101To James Madison from William Jones, 6 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed report is prepared in consequence of a call from the Chairman of the Naval Committee of the Senate for a return of the number of Gun Boats in service and their Stations, with a view as I understood him in conversation to propose an additional special defence for Baltimore of a number of Barges or Galleys which the City of Baltimore during the late excitement built and now wish to...
102To James Madison from William Jones, 6 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
I send the enclosed letters for your perusal. James T Leonard was next in command to Com Chauncey until arrested upon charges of misconduct and is now under arrest waiting the investigation of a Court martial. I know not who was the commanding naval officer that so precipitately destroyed the stores, nor is it possible to anticipate the consequences as it respects the equpment of the New Ship....
103To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. May 1813] 1813 (Madison Papers)
Will the President please to say what answer I may give to Mr Gray and if the prayer of his petition cannot be granted what reasons I may assign. I recollect that the distinction in Gerards case was that he had entered the waters of the US not knowing of the War and was taken and detained there until ransomed. I do not recollect the merits of the other cases to which Mr Gray alludes, but I...
104To James Madison from William Jones, 28 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
I enclose 11. letters received by the mail of this day from Commodore Chauncey. Nos. 17. to 27. The most material are Nos. 22 to 27. inclusive some surgeons and mates have gone on and others are going. Captain Sinclair is here and goes on in the mail tomorrow to take the command of the New Ship at Sacketts Harbour. We have had no Marines to send on and have not succeeded in recruiting any on...
105To James Madison from William Jones, [18–20 May] 1813 (Madison Papers)
Extract from a letter of Capt. Sinclair dated Norfolk. May 16. 1813. I was yesterday evening at the Capes—where there were 4–74s. 5 Frigates—1 Ship, apparently a merchantman—2 Brigs of War—and armed Schooners, making in all 22 Sail. They are moored, forming a line up the Bay Channel and also a line across the Channel to Hampton Roads—just at the tail of the Horse shoe. These are the Squadron...
106To James Madison from William Jones, 15 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
I return the proceedings of the Court Martial at Sackets Harbour for your decision on the Sentence of dismission, of sailing master Hutton which forms an exception to the power vested in the commander of the fleet. See act. April 23. 1800 Vol. 5. page 121. art. XLI. I believe the Sentence to be perfectly correct. I am very respectfully Sir your Obdt Servt Permit me to observe that the sentence...
107To James Madison from William Jones, 12 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
It is probable you may have seen the attack upon Commodore Murray in the Democratic Press and as he is the senior officer in the Navy of the U. States I deem it but just that he also should be heard and therefore enclose his letters and its enclosures for your perusal. The gentlemen to whom he alludes as being present I know very well they are worthy men and our political friends. Murrays...
108To James Madison from William Jones, 11 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
Agreably to a Resolution of the Legislature of this State, pass’d at their Session the last week, I do myself the honour to forward you the enclosed Memorial, and beg leave to observe— That as the War in which the United States are engaged is particularly distressing to this State, and as the danger of an Invasion most certainly increases as War progresses, and the distressing privations of...
109To James Madison from William Jones, 26 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
I feel that as a member of your Cabinet I ought to avoid adding to the number of solicitors on the subject of appointments and I promise you not to tresspass often. Permit me to say that I believe the appointment of Doctor James Rush as successor to his illustrious father would give as general satisfaction as that of any other; both on account of the merits of the candidate and the profound...
110To James Madison from William Jones, 17 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
I returned at 6 this evening much fatigued having overset but without injury. The roads are intolerably bad. My visit has produced a good effect—our friends at Baltimore are particularly gratified by the arrangements I have made, and those who are not of that character appear satisfied. It happened very opportunely as the enemy anchored off the mouth of the river yesterday, sent their Barges...
111To John Adams from William Jones, 13 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 5th. Instant and the President had put into my hands your letter to him on the same subject. Well may you Sir feel a consious pride in recognizing in the hero’s who adorn our Navy, the youthful midshipmen of your own creation. I assure you Sir that nothing but my inability to comply with your wishes in respect to young Marston could for a moment withhold the...
112To James Madison from William Jones, 1 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
If water alone is their object they can get it with facility in the Potowmac without hazard, but I think the greater probability is that being correctly informed of the state of preparation of our ships at New york they may have gone to the Hook and to the East end of the sound in order to watch their movements. In the last New york paper it is said a Spaniard spoke a 74 with 7 other ships of...
