1From James Madison to James Monroe, [ca. 29 November 1816] (Madison Papers)
It will be proper to take the steps suggested by Mr. Joy for obtaining further information. My enquiry as to Nootka Sound had reference to the grounds of the Brit. claim there, and its analogy to that of the U.S. at the mouth of Columbia. See Vancouvre’s acct. of the B. proceedings at Nootka: also Capt: Morris’s communication to Mr Graham Ocr. 24. 1816. RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). Undated;...
2From James Madison to James Monroe, 22 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
As you appear to have read hastily the letter from Jessup, I send it back. That Onis is intriguing at N.O. is probable; and that the Spanish Govt. may meditate at [ sic ] attack there is possible; I should say impossible if there were less of folly in its Councils: or it might not possibly be backed by another Govt: altho’ it is not easy to conceive that this can be the case. The mercantile...
3From James Madison to James Monroe, 19 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
There is much force in the reasons given herein for an appt. of a Successor to Genl. Smith, which I had proposed to delay till our return to Washington, if not till the Meeting of Congs. Unless you think some other preferable on the whole to the Depy: Marshall, direct a Commission for him, or if you please a blank one, to be made out & forwarded for our signature. Yrs RC ( NN : Monroe Papers)....
4From James Madison to James Monroe, 6 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
On perusing your letters to Mr. DeNeuville, and Mr. Gallatin, some ideas occurred which induced me to put them on paper for your consideration. Those relating to the first letter are interlined with a pencil. Those relating to the 2d. are partly so, & partly penned on a separate sheet. In the communication to Mr. G. I thought it might be not amiss to suggest the several topics which he may...
5From James Madison to James Monroe, 28 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Among the inclosures is a very extry letter from Mr De Neuville. It was brought by his private Secretary from whom I thought it better for several reasons to receive it, than to let him proceed with it to your House. As its contents were neither known nor guessed, it was possible that they might call for an attention which my knowlege of them might hasten, and it was desirable for you that you...
6From James Madison to James Monroe, 15 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 14. sd. be 13th. has just come to hand. Wishing to read more attentively than the circumstances of the moment permit, the communications from Mr. Harris, I do not return them by the present mail. Shd. the affair of the Russian Consul not be terminated before the arrival of Mr. Coles, the full explanations he carries, can not fail I think to dissipate the impressions of the...
7From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have yours of the 12th. intended for the 11th. inst. I have no map by which I can judge of the comparative values of the 2 offers of Mr Bagot as to the fisheries. There will be some delicacy in referring the arrangement to Mr. A. who prefers a decision here, and will say that we having better means of procuring the necessary information we ought not to put the task & responsibility on him....
8From James Madison to James Monroe, 12 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the written on your return to the City. It may be best to taper off with Sweeden by appointing a Scy. of L. to be Chargè on the departure of Russell and the reasons you give favor that of Hughes; whose wishes rather than understanding seem to have listened to your remarks on the subject. It must be kept in mind however, that in Case Mr. R. shd. chuse to prolong his...
9From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday the 2 letters from Onis herewith returned, and today copies of the papers transmitted by Mr. Crowninshield, which as the originals are in the Dept. I retain. The law of Nations, and our position in relation to the contest between Spain & Spanish America, will of course govern the reply to these representations. The remarks of Judge Story as to the fisheries are valuable, and...
10From James Madison to James Monroe, 3 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yours of July 31. and return the answer to Mr. B. with one or two alterations, the chief of which is an extension of the arrangement to Lake Champlain. An entire prohibition of armed vessels there where there is much smuggling from Canada, might not be convenient to us; nor would it be reciprocal, considering the manner in which the waters of that Lake are divided between the...
11From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
The 2 letters of Mr. De Neuville present topics which are not agreeable. The one demanding the recall of Mr. Lee will be sufficiently answered by his actual return to the U.S. and an intimation that without any particular examination of the charge agst. him, this Govt. could not fail to respect the wishes of M. C. M. in such a case. The other letter complaining of the toast of the Post Master...
12From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 24th. Mr. Coles leaves me this moment on his way to Washington. There will certainly be an advantage in sending him in a pub: vessel; and I am glad it can be done with so little expence. If the Congs: will Suffice for the pacific, it will be better than to send the Guerriere, which may possibly be wanted for other service. You have not yet alluded to my...
13From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I must ask the favor of you & Mr. Rush to attend to the subject of the letter from Mr. Munroe & the one inclosed in it. As the building proposed is to be on public ground, for pub: use, & eventually to be purchased, with rent in the mean time, paid, by the public, the Ex: sanction merits enquiry & consideration. There is always some risk of error, in yieding [ sic ] to sudden impulses,...
