1To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 5 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have observed by a late American Gasette that in your reply to the General Assembly of Pensylvania you had absolutely declined to be considered as a Candidate for the Office of President of the U States at the ensuing Election having resolved to retire of all future Public Employ. On this occasion I beg leave to tender you the hommage of my highest respect & to convey to you my sincere...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 7 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
As the preliminaries of a peace between Great Britain & France were signed at London on the night of the 2d Instant, we now approach that period when with the war will cease the necessity which that occasioned of having many Certificates of divers kinds from the Consular office & will of course reduce the income of this one to a mere trifle—In this position of the case may I be permitted...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 5 December 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I herewith transmit you these successive numbers to this date of the Leyden Gazette: It is difficult at this moment to add much to the contents of the public papers relative to the position of Europe which will ere long receive a more correct & decided modification by the Congress destined to meet at Amiens: we can only Collect from the tenor of many Official documents which have lately...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 31 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to send you inclosed a letter just recd from Mr Christopher Winckelbech of Basle—I presume it refers to the desire which many of his Countrymen possess of emigrating to the U States & on which subject I have lately made several communications to the Secretary of State—Should our Govt be disposed to make any arrangements for facilitating said emigrations I think that I might be...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 15 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Thirteen years residence abroad in foreign Countries having in no degree diminished the affection I bear my own, nor impaired the obligations I owe to its Govt, it is with heartfelt Satisfaction that I have heard of the late acquisition of Louisiana by the U: States, through means equally temperate as they are honorable to the Agents of this important negotiation. It affords indeed a source of...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 23 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you herewith a work published by Mr Stipriaan Luscius Professor of Chemistry at Delft on the subject of a new invented Bathometre—or Sonde de mer —with a modell thereof, both of which he sent to me a few days past to be forwarded on to you—On the other page you will find a copy of my reply to him herein. It appears that an Armistice has lately been agreed on...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 27 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you herewith a letter just recd from the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Hague accompanied by a copy of its contents to my address. With sentiments of highest respect I am yr ob Sevt. Amsterdam Octr 28h 1806. Sir . The preceeding letter is the copy of one I had the honor to address you yesterday ⅌ the Magnet Cap. Bowles for Boston by whom I sent the letter...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 30 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I lately had the honor to address you on the Subject of My present painful position being deprived of any income whatever for my support by the peculiar State of the Affairs of Europe claiming the fasn. of your attention herein. Since the date of the letter alluded to, I have the one from our Minister at Paris in reply to what I had wrote him on this Subject in which he expresses himself as...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I humbly beg leave to present to a view of the Supreme Executive of the U States my truly unpleasant situation here at this time where a variety of circumstances interesting to the U States & the Citizens thereof oblige me to remain at my Post while by the present position of European Affairs I am deprived of an income whatever I indulge the confidence that the Government of our Country may be...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 8 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
By Mr. Polanen who returns to his residence as Minister from this Country to ours, I take the liberty to convey to you my regret in finding that the Memorial I caused to be presented to Congress in course of last Session had not met with the desired Success, which (from the expressions made use of in the report of the Committee on that Subject) I am induced to think was rejected from a...
11To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
Capt: Nathl. Harvey of the Ship Eliza of Baltimore Joseph Street & others owners died here on the 7 Novr. last & not having prior to his decease appointed any one to take charge of his effects I esteemed it to be my duty to attend thereto agreeably to the Law of the UStates in such cases. I herewith transmit my accounts with said Estate that you may take Steps as the Law provides for...
12To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 31 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 31 March 1806, Amsterdam. “I have lately received from the Department of State two Copies of a Pamphlet entitled, ‘An Examination of the British Doctrine which Subjects to Capture a neutral trade not open in time of peace’ and I have perused with much interest this monument of deep research & critical investigation of the principles of the Laws of nations & their...
13To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 8 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Having just seen by the Amn. Gazettes that it has pleased the Supreme Executive of the U.S. to locate the Diplomatic Mission at the Hague, I shall regard this event as one imposing an additional obligation on me to attend to that current of political information which may any ways interesting to the U. States & convey the same to you in course. I have no doubt that this Batavian Govt. will in...
