1To George Washington from James Simpson, 25 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit a dispatch receivd this morning from Francis Chiappe Esqr. for Your Excelly. Having lately been desired to enquire by means of my correspondents at Algiers how many Americans remained there, and the sum would be demanded for their Ransom, I take the liberty of inclosing for your information copy of the return made me, and to say that as the Gentlemen encharged me...
2To George Washington from James Simpson, 13 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of addressing Your Excellency 21st September last year by the American Brig Ann—John Martin Master bound for Philadelphia, accompanying a dispatch from Francis Chiappe Esqr. By this opportunity of the English Ship Roman Eagle—Samuel Glover Master for New York, I now send another packet for Your Excelly received a few days ago from Mr Chiappe. I have the honor to be with great...
3To Thomas Jefferson from James Simpson, 12 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 12 Feb. 1793 . He encloses two dispatches from Humphreys and a duplicate of one he had forwarded from the late Thomas Barclay some weeks ago by the English ship Norfolk , Wilson master, bound for Baltimore. By the death of his “much esteemed Friend” Barclay he has been placed in “a very particular situation,” since Barclay after arriving from Lisbon did not take a receipt for the...
4To Thomas Jefferson from James Simpson, 19 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 19 Feb. 1793 . He encloses a duplicate of his letter of 12 Feb. that went by the ship Perseverance of Philadelphia. He opened a box of velvets, silks, and broadcloth left with him by Barclay. The velvets are undamaged, the cloth received only trifling injury from moths, and three pieces of the satin are a little mildewed, but a good airing stopped this deterioration. After one box...
5To George Washington from James Simpson, 30 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose a Dispatch received lately from Mr Francis Chiappe for Your Excellency. I am with great Respect Sir Your Most Obedient & Most Hume Servant ALS , DNA : RG 59, Despatches from Consular Officers: Gibraltar. English merchant James Simpson (d. 1820), who was currently the Russian consul at Gibraltar, was appointed U.S. consul there in 1794. In 1796 he became U.S. consul...
6To Thomas Jefferson from James Simpson, 30 April 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 30 Apr. 1793 . He last wrote on 19 Feb. by the schooner Fredericksburgh Packet . Muley Suliman left Mequinez to quell disturbances in Tetuán and Tangier but was halted at Great Alcázar by Sidi Muhammad and deputies from the midland provinces, who invited him to proceed from thence to Morocco. If Muley Suliman follows this course there is a good chance he will soon win sole control...
7To George Washington from James Simpson, 22 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of addressing Your Excellency 30th last Month accompanying a dispatch from Mr Francis Chiappe—I have now that of inclosing with this another from his Brother Mr Joseph Chiappe of Mogodor. I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obedient & Most Humble Servt ALS , DNA : RG 59, Despatches from Consular Officers: Gibraltar. The enclosed letter, in French, from Giuseppe Chiappe was...
8To Thomas Jefferson from James Simpson, 22 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 22 May 1793 . He wrote on 30 Apr. by the American brig Holebrooke bound for Philadelphia upon learning that Muley Suliman had arrived at Alcázar from Mequinez, where deputies from the midland provinces invited him to accompany them in force to Morocco. Since then, instead of coming to Tetán and Tangier, Muley Suliman yielded to these deputies to the extent that on 28 Apr. he left...
9To Thomas Jefferson from James Simpson, 1 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 1 June 1793 . Having been detained by contrary winds, the vessel this letter goes by also brings his letter of 22 May, to which he adds intelligence of the capture off Cape Gata by an Algerine row boat of an American schooner from Cartagena, the Lark , Captain Pulling, and the escape of her master and crew to Spain. Muley Suliman, to whom most provinces have sent deputies, remains...
10To Thomas Jefferson from James Simpson, 29 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 29 June 1793 . Having last written on 1 June, he now has just enough time to advise by way of the American brig Bacchus , recently released from detention by a Spanish privateer in Algeciras, that the army Muley Suliman sent from Rabat to the province of Shauia has been totally routed by a superior force opposed to its proceeding southward, in consequence of which Suliman returned...