113To James Madison from William Jones, 27 March 1813 (Madison Papers)
You will perceive by the enclosed letters that the note you sent for my perusal was written under a mistaken idea that the firing of the British Barges on the schooners captured in the mouth of James River was an action between our Gun Boats & the enemy Frigate. I am satisfied that the object of an attempt to ascend James River is solely with a view to draw the Gun Boats from Norfolk. I shall...
114To James Madison from William Jones, 26 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
The existing instructions from this Department rendering the Naval Commanders on certain stations subordinate and obedient to the Military Commanders is in my judgement fraught with consequences extremely injurious to the service and to the public interest. The first direct effect is that officers of talent character and spirit will not submit to the degradation and will decline or resign. The...
115To James Madison from William Jones, 19 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have this instant received a hand Bill from the press of the Wilmington Del. Watchman enclosed to me by the Collector of that place announcing circumstantially the capture and destruction of the Java (a British Frigate Mounting 49 Guns) by the Constitution Commodore Bainbridge off the coast of Brazil. The Java was bound out to Bombay with Lieutenant Genl Hislop and other officers onboard. 60...
116To James Madison from William Jones, 10 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to lay before You, the proceedings of a Court Martial, held at Fort Norfolk, on the 1. aug: 1812—with the sentence of Death, pronounced by said Court, upon George Allen, a private of marines. And a reference to a similar sentence, by another Court Martial upon … Potts a private of Marines the proceedings of which, are not to be found, either in the War or Navy Departments; but...
117To James Madison from William Jones, 14 January 1813 (Madison Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 12th Inst enclosing my Commission as Secretary of the Navy for which mark of your confidence I pray you to accept my sencere acknowledgements. Having seen my nomination in the public prints I had given to the subject the consideration due to so weighty and important a trust, and although I feel the full force of the responsibility proposed to be vested in...
118To James Madison from William Jones, 28 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
As it is possible my letters of July 22d & of August 22d may not have reached your Excellency, I am advised by the Council of War of this State to forward a triplicate & to inform your Excellency that in consequence of an Alarm by the appearance of three British Frigates near point Judith on the 13th Inst the Citezens of the Island of Rhode Island with a promptness that does them very great...
119To James Madison from William Jones, 22 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
Upon a presumption that my letter of July 22d must have miscarried I now do myself the honor to forward you a Copy thereof, observing to your Excellency that a supply of Arms &c &c as a part for which an Annual appropriation was made by Act of Congress April 2d 1808 is highly necessary, the reception of which would be highly gratifying to the State & very pleasing to me. I have the honor to be...
120To James Madison from William Jones, 22 July 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency a Resolution of the General Assembly of this State pass’d on the 8th Inst and in conformity therewith permit me to request your Excellency to give orders to the proper officer to furnish me with two thousand stand of arms & six pair of Field peices vizt two pair of six pounders & four pair of four pounders with such quantities of ammunition &c for...
121To James Madison from William Jones, 22 May 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 May 1812, Philadelphia. Transmits the proceedings of a meeting of the citizens of the first congressional district of Pennsylvania held in the statehouse square on 20 May. Assures JM that the “enclosed address and resolutions were adopted with the utmost unanimity zeal and determination.” 20 May 1812, Philadelphia. “The friends of the United States and of their Constituted authorities, …...
122To James Madison from William Jones and Others, 30 April 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 April 1812, Philadelphia. Recommend John Dayton, merchant of Philadelphia, for the position of consul at a “Port in South America.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Dayton”). 1 p. Signed by Jones and twenty others, including Clement Biddle, George Latimer, Henry Pratt, and Robert Patton.
123To James Madison from William Jones, 21 February 1811 (Madison Papers)
As information from respectable private sources may in the absence of Official intelligence serve to throw some light upon the equivocal policy of france in her professed cessation from the violation of our neutral commerce, I take the liberty of enclosing an extract from a letter recd by a gentleman in this city, by the Osmin lately arrived here from Rochelle, which letter was not delivered...
124To James Madison from William Jones, 11 February 1811 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed circular is I believe the only one of the kind received here this day and as none of our papers have published it although it was here before noon, I deemed it of some importance to put it in your possession as soon as possible. I know not whether the translation be correct, but it appears to me necessary to enclose in a parenthesis the words “the vessels taken or detained before...
