1From James Madison to John Armstrong, James Bowdoin, and James Monroe, 13 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have received information that measures, imposing serious restrictions on our navigation and commerce, are taking in the North of Europe, with a view to guard against the disorder called the yellow fever. It is represented that these restrictions are likely to be generally extended in that quarter thro’ the means of a concert, promoted by one of the most influential powers and it is probable...
2To George Washington from James Bowdoin, 29 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday at 5 o’Clock p.m. I received your Excellency’s Letter of the 15th with the enclosed for Majr Genl Heath. As it was of importance he Should have it as soon as may be, I immediately went with it to Roxbury, and delivered it to him. I told him I would assist him in enquiring for information relative to the particulars mentioned in your Letter: And if I should obtain any worth notice, I...
3To James Madison from James Bowdoin, 25 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour to write to you, & also to the President of the United States on the 1st of May l ast, since which, no alteration in the posture of our affairs, has taken place. I avail myself of ye. earliest opportunity of transmitting you, co pies of the treaties of Peace, concluded b etween the Emperors of France & Russia, and the king of Prussia, this day published by authority. I have...
4To James Madison from James Bowdoin, 2 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you a very important decree of the Emperor of France made at Berlin on the 21st. ulto. and this day published by authority at Paris. I have not time to offer any observations upon the subject of it: But shall content myself with forwarding a number of copies to the different sea ports in hopes that by some vessel which may be found ready to sail you will receive the...
5To George Washington from James Bowdoin, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I thank your Excellency for the Letter you caused to be Sent to me Some time ago. As it came from England I think it proper to mention to you, that it was from Mr Stewart, who married Mrs Bowdoin’s Sister, and beside family-matters contains nothing but a wish for the re-istablishment of peace between Britain & America. The Gentleman, who waits on you with this Letter, is John Temple Esqr....
6To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 2 March 1752 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I have received your favour of the 24th. January past, inclosing an Extract from your Letter to Mr. Collinson and Dr. Colden’s Letter to yourself, which I have read with a great deal of pleasure, and am much obliged to you for. Your Extract confirms a correction Mr. Kinnersley made a few days ago of a mistake I was under respecting the polarity given to...
7To George Washington from James Bowdoin, 6 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
A new Constitution of Government being generally apprehended necessary for this State, a majority of the Towns, on recommendation of the Assembly, Some months ago appointed Delegates for the purpose of forming one: And they have lately in convention agreed upon one, which is to be laid before the people at large for their Consideration. They ordered a number of copies to be printed, two or...
8To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, [March 1753?] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from extract in Sparks, Works , VI , 161 n. By the post I received your favor, enclosing several printed letters relating to the transit of Mercury over the sun. A gentleman here, who is provided with the proper instruments, and well skilled in astronomy, intends to make the necessary observations; to whom, as well as to several others, I shall communicate said letters....
9To Thomas Jefferson from James Bowdoin, 25 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I cannot resist, Sir, the disposition which I feel of writing to you, from the renewed instance of your politeness & condescension, in readily dispensing with my attendance at Washington, from motives, which refer to my Health: this indulgence, rather than to accept of my Resignation, demands from me my most respectful acknowledgments; and you will permit me upon the occasion to present you...
10To Thomas Jefferson from James Bowdoin, 17 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
As the present posture of our affairs in this country may require, that you shd. receive information from every source by which it may be obtained, I have thôt it my duty to state to you the result of such observations as I have made relative thereto, since my late arrival here; & perhaps I cannot do it better than by enclosing you a copy of a letter written to David Williams Esqr. at his...
11To Thomas Jefferson from James Bowdoin, 18 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Being quite unwell when your obliging letter of the 23d Ultimo & its enclosures reached me, I embrace the first moment of convalescence to thank you for them. Your letters to me while in france, with one exception, intercepted by means as I have reason to believe, as unjustifiable as dishonourable, would have afforded me much satisfaction, had I have duly recd. them; but left as I was without...
12To George Washington from James Bowdoin, 26 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
By the Post I had the honour of your Letter of the 14th Instant, And am happy to find that the Plan &c. accompanying my last was in any degree Satisfactory, and may be of use. I hope the measures for procuring further intelligence will be effectual. The loss of Charlestown is unfortunate, and the more so if owing, as is said to be the Case, to a want of provisions. I wish it may be repaired...
13To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 11 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I had the honour of writing to you by Mr. Guild some months ago. He probably acquainted you, there was a Bill then depending in our Assembly for incorporating a philosophical Society. It has been compleated, and the Society formed, under the name of The American Academy of Arts & Sciences. They have had several...
