31To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 9 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 November 1801, Cap Français. No. 15. Reports that Toussaint placed an embargo on all vessels in port to prevent escape of insurrectionists and dissemination of inaccurate reports. Encloses governor’s official account of events; government is concerned lest tales of disorder discourage trade. Wishes to meet with the British agent, who has written several letters complaining about the practice...
32To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 9 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing a few lines to you on the 28th. ultimo, via Newbury Port, and also on the 30th. by the Schooner Brothers via Wilmington (Del). In these letters I gave a hasty sketch of the situation of affairs here at that time. Since the sailing of the last mentioned Vessel, there has been an embargo laid upon all Vessels in this port by order of the Governor. The reasons for this...
33To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 21 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 November 1801, Cap Français. No. 16. Has nothing more to add to the report in his no. 15 [9 Nov.] than that order seems to be fully restored, the field hands have returned to their respective plantations, and measures have been taken to prevent another uprising. Reports numerous executions following the revolt in addition to those killed during the fighting. States that the heavy volume of...
34To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 21 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
In addition to the enclosed I have only to say, that good order seems to be perfectly restored in this quarter; and I am assured, from the best sources, that the Cultivators have returned to their respective Plantations, and that such measures have been taken as will prevent a repetition of the evils which we have lately experienced. The executions which have taken place in consequence of this...
35To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 25 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 November 1801, Cap Français. No. 17. Encloses copies of his correspondence with Toussaint on an incident involving a French citizen, Mr. Arnaud. States that Toussaint has always rendered the U.S. justice when Lear demanded it and has signified his intention to continue doing so. At Lear’s request, Arnaud has been released from prison but with a severe reprimand. Although Arnaud may have had...
36To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 25 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
Together with a duplicate of my letter of the 21st. inst (No. 16) I herewith enclose the Copy of my correspondence with the Governor, relative to an outrage committed on the rights of Commerce, by a french Citizen residing in this place. You will have the pleasure to see that the Governor has, in the most explicit manner, declared his determination to pursue that line which justice and...
37To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 28 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 November 1801, Cap Français. Forwards the enclosure, just received, by the same vessel as his 25 Nov. dispatch. Expects it will be carried into operation. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cap Haitien, vol. 3). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. Enclosure not found, but it was probably Toussaint’s 25 Nov. proclamation and the decrees issued in the wake of the revolt that broke out in late October. These...
38To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 28 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed has this moment come to my hands, and I embrace the present opportunity to forward it, in addition to my letter of the 25 inst. which goes by the same vessel. What the effect of this may be I cannot tell; but in the present temper of things I have no doubt it will be carried into operation. With the highest respect I have the honor to be Sir, Your most Obedt. Servt. The preceding...
39To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 11 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 December 1801, Cap Français. No. 18. Reports that accounts of European peace have caused a “total suspension of business” as all anxiously await news of French plans for the island. Toussaint is at Port Républicain. Anticipates “dreadful” consequences if the French arrive in force to “subject the people to their former State,” but “should they conduct with moderation in their demands and...
40To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 11 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to write to you on the 25th. ultimo by the Brig Clarissa, Capt. Crisswell, viá Phila. and a duplicate by the Schooner Eleanor, Captn. Wickham viá Baltimo. since which nothing of moment has occured here excepting the accounts of peace between France &c. and Engd. This has caused a total suspension of business—and we wait with anxiety the official account from France, and the...
41To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 17 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 January 1802, Cap Français. No. 19. Reports that since his last of 11 Dec. he has received JM’s letters of 26 Oct. and 21 Nov. , both arriving on same ship. Appreciates president’s approval of his conduct. Will pursue individual claims on the basis of his amended instructions. Dandridge’s commission was not enclosed in JM’s letter; has informed him of appointment and asked Linn to continue...
42To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 17 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing you, under date of the 11th. of December, I have had the satisfaction to receive your letters of the 26th. of October and 21st. of November; both of which came to hand by the same vessel. Nothing could have been more gratifying to my feelings than the President’s approbation of my conduct since I have been here; and I pray you will have the goodness to...
43To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 12 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 February 1802, Cap Français. No. 20. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 8 Jan. letter and enclosures. French fleet of fourteen ships of the line and nine frigates arrived on 2 Feb.; whites rejoiced and blacks prepared to resist. Christophe refused to allow fleet to enter the harbor without orders from Toussaint. Lear advised Americans to get themselves and their valuables aboard vessels in the...
44To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 12 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
After acknowledging the receipt of the letter which you did me the honor to write, under date of the 8th of January, and of the duplicate & triplicate of the same with their enclosures, I must perform the painful task of relating the unfortunate events which have taken place here. On the second of this month the French fleet, consisting of 14 sail of the line and 9 frigates, appeared off this...
45To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 28 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 12th inst. by Captn. John Rodgers, late of the Navy of the U. States, who sailed from this on the 13h for Baltimore, in the Schooner Nelly. I then acknowledged the rect. of your letter of the 8h of January, which reached my hands on the 30th and also gave as full an account of the disasterous events which had taken place here, as time and circumstances...
