121To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne (Abstract), 17 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
17 February 1805, Amsterdam . “I have the honor to transmit you inclosed a Copy [not found] of the Arret of this Govt lately taken to prevent the introduction of contagious maladies into the Count[r]y —as many of these regulations are new & some of them peculiarly severe you will doubtless judge proper to have translation made of said Arret for publication in the American Papers for the...
122To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 4 May 1807 (Madison Papers)
I this day recd. by Capt. Johnson of the Brig Thomas of Newyork a letter from yr. Depart. of March 12th. Covering one from the president of the U. States to the King of Holland of February 28th. which it appears was broken open by Capt. Davis of the British Sloop of war Hyacinth on the 25 April in the north Sea. I Shall in course of a few Day’s proceed to the Hague for the purpose of...
123To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 25 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 June 1802, Amsterdam. Reports that his health is better and he is again performing his official duties. “But the Doctor strongly advises me to try to pass the seas to America before Winter with my family—as in his opinion being the best possible remedy to benefit the state of Mrs Bs mind & to give strength to my nerves. Should I resolve on this measure I shall claim & hope for the...
124To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 25 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
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 as the most probable means under God of restoring her health (bodily & mental). 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...
125To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 18 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 August 1804, Amsterdam. “I beg leave to acquaint the Merchants of the United States through the Channell of your department that for the benefit of the commerce of our Country I have appointed as Consular Agents on this Coast Mr. Tiede Christians for the Islands of Texel & Vlieland & Messrs. Rorf & sons (assisted by Mr. Wm. Worsdell[)] at the Helder to whom the Masters of Amn. Vessels will...
126To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 21 September 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Being absent from this place on a journey I was not honoured by the receipt of your last favor till yesterday.—I perfectly acquiesce in your relation of the circumstances attending my acceptance of the Consulate of Hispaniola while I recollect that at the time you observed it was very uncertain what arrangements Government might think fit to make relating to our Consuls abroad you gave it as...
127To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 25 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
My house have lately informed you by letter that the melancholy & distressing Scene in my family had injured my health & for some Days rendered me incapable of attending to my business. Thank God I am now better & again in exercise of my Official duties—but the Doctor strongly advises me to try to pass the Seas to America before Winter with my family—as in his opinion being the best possible...
128To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 24 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
It is only a few days since that I had the honor to receive your letter of Novr. last, covering Sundry Documents relative to the Conduct of Mr Morales Batavian Consul at Charleston with your instructions therein which shall be duly attended to. As I now momently expect to hear from you in reply to the Letter from the King of Holland to the Presidt. of the U States, which I transmitted to yr...
129To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 31 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 31 July 1806, Amsterdam. “Will you have the goodness to make my respects to the President informing him that I have duly recd (via Bordeaux) the letters he sent to my care for Mesrs. Van Marum at Harlem—Luiscius at Delft & Jacobsen at Altona; & which have been forwarded to their respective addresses. “The latest accounts from Paris say that peace is made between France...
130To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 5 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
The hopes of a peace between France & England which had been inspired by the late correspondence between those two nations seem daily to become more feeble—& leave just grounds to apprehend that a new resort to arms will be made—for deciding the unhappy contest in Europe. The political face of which appears now as little susceptible of a just delineation as at any former period of the War....
131To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 February 1804, Amsterdam. “Permit me to observe that on many accounts the commercial interests of the U States require that there Should be an Agent at the Helder of one responsibility to attend to the concerns of the American Vessells arriving there as its distance from this City prevents my attention thereto, but that place being a poor & unpleasant residence it may be necessary that...
132To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 14 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have to advise the due rect of a letter from your Department of 15 Feby. with sundry documents to prove the Citizenship of Edward Goodwin of Charleston (Massa.) & requesting my reclaim of him from this Govt. which I have already attended to but have as yet no reply. It is somewhat surprising that he should have been in this Country so long confined without having applied to me as many others...
