1To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 7 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
As Mr. Rand, a good American, sails in a lettre of Marque from the Texel direct for Boston, I take the liberty of sending some gazettes, which remain of those which I could not consistently with an eye to postage , send through the Secretary of State. They may amuse you after the labours of Philadelphia, & contribute to brush away those public cares which ought not to follow you in the...
2To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 1 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
The papers, some of which I have received as late as 8. May & one of 26. May, have after so long a pause of uncertainty thrown me into a tumult of feelings almost to tears. I see with a pride sustained by active domestic sources of greatness, the rising energies of America spreading over that surface of the public mind which reflection had matured into a mass of stability, fit to support all...
3To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 17 May 1799 (Adams Papers)
I this moment received the inclosed official letter , an answer to the one from me, of which I inclose a copy, and do myself the honour to forward it sir to you under a hope that it may meet you at Braintree before the copy of it reach the Secretary of State. I inclose in another letter a copy of it to him— as this is a duplicate by the same post through another hand. I had sent duplicates to...
4To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 17 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
A few days since I did myself the honour of enclosing a few of the Nouvelles Politiques—& now have the pleasure of sending a few more. The papers afford a prospect of politics, of party & of events that gives me little to add. From all I can collect from private sources I certainly expect very soon a great explosion at Paris. The Directory have appealed in a degree to the Armies, & the armies...
5To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 28 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
Meeting with a safe hand going to London the other day I did myself the honour of sending to you through Mr. King a pamphlet written lately by Boulay (de la Meurthe) of the 500. It is a very remarkable work—a view of the causes of the English Revolution by Cromwell & of its failure. He forces the lines of events when they run at all together into a parallel—& to my mind absolutely with a view...
6To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 12 April 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had the honour of receiving your letter which you were so good as to write to me, yesterday—& beg leave to assure you that I feel in the approbation which you have been pleased to bestow upon my letters a great reward, Sir, at least, most anxious moments, & zealous endeavours in the service of my country—The times in my view of things, have been, & still continue tremendous—They will Sir be...
7To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 21 August 1799 (Adams Papers)
1308.535.1419.1573.1115.1109.773.1129.1399.238.1074.1276—1133.705.1235.894.870.536.213.1268.318.1589.225.1421.948.506.1399.1546.53.879.1546.137.—1546.671.227.1115.710.1245.1115.1162.1546.624.1399. The fleet is off Texel with a large body of troops on board & though the French may send a strong force, as yet they have not a formidable force, not more, I now think than 20,000 at most, and these...
8To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 31 October 1797 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour of enclosing for you some of the Annales Politiques. Those of past of August & September went under a blank some time since; others at different times I have done myself the honour of transmiting to you Sir—accompany’d by a few lines. By a letter which I have just received from Mr. Adams, the minister to Berlin, he was on the 26th. inst. at Hamburgh on his way to Berlin. On...
9To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 17 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
In a late dispatch in June to the secretary of state I mentioned Mr. Pichon late secretary to Genet and Fauchet last a secretary in the bureau of foreign affairs on the American side of the office at Paris & now French secretary of legation here.—I promised this gentlemen in the third interview about three weeks since (for I wished to make him talk freely knowing that his opinions have helped...
10To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 3 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose you a Duplicate & to inform you that the same language has been held to me Since—& that this government have assured me of their conviction that the letter enclosed in the Leyden paper marked X may be considered as evidence of an amicable Disposition, as they say they have taken pains to ascertain that point from motives of self-interest—These motives I believe Sir...
11To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 22 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
I had this evening a visit from (the name is on a loose paper). After informing me of the exertions of Mr. Schimmelpeninck cipher and Admiral de Winter at Paris the agents of this Government —to recal France to a just respect for the commercial interests of this country. he told me from a letter From the latter which he showed me that France had not commanded the Commissary of Marine at...
12To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 4 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
Though I have neither the right nor the power of filling that space which Mr. Adams left here in his pleasing relation of a correspondent, I indulge myself from feelings of respectful personal attachment in at least one duty which I know he always was attentive to, and shall continue to send to you the “Nouvelles Politiques,” as was his custom. As soon as I saw Mr. Adams’s appointment to the...
13To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 15 November 1792 (Adams Papers)
In taking the liberty of expressing some solicitude at your absence at the present time you will I am sure attribut the freedom to nothing short of great respect for you as well as a public sentiment which I feel to be patriotic—An opposition in moments of election must be expected by the best & most enlightened—That something like opposition has taken place with respect to the election of a...