14From James Madison to James Monroe, 21 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 21st. (a mistaken date). I hope Mr. Bagot, if willing to arrange in any mode, a reciprocity on the Lakes, will immediately issue instructions to discontinue augmentations or preparations of force on the B. side. The state of things on our side, will correspond without instructions; but a communication to the proper officers, of what may be the British intentions...
15From James Madison to James Monroe, 19 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 16. & 17. I return the letter of M. De Kantzow. Our expectation of letters from Mr. Russel, or of his speedy return, will justify our delay in taking up the subject, and will be a proper answer to it. It will be well not to encourage too much the idea of a treaty; first because, it is not very probable that Sweeden will admit her Colonies to be included, as a part of...
16From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I return the letter from Mr. Wirt, and the letter & paper from Mr. Mitchell. You cannot do better than pursue the result of your consultation with Mr. Rush on the subject. He is acquainted with what passed between me & Judge Tucker & Mr. Wirt. It seems proper that Mr. Mitchell be instructed to send if he be permitted the persons under his care, to the U.S. We are bound by respect to the laws,...
17From James Madison to James Monroe, 15 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I rcd. from Mr. Graham during your trip to Loudon the inclosed letter from Mr. Bagot. The subject of it is delicate. The first remark is that it belongs to Congress, not to the Ex. unless provided for by conventional arrangement explanatory or supplemental. The 2d. remark is that it has the aspect of equity, and may have been countenanced by the conversations of our Minister at London. 3d. But...
18From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Herewith are the papers recd. from Mr. Hughs. He seems to have been no wise sparing of diplomatic politeness to the Spanish Govr. You will of course express the satisfaction afforded by the successful execution of his commission in reference to our Captive Citizens with an approbation of the interest taken in behalf of the English & French Captives; and forward the documents to Mr. Erving,...
19From James Madison to James Monroe, 11 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 7th. and return the communications from Mr. Adams. The arrangement of the fisheries is a delicate subject, as it relates to the public sensibility; to its intrinsic merits; and to the peculiar importance attached to it by respectable names. It will be better to do nothing, than to surrender the point of right, or to accept what may be of small value, with an actual...
20From James Madison to James Monroe, 8 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Mr. De Neuville arrived here on Saturday and sets out this morning on his return. I inclose his letter of Credence with a note of the date of its delivery. Be so good as to have an answer to the K. of the Netherlands sent to me for signature. That to the K. of Wertemburg is returned. Friendly respects The inclosed letters [ sic ] from I. B. may be worth attention in estimating and comparing...
21From James Madison to James Monroe, 2 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 29th. Ult: and return the letters from Mr. Adams & the communications from Mr. Harris. The step taken by the Emperor is an extraordinary one; Being produded [ sic ] by no pretended misconduct in the Amn. functionary, it is levelled at the relations between the two Countries, and would justify more than it is the disposition of this, to do on the occasion. Without...
22From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just red. yours of the 27th. As there is a concurrence in the opinion expresed in my last, as to the course to be taken with Algiers, little need be added on that subject. It ought evidently to be marked with decision & frankness, and with as much conciliation as will consist with these essentials. As the promise of Decatur was gratuitous; as it was followed by a delivery, to the...
23From James Madison to James Monroe, 25 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have received from Mr Graham the Communications to you from Algiers, which being copies I do not return. The course before us is obvious. The ground taken in the last instructions must be adhered to. The Dey must distinctly understand, that altho’ we prefer peace we are prepared for War; and will make no change in the late treaty, nor concession of any sort to avoid it. It appears from Shaws...
24From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
Yours of 21–22d. is just recd. You may authorize Mr H. de Neuville, to communicate with you previous to his formal recognition. Roth intimated that he wd. probably visit me here with his credentials. If he desires it, or you think it eligible, let him know that I will receive him with pleasure. The bias of his own mind, if ascertained, may decide the question. Mine has none. The Letters of...
25Memorandum to James Monroe, [ca. 20 June 1816] (Madison Papers)
It is presumed that Dr. Judson is sufficiently respectable to be commended for his benevolent & patriotic views; and to be informed that they will be facilitated by suitable instructions to the port officers. These will be given by the Treasury & Navy Depts. on a communication of this memorandum, by the Secy. of State. If the Secy. of State does not view Dr. J. & his plan in the light here...
