16741To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 5 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 June 1801, Lisbon. No. 48. Received on 24 May, from Humphreys, enclosed communications from Barbary “of an old date,” along with O’Brien’s 5 Apr. circular letter; observes of war with Tripoli: “I entertain a hope that the Evil will not be very extensive, and that by the chastisement of that Regency we shall consolidate our peace with those of Algiers and Tunis.” Encloses translation of...
16742To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 7 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 April 1801, Lisbon. Conveys news of British blockade of Toulon and discusses different accounts of Abercromby’s expedition. Reports that Portuguese church patriarch had published a vehement attack on Spanish and called for defense of the country before government realized no British aid would be available to it; the statement now has been suppressed. Portuguese prefer to negotiate peace with...
16743To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 12 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 June 1801, Lisbon. Announces signing of peace treaty between Portuguese and Spanish-French, which reportedly contains provisions removing British from Portugal and placing French troops in key garrisons. Hopes soon to have a copy to transmit. Reports death of prince of Beira (age seven) and recent birth of a child to the wife of regent. RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Portugal, vol. 5). 1 p.; marked...
16744To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 6 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 July 1801, Lisbon. Reports a British naval force cruising between Lisbon and Cádiz. Its purpose is probably to prevent Spain from reinforcing Egypt or attacking Portugal and perhaps to transport Portuguese royal family to Brazil. Discusses French troop movements in Spain, the likelihood that Napoleon will demand more favorable terms than his brother Lucien exacted from Portuguese at Badajoz,...
16745To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 27 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 March 1801, Lisbon. Reports that recent packets from Britain contain no mention of a British plan to aid Portugal. Speculates on reasons for delays in French or Spanish invasion: French may hope Spanish will begin and bear brunt of it, or in the interval Portuguese cabinet may succeed in maneuvering British out of the country without provoking them. RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Portugal, vol. 5)....
16746To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 18 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1801, Lisbon. Relays news from England of George III’s illness and Prussian hostility against Great Britain. Observes that Portuguese now are less hopeful of receiving British aid either in peace negotiations or military preparations. Portugal “seems abandd. to its fate, like Leghorn, Naples &c.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Portugal, vol. 5). 1 p.; marked private; docketed by Wagner as...
16747To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 24 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 May 1801, Lisbon. Relays information from Humphreys in Madrid that pasha of Tripoli sent his cruisers out for American ships, probably beginning in early March, and that Humphreys sent word of this action to JM some time ago. “He coincides with me & our Consuls in Barbary in opinion that sending a naval force into the Meditn. is the only means of keeping peace with those Regencies.” Reports...
16748To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 14 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 July 1801, Lisbon. No. 51. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 21 May and reports that he has notified Portuguese foreign ministry of impending arrival of U.S. naval force in Mediterranean. Discusses peace negotiations between Portugal and Spain and likelihood that Britain will be forced to surrender its influence with Portuguese. Understands “from good authority” that Anthony Merry’s mission to...
16749To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 7 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 March 1801, Lisbon. Reports that Spain has declared war on Portugal and embargoed its ships. Believes that “the present System of France” is “to force Engd. into a peace by excludg. her from all the ports of Europe.” Encloses copy of treaty shutting British out of Tuscany. Recounts rumor that a secret treaty grants France Spanish territory north of Ebro River (Biscay, Navarre, Aragon, and...
16750To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 1 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1801, Lisbon. Relays reports that Spanish and French are soon to make peace with Portugal, demanding that Portuguese exclude British ships of war and prizes from their ports and pay reparations. Presumes that on these terms peace will result. Notes some of the considerations that prompted Naples to seek an accommodation with France. RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Portugal, vol. 5). 1 p.;...
16751To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 21 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 July 1801 , “ Cintra, near Lisbon .” Reports “that our little Squadron arrived at Gibraltar the 1st. of this month: it’s arrival is very opportune & I trust will be attended with great advantages.” Gives an account of recent British-French naval battle at Algeciras. Notes that Portuguese remain on war footing because French have yet to ratify peace signed at Badajoz. Speculates on Spanish...
16752To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 14 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 April 1801, Lisbon. No. 46. Encloses copy of correspondence with Portuguese government concerning the “outrage” committed by some of the crew of British frigate [ Diane ] in the port of Lisbon. Plans to transmit copy of protest to Rufus King. Speculates that Portuguese patriarch’s pastoral (copy enclosed), an unofficial call to arms, was meant to be a test of public opinion and notes the...
16753To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 17 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 March 1801, Lisbon. Encloses a letter from Humphreys, which was left open for his reading but which he found himself unable to decipher because their codes differ; “as many inconvens. may arise from the Minrs. in Spain & Portugal not being able to correspond in cypher at this period , I submit to your Judgmt. whether I ought not to be furnished with that which Col H. has.” Predicts closing...
16754To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 20 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 June 1801, Lisbon. No. 49. Reports that peace agreement signed at Badajoz has been sent to Paris for ratification by first consul and is being considered in Lisbon. Speculates on details of treaty and comments on Portuguese resistance, which he believes was “the best defence that could be expected, considering the actual scarcity of provisions, the smallness of their numbers and their want...
16755To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 23 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 May 1801, Lisbon. No. 47. Reports that Portugal is attempting to treat for peace, preferably with France, but that Portuguese minister of foreign affairs now is meeting with Godoy at Badajoz. Relays accounts that Spain is incapable of sustained campaign, “being destitute of pecuniary ressources, magazines, and public spirit,” but observes that French threat to Portugal and to its colonies...