11To Thomas Jefferson from James Simpson, 4 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 4 July 1793 . He encloses a copy of his 29 June dispatch to TJ sent by the brig Bacchus of Philadelphia, since which there has been no interesting news from Barbary. Seeing no likelihood of a speedy accommodation between the pretenders to the Moroccan throne, Spain has sought to demonstrate her neutrality by lately sending one consul to reside in Safi under Muley Ischem’s dominion...
12To Thomas Jefferson from James Simpson, 9 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 9 Aug. 1793. He encloses a copy of the letter he wrote on 4 July by way of Charleston. Since then Muley Suliman has remained at Fez, where he is rumored to be gathering another army to make another attempt on Morocco. The two consuls mentioned in his last as having been sent by Spain to Safi and Tangier have not in fact assumed the consular character or brought presents to the...
13To Thomas Jefferson from James Simpson, 23 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 23 Aug. 1793 . He encloses a copy of the dispatch he addressed to TJ on 9 Aug. by the Sophia for Philadelphia. Last week he opened cases no. 7–10 and 12 that Barclay left in his charge in order to air the contents, which conformed exactly to the inventory he and Humphreys found among Barclay’s papers. Most of the goods are in good condition, though some have been damaged by water or...
14To Thomas Jefferson from James Simpson, 25 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 25 Aug. 1793 . Having already written by this opportunity, he only mentions that the Portuguese consul was advised from Málaga that some days ago an American schooner, name and destination unknown, was captured off Vélez-Málaga by three Algerine cruisers, but that the crew had escaped and arrived at that port. Two of the cruisers were the small galleys he mentioned from Oran and the...
15To Thomas Jefferson from James Simpson, 26 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 26 Sep. 1793 . Inclosing a copy of his letter of 25 Aug. sent to New York by the brig Ann , he acknowledges TJ’s 22 Mch. letter, received a few days ago from Humphreys, and will comply with the directions about the public money and effects left in his charge by Thomas Barclay. What he has done with those articles will be explained by the enclosed letter from Humphreys. He is pleased...
16To Thomas Jefferson from James Simpson, 8 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 8 Oct. 1793 . He encloses a copy of his last dispatch and reports that there is nothing new in West Barbary. He is extremely concerned to see the Algerine fleet sail into the Atlantic; under such an unpleasant circumstance, he is glad to see Humphreys in Gibraltar and promises to continue to assist him in conveying prompt news of this event wherever necessary for American citizens....
17To George Washington from James Simpson, 24 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have not before intruded on Your Excelly since I had the honor of being encharged with Renewal of the Treaty between Morrocco and the United States. I did not however fail to take every opportunity of advising the Secretary of State my proceedings in detail, for your information; and it will afford me infinite satisfaction, to receive your approbation thereof. I had it in charge from Coll...
18To James Madison from James Simpson, 10 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 July 1801, Tangier. No. 34. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 21 May dispatch transmitted by Gavino. Three American frigates arrived at Gibraltar on 1 July; the Enterprize had anchored there on 26 June. Gavino informs him that the squadron proceeded into the Mediterranean on 4 July, a circumstance likely to produce the best consequences in negotiations with Barbary powers. Has received positive...
19To James Madison from James Simpson, 10 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
At the moment of receiving the honour of your Dispatch of 21st. May transmitted to me by Mr. Gavino, an opportunity offers for Algarve which I lay hold of to advise Commodore Gales arrival in Gibraltar Bay the first of this Month, with the three Frigates under his Orders; the Enterprise Schooner reached same anchorage on the 26th. June, and Mr. Gavino advises me the whole Squadron proceeded up...
20To James Madison from James Simpson, 8 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 January 1802, Tangier. No. 35. Has requested that Captain Shaw of George Washington stop at Tangier for this dispatch as “we frequently experience detention, and sometimes even loss of Letters.” Has information that Emperor Mawlay Sulaiman is unhappy at not having received an embassy from the U.S. since 1795. Since the death of his prime minister Sidi Mohamet ben Ottman and other nobles in...