46To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
I yesterday received the duplicate of the letter which you did me the honor of writing on the 26th of feby. I hope my conduct, which you will find detailed under date of the 21t of feby, will meet the approbation of the President. Keeping in view the interest of our Citizens here, as well as the relation in which our nation stands with the Fr. Republic, I have endeavoured to conciliate the...
47To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 29 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 March 1802, Cap Français. No. 23. Transmits copies of his dispatches of 28 Feb. and 22 Mar., since which one warship and two frigates have arrived from France with troops. “ Nothing more has occurred respecting Louisiana. That it is ceded to France is true and that part of the forces sent out are intended [for] that country there is no doubt but I are still of opinion that if they touch...
48To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 29 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the honor of writing to you on the 22d. instant (duplicate of which, and duplicate of my letter of the 28 feby are enclosed) nothing of importance has occurred One Ship of War, and two frigates have arrived since from France, with troops, which have been very acceptable here. Nothing has occurred, respecting Louisiana that it is ced ed to France is True and that part of the forces...
49To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 8 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 April 1802, Cap Français. No. 24. Quotes the 2 Apr. postscript he added to the duplicate of his dispatch no. 23; reports that a severe indisposition kept him from going to Port-au-Prince as he intended then but he has since learned that General Leclerc will arrive at the cape in ten or twelve days. Notes that he had informed the prefect and General Boyer of his intention. “As the Admiral was...
50To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 8 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 April 1802, Cap Français. Has drawn on JM in favor of Clement Biddle of Philadelphia for $100, to be charged to his account with the U.S. for money advanced for distressed seamen. “My advances on this account exceeds this sum; but I should not have drawn had it been permitted to send money out of the Colony; or could a bill be had on Philada.… Till lately the expenses on this account have...
51To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 8 April 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have taken the liberty of drawing upon you this day in favour of Colo. Clement Biddle of Philadelphia, for one hundred dollars, to be placed to my Account with the U: States, for money advancd for distressed Seamen in this place. My advances on this account exceeds this sum; but I should not have drawn had it been permitted to send money out of this Island; or could a bill be had on...
52To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 8 April 1802 (Madison Papers)
In the duplicate of my No. 23. I added the following, to wit. "April 2d. Since writing the preceding, (vizt. yesterday) Admiral Villaret Joyeuse returned from Port au Prince; and as I find the Genl. in Chief will remain for some time in that quarter, I have determined to sail tomorrow for that place, to have an interview with him. "In consequence of the meeting between the Genl. in Chief and...
53To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 11 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1802, Cap Français. No. 25. “On the ninth the Genl. in Chief arrived here from Port au Prince, in a Frigate. In the forenoon of the tenth I waited upon him, when he informed me, in the first moment of our meeting, that he could not receive me as a public Character from the U. States, and desired I would no longer exercise the functions of Commercial Agent in the Island. I demanded the...
54To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 11 April 1802 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing a few lines to you on the 8th. inst., per Captn. Lovering of the Schooner Harmony, bound to Alexandria. On the ninth the Genl. in Chief arrived here from Port au Prince, in a Frigate. In the forenoon of the tenth I waited upon him, when he informed me, in the first moment of our meeting, that he could not receive me as a public Character from the U. States, and...
55To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 June 1802, Walnut Tree Farm. In compliance with Brent’s request, transmits to JM “copies of my correspondence with General Leclerc concerning Captain Rogers and Captain Davidson, which you will find enclosed under Nos. 1. 2 & 3.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cap Haitien, vol. 4). RC 1 p. The enclosures, numbered by Lear and docketed by Brent, relate to the imprisonment in...
56To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with a request contained in a letter from Mr. Brent, under date of the 19h. inst. I do myself the honor to transmit to you copies of my correspondence with General Leclerc concerning Captain Rogers and Captain Davidson, which you will find enclosed under Nos. 1. 2 & 3. With great respect & sincere attachment I have the honor to be Sir, your most Obedt. Sert. The preceding is the...
57To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 20 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 January 1803, Washington. The House of Representatives having referred to JM the memorial Lear laid before them stating the losses he sustained as U.S. commercial agent at Saint-Domingue during the destruction of Cap Français, he encloses a statement of the fees he received for the execution of his official duties and the amount of his expenditures during his residence there, “including...
58To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 20 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
As the Honorable, the House of Representatives has been pleased to refer to you, for your report thereon, a Memorial which I laid before that Body, stating the circumstances attending my residence in the Island of St. Domingo, as Genl. Com. Agent of the United States, and the losses which I sustained in consequence of continuing there until the destruction of the City of Cape François; I take...
59To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 19 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
I reached this place yesterday, after a pleasant journey from Washington, and had the pleasure to find here your respected favor of the 11th inst. It affords me much satisfaction to know the Presidents determination respecting an out-fit, as it will avoid many difficulties wh. might arise from charges not specifically allowed. It will be equally convenient for me to draw my salary from the...
60To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 19 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the pleasure of writing to you this forenoon, I have been favored with your acceptable letter of the 12th. inst. with its enclosures, for which I am much obliged. I have been on board the Constitution since writing to you in the morning; and am fully convinced that she will not be ready to sail until the 10th of Augt. Captn. Preble appears to be making every exertion to get the...