26From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I just receive yours of the 13th. The instruction to Capt: Lewis, to make an effort, en passant, in behalf of Duplessis was too strongly called for to be witheld. The opportunity may and it is presumed, will be used for other salutary purposes, Lewis being well acquainted with St. Domingo, and of our interests in relation to it. The advantages promised by Austin’s association with Holmes in...
27From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
Altho the inclosed letter is anonymous, the idea it suggests, of requiring an admission of our Cotton in a half man⟨u⟩factured State at least by nations whose luxuries fully manufa⟨c⟩tured, are admitted into the U.S. is not unworthy of attention. The general idea I believe has not escaped, in the instructions to Mr. Gallatin & Mr. Pinkney. But it may be well to enforce it and particularly in...
28From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I return the Petition of Getz, which being without other proof than his own oath, might justly require a resort to the District Atty or &c &c. If however on consultation with the Treasy. Dept. a pardon be deemed proper, let one be made out. The communications from Brent at Madrid were returned several days ago. They are not without good sense, but betray a conscious deficiency of weight of...
29From James Madison to James Monroe, [ca. 25 January 1816–31 March 1816] (Madison Papers)
On the question of publishing the secret journal & foreign correspondence of the Revolutionary Congs. it is not easy to give a satisfactory opinion, without some revisal of both. If a selection is made, the task ought to be executed with great care and without any tincture of partialities of any sort, and would be tedious & dilicate, even with that exemption. If an entire publication be...
30From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter from Genl. R. with those which it covers, will put you in possession of the wishes of Genl. Ripley. Be so good, after communicating with Mr. Dallas, if at Washington, as to have the proper answer given to it. If I mistake not, the Majr. Rowland recommended by Mr. Bealle &c. is already appointed, or has been named to the Dept. of State for that purpose. Affe. respects RC (...
31From James Madison to James Monroe, 12 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
Presuming on your havg returned home, at the time you intended, I send you a mass of the letters &ce which have successively reached me during your absence. Some of them are of very inferior importance, but it may be well to give you an opportunity of lightening your future burden. The convention necessarily brought up the question whether it required an anticipated meeting of Congs....
32From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I recd. duly yours intimating your intended visit to the Sulphur Springs. I hope you will derive from it all the benefit wished. The mail from the N. this morning brings nothing more than you will find in the enclosed N. paper. The paper from N. York did not come to hand. The final act of the drama at Paris is not yet announced. It would seem that the allies can if they please, force Louis...
33From James Madison to James Monroe, 10 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed paper gives the report sent you yesterday in all its circumstances. It is probable that the Battle of the 18th. June terminated in a shock to B. affairs and possible that it may have been fatal. Some of the circumstances are at the same time little consistent with others, and it is possible that the substance may be a fabrication. This is certainly the case if the Bramble spoken...
34From James Madison to James Monroe, 9 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
Another Mail has arrived without a word from or of Mr. C. I inclose a letter from J.P.T. which gives a better glimpse from London, than has otherwise appeard. I inclose another from Mr. C. which was not followed by the supplement contingently promised. The contents are inconsistent with the ordinary calculation of dates and events. But in the present period, nothing is incredible that is not...
35From James Madison to James Monroe, 5 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed papers & letter from Mr. Graham give the information from the Neptune in its first imperfect Edition. Mr. Dallas writes that at Philada. where the Ship was at the moment come to the Wharf, it was understood that the Baggage of Mr. G. & Mr. C. was on board, & that the Ship had sailed without them, because the time appd. for their arrival had elapsed. Nothing was sd. at Philada. of...
36From James Madison to James Monroe, 31 July 1815 (Madison Papers)
The rider bringing me the mail of this morning, is accompanyed by one who goes on to you. Perc[i]eving that his bag is entirely empty, I send a few of the newspapers which contain all the latest news. The communications from Detroit will put you in possession of the arrangements made by Col: But. on the subjects of Malden, Mackinac, & Isle au bois blanc. He appears to merit the character he...
37From James Madison to James Monroe, [ca. 29 June 1815] (Madison Papers)
Onís is to have a final conversation with Mr. Dallas today. From his answer in writing to the letter from Mr. D. it may be inferred that he will not concur in our proposition, whilst we cannot accede to his. It will consequently be necessary for a letter to go directly from the Dept. of State here to that in Spain, which may be sent by a special conveyance. In this mode a communication may be...