21To James Madison from James Simpson, 8 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
Understanding the George Washington Frigate will soon return home, I have desired the Consuls at Gibraltar & Malaga, to request of Captain Shaw to call here at passing for a particular dispatch I should have to forward to you; this measure appeared necessary, as we frequently experience detention, and sometimes even loss of Letters. In hopes it may not be inconvenient for Captain Shaw to do as...
22To James Madison from James Simpson, 25 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 January 1802, Tangier. No. 36. Has learned from Gavino “that he could about this time negotiate some of my Bills.” Has drawn on JM for two bills totaling $2,000, which he asks JM “to direct being paid, and that sum charged to me, as a farther imposal on Account of Sallary … in arrangement sollicited in concluding paragraph of No. 35 [8 Jan. 1802].” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Tangier, vol. 1). 1...
23To James Madison from James Simpson, 25 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Gavino having advised that he could about this time negotiate some of my Bills, I have this day taken the liberty of drawing two on you, payable to his order thirty days after presentation for Twelve hundred and Eight hundred dollars, makeing together Two thousand; which I beg you will have the goodness to direct being paid, and that sum charged to me, as a farther imposal on Account of...
24To James Madison from James Simpson, 20 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 February 1802, Tangier. No. 37. Owing to the “very great delay” in arrival of George Washington , has sent his no. 35 [8 Jan.] to Gavino to forward; transmits a copy. Has heard nothing further of the demands Pasha Hackmawy made on 14 Dec., which augurs well. Hackmawy “has been succeeded in the Command of this place by the Governour of Tetuan, who now holds both Govermts.—he is an...
25To James Madison from James Simpson, 20 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
The very great delay of the George Washington Frigate beyond the time I had been taught to expect Captain Shaw would probably be at Gibraltar, induced me to send No. 35 to Mr. Gavino, with a request that he would forward it by first good conveyance. I now avail of the Brig Mary from Mogadore for Boston, to hand herewith copy of that dispatch, and of the Extracts of Letters accompanied it. I am...
26To James Madison from James Simpson, 19 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 March 1802, Tangier. No. 38. Forwards a copy of his dispatch of 20 Feb. Reports that the Essex arrived on 24 Feb. and sailed again on 26 Feb. On 13 Mar. the Batavian sloop of war Daphne arrived “with dispatches from that Government, containing assurances that an Embassy would be sent to Muley Soliman without delay”; the ship went on to Tunis and Algiers “with similar intelligence.” Relates...
27To James Madison from James Simpson, 19 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour of encloseing with this, copy of my Communications of 20th. February. On the 24th. last Month the Essex Frigate Captain Bainbridge anchored in this Bay. He was supplied with some small Articles of Provision he asked for, as usual duty free, and sailed again the 26th. The 13th. Inst. the Batavian Sloop of War Daphne, arrived here with dispatches from that Government,...
28To James Madison from James Simpson, 13 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 May 1802, Tangier. No. 39. Forwards his dispatch no. 38 [19 Mar. 1802]. Reports that the emperor’s plan to send wheat to Tripoli has been suspended but has not been entirely given up, despite his and the Swedish agent’s efforts. Relays intelligence received 12 May that on 6 May the governor of Rabat had been ordered to send a schooner to Dar el Beida to load wheat for Tripoli and that a...
29To James Madison from James Simpson, 13 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to enclose with this No. 38, and to acquaint you, notwithstanding His Imperial Majestys first Minister, (who was appointed to transact busyness with Mr. Wyk, on the late Swedish Embassy), assurd him the intention of sending Wheat to Tripoly, would for the present be laid aside, in consequence of his and my representation of that Port being in a state of Blockade; yet we have...
30To James Madison from James Simpson, 5 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 June 1802, Tangier. No. 40. Transmits a copy of his dispatch no. 39 [13 May 1802] and encloses a translation of the minister’s response to his and the Swedish consul’s 25 Apr. letter on the intended shipment of wheat to Tripoli, “by which you will see he submits the propriety of that measure to the Letter of the Treaties of Sweden and the United States, with this Country. Unfortunately...
