashaw which convinces me that he waits for answers to his letters from Algiers, before he takes any decisive measure, if the Bashaw of Algiers peremptorily orders him to accept my offer: I think notwithstanding all his bravado, that he will acquiesce, if on the contrary the Dey does not write to him...
93To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 19 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 October 1803, Gibraltar . Informs JM that he will proceed “to Leghorn in the Syren the first westerly wind.” “I have given Mr. Lear every information in my power, & will dispatch the Syren from Leghorn to Algiers with the Consular present with the greatest dispatch.” Announces that peace has been concluded between the U.S. and Morocco; refers JM to Preble and Lear for the details. RC ( DNA...
94To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 3 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
By the Brig Apollo Capt G oldsbury who sail’d on the 24th: Ulto. I had on ly time to inform you that Sir Saml. Hood w ith four Sail of the Line, five Frigates & a n umber of Transports with General Berresford & f our thousand Troops on board had just anchor’d w ithin two Cables length of the fortifications of th is City Some of whom had already dropped their S tern Anchors & had springs upon...
95To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 8 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed with this are some dispatches which I receiv’d on the 4th. inst. from Mr. Eaton, with the Copys of some papers which will probably reflect some light on our affairs; as I expect to receive intelligence from govt. as well as an Official Advise of the arrival of our Squadron from the Comodore himself I shall postpone any farther communications until I receive them. I presume they have...
96To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 1 July 1806 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here yesterday and was duly hond. with your favor of the 21st. Ult. and have recd. drafts on the U, S branch bank at this place to the amount of 5000 dollars the appropriation of which shall correspond with your instructions. The Ambassador requests that the cash intended as presents to his suite may be paid into his hands at Boston, as several debts have been contracted by them...
97To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 January 1803, Malta. No. 1. Describes his movements and those of the U.S. fleet between his departure from Leghorn on 3 Nov. and his return to Malta on 4 Jan. The frigate Constellation , “the last off Tripoli,” left that station in August 1802. Commodore Morris intends to proceed with the squadron to Tunis and then to Algiers in consequence of reports “lately received” from O’Brien that the...
98To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 5 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
In my last of the 30th: of March I had the honor to inform you that I intended to remain some time longer with Comodore Morris, as I presumed that I should be able to convince him of the propriety of proceeding off Tripoli immediately & of taking me with him in order to commence a negotiation with that Regency according to the tenor of my instructions. I fail’d in the attempt and on the 6th:...
99To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 30 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 August 1803 , “ Frigate Adams at Sea .” No. 11. Wrote in his last letters (nos. 9 and 10 [ 24 and 25 July ]) that he was drawing on the State Department for $20,000 “in order to facilitate a negotiation between the United States and the Regency of Tripoli.” Believes “it would have been of no service what ever but the reverse, to have proceeded to Tripoli without funds or credit.” Also...
100To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 28 January 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 January 1804, Leghorn. “I have the honor to transmit for final settlement accompts & vouchers for expenditures, which with those already forwarded to the Department of State includes a statement of all expenditures made by me upon acct.: of the United States of America, from the date of my Commission as Consul of the U: S: at Tripoli July 10th 1797 unto the 31st: of Decemr: 1803.” According...