101To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
Having found an assistant I am enabled by this Post to forward the enclosed letter, and my answer to and from Mr: Nissen at Tripoli with my answer to his letter of the 8th: of July. I refer you to my dispatch No: 12. of last year dated September the 27th. 1801, for the reason which induced the Danish Comodore to adopt this pusillanimous conduct, he thinks he has effected a great deal by...
102To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1802, Leghorn. No. 2. Has learned that the U.S. ship George Washington , which arrived 31 Jan. from Tunis and Naples and sailed a few days later with merchant vessels under convoy, reached Marseilles safely. The President was repaired at Toulon and has sailed for Gibraltar. Eaton arrived in Leghorn on the George Washington and remained until 28 Feb. He will stop at Naples “to determine...
103To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 21 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 21 August 1806, Boston. “The annext copy of my letter to Mr. Smith of this date will inform you of our exact position, as I presume you are absent from the seat of Government I have profer’d this mode of communication in order to insure an answer from superior authority as soon as possible. I hope you will excuse my not addressing my letters direct to you as I...
104To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 January 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 January 1804, Leghorn. No. 1. “I have receiv’d no intelligence since my last from our Squadron or any part of Barbary; I hope the intrigues of OBrien & Davis may not prove prejudicial to our affairs in those quarters for I have always been of opinion that Mr: OBrien was not sincere when he requested his recall, & the character which Davis has assumed will make him go any length to maintain...
105To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 29 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 November 1802, Malta. No. 16. Acknowledges JM’s 18 Apr. and 10 May letters, received from Commodore Morris on 12 Oct. Enclosures nos. 1 and 2 will give JM the latest intelligence from Tripoli; no. 3 contains Cathcart’s opinions on the proper steps to take in the present crisis; and no. 4 shows the terms of a separate peace Sweden concluded and Danish and Dutch arrangements with Tripoli. “We...
106To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 20 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since the date of the enclosed communications to our Consuls in Barbary nothing has transpired either to confirm or to contradict the report therein contain’d of the capture of Mr. Smith, which I most sincerely hope may turn out to be a similar one to that of McNiels engagement, neither have I heard any thing official from our squadron. It is however here reported that on board the Newyork...
107To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 August 1802, Leghorn. No. 10. Has received circulars from Gibraltar announcing the Moroccan declaration of war against the U.S. “By my Circular of the 11th. of Septr. 1801 copy’s of which were forwarded to the Department of State and to Comodore Dale I foresaw this event, & I hope I will not be thought presumptuous should I assert that it might have been prevented.” Encloses Simpson’s answer...
108To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
This day I have taken the liberty to draw upon you in favor of John Shaw Esqr. Commander of the United States Ship Washington for the sum of four hundred & fifty three dollars nine cents payable upon sight, which sum you will please to pay & place it to my acct. until final settlement & by so doing you will very much oblige Sir Yr: very hble Servt. Pt. St. Nothing has taken place since my last...
109To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 13 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 13 August 1806, Boston. “I have this inst. receiv’d the enclosed papers [not found], independent of which the passengers are to be supplied with ships provisions, and births are to be built for them to keep them seperate from the people, at the expense of the owners. “I had every arrangement made to haul the Two Brothers alongside the Franklin on yesterday...
110To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 15 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
I cant find words expressive of my feelings when I contemplate the national consequences attending the capture of the brig Franklin. Had those pirates got her crew safe into Tripoli it would have reduced us nearly to the same humiliating situation that the Swedes are in. As it is, it proves that we cannot evade the depredations of the most insignificant cruisers of the most insignificant...
111To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 28 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
Permit me the honor to forward for your perusal the enclosed papers which will inform you of the trifling occurrences since my last. We are amazingly fortunate that none of our merchant vessels have been captured as one of the Tripoline Cruisers has been as far to the westward as Carthagene. At this inst. the President is at Toulon the Washington is at Naples the Philadelphia is stationed off...
112To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 23 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that I arrived in Funchal roads on the 18th: inst: in 28 days from Washington & 24 from the Capes after a passage so very pleasant that we never handed out top galt: sails but once during the whole time On my arrival I found that the Gentleman who was encharged with our affairs by the Governor had gone to another part of the Island upon a party of pleasure. I...
