51To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 17 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, 17 June 1791. Nothing final received by packet from England about war between Russians and Turks. Fox’ speech gives “a just representation of the interfering, restless and bullying conduct of the British Ministry for some years past; with the probable disgrace, disadvantage and humiliation to be expected from it.”—A real novelty appears in “true accounts of the prosperous condition of...
52To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 17 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 17 May 1791 . He was presented to the Queen on the 13th, delivered his letter of credence, and, with the approval of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed his discourse in English, a copy of which he encloses. The Queen, surrounded at the public audience by her ministers, the diplomatic corps, the nobility, the chief officers of the departments, and many ladies of the court,...
53To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 20 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was of the 19th. of May. Since which time no vessel has sailed from this Port for the U.S. I have anxiously expected Captain Cutting by every Packet from England, and particularly by that which arrived the day before yesterday. But there is no intelligence of him. Had he fortunately arrived at this instant, we might have obtained a Swedish or Danish vessel for our purpose. Those...
54To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 22 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 22 Aug. 1791 . Reports say a courier has arrived today from Paris with news King of France has declined to accept the constitution, because, though it might be very good, he was deprived of all counsel and could not act on it.—King of Sweden is said to have written very spirited letter to National Assembly, declaring Fersen acted on his orders to effect escape of King. Thus royalty...
55To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 4 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The only object of this letter is to inform you, that I have been unavoidably detained by the weather until the present moment; in which I am embarking. Nothing has yet transpired to enable one to form a definitive conclusion, whether the great hostile preparations will terminate in war. Notwithstanding the Public continues to be amused and deluded, with pompous accounts, in all the Papers, of...
56To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 13 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
We have chartered a Swedish vessel at the rate of 340 Millrees per Month for two Months certain, and as much longer as we shall have occasion for it. This was the only expedient left for us, and the best terms we could make, and at all events will prove œconomical in case of our success at the place of destination. We shall have our Money, Passport, and every thing provided, and I hope we...
57To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 1 October 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 1 Oct. 1791. He does not know when he will have another opportunity of directly forwarding letters to America as the last American vessel in the harbor has been sold and converted into a Portuguese ship. Taking advantage of the British packets, he announces that Louis xvi has accepted the French constitution and that acts of oblivion, recommended by the king and proposed to the...
58To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 8 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 8 Feb. 1793 . His letter No. 64, a duplicate of which went by a second conveyance, described Barclay’s sudden death and the reasons he felt it necessary to come here to take care of the public property. Upon his arrival last Sunday he found the packages Barclay had brought from Lisbon safely in the hands of the Russian consul, James Simpson, who promptly told all he could about them...
59To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 10 September 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 10 Sep. 1791 . He has just received a letter of the 19th ulto. from Carmichael delivered by Mr. Milne, who visited the President at Mount Vernon in 1779. Carmichael has sent his dispatches to America and complains of ill health. Milne said that he was “emaciated and weakened by the late attacks of the Cholic which he has suffered.”—The wavering policy of Spain manifests itself in the...
60To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 21 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon , 21 May 1791. Sends English papers. From talks with De Pinto and others, peace more expected to prevail than formerly. But newly arrived vessels from north bring nothing definite. By direct accounts from Paris at end of April, he finds tumults have subsided, Lafayette again in command of national guard, and his popularity and triumph complete despite English prophecies. The mischievous...
61To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 28 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
While I am detained for the sailing of the vessel in which I am to go to Lisbon; I cannot do better, in my judgment, than to give you such farther facts, occurrences, or reports of the day, as may be in any degree interesting, in America, when compared with other accounts: though those I may have the honor to give should not be of much importance in themselves.—In my communications, I have...
62To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 24th. of Janry. I left Madrid, and arrived here this day. I remained a week beyond the time I had prescribed myself, in order that Mr. Carmichael might have an opportunity of confering fully with the Compte de Florida Blanca, after the King’s return from hunting at Aranjuez. We were, however, disappointed in the expectation of sounding that Minister; for at the time when Mr. Carmichael...
63To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 14 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
After a passage of five weeks, the four first of which were very tempestuous, I arrived in the Channel. In order to save time, and slip into London with the less probability of being noticed, I procured a boat from the shore to land me at Dover. From that place I took my passage in the Mail Coach, and arrived here at 6 O’Clock this morning. Having delivered the Dispatches to Mr. Johnson, and...