31To James Madison from James Simpson, 5 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to transmit herewith copy of No. 39. also translation of the Ministers answer to the Letter written him on the 25th. April by the Swedish Consul and myself on subject of His Majestys desire of sending Wheat to Tripoly, by which you will see he submits the propriety of that measure to the Letter of the Treaties of Sweden and the United States, with this Country. Unfortunately...
32To James Madison from James Simpson, 14 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 June 1802, Tangier. No. 41. Presumes that no. 40 [5 June 1802], which was forwarded to Gibraltar on 10 June, is still there and that “this will go from thence with it.” On 13 June the governor informed him that “since Passports could not be granted for the two Cargoes Wheat he wished to send to Tripoly, His Majesty had directed the Vessels should go to Tunis; which I was happy to hear, as...
33To James Madison from James Simpson, 14 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
No. 40 concluded 10th. Inst., and forwarded to Gibraltar I presume is still there, and that this will go from thence with it. I have now the honour to acquaint you that yesterday the Governour sent for me, to say he had just received a Letter from the Emperour with orders to acquaint me, that since Passports could not be granted for the two Cargoes Wheat he wished to send to Tripoly, His...
34To James Madison from James Simpson, 17 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
Its with great concern I am under the necessity of acquainting you, that either the information given the Swedish Consul and myself on Sunday last, respecting His Imperial Majesty having consented to allow his Wheat Vessels to go to Tunis, was extremely fallacious on the part of the Governour of Tangier, or the Emperour must have very speedily repented of having taken that resolution. This...
35To James Madison from James Simpson, 26 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 June 1802, Gibraltar. No. 43. Transmits a copy of his dispatch no. 42 [17 June 1802]. Is “extremely sorry” to report that he was “compelled by the Governour of Tangier to retire from thence on thursday Evening, in consequence of positive orders from His Imperial Majesty to that effect, received on the evening of the 22d, accompanied with advice of his having declared War against the United...
36To James Madison from James Simpson, 26 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
With this I beg leave to enclose you copy of 42, and am extremely sorry to add the intelligence of my having been compelled by the Governour of Tangier to retire from thence on thursday Evening, in consequence of positive orders from His Imperial Majesty to that effect, received on the evening of the 22d, accompanied with advice of his having declared War against the United States. Agreeably...
37To James Madison from James Simpson, 3 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 July 1802, Gibraltar. No. 44. Transmits a triplicate of his no. 43. Informs JM that “yesterday I received a Letter from the Governour of Tangier dated 30th. June, advising that His Imperial Majesty (in answer to the Letter he wrote on the 22d) had directed I might be permitted to remain [in Morocco] six Months.… Had this order arrived in time to prevent my expulsion, all would have been...
38To James Madison from James Simpson, 3 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
With this I have the honour of transmitting triplicate of No. 43 whose original was forwarded by the Ship Dart for Norfolk, and copy put on board another Vessel, by Commodore Morris. I have now to acquaint you, that yesterday I received a Letter from the Governour of Tangier dated 30th. June, advising that His Imperial Majesty (in answer to the Letter he wrote on the 22d.) had directed I might...
39To James Madison from James Simpson, 16 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 July 1802, Gibraltar. No. 45. Transmits a duplicate of his no. 44 and encloses a copy of his letter to the governor of Tangier and an extract of a letter from the Danish consul at Tangier “containing substance of what the Governour encharged him to communicate by way of reply to my Letter to him.” Thought it best to wait for the Adams and instructions from JM “before I closed with the...
40To James Madison from James Simpson, 16 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour of transmitting with this Duplicate of No. 44, also copy of the Letter I wrote the Governor of Tangier, in answer to that I mentioned to have received from him. On same sheet is extract of a Letter from the Danish Consul at Tangier to me, containing substance of what the Governour encharged him to communicate by way of reply to my Letter to him; all which I beg leave to...