14To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 14 November 1797 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Adams left Hamburgh, for Berlin, on the 31. Oct. & is I hope safely arrived there—I have not heard from him since the 26th Oct., when he had just landed at Hamburgh—as I had the honour of informing you Sir. Lepeaux, of whom no body heard before he got into a palace & his cap & feathers, says, America, Government and all, are Venal, & bought by Pitt!—This he announced in the midst of his...
15To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 11 August 1797 (Adams Papers)
I yesterday had the pleasure of a letter from Mr. Adams dated the 20. July at London—Since that date by English papers I perceive he enjoy’d the happiness which we here anticipated for him—He was marry’d to Miss Louisa Johnson on the 26th. July. Probably this may be no news to you sir & Mrs. Adams before this letter arrives, but the intelligence of so very pleasing an event as the marriage of...
16To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 14 July 1798 (Adams Papers)
If an Embargo is laid here it is contrary to the wishes of 110. 382. 1260. I have had an interview this moment, and received 472. 1591. 921. 672. 948. 418. 1508. 464. 1218. one was laid it 1480. 463. 351. 1546. 1398. 1261. 432. 227. 1586. 464. 1308. 1326. 1546. 799. 1245. 1589. 536. 142. 227. To you Sir I hope and believe that I shall not apply in vain that measures of vigour may not be...
17To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 16 December 1799 (Adams Papers)
Should my letters to Mr. Talleyrand have the misfortune to be considered by you Sir as too complaisant—a thing I do not believe to be probable—I entreat your attention to the light in which I view’d the circumstances which produced them. These circumstances relate to the subject matter of the act which I was ordered to inform Mr. T. of;—to Mr. T. himself, as the minister of exterior Relations...
18To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 15 July 1797 (Adams Papers)
The News papers which I do myself the honour of enclosing are the remains of Mr. Adams’s subscription. Mr. Adams left this place on the twenty eighth of June for Rotterdam, (with Mr. T. B. Adams) whither I had the pleasure of accompanying them. He requested me to send to you, Sir, the “Nouvelles Politiques” and I rejoiced in the opportunity of at once following his wishes and of paying to you...
19To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 13 April 1799 (Adams Papers)
I have just seen in a newspaper your Messages of the 18 & 25th. Feby last.—An unexpected honour always makes a man of any candour look into himself, and the examination terminates as it begins, in grateful feelings towards him who confers it—And in those tumultuous emotions in which apprehension has a greater share than hope. You Sir to whom I have been long known will do me justice in so...
20To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 7 October 1798 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed is from Mr. Talleyrand to Mr. Pichon who left this place the 24th Sepr. for Paris. In many interviews which this gentleman sought with me, with much solicitude, I had repelled the idea that “the Assurances” declared by you Sir in your message in June, had been given in any of Mr. Talleyrand’s letters that I had seen; to this I added among many other remarks that nothing but a...
21To John Adams from William Vans Murray, 20 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
My very worthy Secretary Mr. Bartolemew Dandridge is so animated with the energy which our country displays, & so devoted to the fair and honourable cause of the government over which You Sir preside as to request me to apply to You for a commission in the army. As he has the honour to be known to you Sir I need only to add that ever since he has lived with me he has daily risen in my esteem....
22To Alexander Hamilton from William Vans Murray, 8 May 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
A little event has taken place here which must be my apology for intruding on you. A report circulated here that a prize taken from british subjects at sea by a french privateer has actually past this town (on Choptank) under the command of a citizen of this District. This took place on the 3d or 4th inst. I sent an express to Oxford to Col. Banning of that port to inform him of the...
23To Alexander Hamilton from William Vans Murray, 28 August 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been returned from Paris since nine days. Before I left that city Mr. Vaublanc —Mr. Latour Mauberg & My friend Mr. Fleurieu gave me the inclosed letters for their particular friends & one for you of whom V. speaks by sympathy with a very respectful souvenir of your Kindness to the ladies. These men & many other constitutionalists are in Govt.—& such as these follow rather than give the...
24To Alexander Hamilton from William Vans Murray, 9 October 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I was extremely flatterd by the confidence which your letter by Mr. Colbert proved you have in my disposition to follow your wishes. A letter from you is no affair of ceremony—it is an obligation on any man who flatters himself with the hope of your personal esteem. Mr. C. gave it to me yesterday. I immediately in particular addressed a letter to Bonaparte, & made use of your name, wh. I was...