38From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
I recd by the last mail yours of the 16th. which was due by the preceding one. I learn with much pleasure that your health continues to improve, and hope the advantages of your present situation will give it its pristine vigor. We ⟨rem⟩ain without a line from any of our Ministers abroad; or even any private or printed information concerning them; excepting that Mr. Crawford had reached England...
39From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
Nothing important has occurred since my last. The inclosed letter from Dr. Jackson was accompanied with a letter from the Emperor Nap: and another from Caulaincort, circulars, such as have been in our prints, with a few adaptations to the U.S. Genl. Wilkinson rejects an offered Commission for Treating with the N. W. Indians. The others appd. are Harrison, in his place, McArthur, & John Graham....
40From James Madison to James Monroe, 12 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
Since my return hither, the purpose of which I intimated in a line to Albemarle previous to my leaving home, I have recd. yours of the 3d. I hope the mountain air will contribute to re establish your health, and that you will not leave it till the effect is fully produced. Notwithstanding the Ns. paper Statement, neither a messenger nor dispatches have been recd. from our Ministers in Europe....
41From James Madison to James Monroe, 30 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I am just favored with yours of the 23d. It gives me much pleasure to learn that your health is so firmly re-establishing itself. I hope there may never be an occasion for subjecting it again to such severe trials. I have myself experienced much benefit from a change from Washington to my farm, altho’ the business going on at the former place, has occupied me so much at the latter, that I have...
42From James Madison to James Monroe, 18 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 16 from Fredg. is recd. That of the 11th. from Washington came also duly to hand. Be so good as to drop me notice of the day of your leaving Richmond, and previous notice as soon as you fix on the day of your intended departure from Albemarle. The information may be useful in regulating any intermediate communications that may be called for. I shall fix on my return to the City,...
43From James Madison to James Monroe, 10 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
Will it not be proper to make without delay the appts. for running the lines under the Treaty of Ghent. Promptitude on our side may produce it on the other, and it is particularly desireable to hasten the decision as to Moose Island. If nothing better can be done for Wilkinson, he may be employed for the most Western line, which as I recollect, may be traced without a science which he does not...
44From James Madison to James Monroe, 9 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
From the aspect of the latest intelligence from Europe, we are to infer that war is to be renewed. If the Coalition agst. France be also renewed, and a Civil war then should aid it, the Bourbons & peace may soon be restored. Should Napoleon have the united support of the French, and be able to disunite the allies, the war may be soon terminated in his favor. On other suppositions the war may...
45From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I return the letter from De Kanzow. Do on the subject what you think best. If the exequatur be granted it would be well that it be understood as an ad interim one, untill the Swedish Govt. make an appointment conformable to our rule. I enclose for your perusal a letter from Dickins. It may be worth while to ascertain the individual to whose change in his favor he refers, (probably Genl. Smith)...
46From James Madison to James Monroe, 2 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
Having extended our trip to Monticello, as far as Mrs. Coles’, and not got home till last evening, I have fallen a little into arrears. I now acknowledge your 2 favors of the 26 & 30 ult. The event in France is so abrupt, & pregnant with so many consequences probable & possible, that no precise estimate of them can be formed, without further lights from Europe. In the mean time prudence marks...
47From James Madison to James Monroe, 28 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
Since my arrival here I have recd. yours of the 25th: The claim of Aspinwall seems not to be resisted. Barney I understood did not wish the Consulate at London after knowing that no salary was attached to it. If I do not forget my conversation with Col. A: I noted that cirstance [ sic ] which did not extinguish his inclination. It will be proper that the individual appd. whoever he may be,...
48From James Madison to James Monroe, 25 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 23d. I inclose another respectable application for the place held by the late Mr. Daingerfield. I am sensible of the delicacy attending the selection, as it relates to yourself; and will, if I can, converse with Mr. Nelson, on all the views which ought to be taken of the subject, before I form a final opinion. Being on a visit to Mr. Jefferson for a few days I may...
49From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yours covering the letters to Mr. Changuion & Genl. P. My hint as to the pecuniary arrangements for tracing the cases of the Negroes carried off was not meant to limit the amt. necessary for so important an object, but to diminish as much as possible the pecuniary discretion and the vague pretensions of the agents, so much perplexity having been experienced from such sources. I am...
50From James Madison to James Monroe, 23 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 21st. is just recd. I am sorry to learn that your health continues to fluctuate, as well as that you are detained from your intended trip, which would doubtless aid it, by the causes you mention. I hope the next information will be more favorable. The omission to sanction the appt. of Commodore Lewis ⟨pr⟩oceeded from a misapprehension of your letter. I thought, on a hasty […] my...