14To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 August 1801, Amsterdam. Hastens to forward the enclosed from Murray, since it conveys conclusion of matters with France. Hopes nothing else will disturb American peace during the European war, which he fears is not near an end. Reports that “negotiations [between France and Great Britain] are said to be much interrupted within a few days past.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1...
15To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 7 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 7 November 1805, Amsterdam. “I send you herewith Sundry Leyden Gazettes by which you will perceive the astonishing progress the french are making in the heart of Germany as well as in Italy & indeed unless the Prussian Cabinet decides on uniting with the allies I regard their cause as lost. What the latter powers will determine is yet problematical though by some a...
16To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 14 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed are some intermediate numbers of the Leyden Gazette just recd. & which serve towards completing the Sett for the last year. If about the time of my return to Holland in the Spring any circumstances arising out of our foreign relations should render neccessary a temporary special Agency or commission from our Govt to any part of Europe, I should be glad of the employ as it would be an...
17To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne (Abstract), 17 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
17 May 1805, Amsterdam . “We had yesterday a report that late letters from London advised the conclusion of a treaty Offensive & defensive between G Britain & Russia in which it is said other Northern Powers would join —we however wait the Confirmation thereof. “The ravages made by the french fleets in the West Indies seems to have excited much alarm in England— which is still enhanced by...
18To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 26 August 1808 (Madison Papers)
Having lately had the honor to address you Pr the America Capt. Seton I have nothing Special to Communicate at this time except that of my having Sent home by this Conveyance (the Ship Sheperdess Capt Nelson,) sundry Amn Seamen who have come on here from Condemned Amn Ships in France the Certs; of which will when ready be transmitted duly to the Treasy of the: U States. I hope these may be...
19To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 12 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 November 1801, Amsterdam. States difficulty of defining current political situation in Europe or predicting its ultimate form. Upcoming congress at Amiens will undertake this business; promises to communicate results. Adds in a postscript that late changes in Netherlands are a “visible departure” from the principles that gave rise to the revolution. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol....
20To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 February 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 20 February 1806, Amsterdam. “I take this occasion to repeat by way of duplicate that it may tend to relieve our navigation in this Country from considerable embarrasment under the operation of the quarantine Laws—if the Bills of health taken by the masters of our Vessells in the respective Ports of their departure are accompanied by a Certificate from the Commercial...
21To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 5 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosing you the Leyden Gazette of this date I avail myself of the opportunity to express to you my regret at finding by the Gazettes of our Country, that the memorial which I had the honor to transmit your Predecessor last fall in behalf of the Consuls of the U States, has not met with the expected success in Congress, which I think must have resulted from a misapprehension of the nature &...
22To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 11 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
I transmit you in course the Leyden Gazettes to this date. Nothing can be added with propriety at this moment to the Contents of the public papers in regard to the political state of Europe, which may undergo material Changes by the Congresses which are about to meet at Amiens Ratisbon & Lyons. The Winter will however most probably pass over before their deliberations are matured & made known....
23To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 23 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 23 July 1805, Amsterdam. “The inclosed Gazette contains a note of the Russian Minister (who was as far [as] Berlin on his way to Paris to Converse on the subject of peace) of a nature to exclude for the present all hopes of accommodation—the probable result will be the vigorous renewal of the War on the Continent early in the ensuing Spring—but how far even their...
24To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
I conceive it to be my duty to acquaint you that the rigorous execution of the decrees of this Govt. which forbid the entry in to this Country of either Ships & Cargoes or Persons which have been in England has given rise to many difficulties & embarrassments of the most perplexing nature & will render it expedient that the Commerce of the U States should be duly advised thereof in order that...
25To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
I embrace the earliest occasion which presents of forwarding you the inclosed from Mr. Murray as it conveys the pleasing intelligence of his having at length succeeded in bringing all matters to a close with France. I now indulge the hope that nothing else may arise to disturb the tranquillity of the U States during the existence of the War in Europe which I fear is not yet near its end. The...