125To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 24 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
By order of a general Town Meeting of the Citizens of the City and County of Philadelphia (the most numerous it is believed ever assembled in this place on any occasion) convened at the State House on the 23d Instant, I transmit to you the Resolutions adopted in support of the late measure of the general government, and an address expressive of the respect attachment and gratitude of the...
126To James Madison from William Jones, 9 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letter to your address I received this day from an american friend in Paris who is eminently entitled to my confidence and esteem. He speaks in the highest terms of the moral character respectability and intelligence of Mr. Robertson and of his attachment and devotion to our Country. I also take the liberty of enclosing documents authenticating the nativity and Citizenship of...
127To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 17 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I was honored with your’s of last year, Dated Octr 25th. and have used my best endeavours to execute such Instruments for you as I thought would best answer your purpose As you expressed that you wanted the Astronl Quadt for an important purpose, & that Instrument, being on a confined and limited principle of Accuracy I judged it best to send you the Reflecting Circle. This Instrument will...
128To James Madison from William Jones, 31 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
Believing that if my view of the subject on which you did me the honor to ask my opinion could be of any use it would be expedient to transmit it without delay I have seized a few moments from the bustle of preparation for my intended voyage to give you in the best order and as correctly as the time and circumstances would admit my views of the several articles and in the order you prescribed....
129To James Madison from William Jones, 28 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
By the mail of this day I was honored with your private and confidential communication and while I am sensible of the distinguished proof of respect and confidence which it conveys, I regret my incompetency to the task of elucidating a subject of so much interest and intricacy; nevertheless my best efforts shall be directed to the investigation in the manner you desire and with as little delay...
130To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 16 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 13th. I enclosed to you a letter I had received from the Havanna, and the same motive suggests the propriety of communicating the following extract of a letter I have this instant received from the same person and place dated the 23d ulto. viz. “I yesterday informed you of an order from his C. Majesty by way of New Providence to the government of this Island, stating that whenever the...
131To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 13 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Whatever weight may be due to the subject of the enclosed letter I am persuaded you will justly appreciate the motive for its communication The writer is a young gentleman of strict veracity and considerable penetration—A real american, alive to the interests of his country, and the persons from whom he received the information are native american merchants of excellent character residing in...
132To James Madison from William Jones, January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. January 1806. “The value and importance of the commerce of the united states with the port of Canton in China—the casualties to which our countrymen navigating those remote regions are frequently exposed, and the deep interest we have in that trade, we trust will sanction the representation we are about to mak⟨e⟩ on the subject of the commercial agency of our Government...
133To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 3 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The favor of your order was handed to us by Mr. Tunnicliffe & during the short time allowed me have used our best exertions to furnish the articles. They are of the best workmanship & we hope they will please. The small pamphlet on Cyder & Perry is out of print & very scarce but we will endeavour to procure you one by the time we may next be favored with an order. Mr. Tunnicliffe has paid us...
134To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 23 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Bought of W. and S. Jones Optical and Mathematical Instrument Makers. No. 30. Opposite Furnivals Inn, Holborn. Removed from their old Shop No. 135, nearly opposite. £ s d A pair of 18 Inch new British Globes 7–
135To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 23 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Received 23rd July1805 of His Excellency, T Jefferson by the hands of Mr Tunnicliffe the Sum of Thirty Pounds One Shilling amount of Bill delivered for Goods. Rec’d for Self & S. Jones— £ 30– 1– Deduct 5– 29– 16– MoSHi : Bixby Collection.
136To James Madison from William Jones, 23 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letter I received in Augt. last and intending to visit the seat of government before my departure again for Canton I reserved its contents for the subject of a personal communication, and during my short stay at Washington called twice at the office of the department for the purpose, but your momentary absence and my private engagements deprived me of the pleasure of an interview....
137To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones , 1 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with your request I have investigated every probable source of information relative to the affairs of the late Viscount Noailles and the result is that he left this place very much embarrassed and largely indebted to many persons whose claims remain unsatisfied. This was communicated to me by a Mr Carpentier a french gentleman residing here who was one of the particular intimates...
