2851To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 19 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
After having given you three days ago the information and circumstances you wished to be possessed of relative to the armed Spanish vessel (letter of marque) called Sta. Escolastica which some time ago entered this port, with an English prize, on her voyage from Buenos Ayres, I am informed that the Collector of the Customs of this port not only wishes to cause the English prize immediately to...
2852To James Madison from Israel Whelen, 19 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 June 1801, Philadelphia. Reports the George Washington began loading 15 June and work has progressed “as fast as could be expected.” Sends details of cargo; suggests substituting “very excellent” masts for white pine planking that Algerines disliked. Requests instructions on purchase of canvas. RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Purveyor’s Office, Philadelphia). RC 1 p.;...
2853To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 20 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I observe a great number of contracts for carrying the mails are advertised to be made within a short time hence, & for 4. years. I suppose the principal reason for making such long contracts is the trouble which would be so often recurring to the post office, if they were shorter. This should have it’s just weight: but it may be doubted whether contracts for so long a time as 4. years do not...
2854To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 20 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
The application of William Greetham for a Mediterranean pass for a vessel owned here, tho built abroad, being unauthorised by practice, tho’ perhaps not by law, and concerning the departments of both the State & Treasury, I ask the favor of mr. Madison and mr. Gallatin to give me their opinions thereon: at the same time I communicate to them what passed on the subject of passports under...
2855To James Madison from John Francis Mercer, 20 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 June 1801, West River, Maryland. Recommends Anne Arundel County resident John Groves for clerkship. “This business is peculiarly disagreable to me … but when called on by any Citizen of the County I live in, I deem it in some measure a duty, to give them every advantage in my power that I think they merit.” RC ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison Papers). 1 p. Mercer, a native of Stafford...
2856To 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...
2857From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 20 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I observe a great number of contracts for carrying the mails are advertised to be made within a short time hence, & for 4. years. I suppose the principal reason for making such long contracts is the trouble which would be so often recurring to the post office, if they were shorter. this should have it’s just weight: but it may be doubted whether contracts for so long a time as 4. years do not...
2858From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison and Albert Gallatin, 20 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The application of William Greetham for a Mediterranean pass for a vessel owned here, tho built abroad, being unauthorised by practice; tho’ perhaps not by law, and concerning the departments of both the State & Treasury, I ask the favor of mr Madison and mr Gallatin to give me their opinions thereon: at the same time I communicate to them what passed on the subject of passports under General...
2859Enclosure: Note on Passports, 20 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
When the war broke out which is now raging in Europe, our treaties with France, and Holland required that we should furnish to the vessels ‘belonging to the citizens of the US.’ passports in the forms prescribed by the treaties. it was very early made a question whether they should be granted to all vessels belonging to citizens of the US. or only to those built as well as belonging here. the...
2860To James Madison from Hubbard Taylor, 21 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
By the inclosed you will find my intention of soliciting the appointment of Marshall of this State, should the present one not be reappointed. I should have been an earlier applicant, had I not been informed of the Certificates that had been given by the Judge of the Fedreal [ sic ] Court, & the Gentleman of the Barr, since which Mr. Innes has written the President that some circumstances has...
2861To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 22 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have seen the Gentleman, whom you mentioned in your favor of the 6th. to have left Washington before you saw him a second time. I find that he had expected to have been sent for in the Course of the five or six days he spent there, tho he is impressed with the proper ideas as to your hea[l]th, the press of Business, and the difficulty of intercourse in the present scattered state of the...
2862To James Madison from James Linn, 22 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
The appointment of George Maxwell as district attorney in this State, being announced in the public papers, he came to this place on Saturday last expecting his commission. It not being transmitted the presumption was that the appointment had not taken place. The office is vacant, and the public business suffers extremely. Therefore it is my earnest wish that some person be appointed to this...
2863To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 22 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
In conformity to the wish expressed in your letter of the 18h inst. which I have had the honour of receiving this day, I inclose passports for Mr Pinckney and Mr Graham his Secretary. Their destination is therein marked for the continent of Europe; but I hope you will be persuaded that it does not in any manner exclude the Island of Great Britain, if these Gentlemen should chuse that mode of...
2864To James Madison from Israel Whelen, 22 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 June 1801, Philadelphia. Reports that if the articles Marbury promised were on hand, the George Washington could be loaded in about two weeks and that Whelen is complying with JM’s directions of 18 June [letter not found]. RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Purveyor’s Office, Philadelphia). RC 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 25 June.