26To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 8 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 April 1804, Amsterdam. Hopes to transmit soon the information JM requested on light fees, quarantine costs, etc. “Having to collect the information from various sources some of which not being the most accessible I am not yet prepared to make out the table.” European affairs remain unchanged. “The discovery of the late conspiracy in France seems to occupy the public mind exclusively at...
27To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne (Abstract), 13 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
13 June 1805, Amsterdam . “I apprehend to have made a little error in regard to the Leyden Gazettes for 1804 . sent you lately by duplicates, & which I mentioned as being already bound. I received them sealed up in a packett & thus forwarded them on under the impression that they were bound at Leyden—but on reflection I am led to think that those forwarded to you for 1803 were bound in this...
28To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have some letters by last post from Paris (tho’ not Official) which mention that an Exchange of the Ratification of the Treaty had not then taken place but was expected to be done Shortly. The affairs of Egypt yet remain in a very uncertain State & we have no very late Accounts from thence which can be relied on as authentic. Portugal it seems has come to an arrangement with Spain but it is...
29To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to transmit you the Leyden Gazettes up to the present period which is one peculiarly interesting in the state of European Affairs. The aspect of those of G.B. is above all observed at this moment & it remains to be decided what weight she is hereafter to hold in the ballance of Europe. France & Russia have great important Plans or prospective ones which in a short time will...
30To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 3 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
I herewith transmit some of the latest Gazettes printed in English at Schiedam & Shall hereafter continue to send them as occasion may offer. In the two last Numbers are some with digested observations on the Conduct of the Prussian Govt. which tend to shew that Nations as much as Individuals expose themselves to Misfortune & disgrace by a deviation from good faith & other Correct principles...
31To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 13 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 13 June 1806, Amsterdam. “It appears that the information I gave you in a late letter [not found] of Prince Louis having been declared King of this Country on the 14h Ulto was premature tho’ I recd it from what I esteemed a correct Source; this important event has however eventually taken place at Paris on the 8h Instant as you will find fully detailed in the inclosed...
32To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 1 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 September 1801, Amsterdam. Encloses Leiden Gazette with news that Cairo has fallen to the British but Alexandria still holds out. This event should hasten an Anglo-French peace settlement. Murray sails for U.S. within a fortnight. Withdrawal of American minister from the Netherlands may require additional consular powers and instructions; suggests his recommendations of 20 June. Recounts...
33To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 10 January 1806, Amsterdam. “In transmitting the inclosed Gazettes I take the occasion to repeat that my friends Mesr Geo Salmon & Wm Taylor Esqs of Baltimore I presume will have no objection to execute in my behalf the customary bond for the faithfull execution of the duties of my office & I beg leave to refer you to those Gentlemen on this point.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD...
34To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
This will serve to acquaint you that I have Resolved that Mrs. B Should proceed to the Country for her health the ensuing season, which will suspend my intention of returning with her to the UStates as Suggested in some of my late communications to you. I Shall therefore remain Obedient to the orders of Govt. in the exercise of my Official duties & have the honor to be With great Respect, Yr...
35To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 25 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 July 1802, Amsterdam. “This will serve to inclose the two latest Leyden Gazettes & to confirm my decision of embarking in course of 10 days for the U States with Mrs B.… Craving the kind indulgence of Govt. for my absence I shall endeavour to make it as short as possible while in the interim I have made every proper arrangment for the affairs of the Consulate.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD ,...
36To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 April 1802, Amsterdam. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 25 Jan. , to which he would have replied before this had not the “distressing situation” of his family rendered him almost incapable of attending to business. “It is, About three weeks that Mrs Bourne (in consequence of child bearing) has been entirely deprived of her reason & suffered under the most violent fits of delirium. She still...
37To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 29 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
All my endeavours with this Govt. to obtain a levy of the present embargo now on our Ships being proved fruitless, I have Solicited the interference of our Minr. at Paris in this regard, which may possibly be more fruitfull. It is indeed difficult to probe into the motives influencing the Cabinet in this measure Seeing that our Vessells are free to sail from the Ports of France. It was at...