25To Thomas Jefferson from William Vans Murray, [9 May 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Murray presents his compliments to Mr. Jefferson and as he may not have the pleasure of seeing him this season again, he thinks the intelligence he has just received from Mr. Greene of N. York such as Mr. Jefferson might wish to know, if true.—Mr. G. gives him leave to Mention to him “That he has had very late advices from Spain by way of the Spanish Islands to this effect—that Count de...
26To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 6 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 April 1801, The Hague. No. 129. Reports that a general embargo was laid on ports on 30 Mar. but taken off U.S. ships 2 Apr. after his protest. Encloses copies of notes on this matter. (No notification had been given to foreign ministers of the action.) Believes embargo was in reaction to appearance of British fleet off the Meuse and was directed almost exclusively against American trade. On...
27To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 26 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 June 1801, Paris. No. 5. Reports conversation on 25 June with Pierre-Louis Rœderer and Charles-Pierre Fleurieu. “I find by their express Declaration that they are unanimous in refusing to accede to the Suppression of the Second Article, and as they act by momentary Contact with their Government, I must presume that the Government itself is of their Opinion: indeed they so informed me.”...
28To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 11 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Though uninstructed to say any thing upon the 4th. article, yet as I had officially informed the French ministers in my note of 15 june of the execution of the convention on the part of the U. S. I thought myself bound to obtain some explanation of their intentions on that article. It’s objects are of a perishable nature & the inquietudes inquietudes of the parties concerned & intrigues of the...
29To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 17 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 April 1801, The Hague. Reports that on 9 Apr. the Danish prince and Admiral Nelson negotiated a fourteen-week armistice during which the connection between Denmark and the League of Armed Neutrality will be suspended and the British allowed to refit their vessels. The agreement was reached after the Danish cabinet heard of the czar’s death. Forwards letter for General Forrest. RC ( DNA : RG...
30To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 2 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 September 1801, The Hague. No. 135. Reports conference with foreign minister and audience of leave with president of Batavian Directory, at which he stressed friendly intentions of American government. President expressed much regret on the occasion of the interview. Encloses copy of a letter from the government regarding American merchant vessel Mary ; believes isolated location of Curaçao...
31To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 31 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 July 1801, Paris. No. 12. Announces exchange of ratifications with French negotiators; encloses copy of joint certificate of exchange. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Netherlands, vol. 4). RC 1 p. Enclosure 1 p., in French.
32To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 3 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
The Ratifications of the Convention between the United States and the French Republic of 30th. September last, having been exchanged on the Night of the 31st. ulto., between the french Ministers, Messrs. Joseph Bonaparte, Fleurieu and Roederer and Myself, I herewith have the Honour to inclose, under my Seal, and in a paste Board Box the Copy ratify’d on the Part of the French Government. This...
33To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 10 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 April 1801, The Hague. No. 130. Transmits paper telling of British naval operations off Copenhagen. Reports that the death of Czar Paul has raised hopes for end of European hostilities. Believes Grand Duke Alexander, now succeeded to throne, is an “enlightened steady man.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Netherlands, vol. 4). 2 pp.
34To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 1 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
Having left the Hague the 22d, I arrived here the 25th. ulto. in the Evening. The next day Mr. Dawson delivered to me the Instructions, a Letter of Credence from the President to the first Consul and a Copy of the Convention with the Ratification by the President. Every Account from London mentions the Departure of Mr. Ellsworth for America. On the same Day I called upon Mr Talleyrand. Not...
35To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 9 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the 6th. inst. at a public Audience, I delivered my Letter of Credence to the first Consul. He did not appear much pleased with the provisional Ratification; but intimated that the Exchange of Ratifications would not meet with insurmountable Difficulties. He expressed a great Regard for the new Administration of the United States. On the same day Mr. Joseph Bonaparte informed me that as...
36To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 15 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
From a conversation which I had two days since with one of the French Ministers, I understand that they are deliberating upon the choice of one of the two following modes of ratification: To ratify on condition of reciprocal abandonment of pretentions under the 2d. article; or, To ratify on our terms, but with a declaration incorporated in the language that they consider the Suppression of...
37To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 3 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
A few days before I quitted the Hague, Mr. Vander Goes the Minister of Exterior Relations wrote to me, to offer the customary Present on taking Leave. I saw him, & told him, before I answered his note, that I could not accept a present. He urged that all things considered I could not refuse. I then wrote to him requesting him to Keep the Present till I should have permission to receive it. He...