2865To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 22 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 June 1801, Philadelphia. Encloses the passports JM requested on 18 June [letter not found] for Charles Pinckney and his secretary John Graham. RC ( DNA : RG 59, NFL , Spain, vol. 2). 1 p.; written in Spanish; in a clerk’s hand; docketed by Wagner as received 26 June.
2866To James Madison from Benjamin Rush, 23 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to revive a friendship, Once very dear to me, by addressing you upon a Subject highly interesting to the United States. The Commerce of our Country has suffered greatly by our Absurd Quarantine laws in the different States. These laws which admit the contagious nature of Our american yellow fever, have produced a reaction in the Governments of Europe which has rendered our Commerce...
2867To James Madison from Edward Church, 23 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 June 1801, Paris. Discusses current political situation in Europe, then takes up his main point, which is to protest his dismissal during the Adams administration from his post as American consul in Lisbon. He left Lisbon late in 1795 for Paris on personal business, leaving a qualified substitute to carry on his consular duties. His stay was extended, and he undertook to serve as a liaison...
2868To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 23 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 June 1801, Paris. No. 3. Reports that on 13 June French powers to negotiate were formally presented; encloses copy. Relates French doubts about his powers beyond authority to exchange ratifications. Has sent French commissioners copy of convention as ratified and of his letter of credence. “I found that the Objection to the Suppression of the Second Article would be in this Idea, that they...
2869To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 23 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 June 1801, Philadelphia. Forwards passports for Charles Pinckney, his family and entourage (including his secretary), in response to JM’s request of 18 June [letter not found]. RC ( DNA : RG 59, NFL , France, vol. 1). 1 p.
2870To James Madison from Edward Church, 23 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
During my short Administration of the Consulate of the United States in Lisbon, I presume it will be acknowledged by all the American Traders, that the Commerce of the United States, was never before, or since so well protected and encouraged in Portugal, and not better I dare affirm in any o ther part of Europe, as I had the good fortune to conciliate the esteem and confidence of that...
2871To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 24 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose to you, a general recommendation, for the place I have Solicited (and which applies to any other of the Same kind) Signed by a number of Gentlemen of the first Commercial reputation in the City of New York, received by yesterday’s Mail. For five years past I have not had it in my power to Visit Boston, Massachusetts where I passed the first twenty years of my life....
2872To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 24 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
Th: Jefferson returns to mr. Madison Erving’s letter to Genl. Dearborne, & approves of a commission to him as Consul at London. Where to find a competent successor for Lisbon he knows not, unless Gilman, who refused St. Domingo, will accept this. Perhaps Genl. Dearborne can judge. The place must be reserved for a man of real diplomatic abilities. Marchant’s case will be the subject of further...
2873To James Madison from John Langdon, 24 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
When I look back the last twelve years, and reflect on our Political struggles, and the narrow escape our Country has had, from Tyranny and oppression, I cannot but feel grateful to the Supreme disposer of events, for all his Mercies. Thank God the snare is broken, and we have escaped. I am happy to find that you are at Washington giveing your aid, in the Administration of our government, as...
2874To James Madison from James C. Mountflorence, 24 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to inclose to you the Copy of Mr. Cathcart’s Circular transmitted to me by Mr. Appleton, our Consul at Leghorn. Colo. Humphreys writes to me from Madrid that on 8th. inst., Peace was signed between Spain & Portugal; that it has been ratified by the Court of Spain, & that they only waited for the Ratification by france, to carry it into Execution. The terms are not yet known....
2875To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 24 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
From a conversation which I had to day with one of the French Plenipotentiaries I believe that neither they nor their Government will consent to the unconditional suppression of the Second Article. To morrow I shall see two of the three together & if possible Mr. Talleyrand also. I send this by post to Havre in the hope it may reach Captn. Rodgers before he sails. I have the honour to be with...
2876To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 24 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
My last letter from Consul Cathcart was dated the 17th. of april at that time nothing was arranged on our affairs. The Bashaw of Tripolis demands was very exorbitant and far beyond any lattitudes which Could be given to a Consul in Barbary, and agreeable to the Bashaws declaration the Corsairs of Tripoli would have his orders to Capture Americans. Report Says they have taken 3 Sail. The dey...
