91To James Madison from William Jones, 1 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed is from Doctor Buchanan of the Navy Com Chaunceys Physician. Chauncey has doubtless been very ill and I suppose his officers were unwilling to commun[i]cate his case to the Department until he was convalescent. Shall I countermand Decaturs order or let him proceed for fear of a relapse? Chauncey however cannot take umbrage at the order as it is framed with the strictest regard to...
92To James Madison from William Jones, 15 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
When I came into office the Hospital establishment at Charleston So C. was on Shore maintained at a very considerable expence and though under the care of an excellent Physician Doctor Logan of the Navy, diseases were protracted or terminated mortally in a great many cases. Knowing the climate of S.C from some years residence at Charleston I was satisfied that a Hospital ship moored in the...
93To James Madison from William Jones, 18 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have deemed it proper to submit to your inspection the enclosed letter from Commodore Bainbridge respecting the irregularity and serious evil arising from the loose and uncontroled manner in which communications by flags of truce with the ships of the enemy are conducted, and respectfully invite your attention to the subject with a view that some settled regulation may be adopted if you...
94To James Madison from William Jones, 1 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
Respectfully offered for the consideration of the President. The late disaster is the result of a desperate enterprise of the enemy and a too confident security on our part. It is strictly in the nature of a surprise and cannot again happen. The capitol, the Presidents mansion, the Treasury, War, & Navy Buildings have been destroyed, but in all other respects the seat of government remains the...
95To James Madison from William Jones, 11 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
The determination which I was compelled to form and communicate to you on the 25th of April last has acquired irresistible confirmation by all the circumstances attending my private affairs since that period. The enclosed letter (received yesterday) is submitted to your inspection to show that the only remaining hope I had of alleviation has vanished. The first paragraph of the letter from...
96To James Madison from William Jones, 11 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
The circumstances connected with my private affairs which induced me to explain to you on the 25th. April last the necessity I should be under of resigning the honorable trust which I hold, shortly after the ensuing meeting of Congress, having acquired irresistable strength by the lapse of time, I now respectfully tender to you my resignation of the office of Secretary of the Navy, the...
97To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 19 September 1814] (Madison Papers)
Tis truly glorious news & nothing could have been better timed. We can now strengthen Chauncy so as to man the 15 Gun Boats and small Vesse[l]s. This will tend to diminish the lustre of our blazing Capitol in the eyes of the Cockneys and the ministry may probably take wit in their anger. Yours ever RC ( DLC ). Undated; conjectural date assigned here based on evidence in n. 1. Docketed by JM...
98To James Madison from William Jones, [22 September 1814] (Madison Papers)
Allow me to present to your view the enclosed sketch of our financial means, which is the result of my extreme solicitude and ardent desire to sustain the public credit and provide the money to carry on the war with energy and effect. I deprecate the loss of credit & consequent resort to means which must prove unequal oppressive and inefficient, and I hope these motives and feelings will...
99To James Madison from William Jones, 25 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
The papers numbered 1 @ 5 and that marked A. herewith enclosed were received from Com. Decatur by the last mail together with his letter to the Depmt. dated the 22d Inst which is also respectfully submitted; will fully explain the nature of the offensive incident which has produced his remonstrance and appeal to your decision. I view with extreme regret this first inroad upon the harmony and...
100To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 28 September 1814] (Madison Papers)
I have been extremely uneasy for the fate of those vessels until the receipt of this. None but a seaman can appreciate the danger and hair breadth escape of this Squadron; and to continue or remain at all near the lower end of the Lake at this Season must in all probability end in the destruction of the fleet. Gen Brown has been most unreasonable in his expectation of Naval cooperation. RC (...