133Sylvanus Bourne to Thomas Jefferson, 12 September 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 2 d May covering one for the Secretary of the 1 t Class of the Royal Institute of Arts & Sciences here was duly recd this day (p r the Hornet Brig of war arrived in France —) & the Inclosure
134To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 6 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 6 July 1805, Amsterdam. “I have this day been honored by your favr of the 28h May & I hasten to reply thereto that although I have not copies of my letters which Mr Damon refers to in his publication I believe them generally correct. Indeed the Confidence I placed in Mr D at that time & before was more fully evidenced by having left my consular Powers on both my visits...
135To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 3 December 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 3 December 1805, Amsterdam. “The inclosed Gazette of to day will be found peculiarly interesting as it contains a detailed relation of the great & extraordinary events which have lately taken place in Germany, Viz the Capture of Vienna by the Armies of France —the desire manifested by the Austrians to retreat from the Coalition & that of the Russians to return home the...
136To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 20 April 1806, Amsterdam. “In proportion to the rapidity of the late Campaign in Europe is the peace of Austerlitz to which it led likely to be of Short duration. Prussia’s Wavering politicks seem not to have relieved her from the consequences they were intended to evade as She may be now Said to be in Subjection to France while a rupture with England may be regarded as...
137To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
I would hereby beg leave to call your attention to a subject materially interesting to the Commerce of the United States with this country by representing to you that our Citizens are obliged to pay aditional duties on their importations from & exportations to this Country over & a bove, what is paid by any of the European Nations which have intercourse herewith—making according to the best...
138To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 17 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you here inclosed the copy of a letter I yesterday recd from the Minr. of Foreign affairs at the Hague relative to the provisional admission of Mr Smissaert as Consul of Holland for the State of New york & which is respectfully submitted to the decision of the President who will doubtless be disposed to give due weight to the arguments urged in support of the...
139To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 24 December 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 24 December 1805, Amsterdam. “The inclosed Gazettes will give you a relation of the very surprising & splendid events which have lately taken place on the Theatre of the War in Germany & which have led to an Armistice that will in all probability be followed by a peace on the continent, leaving Great Britain once more to combat alone with the colossal power of France...
140To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 23 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 23 March 1806, Amsterdam. “The Mercury a Rotterdam Gazette printed in English has to day a paragraph (extracted from a London Paper) of the following tenor “ ‘There is every prospect that our disputes with america will be amicably adjusted. An order to discharge all American Seamen from our Ships we understand has already been issued in consequence of which 25 Amn....
141To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 29 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 May 1801, Amsterdam. Continues practice of sending the Leiden newspaper, which is generally impartial in reporting important political news. Recent events in Europe have produced a change in views and principles of some major powers, destroyed the old equilibrium, and made peaceful solutions more difficult. Presumes U.S. will try to avoid political relations with Europe but urges...
142To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 2 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
The late agitated & unsettled position of the Affairs of Europe has caused me to defer my return there, till thing s should assume a more fixed & decided character. It appears now by accounts meriting confidence and which are just received that War between France & England was renewed on the 16th. Ulto. an event which must materially affect the Interests of our Commerce in that quarter of the...
143To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
The feeble State of my nerves after a sickness of about two months renders it quite inconvenient for me to write, but I endeavor just to mention to you that notwithstanding I had before sent on to the UStates since the 1st. of Novr. last a great number of destitute Amn. Seamen, I found myself surrounded with about 100 more collected from difft. quarters of Europe when an embargo took place...
144To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 1 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 November 1803, Amsterdam. Addressed JM lately about some American ships that had difficulty unloading cargo in Rotterdam “for want of due vouchers as to the neutrality of the property.” Visited Rotterdam to obtain more information. Regretted finding that the captains did not have proper certificates of property, which are necessary in time of war in order to prevent “those embarrasments to...
145To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 September 1801, Amsterdam. Encloses that day’s Leiden Gazette with accounts of the revolution in government at The Hague. Reports that the Austrian emperor continues to sanction election of bishops of Cologne and Münster despite French and Prussian opposition. A few days earlier he forwarded a packet of letters from Pinckney, who left Amsterdam on 19 Sept. en route to Madrid. Would...