64To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 23 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
My last public letter to you was dated Janry. 7th. and acknowledged the receipt of yours of Novr. 6th. Since that time, I have received your previous Dispatch in date July 12th, by way of Madeira. By these it appears that all my letters, except No. 52. had come to hand. Should that have finally miscarried, I will send a copy that the series may be complete. The Papers transmitted herewith...
65To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 26 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
After a very favorable passage, we landed at this Garrison on Sunday last; and the next day proceeded with all the dispatch and diligence in our power to unpack the different articles of public property left here by the late Mr. Thos. Barclay, and to select such as might be proper for the object you propose. We have not as yet made such progress as to enable me to give you the result. I have...
66To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 1 July 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 1 July 1792. In compliance with TJ’s instructions of 15 Mch. 1791, he encloses a statement of his accounts with the United States to this date. Because he lacks vouchers, minor expenditures for the relief of American seamen here and postal charges paid for him in England by Johnson are not included in it. The statement also omits the 32,175 Dutch guilders he drew on the American...
67To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 31 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The late unfrequency of opportunities of writing directly to America is the less to be regretted, as you will have received so much important information from other Countries of Europe, and as I could have given you so little from this. However the general tenor of commercial intelligence here is, that there will be a greater demand than was expected in several parts of this Continent for...
68To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 7 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, 7 June 1791 . Acknowledging TJ’s of 11 Apr. with dispatches for Carmichael. After trying in vain for some weeks to get a private conveyance, he “made interest” to have TJ’s former letter to Carmichael carried by the Portuguese from the office for foreign affairs. He expects to use same means to dispatch those now received, which will be sent as soon as possible. He will be pleased to be...
69To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 23 December 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The sudden departure of a Swedish ship for New York affords me an opportunity of conveying to you the Spanish and Portuguese Gazettes to this date. How long I shall continue to be able to forward them is uncertain, since a new order has been issued here within three days past on the subject of News-Papers. They are now for the first time prohibited from being read or admitted at Coffee and...
70To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 28 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
By some extraordinary delay, I received only a few days since, and by the same vessel which carries this letter, your Dispatch of the 13th of Decr: last. I immediately took the necessary steps for complying with your instructions, by writing to Mr. Carmichael on the subject and putting that letter into the care of the Spanish Ambassador’s Courier. I have already remarked to you, that, although...
71To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 25 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed Papers from No. 1. to No. 6. inclusive may serve to shew the proceedings I conceived myself authorised in taking, with respect to American flour and grain. The crisis is as favorable for obtaining a liberal policy as perhaps ever can be expected; and I have endeavoured to avail myself of it in as delicate and efficacious a manner as I was able. Some names of great authority, I...
72To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 31 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, 31 Mch. 1791. He received packet last night from Mr. Bulkeley and information of a vessel departing for Alexandria in a few days, hence he sends this by a servant to Lisbon. Having accounts from America as late as 10 Feb. and not being advised by “the Department of foreign affairs” of receipt of any of his letters, he fears their detention or miscarriage. He gives their dates to show it...
73To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 19 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I came on shore yesterday evening, and hearing a vessel is to sail for England before the Packet, I write with the design of sending this letter by that conveyance. We made the passage from Gravesend to the Rock of Lisbon in a fortnight, during which time we had favorable winds and fine weather, for the season.—The forms to be passed through in entering the vessel, and the impediments I shall...
74To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 23 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 23 Dec. 1791 . He takes advantage of this opportunity by Capt. Stobo to advise TJ that in his letters of 22 Nov. and 4 Dec. he enclosed receipts from Thomas Barclay for 32,175 current guilders for Barclay’s Moroccan mission. He has been attentive to the request in TJ’s 11 Apr. letter for information about Brazil, though his efforts have been constrained by the Portuguese government’s...
75To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 28 October 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 28 Oct. 1791 . He calls TJ’s attention to the following extracts from a 22 Aug. 1791 letter from Captain [Richard] O’Bryen in Algiers to a commercial house here. Washington has drawn Congress’ attention to their plight, but the American captives in Algiers are still in slavery and have no assurance of regaining their freedom. Nevertheless he is confident that Congress will instruct...
76To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 25 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The Russian Minister at this Court has received an authentic account from the Minister of his Nation at Vienna of the naval victory gained by the fleet of the Empress over that of the Porte. Of the latter the Admiral’s ship was destroyed, two smaller ships taken, and the rest very much shattered and obliged to fly. The English affect to say this event will protract the war, by making the...