38To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 24 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
From a conversation which I had to day with one of the French Plenipotentiaries I believe that neither they nor their Government will consent to the unconditional suppression of the Second Article. To morrow I shall see two of the three together & if possible Mr. Talleyrand also. I send this by post to Havre in the hope it may reach Captn. Rodgers before he sails. I have the honour to be with...
39To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 27 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
This Day I have the Honour to receive your Two Letters of 21st. May and of 1st. June. The last contains my Letter of Recall, as Minister Resident near the Batavian Republic. It was my Intention to ask Leave to return as soon as the Negotiation with which I alone am now charged here had been finished. Considerations of Delicacy withheld me from soliciting this Favour of the President, pending...
40To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 2 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Roederer called to see me Yesterday P.M. —they wish, as I expected, to pass by the Offer to re-establish the Second Article, and to do One of Two Things. 1st: that there be an Article in the Procès-verbal of the Exchange, of the following Import—that in a Year shall be exchanged an Article declaring that the respective Pretentions which were the Object of the Second Article shall never be...
41To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 7 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 May 1801, The Hague. No. 132. Encloses copy of Anglo-Danish armistice. Reports rumor that Sweden acted to prevent the armistice as soon as Czar Paul’s death was known. Russian envoy refused to support the effort. Relations between Denmark and Sweden unclear. Notes Prussian invitation for Danish forces to withdraw from Hamburg and Lübeck, which has been complied with, and resulting Danish...
42To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 17 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 April 1801, The Hague. No. 131. Encloses Leiden newspapers on battle of Copenhagen. Speculates on early end to hostilities and notes scant help offered Danes. Believes Danes and Prussians only ostensibly neutral, citing “chicanery” connected with capture of Hamburg, Lübeck, and Hanover. Relays newspaper evidence that Alexander of Russia plans to style his reign after that of his grandmother...
43To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 23 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
At length they will ratify, but with a declaration in the body of their act that the omission of the second article, and the addition of the new one of limitation, to both of which they will formally assent, are to be considered as an abandonment respectively of the pretentions under that 2d article. Convinced Sir as I am that nothing better can be gained, & confiding in a liberal judgment in...
44To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 3 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 August 1801, Paris. No. 14. Conveys, by Dutch post, copy of French ratification and a certificate of the exchange. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Netherlands, vol. 4). RC 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 22 Oct. Enclosures 2 pp.; in French; docketed by Wagner.
45To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 7 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 March 1801, The Hague. No. 129. Encloses translation of state paper from the French Directory laying basis for change in Batavian ministry. Discusses opposition to plan and expresses relief that U.S. is “physically & politically beyond such influences!” Speculates that ports of any successful northern confederacy of neutrals would be closed to American shipping. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG...
46To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 9 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Nos. 16 and 17 which I have the Honour to inclose will show you the present State of the Negotiation since my last. The sole Difficulty is the Abandonment on each Side of Pretensions arising from Indemnities and Treaties. It is extremely difficult for me officially to say any Thing on these Points. We consider Treaties as not existing: they consider them (at least for Purposes of Negotiation)...
47To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 23 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 June 1801, Paris. No. 3. Reports that on 13 June French powers to negotiate were formally presented; encloses copy. Relates French doubts about his powers beyond authority to exchange ratifications. Has sent French commissioners copy of convention as ratified and of his letter of credence. “I found that the Objection to the Suppression of the Second Article would be in this Idea, that they...
48To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 1 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 July 1801, Paris. No. 6. Encloses note from French commissioners refusing to agree to unconditional suppression of second article. “To you Sir I can say that I wish I had been authorised to subscribe to a joint abandonment of Treaties & indemnities. As claims, they will always be set off against each other by them; & I consider the cessation of their claim to Treaties as valuable.” Believes...
49To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 13 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 April 1801, The Hague. Relates details of Danish losses at Copenhagen. Reports rumors that Alexander of Russia is seeking peace with British. Notes that Dutch embargo continues to exempt American vessels. Asks JM to forward enclosed letter from John Quincy Adams to his father. RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Netherlands, vol. 4). 2 pp.; marked private; postmarked Philadelphia, 29 May; docketed by...
50To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 28 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 August 1801, The Hague. Encloses for the State Department a copy of a recently published three-volume work with a “good reputation,” “Course of Diplomacy &c.” Plans within a day or two to have his audience of leave. Will have Bourne forward Leiden Gazette for remainder of year. Adds in a postscript that he hopes the French ratification he delivered to Dawson on 3 Aug. will have arrived. RC (...