113To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 November 1801, Leghorn. No. 13. Transmits dispatches received on 5 Nov. from Eaton and duplicates of earlier ones already forwarded. Is distressed at news from Eaton that U.S. squadron had gone to Gibraltar and left enemy coast unguarded; hopes at least one frigate will have returned. U.S. citizens trading at Leghorn complain of lack of protection, no warship having appeared at Leghorn since...
114To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 14 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 14 August 1805, Washington . “It is some time since I had the honor to promise you document[s] to substantiate the justice of some personal remarks dispersed through the numerous communications which I have had the honor to transmit to the Department of State, The liquidation of my Accounts prevented me from presenting them prior to their final Settlement,...
115To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 15 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 July 1802, Leghorn. No. 9. Cannot find “words expressive of my feelings” about the capture of the brig Franklin by the Tripolitans. “It proves that we cannot evade the depredations of the most insignificant cruisers of the most insignificant Barbary State. What? after the pains that had been taken to defeat the projects of the Bashaw of Tripoli … had been attended with success … & we were...
116To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 9 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 July 1804, Leghorn. No. 8. “Conceiving it my duty to give you what information I collect in those parts give me leave to forward for your perusal the enclosed extract of a letter from Algiers which I have no time to translate: since I have seen a letter from a person in Office at Algiers which informs us that a British Ship of War arrived there with the Consul for Tripoli on board and has...
117To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 April 1802, Leghorn. No. 4. “The enclosed extracts from my correspondence & Mr. Eatons dispatches will inform you of our actual position, every thing seems to be in a train to promise apparently a satisfactory conclusion to this war which I assure you envolves serious consequences ’tho visibly it is of little moment. I have before observed that Tunis and Algiers have their eyes fix’d on...
118To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 15 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed papers will inform you of the loss of the United States Frigate the Philadelphia, of the deplorable situation of the Officers & crew, & of the steps which I have taken to alleviate their present sufferings until provision is made for them by government. I have not a word to offer in extenuation of this fatal accident, it envolves incalculable consequences, & changes our position...
119To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 8 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 August 1801, Leghorn. No. 9. Encloses dispatches received 4 Aug. from Eaton with copies of other papers. Awaits notification of arrival of American squadron, which he expects to receive from the commodore himself. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Tripoli, vol. 2); FC ( NN : Cathcart Papers). RC 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. Enclosures include copies of an appraisal of items of jewelry by...
120To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
Last night arrived from Tripoli & Tunis a french vessel which brought me the enclosed intelligence from Mr: Nissen at Tripoli. From Mr. Davis at Tunis & from Comodore Morris I have not rec’d. a line since I saw them last which seems to me as extraordinary as improper. As I am just going to embark for Malta I cannot be so diffuse as is necessary on the subject of Mr. Nissen’s report but foresee...
121To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 August 1802, Leghorn. No. 11. During his residence at Tripoli, transmitted to the State Department a history of the reign of Ali Pasha, father of the reigning sovereign, including the “different revolutions in that State,” the murder of Mohammed Bey, and the usurpation by Yusuf Pasha Qaramanli of the throne of his brother Hamet Pasha. Is convinced that the inhabitants of Tripoli hold the...
122To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 9 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have not heard from Barbary but think it probable that Mr: Eaton has agreed with Ciddi Hamed to remain at Malta untill the arrival of our Squadron & instructions from the President, otherwise what should induce him to enter that Port where he had reason to suppose some of our vessels of War were stationed. The Tioga arrived here from Baltimore in 60 days on the 7th. inst. &...
123To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 8 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 July 1803, Leghorn . No. 8. Informs JM that “the report of the capture of Mr. Smith has proved to be false, he arrived safe at Malta, as did the ship Prudent.” “A respectable merchant at Genoa” reports “that the Dey of Algiers, having order’d his Cruisers to capture all british merchantmen that had not changed their old passports according to stipulation with the british consul…, had...
124To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 21 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 March 1801, Tripoli. No. 5. Encloses accounts of disbursements and accounts current and copy of banker-merchant Leon Farfara’s record of monies paid pasha in lieu of overdue U.S. tribute. Denounces Farfara as “incorrigible” villain but notes that O’Brien trusts him. Relates his financial embarrassments, urges annual stipend of $2,000 for the consular post, and stresses the indignity he must...