2877To James Madison from Samuel Harrison Smith, 24 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
In consequence of the information you did me the favour to communicate thro’ Mr. Wagner in relation to Mr. Caldwell I immediately made known to him the probability of his being appointed to the consulate of Santo Domingo, if agreeable to him. I have this morning recd. his reply, signifying his disposition to accept the place. From the information furnished me by Mr. Wagner, it is probable some...
2878To James Madison from Ebenezer Stevens, 24 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I am Hond. with your respects of the 17th. Inst. and would observe that, the Ship Peace & Plenty, has her Cargo onboard, except, some part of the Lumber which I purpose to put on Deck, this will be completed before the Invoice, can be return’d, which now Accompanies this to have the necessary documents to be attached thereto. For purpose of having the Invoice appear in form, I have put the...
2879From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 24 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson returns to mr Madison Erving’s letter to Genl. Dear-borne, & approves of a commission to him as Consul at London . where to find a competent successor for Lisbon he knows not, unless Gilman, who refused St. Domingo, will accept this. perhaps Genl. Dearborne can judge. the place must be reserved for a man of real diplomatic abilities.—Marchant’s case will be the subject of further...
2880To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 25 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to enclose copies of a letter from Mr: Engeström, the Swedish Minister at Berlin, which I received since my arrival here; and of my answer to him. You will perceive that his letter contains the renewal of a proposal made by the king of Sweden about eighteen months ago, for an arrangement between the United States, Sweden and Denmark, mutually to protect their commerce in the...
2881To James Madison from Daniel Brent and Others, 25 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
The underwritten, Clerks in the Department of State, beg leave to remind the Secretary, that an additional allowance of Fifteen prCent to the annual compensation which has heretofore been received by the Clerks of this Office was appropriated by Congress at its last Session, to be distributed among them as the Head of the Department might think proper; and that this additional allowance...
2882To James Madison from John Dawson, 25 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
Before this you are fix’d at the seat of goverment and I hope in a manner agreeable to yourself and to Mrs. Madison, to whom I pray you to present me with much esteem. I have just seald a letter directed to the Secretary of state. This is intended for yourself, and our friend Mr Jefferson. A strange and mysterious delay has taken place relative to the ratification to the causes of which I am...
2883To James Madison from James Swan, [25 June] 1801 (Madison Papers)
… I had the honor of writing you by Mr. Pichon, requesting your protection in my being named to the Council Generalship in France. Now that you are Secretary of State, I may do it, with more direct effect. If Mr. Skipwith wishes to be re-named, and the President consents, I withdraw all pretensions. Indeed I will stand in the way of no one, unless you should think I could serve the interest of...
2884To James Madison from Samuel Morse, 25 June [1801] (Madison Papers)
On my return last evening from New Haven, I was made happy in the receipt of yours of the 14th. If any thing could add to the good opinion I had imbibed of James Madison, it would be the delicate and gentlemanly manner in which I am candidly told of the situation I had sought, being beyond me, for the present at least. After my conversation with Mr. Lincoln, and a knowledge of the sphere in...
2885To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 26 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 June 1801, Paris. No. 5. Reports conversation on 25 June with Pierre-Louis Rœderer and Charles-Pierre Fleurieu. “I find by their express Declaration that they are unanimous in refusing to accede to the Suppression of the Second Article, and as they act by momentary Contact with their Government, I must presume that the Government itself is of their Opinion: indeed they so informed me.”...
2886To James Madison from Elijah Russell, 27 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
Permit me, Sir, to enclose you the Republican Gazette —a paper which, so far as the abilities of the Editor will admit, is devoted and compiled for the defence of those principles, which urged the Friends of Natural Liberty into the Field of Contest, and the support of which has brought upon them the implacable hatred of a British Faction, and the illiberal abuse of the enemies of...
2887To James Madison from Thomas Bulkeley, 27 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 June 1801, Lisbon. Reports peace has been announced in Madrid, and hostilities have ceased despite private reports of Lucien Bonaparte’s protests. Discusses purported terms of settlement and indications of its unraveling. A British fleet arrived the day before to blockade Cádiz; Alexandria reportedly is besieged. Encloses newspaper announcing the death of prince of Beira. RC ( DNA : RG 59,...
2888To James Madison from Thomas Bulkeley, 27 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
Since my last it appears the arrangements of a Peace between Portugal & Spain had actually taken place & made public in Madrid. Hostilities has ceased in consequence. However private Letters mention that Lucien Buonaparte the Minister at Madrid has (tho invested with the fullest powers) protested against it either because it does not meet his sanguine e xpectation or untill the First Consul...