14To John Adams from James Bowdoin, 10 April 1786 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour of writing to you in August last relative to the conduct of Captain Stanhope; and twice since on the subject of British Encroachments upon territory of the United States, adjoining the newly established Province of New Brunswick. I hope those Letters came to your hand. New complaints from our people in those parts have been received, particularly from the Inhabitants of Moose...
15To George Washington from James Bowdoin, 23 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Mr Robt Temple, at whose request this is written, waits on your Excy to procure the favour of your assistance in the Settlement of his Account against the united States. He would be glad also to be favoured with your permission to go to Ireland, where he has friends and connections, and where he can employ himself to the advantage of his family in the farming way. He found his Farm at...
16To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 6 September 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society I am much obliged to you for introducing me to the acquaintance of General Lee. He came hither from the Southward about a month ago, when I had the pleasure of receiving by him your agreable Letter of July 28. 1773. The character you give of him is very just, and what compleats it is, that he is a hearty Friend of America. This may be no...
17To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 12 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Massachusetts Historical Society; ALS (fragment): American Philosophical Society I observe by the last Papers that your Assembly have again appointed you one of their Agents in Great Britain: which without doubt, is much to the mortification of the party, whose spleen has been lately gratified by your not being returned a member of the present assembly. I am very glad the...
18To George Washington from James Bowdoin, 17 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday arrived the frigate Alliance in forty days from L’Orient. She has on board 2000 Stands of Arms, a number of Cannon And a Quantity of powder for the united States. Your Excellency will give Such Orders concerning them as you think proper: but with respect to the Arms, if there be not an absolute necessity for all of them, the Council would be glad you would allow one thousand of them...
19To George Washington from James Bowdoin, 31 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since the last Post, by Which I had the Honour of writing to you, I have seen a Gentleman well acquainted with Nova Scotia, and particularly with Halifax, whose account concerning them, I doubt not, may be depended on. It represents the State of things as they were in December last. Very fortunately I had Some business with him, which gave me a good opportunity of entering into Conversation...
20To John Adams from James Bowdoin, 11 July 1786 (Adams Papers)
In addition to the papers I sometime ago sent you, relative to the encroachments made upon our Eastern boundary by our Neighbours of New Brunswick, I have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency copies of other Letters & papers upon the same subject— By Mess rs. Smith & Bowles’s Deposition it appears, that the Province of New Brunswick is by its Charter bounded on the Western shore of...
21To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 23 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg leave to congratulate you on the return of peace, and the conspicuous part You had in bringing it about: especially as the terms of it are So advantageous to the united States. Though the late contending powers appear disposed to peace, we greatly wish the confirmation of it by the completion of the definitive treaty: wch. notwithstanding reports,...
22To Thomas Jefferson from James Bowdoin, 3 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of acquainting you with the sudden death of Mr Lewis oBrien, late Consul of the U States for the Port of St. Ander in Spain. He was at Madrid making reclamations of the property of our Citizens, condemned in the lower [prvat] Courts, where he died in a most distressing manner on the 24th of April last, as will appear by the enclosed letters. I was not personally acquainted...
23To James Madison from James Bowdoin, 9 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the honour of writing to you on the 26th. Ulto., I have had a return of my complaint, which has abundantly proved the prudence of not having undertaken the Journey to Washington, as I could have wished: my indisposition was however but short, & I consider myself at present, much better than I have been for these three months past. I am now more particularly to acquaint you, that my...
24To James Madison from James Bowdoin, 20 May 1806 (Madison Papers)
Since my arrival in europe, I have had the honour to address you on the 18th. of June, & 8th. of July from St. Ander: on the 31st. of July & 3d. of Septr. from London: on the 7th. & 27th. of dec: feb. 17. & mar. 9th. from Paris; since which I have received your circular letter of the 24th. of July; & your Letter of the 18th. of mar. last by Mr. Skipwith, wherein you acknowledge the rect. only...
25To George Washington from James Bowdoin, 17 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour of enclosing to your Excellency a Letter I just now received from Wm Wetmore Esqr.—recommending Mr Samuel Waldo of Portland for the office of Comptroler (or by whatever name the Office may be called) in the Revenue Department in the Eastern Counties of this State. The Character he gives of Mr Waldo I believe to be a very just one, and for that reason beg leave to join in the...
26To James Madison from James Bowdoin, 18 December 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Bowdoin. 18 December 1805, Paris. “I had the honour to write to you very fully on the 7th. inst. by Capt. Jarvis of the brig dispatch a fast sailing vessell bound from Rochélle for Savannah in Georgia: I understand it is probable, that this Letter may reach Rochélle before Capt. Jarvis may have sailed, wch. gives me the oppty. to transmit to you this Govt.’s acco. of a late...
