51To 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...
52To 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...
53To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 1 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I send you the Leyden Gazette to this date by which you will perceive that Cairo has eventually fallen into the hands of the English & that the conquest of that Country is viewed as being accomplished altho Alexandria yet holds out. This event appears to be considered as a very important one towards the promoting of peace between E & F. That it removes one great obstacle to that...
54To 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...
55To 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 &...
56To 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...
57To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 23 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had yesterday the honor to address you via Baltimore since which have recd the inclosed to my care. In the letter just referred to I sent you a Gazette giving some detail acct. of a Revolution or change in the Govt. of this Country then operating at the Hague. Many defects were found to belong to the last constitution which called for a remedy, & three of the Existing Directory, formed a new...
58To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 30 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 September 1801, Amsterdam. Forwards two issues of the Leiden Gazette . Recent reports of British victory in Egypt conflict with later accounts of Menou’s determination to hold out in the hope of receiving aid from France, the government of which appreciates “the importance of the Object as one means of attacking the Colossal Strength of GB. in the E[ast] I[ndies].” The settlement of...
59To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 30 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I have the pleasure to Send you the two latest Leyden Gazettes. It was lately given out that the Affairs of Egypt were conclusively settled in favr. of the English, but by more recent accounts from that quarter we are assured that Genl. Menou was resolved to hold out to the last extremity in hopes of eventual succour from France which that Govt. of that Country will strain every nerve...
60To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 7 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 October 1801, Amsterdam. Reports that, contrary to general expectation, peace preliminaries between France and Great Britain were signed at London on 2 Oct.; terms are still unknown. Declares event will “produce a marked & most material change in the political & commercial Worlds, & its consequences on the future destinies of Europe cannot yet be traced.” Encloses letter to Jefferson on...
61To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 7 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have now to advise you that Contrary to general expectation the preliminary articles of a peace between France & England were signed in London on the 2d. Instant—the contents of which are however as yet unknown here. This important event arrests the attention of the philosophic observer & is of a nature to produce a marked & most material change in the political & commercial Worlds, & its...
62To 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...
63To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 9 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 October 1801, Amsterdam. Confirms signing of the peace preliminaries between France and Great Britain; will send terms when available. Refers to his last letter where he mentioned that peace would decrease his consular fees; believes his income will be less than $500 per annum. Had suggested that consul be paid $2,000 per year and consular fees be credited against that sum. Now proposes that...
64To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 9 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
It appears now confirmed that preliminary Articles of peace between England & France were signed on the 2d. Inst at London the Contents are momently expected to be published when I shall not lose A Moment to transmit them to you. Important reflections are awakened by this event which I cordially hope may fix the future peace & happiness of Europe on a permanent base. In my last letter I took...
65To 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.
66To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 12 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
I mentioned to you in my last respects (via Boston) that the peace which has taken place in Europe would reduce the income of my Office here to 400 or 500 Dolls. only pr annum & requested to be informed if Govt. could Esteem the place of sufficient importance to justify the granting a Salary of 1000 to 1500 Dolls. in adition for its support. I have here to repeat that it will render me an...
67To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 16 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 October 1801, Amsterdam. Encloses latest Leiden Gazette , which paper “will continue to be interesting till the Great Work of peace is effected by the Congress which is about to meet at Amiens & which will have yet to decide upon many very important interests on the great theater of Europe.” Expects American trade “will suffer by peace in the exact ratio of the advantages we reaped from the...
68To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 16 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
I here transmit the last Leyden Gazette. This paper will continue to be interesting till the Great Work of peace is effected by the Congress which is about to meet at Amiens & which will have yet to decide upon many very important interests on the great theater of Europe. Perhaps, never before a peace took place that had half the Consequences. This must unavoidably have on every thing...
69To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 29 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 October 1801, Amsterdam. Acknowledges JM’s 1 Aug. circular and promises to reply fully at earliest opportunity. Will send copy of new Batavian constitution as soon as it is “published in a systematic form.” 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.
70To 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...
71To 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...
72To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 1 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
I am just favored with the receipt of your Circular of August 1s. and shall pay due respect to the Contents. Whatever may have been the practice in that regard in other Consular offices of the U.S. it is a Source to Satisfaction to me that no register or Sea letter has been issued from my office during the Eight Years I have Occupied it, nor any document whatever giving tittle to a Vessell...
73To 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....
74To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 12 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
In the present moment it is difficult to delineate with any just precision the political state of Europe or predict with certainty, the form it may ultimately assume. This important business will be Shortly undertaken by the Congress that is about to assemble at Amiens—& every eye & ear will be open to learn the result of their interesting deliberations the course of which shall be...