2889To James Madison from William Eaton, 28 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the night of the eighteenth instant a fire broke out in the Bey’s Palace which in its progress consumed fifty thousand stands of small arms. The Second day following I recieved a message to wait on the Bey; but was at that moment confined to my bed with a billious fever so that it was not till this morning I have been able to go in my carriage to the Palace. The Bey’s object in calling on...
2890To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 28 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 June 1801, Treasury Department. Encloses papers relating to the claims of Gouvion’s heirs, amounting to $8,000, which government would prefer to pay to someone in U.S. with family’s power of attorney. RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Gallatin. Reproduced in Papers of Gallatin (microfilm ed.), reel 5. Enclosures not found.
2891To James Madison from Edward Livingston, 28 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 June 1801, New York. In response to JM’s request of 2 June, encloses list of pending criminal and civil suits in U.S. circuit court for New York. “As to the Causes now pending it is impossible to procure an official return that will perfectly ascertain their number, for many Suits especially those instituted for the recovery of Debts are settled on the return of the Writ but as this...
2892To James Madison from William Willis, 28 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 June 1801, Barcelona. “The Bashaw of Tripoli having declared war against the United States, the Government no doubt will early as possible attend to the defense of the Commerce of the Mediterranean, and no doubt it will be satisfactory to the people of the United States to know that their money is expended for a purpose so interesting to them, & so conducive to their interest. “There is no...
2893To James Madison from Francis Hoskins, 29 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I humbly request you’ll Accept the Inclosed Tables addressed to you. Also I send to your care the letter and inclosed Tables for his Excellency the President. I left them open for your Inspection, to seal present them and Act the needful as to your better Judgment shall seem ⟨f⟩it, that your employment may be long and happy is the sincere wish of him who is Sir—with sentiments of great respect...
2894To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 29 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I beg you to attribute my late delay to any thing, but inattention to your wishes. I have not only been hurried off from home, since I wrote to you last, but returned, and found another court, which, from the involution of jurisdictions by the Act of the Congress, which expired with Adams, I had utterly forgotten. In your favor of March 25. 1801. the three additional questions, of which I...
2895To James Madison from Winthrop Sargent, 29 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
THE hard services of a life which has been unceasingly devoted to my country, and the fatigues of the late journey to Washington , for the purpose of removing unfavorable impressions towards my administration, incapacitated me from returning here, with that dispatch I could have wished, and postponed the receipt of your letter, to the last evening. Mr. Jefferson’s recent determination to...
2896To James Madison from David Humphreys, 29 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 June 1801, Madrid. No. 280. Acknowledges Lincoln’s dispatch of 17 Mar. Reports that, pursuant to it, he visited Spanish court and announced his departure. Notes he then conveyed president’s sentiments regarding Yrujo, reiterated the American proposal of a commission to decide on claims of U.S. citizens against Spanish government, and repeated his observations, as he had done on all...
2897Memorandum from Edmund Randolph, [29 June 1801] (Madison Papers)
Questions propounded by James Madison Esqr 1. Where lands are brought into Hotchpot, is the value of them to be taken at the time of the advancement or of the dividend? 2. Does the bequest of negroes and other personal estate in the will “to his children” exclude the representatives of those deceased between the date of the will and the death of the testator. This question may perhaps be...
2898To James Madison from Aaron Burr, [30 June] 1801 (Madison Papers)
… I am goaded with letters from Connecticut & Vermont respecting the department of Post Office which they pronounce to be a grievance intolerable—our friends in those States say that they can make no use of that mode of Conveyance while in the present hands—Col. Robinson & Mr Selden, two Very respectable men of Vermont have written me several letters on this subject, and they have desired me...
2899To James Madison from James Monroe, 30 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
On my return from Albemarle two days since I found the enclosed from Mr. Forbes which I beg to submit to yr. consideration. I was well acquainted with Mr. Forbes in France, and considered him one of the best informed & most deserving of our countrymen at that time in that country. He was educated at Cambridge in Mass: and bred to the law, wh. he declined in favor of commerce, having at the...
2900To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 30 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
Capt. Harding delivered me your letter. I fear I Can render him little service. The Inclosed letter was recd. by my house within those few days. The Writer has been some Years in Paris, is a Gentleman of Intelligence & respectability—he has dipped in Politicks. He doubts the treaty being Confirmed in any other Way than—in toto. The News this Day from Egypt gives Compleat Victory to the French....