16756To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 13 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 September 1801, Lisbon. No. 54. Obtained an audience of leave on 9 Sept. after “a pressing renewal of my application”; encloses a copy of his address. Plans to depart for Falmouth within a day or two. Has settled his accounts with Bulkeley, whom he has introduced to João de Almeida, the minister of foreign affairs, as the agent of communications from the U.S. Transmits a letter from the...
16757To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 30 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 June 1801, Lisbon. No. 50. Transmits official word to U.S. government of the death of the prince of Beira. Speculates that Napoleon will refuse to ratify peace treaty signed at Badajoz. Encloses copy of letter received from O’Brien, dated 24 May, but does not share O’Brien’s hope that dey of Algiers will be helpful in mediating U.S. conflict with Tripoli. Fears that some American...
16758To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 16 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 August 1801, Lisbon. No. 53. Has assured Portuguese minister of foreign affairs that closing of American mission was not motivated by unfriendliness or disrespect. Portugal has canceled plans to send a minister to Washington. Has not yet had audience of leave. Treaty between Spain and Portugal has been printed in Spain; stipulations have not yet been fulfilled by either party as British...
16759To James Madison from William Stephens Smith, 17 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
My son William Steuben Smith Secretary of Legation to the Court of Russia, having with the approbation of the Secretary of State returned to America on a visit to his family, with permission to return to Europe should it be agreable to him, I have the honor to state, that being nearly six years absent from his family and friends, it is not his wish to revisit Europe again, in the capacity of...
16760To James Madison from William Steuben Smith, 28 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
A vacancy having occurred in the Office of Marshal of this District, by the decease of the late Marshal, if a disposition of that Office has not been made by Your Excellency, I would sollicit the exercise of your prerogative in my favour. The Zeal which would be exercised might be all that could counterbalance any deficiency of talent, but with that every occasion should be seized to manifest...
16761To James Madison from James Smock, 13 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
It is with much diffidence I offer you a small token of regard for your great public worth and usefulness to our beloved country, and of my respect for you as a private Citizen. I have long had it in contemplation to present you with a saddle, and it being a thing of little value and I being no Foreigner, I earnestly hope you will have no objection in accepting it. I also hope you will not...
16762To James Madison from Alexander S. Smoot (Abstract), 7 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
7 May 1805 . “Permit me to offer you my services, as a clerk in your office, to fill the vacancy, that I am informed, has been Occasioned by the resignation of Mr Crawford. I feel a confidence That I shou’d, from the long series of experience, I have had in Business of different natures, be found on trial, Competent to discharge The duties assigned me, and I pledge myself, that every exertion...
16763To James Madison from Alexander Smyth, 23 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
Some weeks since my feelings compelled me to address to you a note offering some justificatory evidence. I now present it. I beg you to be assured, Sir, that there is no man who would with more reluctance give you a moments trouble, or pain; but it is a duty I owe to myself, and a family whose interests I have sacrificed to the nation, to enable you fairly to appreciate my pretensions. I have...
16764To James Madison from Alexander Smyth, [ca. 6 July] 1812 (Madison Papers)
The President being about to sign the Commission of General Smyth, & the Secretary of war having declared that it is for the President to fix the rank of the General Officers; as two other gentlemen were approved by the Senate as General officers on the same day, General Smyth offers his claims to the consideration of the President. Had General Cushing and General Armstrong been nominated as...
16765To James Madison from Alexander Smyth, 16 August 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 August 1810. Encloses a letter stating some facts that the president should know. After reading the letter, JM is requested to seal and forward it. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 107, LRUS , S-1810). RC 1 p. Unsigned; undated. Enclosure (6 pp.) is Smyth to William Eustis, 16 Aug. 1810, Wythe, Virginia. In the letter, Smyth states the reasons for his refusal to serve under General Wilkinson and...
16766To James Madison from Alexander Smyth, 15 December 1813 (Madison Papers)
Beleiving that time has thrown so much light on my conduct as an officer of the army during the last year, that righteous men will acknowledge that I did my duty with zeal, and in the best manner possible under such circumstances; I proceed to do an act of justice to you, and to myself. I declare that it was no part of my intention when I issued a proclamation inviting volunteers to join me,...
16767To James Madison from Thomas Smyth, Jr., 25 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 November 1803, Washington. “My name has been given in as an Applicant for some appointment in the revenue at New Orleans, but I have no reason to suppose it has been accompanied by either earnest solicitation, or particular recommendation.… I therefore beg leave to solicit in my own name the appointment of Naval Officer at New Orleans … and refer you to the under-named Gentlemen for...
16768To James Madison from William Smyth, 5 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
After suffering the privations of three campaigns two hard winters on the frozen lines of Canada and cripled by wounds at taking York I am left out of the peace arraignment to make way for Frenchmen Irishmen & Englishmen who have done no fighting nor suffered either by wounds or privation of a camp men retained and offices given them for Support. These are facts for I know the three men...
16769To James Madison from William Smyth, 7 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
When introduced to you this day by Docr. Blake I wishd to have shown you my wound recd. at york & to have known whether it was possible to have procured some place of support in my Cripled situation, but modest feeling prevented such a thing in company and personal communication with the President is not admissible or usual therefore allow me to state—I am without a trade, profession or...
16770To James Madison from William Smyth, 5 February 1814 (Madison Papers)
I am not envious that the Goverment has remunerated Capt. Moor (with the Collector⟨s⟩ office at Baltimore) for a wound he recd. the same day with myself at the taking of york u.c. Tho with this material difference I was wounded in close and actual conflict with the British Granadiers & Kings 8th Regt. having killd two with my Rifle before Genl. Pike or Capt. Moor had landed their troops—he...