146To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 5 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 5 September 1805, Amsterdam . “I have just recd. a letter from our Consul in London in reply to one I wrote him on the subject of the late proceedings of the British Govt towards our flag —in which he mentions that their Commanders of the Cruizers had far exceeded their orders in many cases as their conduct had been disavowed by Govt which shewed a disposition of making...
147To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 23 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to mention by way of duplicate that the very rigorous execution of the Laws of this Govt. at present relative to either Vessels & Cargoes or persons Coming to this Country from England renders it expedient that the merchants of the U States should be publickly Cautioned against ordering their Vessells even to touch into England for orders if eventually destined to any port in...
148To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 1 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 November 1801, Amsterdam. Will attend to contents of JM’s 1 Aug. circular letter . Takes satisfaction in never having issued any register, sea letter, or title to a vessel, except for his certification of oath of ownership like that described in circular. Has always avoided compromising American neutrality. Believes that greater and more specific powers for consuls would be beneficial to...
149To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure to acquaint you a few days past of my safe return to this City, since which I have been informed by our Consular Agent at Rotterdam that many embarrasments attended the Am’n trade there—several vessells loaded with Tobacco being prevented from discharging their Cargoes because they had called in England for orders & were not furnished with the Certificates required by the...
150To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 21 February 1803 (Madison Papers)
I send you within another parcell of Leyden Gazettes up to Decr. 24h. & in that number we find the accot. of Genl. Victors arrival at the Hague with the Staff of the Army destined to Louisiana. Indeed no further doubts can now be indulged as to the certainty of the preparations making for that expedition. Capt Gardner who has just arrived here from the Texell gives the names of several Amn...
151To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 10 August 1805, Amsterdam . “I embrace the opportunity by the return of Mr Rittenhouse to send for publication in the national Intelligencer at Washington & in the Phila Gazette , at Phila. a Statement relative to the subject of my late letters which I hope will prove Satisfactory to you & my fellow Citizens at large. While I sincerely regret the unpleasant...
152To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 3 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 November 1804, Amsterdam. “In sending the inclosed I take the liberty to repeat by way of duplicate the contents of my last on the subject of the Consulate at Rotterdam Viz That on Account of Mr Alexander’s never having recd his appointment from Govt. he has continued to act only under the Authority of Mr Foreman whose resignation has been given in to Govt two years past, which I think you...
153To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 13 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 April 1803, Baltimore. “As I expect to leave this for Boston in course of ten days, I think it proper to give you this information in order that you may direct the Documents I am to receive from your Department to be prepared (if convenient) prior to that period.” Will probably embark for Europe from Boston but cannot yet fix the precise time. Should it be material for JM to know the date,...
154To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 6 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 6 June 1806, Amsterdam. “I have within a few days recd from your Department the official Bond in Blank, which I have duly executed on my part and transmitted it by Mr. Freeman of Baltimore (who sails in the Ship Swift Cap Bell for Phila) to my friends Mess Salmon & Taylor of Baltimore to be by them duly Signed & forwarded on to your office. “I have nothing of special...
155To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 15 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Nothing very material has occurred on the political Theatre of Europe since I last did myself the honor to address you. The great trial ballance of the Accots. open between the several States which compose Europe seems to meet with many obstacles in the adjustment & it is within a few days reported that all converse on this subject between F & E has again ceased. If the claims of humanity had...
156To John Adams from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 November 1798 (Adams Papers)
As I was unwilling to be totally idle, I have employed some of the hours of leisure, which the deprivations of buisness has lately given me, to throw on paper a few crude observations on the existing state of Affairs between France & the UStates: a copy of the original in English I forwarded sometime past to the Secy. of State: since which, I have translated it into french with some aditions &...
157To Thomas Jefferson from Sylvanus Bourne, 29 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
At the time I had the honour of addressing you last, I was in expectation of forming such a mercantile connection, as would have induced me to return to the west Indies; but the late repeated bad news from that quarter, has discouraged the Person who contemplated this connection with me from any further pursuit of it. I now therefore beg leave (agreably to your advice as to the mode of...