27To Thomas Jefferson from James Bowdoin, 24 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The public dispatches forwarded by the Revenge having been directed to General Armstrong and me jointly by Mr. Bullus, they were bro’t to me by Mr. Vail the consul of Lorient accompanied with Lt. Hunt; I opened them, & found your letter of the 10th of July last, enclosed in one from Mr. Madison, it gave me great pleasure, as it is the first & only one, I have had the honour to receive from...
28To John Adams from James Bowdoin, 11 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of March last I have but lately received. It was Sent by the Post, I suppose from Newport. When the Gentleman you recom mend in it, Monsr. Petry, comes here, it will give me pleasure to make Boston agreable to him. I wish we could have had more of your assistance in compleating the plan of government. Some of the alterations made in it after you left us, were by no means for the...
29To Thomas Jefferson from James Bowdoin, 23 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I should be insensible to the marked & distinguished notice, you have been pleased to take of me, in nominating me, as one of the foreign ministers of the united States, did I not avail myself of the earliest opportunity, to thank you for your condescension & politeness, in thus thinking of me.— Should it Sir, not meet the sanction of the Senate or should I, from ill-health, or other cause,...
30To James Madison from James Bowdoin, 22 August 1806 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour to address you on the 23d. Ulto., since which I have received your dispatch of the 26th. of may last directed to Gen. Armstrong & to me: you may be assured, that I shall make your instructions in this instance, as in all others, the guide of my conduct. Notwithstanding there was a prospect that the negotiation would come to a crisis “ in a few days ,” when I had the honour to...
31To Thomas Jefferson from James Bowdoin, 20 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour to write to you on the 1st. of March last, wch. I forwarded by Mr. Cabel, & wch. like others of my letters, seems to have met unexpected detention: I therein stated to you what had been my situation & conduct since my arrival in europe, and what changes had taken place in the situation and politics of france, & of some of the principal european states: and particularly in...
32To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 8 June 1752 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I have read the first Chapter of Dr. Colden’s piece on Gravitation which you was so good as to inclose in yours of the 14th. Ult. and endeavoured to understand it, but with as little Success as yourself. I have ventured notwithstanding to make in the margin a few remarks on several passages, which detach’d from the rest I tho’t I understood; but it is...
33To James Madison from James Bowdoin, 19 February 1806 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour to write to you on the 7th. & 27 of dec. since which I have received your circular letter of the 24th. of July with its contents; except which I am without any of your favours since my arrival in europe: Since the date of my last, nothing of importance has occured here or at Madrid. At present I am to acquaint you, that there has been received at Mr. Tallerand’s office, Mr....
34To Thomas Jefferson from James Bowdoin, 22 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour to write to you under dates of the 1st. of Mar. 20th. May & 23 of July; and to Mr. Madison of the 20th. May, 23d July & of this day, to which you will permit me to most respectfully refer you. You will observe Sir, by my letters to Mr. Madison, that the Spanish govermt. had appointed M. Isquierdo an agent or minister to confer with genl. Armstrong & me on the subsisting...
35To George Washington from James Bowdoin, 18 February 1789 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from James Bowdoin, 18 Feb. 1789. On 9 May GW wrote to Bowdoin : “Since my arrival in this place I have been honored with your letters of the 18th of Feby and 24th of April.”
36To James Madison from James Bowdoin, 2 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour to write you a short letter on the 25th of July last, since which I have recd. your obliging letters of May 25th, & of the 17th of July, the first by Colo. R. Livingston, & ye. latter by Lt. Hunt of the Revenge. I have just sent copies of your Letters to Mr. Erving, & also copies of the late communications between Gen. Armstrong, & the Ministers of this govt.: altho’ I expect...
37To Thomas Jefferson from James Bowdoin, 12 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour to write to you on the 9th instant, & the last evening to receive your friendly & obliging letter of the 29th of May:—I thank you Sir, for your congratulations upon my safe return to my native country: it is truely a cause of Joy & Consolation to me after so long an absence; & so many difficulties & disappointments, as I have experienced:—I will not enter into the causes of...
38To Thomas Jefferson from James Bowdoin, 23 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Proposals having been made by the Marquis de Lafayette for a Commercial Establishment between this Country and France; I beg Leave to recommend to your Excellency’s Patronage and good Offices Mr. Nathl. Barrett, the Gentleman to whose Care the Merchants here, Confiding in his Integrity and Judgment, have Committed the Negotiation. The Object, the admission of American Oil into France, for...