138To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 12 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Guy Bryan Merchant of this City has made me acquainted with his intention of soliciting for his nephew Mr Morrison the appointment of Collector at Massac in the Indiana Territory. My particular respect for and knowledge of the character and circumstances of Mr. Bryan excite a wish that he may succeed if the office shall be vacant. Knowing as I do the scrupulous delicacy and integrity of Mr...
139To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 1 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I would reluctantly intrude upon your attention and particularly on the subject of appointments, aware that the numerous applications and recommendations may have a tendency rather to embarrass than lead to a correct choice. I hope however the liberty I have occasionally taken may be viewed with indulgence. I beg leave Sir on this occasion to recommend to your notice Mr Robert Porter of this...
140To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones and Joseph Clay, 30 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
As the Judiciary bill now pending before the Legislature invests the Executive with the power of nominating the commissioners of Bankruptcy, we are invited to address you on this subject by motives of justice to an individual, and a knowledge of your disposition to appoint men in all respects worthy of the public confidence. We therefore beg leave to represent that Mr Thomas Cumpston one of...
141To James Madison from William Jones, 22 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 April 1802, Philadelphia. Writes on behalf of some of his mercantile friends of Philadelphia who wish to recommend Isaac Cushing, “a citizen of the United States and resident merchant and partner in a very respectable House in Marseilles,” for the office of commercial agent at that city. Notes that because Cathalan is a French citizen, his “holding of the office of a foreign Consulate … is...
142To James Madison from William Jones, 6 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 October 1801, Philadelphia. Introduces Robert Ritchie, U.S. consul at Port Républicain, whose private concerns have caused him to return briefly to Philadelphia. RC ( ViU ). 1 p. Cover marked by Jones: “Mr. Ritchie.”
143To James Madison from William Jones, 22 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr Chandler Price a respectable merchant of this City, with whom a friendly intercourse of many years has matured my particular esteem, has occasion to address you on the subject of the lawless depredations of British Cruizers on his property, by which he has sustained material loss and injury. Mr Price has requested a letter from me to accompany his communication, and I can assure you he is...
144To James Madison from William Jones, 6 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 6 July 1801. Acknowledged in JM to Jones, 13 July 1801 . Encloses memorial from Mr. Torey on appointing a consul at St. Petersburg.
145To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 20 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I cannot repress the emotions excited by your favor of the 16th. Instant—they were of profound respect and gratitude for the reiterated proofs of your kind confidence, mingled with extreme regret and painful reflections arising from the imperious necessity of declining the acceptance of an appointment so honorable in itself and rendered still more so by the manner in which it has been...
146To James Madison from William Jones, 9 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Jacob Mayer Esquire late Consul at Cape Francois for whom I have now the pleasure of addressing you, will visit the seat of government for the purpose of communicating with the administration on the subject of our affairs in that quarter. His long residence and intimate knowledge of the official transactions in that Island will enable him to develope the measures which have been pursued and to...
147To James Madison from William Jones, 2 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 May 1801, Philadelphia. In compliance with request of the subscribers to enclosed recommendation, adds his endorsement of William E. Hũlings for consulate at New Orleans. Hũlings is qualified by experience, political views, “and his mercantile and moral character … for the appointment.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1801–9). Docketed by JM: “Hulings Wm. E. recomd. for Consul at New Orleans by Wm....
148To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 23 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Deeply penetrated with the confidence you are pleased to evince in proposing to me the Secretaryship of the Navy, I entreat you to believe that I have weighed with mature deliberation all the considerations which ought to influence my decision in a case so important to the public interest and the honor of the administration To be associated with private worth and exalted talents such as...
149To Thomas Jefferson from William & Samuel Jones, 9 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
We had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 26th. of Decr. Ulto. and have accordingly sent herewith, one of the best kind of our Portable Orreries . The price of the one sent is 3 Guineas, the additional half guinea is on account of its having a stand, and the plates under the earth and moon more durable, and not so liable to be loose dirty, and useless after a little while as those made of...
150XXVI. William Jones to Richard Hanson, 30 December 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed I send you John Powells Affidavit that no Bond was given by F & J as Guarantees for the Prince of Wales’s Cargoe of Slaves consign’d to Mess. Wayles & Randolph. But their letters accepting the consignment &c &c will certainly be sufficient to make the Executors answerable for the Deficiency. You will perhaps think it extraordinary that they should not require a Bond but they said that...