77To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had, Sir, many conversations with Mr. Carmichael on the subject of your letter to him. If it had arrived early in summer, he thinks we might have obtained all our wishes. Then the critical state of affairs induced the Comte de Florida Blanca to throw out those general assertions that we should have no reason to complain of the conduct of this court with respect to the Mississippi, which...
78To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 8 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, 8 Apr. 1791 . In France uncommon agitation produced by journey of king’s aunts to Rome. Great tumults in Paris. Repairing of Chateau de Vincennes, effort of mob to destroy it, and resultant confrontation with the national guard. Another dangerous affair at the Tuileries, involving misunderstanding between Lafayette and the mayor. “The Marquis is said to have acquired additional...
79To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 24 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour to transmit a Copy of the Official Answer of the Secretary of State for foreign Affairs, respecting the two Subjects on which I had applied to him. A Translation is also annexed. As the Papers containing the circumstances relative to this business will be before you, I will not trespass on your time by offering comments. I even forbear to remark on the policy of State that...
80To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, Portugal, 3 May 1791 . Acknowledging receipt by express from Bulkeley of TJ’s of 15 Mch.—As minister, “I can only rely on my own zeal and the candour of those … concerned in administring the Government of my Country: and … it is a peculiar felicity that my communications are to be made through an Office entrusted to a Person from whose Instruction and Indulgence, I know, I have every...
81To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I do not wait to become fully acquainted with the commercial intercourse which subsists between the United States and Portugal, before I resume the subject mentioned in my letter of the 19th of Novr. last, so far as relates to the manner in which our trade has been managed here, since the year 1783. Immediately after the war, upon the arrival of the first vessels from America, there appeared...
82To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
A dispatch boat has just arrived from Algiers, which brings authentic intelligence, that a Truce for 12 months is concluded between Portugal and that Regency. In consequence of which eight Algerine cruizers, viz. four frigates, one brig and three Xebeques, have just passed through the Streights, into the Atlantic. Our vessels will now be exposed to the most eminent hazard of capture, as it was...
83To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 2 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The vessel, in which I have engaged my passage, attempted to go down the river at the time appointed: but contrary winds have prevented, so that she cannot before this evening reach Gravesend. For which place I shall proceed immediately by land. I have the honor to enclose a Paper containing a translation of the Correspondence between the King of France and his Ministers, consequent to the...
84To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 20 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
In my first letter, I mentioned such circumstances of a political nature, relating to several of the principal Powers of Europe, as had then come to my knowledge. The facts, according to subsequent informations, were pretty justly stated. Leaving you to deduce such conclusions as your better judgment shall enable you to form, I proceed now to give you the sequel of intelligence which has...
85To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 20 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last, which was dated the first of July, I have had the honour to receive yours of the 26th. of April, covering the Presidents Proclamation of the 22nd. of the same Month, and other communications on the subject of it. Hitherto hostilities have not taken place between this Country and France. Should they commence (which is not very improbable) I shall take care to comply with your...
86To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 22 November 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 22 Nov. 1791 . Since his last letter of 28 Oct. he has received certain information that the Dey of Algiers has declared war on Sweden. A Swedish ship which was loading here for a Mediterranean voyage has consequently been unloaded.—Public business “is often done slowly in this Country.” He had to write four or five notes or memoires and wait more than three months before he finally...
87To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 21 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I came to this place a few days ago, in order to avoid the heat of Lisbon. But before I left Lisbon, I had a conference with M. de Pinto, on the subject suggested for his consideration in your letter of March 15th, and enforced on me in the beginning of the cyphered part of your letter dated April 11th. He seemed to accord fully with you in his ideas of the propriety and utility of the...
88To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 4 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 4 Aug. 1793 . Three vessels arrived here a few days ago from St. Michael with distinguished Moors, whom he visited with Church and Dohrman to offer assistance after receiving an account of them, via the American captain of one of these ships, in a letter from Thomas Hickling, acting consul at St. Michael, whose Portuguese patent he encloses. The Moors consisted of two widows of the old...
89To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 30 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
As soon as my baggage was landed, I wrote a note to M. de Pinto, advising that I was charged with the delivery of a letter from you to him, and requesting the honor of being informed at what time it would be convenient for His Excellency to receive it. To this he gave an extremely polite answer, and fixed upon the 25th of this Month at his House in Junqueira. I accordingly waited on him, and,...