41To James Madison from James Simpson, 27 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 July 1802, Tangier. No. 46. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 30 [20] Apr. , received from Captain Campbell of the Adams , and reports that he “landed here last Night” under a flag of truce to “more speedily and effectualy” make the communications JM charged him with for the emperor of Morocco. The governor is absent in Tetuàn, “whither I shall follow him tomorrow, and after the necessary...
42To James Madison from James Simpson, 27 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour to receive by Captain Campbell of the Adams, the Letter you wrote me on the 30th. April; to which I must pray you will excuse my replying at length this morning. It was considered by Commodore Morris & myself proper, that I should pass over to this place, for the purpose of more speedily and effectualy makeing the Communications you encharged me with, for His Imperial Majesty...
43To James Madison from James Simpson, 3 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 August 1802, Tangier. No. 47. “Last Night I returned from Tetuan after having had an interview with Hadge Abdarhaman Hashash, who confirmed to me that the Ship mentioned to be at Larach, was destined to detain American Vessels, as well as others; and shewed me His Majestys original Letter … authorising Hashash to give directions to the Captain for that effect.… Happily Commodore Morris being...
44To James Madison from James Simpson, 3 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
The 27th. last Month I had the honour of addressing No. 46 to you, with advice of my return to this Country. Original was sent Commodore Morris & duplicate via Lisbon. Last Night I returned from Tetuan after having had an interview with Hadge Abdarhaman Hashash, who confirmed to me that the Ship mentioned to be at Larach, was destined to detain American Vessels, as well as others; and shewed...
45To James Madison from James Simpson, 12 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 August 1802, Tangier. No. 48. “Original of No 47 [3 Aug. 1802] was forwarded by way of Lisbon, duplicate and triplicate under cover of Mr Gavino at Gibraltar; each accompanied by a copy of the Letter I wrote the Emperour from Tetuan. I have now the honour of encloseing with this, translation of the answer I received last night, to that Letter; by which I am concerned to find new ground...
46To James Madison from James Simpson, 12 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
Original of No. 47 was forwarded by way of Lisbon, duplicate and triplicate under cover of Mr. Gavino at Gibraltar; each accompanied by a copy of the Letter I wrote the Emperour from Tetuan. I have now the honour of encloseing with this translation of the answer I received last night, to that Letter, by which I am concerned to find new ground taken, likely to be productive of some trouble with...
47To James Madison from James Simpson, 3 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
No 48 dated 12h. last Month was forwarded in triplicate by way of Lisbon—Cadiz & Gibraltar, each accompanying a translation of the answer, received to the Letter I wrote His Imperial Majesty Muley Soliman from Tetuan, which I hope will reach you safe. I have now the honour to acquaint you that after sending away No. 48, I reflected it would be best [to] delay writing the Minister again, untill...
48To James Madison from James Simpson, 14 September 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 September 1802, Tangier. No. 50. “I have this day taken the liberty of drawing a Bill on you to order of Mr Edward Humphry, payable thirty days after presentation for Two thousand dollars, on Account of Sallary; which request you will be pleased to direct being paid. Including this Bill, I have since my appointment to this Consulate, drawn for Ten thousand dollars in all, on Account of...
49To James Madison from James Simpson, 14 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to acquaint you I have this day taken the liberty of drawing a Bill on you to order of Mr. Edward Humphry, payable thirty days after presentation for Two thousand dollars, on Account of Sallary; which request you will be pleased to direct being paid. Including this Bill, I have since my appointment to this Consulate, drawn for Ten thousand dollars in all, on Account of Sallary. I...
50To James Madison from James Simpson, 28 September 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 September 1802, Tangier. No. 51. Sent a duplicate of his no. 49 [3 Sept. 1802] with the Boston on 9 Sept. and a triplicate to Gavino on 10 Sept. Both were accompanied by a copy of his 1 Sept. letter to Moroccan minister Selawy. Encloses a translation of the minister’s answer, the essence of which “amounts to a confession that they have not been able to offer any thing farther, in support of...