39To James Madison from James Bowdoin, 4 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour duely to receive your Letter of the 1st. Ulto., & should have ’eer this acknowledged its rect., had I not have entertained the expectation of soon paying my respects to you at Washington. I had, for this purpose, made the necessary preparations, & expected, this day, to have set out upon the Journey. But I am compelled, very reluctantly, to acquaint you, that such has been the...
40To James Madison from James Bowdoin, 3 October 1806 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to write to you on the 22d. Ulto., & to enclose you copies of my correspondence with Gen. Armstrong from the 8th to the 16th of sept., as also copies of Genl. Armstrong’s letters of the 6th & 26th of may to mr. Tallerand, and his reply of the 4th of June; Since which, I wrote to Genl. Armstrong the following letter, viz. By your letters of the 14th & 16th instant you mention...
41To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 12 November 1753 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I received your Favour of the 18th Ult. accompanied with Dr. Brownrigg’s Treatise on Salt which I shall comunicate to the Gentlemen you mention. According to your desire I send you our Law for regulating the Trade with the Indians. Our Indians formerly (as yours now) made great Complaints of the Abuses they suffer’d from private Traders, which induced the...
42To George Washington from James Bowdoin, 20 March 1790 (Washington Papers)
Letters of this kind would need apology, or rather would, in every view, be unwarrantable, if the writer had any reason for doubt concerning the character of the person recommended. But as I am sure no apology is needful on that score, I persuade my self your candour will induce you to think it unnecessary on any other. I have the honour of enclosing a Letter which I have lately received from...
43To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 19 August 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society I recd. per Mr. Gerry a Packet from you containing a Russian Book on Comets, and Vattel’s Droit des Gens. The former agreable to your desire I have sent to Mr. Oliver at Salem together with your Billet. The latter when I have looked over it I shall send to the President of Harvard College as a Present to the Library from you. Dr. Cooper shewed me...
44To John Adams from James Bowdoin, 10 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
Your removal from the Hague to London, in the character of Plenipotentiary, gives a general & great pleasure. The abilities so successfully exerted in the Treaty of Peace, will, if any thing can, procure a happy issue to the negociations for settling a commercial Treaty with Great Britain.— M r Higginson by this opportunity sends you a well written letter on the state & circumstances of our...
45To John Adams from James Bowdoin, 10 August 1789 (Adams Papers)
As it is the duty of every good citizen to counteract, as far as he can, any measures that may operate injuriously to the Public, I am constrained to inform you of a plan, which if successful, will have that operation in the important department of the Administration of Justice in this Commonwealth. We have a perfect Confidence, and are therefore happy, in the Gentlemen, who now constitute our...
46To George Washington from James Bowdoin, 3 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is a happy circumstance for my Friend Robt Temple Esqr. that he will meet with your Excy at Phila. to which place he is now going for the purpose of Settling his Account against the United States. He thinks yr Excy well acquainted with the benefit derived to the American Army from the Wood &c. with which they were Supplied from his Farm at Charlestown and the great damage he Sustained in...
47To Thomas Jefferson from James Bowdoin, 22 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure of your Letter of the 8th. February, and thank your Excellency for the information contained in it. The young Gentleman, who will do himself the honour of waiting upon you with this Letter, is Mr. Appleton, a Son of the Intendent of the United States loan office in this Town. He is in the mercantile line, and has conducted with reputation. The Father, a very worthy...
48To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 2 January 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I take this opportunity by my Son to express my own Pleasure, and the general Satisfaction at your appointment as Agent for the House of Representatives. The Council have recommended to their Agent Mr. Bollan to consult and cooperate with you for the best interest of the Province: which as it has distinguished itself in the great cause of American Liberty...
49To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 16 March 1752 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society According to promise in my last, I now return you Dr. Colden’s Letter, for communicating which I am greatly obliged to you. The Dr. dissenting from you, is of opinion, that Sea Clouds are less electrified than Land Clouds, and gives the reasons of his opinion “That Salt, tho’ an Electric per se, is never raised in Sea-vapours, therefore Sea-Clouds are...
50To James Madison from James Bowdoin, 8 July 1805 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour to inform you the 18th. Ulto. of my arrival at this place, & of my determination to pursue my Journey to Madrid with all expedition: Since which, I have been taken down with a fever, which for a number of days threatened my Life; & has so reduced me, as to put it out of my power to pursue my Journey to Madrid. In consequence of which, I have written to Madrid for a Passport to...