38To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 27 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to acquaint you by way of a triplicate communication on the Subject, that I have lately recd. a letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Hague in reply to what I had wrote him relative to Anthony Morales, saying that this Govt. heard with great pleasure of what our Govt. had done in his regard, as he was never commissioned by the Govt. of Holland as Consul for...
39To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 12 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 October 1801, Amsterdam. Repeats request that JM reply at the earliest opportunity to his inquiry about salary, transmitting reply through William Taylor of Baltimore. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
40To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 29 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
Your Circular of Augt. 1. I have just had the honor to receive & shall fully reply thereto by the earliest opportunity, while in the interim every matter shall be attended to, which is equally prescribed by my duty & the desire I have of preserving the fullest Confidence of my Govt . I shall not fail to transmit you the new Constitution lately adopted by this Country the moment I can come at...
41To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 18 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to acquaint you of my safe return to this City a few days past & that on the first of next month I shall resume my official functions & be prepared to attend to any commands you may have for me in course of the public service. I have not yet been here a sufficient time to obtain correct information relative to the present state of Affairs in Europe—but shall take the...
42To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 26 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 26 June 1806, Amsterdam. “I have within a few days addressed you by triplicates—transmitting the official Communication of the late Change of Govt here. The inclosed Gazette has a copy of said Communication with some aditions relative to the alteration of the Commissions of the foreign Agents here referred to in my last.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1 p....
43To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 6 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 February 1802, Amsterdam. Transmits a triplicate of his 20 Jan. dispatch. Stresses that although he has asked permission to accompany Mrs. Bourne to the U.S. in the fall should her health require it, “I would by no means have the thing interfere with my Official duties as the preservation of my place trifling as its income will probably be in peace is Still an Object with me —owing to the...
44To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 30 August 1808 (Madison Papers)
I hasten to Send the inclosed to go by the Sheperdess as it contains the advice of the safe arrival at Havre in 24 days of the Schooner Hope Capt Wood with dispatches from our Govt. to Mr Armstrong, which may be interesting for you to be informed of, & I have the honor to be With high Respect Sir Yr Ob Servt. In my last packet to you this I ed the word Dispatches in order to facilitate its...
45To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 2 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 July 1803, Baltimore . Has deferred his return to Amsterdam because of the “late agitated & unsettled position of the affairs of Europe.” Reliable reports state that “War … was renewed on the 16h Ulto an event which must materially affect” U.S. commerce. Doubts that Spain and the Netherlands will be able to maintain their neutrality, “as the connection of those Countries with France must...
46To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 23 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I take the occasion of transmitting the inclosed papers to mention that as the Physicians conceive Mrs. Bs health will not sustain the fatigues of a voyage across the Atlantick very soon I shall conclude to let her go into the Country for her benefit in this regard & remain in the wonted exercise of my Official Duties & have the honor to be With great Respect Yr Ob Servt. The preceding is the...
47To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 26 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 26 January 1806, Amsterdam. “In transmitting the within [not found] I avail myself of the occasion to mention that notwithstanding all my efforts to inspire in the minds of the publick Officers a due confidence in the truth & purity of the Bills of Health which our Vessells bring from the UStates they have not been received as evidence & our Navigation has of course...
48To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 18 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 18 August 1805, Amsterdam . “We are at present quite in consternation here on account of the proceedings of the British Govt towards our flag as it appears they have ordered their Cruisers to take into their ports all Amn. vessells bound to the ports of France Spain or Holland laden with Colonial produce—& (as I was led to suppose) in order only to ascertain whether...
49To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I have the pleasure to forward you by particular conveyance a packet of Leyden Papers which hope may duly reach you. In regard to Amn. Affairs in this quarter of the World, I have been advised from a respectable Channell that G B has by no means satisfied the demands of our Govt. but in lieu thereof, sent out a Special Mission to the U: S to arrange the matters there. This savours of...
50To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 8 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 8 July 1805, Amsterdam. “I had the honor to address you on the 6th Inst on the interesting letter from you of the 23 May & I have no doubt you will be convinced that I made no misrepresentation to you in the Case in question. Should you need a confirmation Mr. Biass of Baltimore will be ready I shou[l]d presume to give it as in a letter to me since my last arrival here...