125To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 1 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that since the date of my last by the Cartel Anson, were landed from the British letter of marque the Mars of Guernsey Le Sever master, the Officers & crew of the Schooner Speedwell of Boston John D. Dennis Master captured on a voyage from Marblehead towards Bayonne with a cargo of fish. They were here near a month before an opportunity offer’d to send them home...
126To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 3 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 June 1802, Leghorn. No. 7. “Yesterday” he enclosed dispatches from Eaton through 4 May. Now encloses an extract of intelligence received from Tripoli “containing the most prominent transactions of that government from the 12th. of March to the 30th. of April,” to which he adds the following extracts from Eaton’s letter to him of 21 May. On the day before yesterday the Schooner Enterprize...
127To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 13 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Since my last dispatch the enclosed being a duplicate, I have not heard a syllable from the Bashaw which convinces me that he waits for answers to his letters from Algiers, before he takes any decisive measure, if the Bashaw of Algiers peremptorily orders him to accept my offer: I think notwithstanding all his bravado, that he will acquiesce, if on the contrary the Dey does not write to him...
128To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 15 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 October 1804, Leghorn. “This day I was honor’d with your very acceptable letter of the 11th. of June & am extremely happy that my conduct has been approved by his Excellency the President, the good of the service was my sole motive, so far as I was concerned I have been successful & my procuring the Gun & Mortar boats at Naples I presume has at least facilitated the reduction of the Bashaw...
129To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 19 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 October 1803, Gibraltar . Informs JM that he will proceed “to Leghorn in the Syren the first westerly wind.” “I have given Mr. Lear every information in my power, & will dispatch the Syren from Leghorn to Algiers with the Consular present with the greatest dispatch.” Announces that peace has been concluded between the U.S. and Morocco; refers JM to Preble and Lear for the details. RC ( DNA...
130To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 3 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
By the Brig Apollo Capt G oldsbury who sail’d on the 24th: Ulto. I had on ly time to inform you that Sir Saml. Hood w ith four Sail of the Line, five Frigates & a n umber of Transports with General Berresford & f our thousand Troops on board had just anchor’d w ithin two Cables length of the fortifications of th is City Some of whom had already dropped their S tern Anchors & had springs upon...
131To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 8 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed with this are some dispatches which I receiv’d on the 4th. inst. from Mr. Eaton, with the Copys of some papers which will probably reflect some light on our affairs; as I expect to receive intelligence from govt. as well as an Official Advise of the arrival of our Squadron from the Comodore himself I shall postpone any farther communications until I receive them. I presume they have...
132To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 18 September 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 September 1803 , “ US Frigate Adams off Almeria bay .” No. 13. “The enclosed detail will inform you of our actual position at Tunis.” Informs JM that “the Bashaws political reason” for not receiving Cathcart at Tunis was “in consequence of a request from the Dey of Algiers to that purport, in compliance with the will of the Sanhedrim & their most righteous Secretary.” Is “consequently...
133To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 July 1802, Leghorn. No. 8. Enclosures A and B, along with his dispatch no. 7 which was forwarded by the Liberty on 3 June, relate all information of importance on U.S. affairs with Tripoli and Tunis. Tripolitan cruisers have been frequently at sea since the war began, and this at a time when the extent of American commerce “never was so valuable.” Has seen twenty-four American ships “in this...
134To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 5 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 May 1803, “Lazzaretto of St. Rocco,” Leghorn. No. 4. Refers to his 30 Mar. dispatch , which informed JM of his intention to remain with Commodore Morris “as I presumed that I should be able to convince him of the propriety of proceeding off Tripoli immediately & of taking me with him in order to commence a negotiation with that Regency according to the tenor of my instructions.” On 6 Apr. he...
135To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 1 July 1806 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here yesterday and was duly hond. with your favor of the 21st. Ult. and have recd. drafts on the U, S branch bank at this place to the amount of 5000 dollars the appropriation of which shall correspond with your instructions. The Ambassador requests that the cash intended as presents to his suite may be paid into his hands at Boston, as several debts have been contracted by them...
136To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
During my residence at Tripoli I had the honor to transmit to the Department of State the history of the r eign of Aly Pacha father of the reigning sovereign of Tripoli including the different revolutions in that State, an account of the murder of Mohammed Bey & the dethroning of the rightfull sovereign of Tripoli Hamet Pacha who at that period was under the protection of the Bey of Tunis, but...