158To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I here inclose you the Leyden Gazette of this day in which you will find some detail Accts of the revolution of the Govt of this Country now operating at the Hague & of the progress & issue of which I shall keep you duly advised. It appears that the Emperor has proceeded to Countenance of the Elections of the Bishops of Cologne & Munster notwithstanding the express opposition of Prussia &...
159To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 October 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 22 October 1805, Amsterdam. “Inclosed are the two last Leyden Papers by which you will find that the war on the Continent has again recommenced with vigor & as yet with success on the part of the French—whose great object is to force the Austrians to battle before the arrival of the Russians. The situation of Prussia at this moment is delicate & full of difficulty. Its...
160To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 23 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 September 1801, Amsterdam. Forwards an enclosure [not found] that he has received since his letter of the previous day. Reports that the legislature rejected the new constitution proposed by three members of the Batavian Directory after receiving a protest against it from the other two directors. The directors who had proposed the plan then employed a “Military Escort” to seal off the...
161To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 30 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 30 August 1805, Amsterdam . “I had the honor to write you a few days since via Baltimore mentioning the renewed depredations made on our navigation bound here by the British Cruisers in virtue of late orders from that Govt. —and it appears now that it is a system become general on the Seas—our outward as well as inward bound Vessells in all the European Waters are...
162To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne (Abstract), 13 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
13 March 1805 , Amsterdam . “The prevalence of the yellow fever in many parts of Europe during the last year has excited great alarm & instigated those nations who have not yet been afflicted therewith to take the Severest measures of a precautionary nature to prevent if possible its introduction among them & inclosed I have the honor to transmit a printed Copy of the regulations [not found]...
163To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 29 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
In conformity to my practice towards your predecessors in Office I here transmit the latest Leyden Gazettes & shall continue to do so regularly by every opportunity which presents. This paper contains a late tho’ correct & generally impartial account of the most material events occurring in this scene & cannot be read but with Interest at a moment when the political page is filled with such as...
164To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 14 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
I omitted in my late letters to note for your consideration a suggestion which had been made to me by Mr. Hubbard one of the U States as to the propriety of making a provision by the Laws of the U States for the legalization by our Consuls of the Powers of Attorney which accompany the transfer of our public funds from one person to Another in foreign places, as an arrangement that would serve...
165To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 October 1803, Amsterdam . Informed JM “a few days past” of his “safe return to this city.” “Since which I have been informed by our Commercial Agent at Rotterdam that many embarrasments attended the Am’n trade there—several vessells loaded with Tobacco being prevented from discharging their Cargoes because they had called in England for orders & were not furnished with the Certificates...
166To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 January 1802. Reports that American citizens are paying higher duties on their imports to and exports from Holland than those of any European nation by a differential of 1½ to 2 percent. The reason is a “constructive right claimed by the West India Company to certain duties on the American commerce.” The company sees fit “to include the U S in the term America used in their Charter...
167To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 August 1808 (Madison Papers)
This goes by Mr. Baker who is charged with dispatches to the Govt. of the U States from our Minr. at Paris & which will convey every Species of intelligence relative to the Affairs of Europe that is interesting to our Country & some of which I have reason to fear is not of the most favorable Character. For the better Security of my letters in these perplexing times I have taken the liberty to...
168To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 22 April 1806, Amsterdam. “You will perceive by the within that matters bear a warlike appearance between England & Prussia & that those of the north of Europe are again Clouded with a like aspect. Should the UStates succeed to preserve her peace the consequences must be highly valuable to our Country. GB seems now to suffer our vessells to pass more freely than before...
169To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 28 June 1790 (Madison Papers)
Being informed that some Members of the House of Representatives are opposed to allowing any emoluments whatever to our Consuls resident in foreign Ports—I am led to request the exercise of your influence in support of such a gratuity as may not have a tendency to burthen the trading Interest—which consequence I think cannot arise from a small contribution chargeable on each Vessell according...
170To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 April 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 25 January, & should before this have replied fully & particularly to the contents had not the distressing situation of my family for some weeks rendered me almost incapable of attending to any business whatever. It is, About three weeks that Mrs Bourne (in consequence of child bearing) has been entirely deprived of her...