75To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 November 1801, Amsterdam. Transmits Leiden Gazette . Waits “anxiously to know what will be the fate of my official situation as that of my family will thereon essentially depend .” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1 p.; sent “Via New York / Care of Mr Ely”; postmarked New York; docketed by Wagner as received 18 Feb. A full transcription of this document has been added to the...
76To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I send you further the Leyden Gazette to this date. I shall now wait anxiously to know what will be the fate of my official situation as that of my family will thereon essentially depend. I have the honor to be in sentiments of the highest Respect—Yr. Ob Sert. The preceding is the full transcription of a document that was previously abstracted in The Papers of James Madison ,...
77To 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...
78To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 11 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 December 1801, Amsterdam. Transmits the Leiden Gazette to date. Thinks the congresses to be held at Amiens, Ratisbon, and Lyons may materially alter political state of Europe, but the results will not be known before spring. 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.
79To 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....
80To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 14 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 December 1801, Amsterdam. Transmits suggestion of Hubbard, one of the bankers of the U.S., who proposed “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 to give a little emolument to the Consular Officer without burthening the public Chest—& that would...
81To 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...
82To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 December 1801, Amsterdam. Transmits a duplicate of his 15 Dec. letter. Has encountered difficulties in obtaining mates’ signatures on drawback certificates since no more than one-third of U.S. ships approach closer than Den Helder, fifty miles distant. Has appointed an agent there to obtain signatures but, in view of complaints about that arrangement, suggests that signature and affidavit...
83To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
The foregoing is a duplicate of what I had the honor to address you on the 15 Inst. I would now beg leave to mention the nature of certain difficulties which attend the position of this port in respect to the signature of Drawback Certific ates by the Mates of Vessells, seeing that not mo re than one third of our vessells come further than The Helder 50 Miles distant from this port & as the...
84To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 December 1801. Forwards copy of 22 Dec. Leiden Gazette . “Some symptoms of discontent are said to have lately made their appearance in Paris among the late Generals of the french Armies who are now without employ—but it appears that means have been found to appease them.” Dutch government is operating smoothly under the new constitution; definitive treaty is expected to restore commercial...
85To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I transmit you in course the Leyden Gazette of this date. Some symptoms of discontent are said to have lately made their appearance in Paris among the late Generals of the french Armies who are now without employ—but it appears that means have been found to appease them & it is to be hoped that nothing further may arise of a nature calculated to interrupt the Work of peace—So...
86To 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...
87To 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...
88To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 1 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 February 1802, Amsterdam. Has mentioned in recent letters that if Mrs. Bourne’s state of health continues to make the voyage necessary, he wishes to have permission to accompany her to Baltimore. Explains that this would not occur until “towards the fall,” resulting in a short absence during winter when there is little business, and he would leave a respectable agent in charge. “Being loth...
89To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 1 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I mentioned in Some of my late letters to you that I would wish to have the permission of Govt. (in case Mrs. Bourne’s State of health Should continue to render the voyage necessary) to accompany her to Baltimore in course of the ensuing Season. I therefore take this occasion to explain more fully that our departure will not take place till towards, the fall & that my absence will be but very...
90To 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...
91To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 6 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
You have inclosed a triplicate of my letter of the January 20h. I would just beg leave to add here that I have lately mentioned that in case absolute necessity should require Mrs. Bournes making a visit to the UStates next fall I should wish permission of Govt. to accompany her but I would by no means have the thing interfere with my Official duties here as the preservation of my place...
92To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 February 1802, Amsterdam. States that he has decided to send his wife “to the Country for her health the ensuing season”; therefore, he will not return with her to the U.S. as suggested in his recent letters. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1 p. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
93To 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...
94To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 23 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 February 1802, Amsterdam. Transmits papers and states that as physicians think his wife’s 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.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1 p. In another note of 23 Feb. to JM...
95To 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...
96To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 18 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1802, Amsterdam. Transmits the latest issues of the Leiden Gazette . Although many months have passed since the signing of peace preliminaries between France and Great Britain, no final arrangement has been made and the state of suspense is prejudicial to commerce. British government has ordered a “respectable fleet” to sea; this has created alarm as to the prospects for the...
97To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 18 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
I here transmit in course the last numbers of the Leyden Gazette. Altho’ many months have passed since the preliminaries of peace were signed between F. E we are yet waiting for the final arrangment of this important buisness; which leaves us in a State of suspense painfull to the mind & extremely prejudicial to the general Interests of Commerce. Some persons are of opinion that we are not yet...
98To 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...
99To 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...
100To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 29 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 April 1802, Amsterdam. Regrets that the situation of his family, an account of which was given in his last letter, still prevents him from attending to JM’s request. Apologizes for apparent neglect of his duties. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1 p. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.