To James Madison from Joseph Anderson, 12 July 1813
From Joseph Anderson
July 12th. 1813
Sir
The Committee to whom was referd the Nomination of Albert Gallatin to be one of the Envoys Extraordinary, and Ministers Plenipotentiary, to negotiate and Sign a Treaty of peace with Great Brittain, under the Mediation of the Emperor of Russia, to negotiate and sign a treaty of commerce with Great Brittain, and to negotiate and Sign a Treaty of commerce with Russia, Together with the Message of the President of the 7th June1—have directed me, to inclose to you, a Copy of two Resolutions, passed by the Senate,2 and to request, that you will be pleased to appoint Such time to receive the Committee, as may entirely comport with your own convenience.
The Committee Sincerely lament, that your indisposition for Some time past, has been Such, as wou’d have rendered it improper, to have adress’d you upon this Subject, at an earlier period, and are now much gratified to learn, that you are again so far restored to your health, as to be enabled to attend to your official duties. Accept my best wishes, for a full and perfect restoration of your health and assurance of my high respect
Jos. Anderson—Chairman
of the Committee
RC and enclosure (DLC); copy of enclosure (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers). Enclosure and copy of enclosure docketed by JM. For enclosure, see n. 2.
1. Anderson referred to JM’s message to the Senate of 3 June 1813, which was received in the Senate on 7 June (, 2:350–51).
2. The enclosed resolutions of 16 June 1813 (1 p.) stated that “in the Opinion of the Senate, the powers and duties of the Secretary of the Department of the Treasury, and those of an Envoy Extraordinary to a foreign Power, are so incompatible, that they ought not to be, and remain United in the same person,” and instructed Anderson’s committee “to communicate the foregoing resolution to the President … and respectfully to confer with him upon the matter thereof.” The resolutions had been introduced by Anderson on 14 June (, 2:353–54).