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The Act intituled “An Act for procuring an additional number of Arms, and for the purchase of salt petre & sulphur” passed 11 March 1808— appropriates “for the purchase of salt petre & sulphur” 150,000 dollars— During the session of 1808, I received from genl Smith, chairman of a committee of the Senate, a letter asking information as to the additional quantity of salt petre & sulphur which it...
The enclosed list of surgeons and Surgeons mates is sent to you for nomination to the Senate should it be approved by you.— The Surgeons are required for the vessels now in commission under the act of the 31 Jany; the surgeons mates are also required for these Vessels, and for the Norfolk and New Orleans station. It may be proper to state to you that of the 6 surgeons mates nominated to the...
Dr. Shaw who was nominated as a Surgeon in the navy has withdrawn his application. I beg leave to mention to you the name of Doctor Jasper Hand in his place. Doct. Hand was nominated a surgeon’s mate at the same time that Doct Shaw was nominated a Surgeon: tho’ by a mistake in his name made by the gentlemen who recommended him, his name was written Jesse instead of Jasper Hand his real name.—...
The enclosed sketch of my proposed answer to Mr Erskine I yesterday morning gave to Mr Gallatin for his consideration—And last Evening I gave him in a short note the intimation which Mr Erskine gave me yesterday at your house. Unexplained there is no understanding it. But I presume he means to say this morning, that he has authority to fix with us the day , when the orders in Council shall...
Your very friendly letter of the 10 h I have had the pleasure to receive. A nd most sincerely do I thank you for this additional instance of your goodness and for the interest you so kindly take in whatever concerns me personally. I am happy in learning that your rural occupations afford you so much gratification. After having so usefully devoted to your Country so many years, you are...
The enclosed papers shew the temper of the B. Govt. with respect to our late arrangement with Mr Erskine and induce a strong presumption that no adjustment consistent with our interest or our honor can be made with that infatuated nation. It would seem that Erskine is to be superseded by Mr Jackson, who may every day be expected. You will be pleased to state to me what answer, as to time, I am...
The papers by the Northern Mail of this day just received I hasten to forward to you. They are interesting and further evince the necessity of our being all here. Mr Erskine, it is expected, will be here this Evening. For our satisfaction and for his own justification, it is probable, he will shew me his instructions. He and Mr Canning appear to be fairly at issue and, strange to imagine, upon...
I have received your favor of the 27h. It would seem that Mr Erskine has taken great liberties with his instructions. Of this I had not the slightest suspicion when I was writing my two last letters. And a knowledge of this diminishes the necessity of your return or of the Call of Congress. One of his reasons for not Communicating in Extenso this instruction is now apparent. It was a...
You will perceive that the enclosed papers from Gov. Claiborne state a Case, which has not been provided for by the Act of Congress. It is to be hoped that it will not occur. If it should, as is apprehended by the Governor, what instructions ought to be sent to him? Ought any to go in anticipation of such an event? I have acknowledged the receipt of the enclosed letter from Genl Turreau and...
The enclosed is the only Original despatch which has been received by Mr Jackson. Not having time to have a Copy of it I send the Original. It indicates, as far as mere Conversation with Mr Canning can indicate, something like a change of temper on the part of the British Govt. To judge from the extent of his establishment it would seem that Mr Jackson was disposed to remain a long time among...
You will herewith receive copies of letters which I have received from Erskine & Jackson and my answers. I have deemed it proper to introduce into my Answer to Jackson some Civility. It may do good. It can’t do harm. Besides, the Comity of Nations, as well as good sense, requires, and especially in the beginning, a style of deportment which would not imply a latent hostility. I have informed...
9 October 1809, Department of State. Expresses regret that British government has disavowed the agreement signed with David Erskine and then sent by the new British minister no explanation of this disappointing act. States terms understood to be the price Great Britain would exact prior to an official revocation of the orders in council now hampering American commerce. If there is any...
19 October 1809, Department of State. Answers Jackson’s letter of 11 Oct. by explaining the purpose for requesting that communications be in written form. Jackson’s interpretation of the request has “converted an intimation of the expediency [of written exchanges] into a general prohibition of all verbal communications whatever.” The point was to avoid misunderstandings. Requests Jackson to...
I have not yet sufficiently regained my health to give the necessary attention to Mr Jackson’s last letter. But it appears to me that we can’t consider it a satisfactory explanation, especially after having so solemnly declared that to be satisfactory it must shew not merely a violation of instructions but must moreover shew reasons strong & solid. What then are the reasons which we can admit...
1 November 1809, Department of State. Jackson’s letter of 23 Oct. discloses that Erskine knew he lacked full authority to negotiate. “It necessarily follows, that the only credentials, yet presented by you, being the same with those presented by him, give you no authority” to make a binding agreement. In such circumstances, negotiations carried on by the U.S. “would not only be a departure...
8 November 1809, Department of State. Jackson’s letter of 4 Nov. not only repeats the assertion that American negotiators with Erskine knew the British minister was exceeding his instructions but aggravates “the same gross insinuation.” Thus, to preclude future opportunities for such abuse, informs Jackson “that no further communications will be received from you” and the British government...
By the frigate L’Africaine I transmitted to you copies of my letters to Mr Jackson bearing date the 9 & 19 of October and also a Copy of his letter to me bearing date the 11h. October. You will by this Conveyance receive duplicates of those letters and also the sequel of the Correspondence consisting of three letters from him of 23 & 27 Oct & of the 4 Nov and of two letters from me of the 1st...
14 February 1810, Department of State. Relays to JM for transmittal to House of Representatives copies of various documents related to the House resolution of 5 Feb. requesting the orders and decrees of France and Great Britain “violating the lawful Commerce and Neutral Rights of the United States, except such parts, as may, in his Judgment, require secrecy.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233,...
I have had the Honor to receive your Letter of the 30 th Ult. and in compliance with the request it contains I have now the pleasure to send you such of the Papers in this Office relative to the Batture , as can be prepared in time for the Mail of today. The residue shall be forwarded by the next Mail. RC ( DLC ); in John Graham’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esq r...
List of Papers sent to M r Jefferson 4 th June 1810— Gov r Claiborne’s Letter. 3 d Sep r
5 June 1810, Department of State. Acknowledges letters and enclosures from Armstrong received on 21 May. Protests strongly against France’s decision to seize American vessels as announced in the letter from the duc de Cadore to Armstrong [14 Feb. 1810]. Describes French policy as “an act of violence, which under existing circumstances is scarcely less than an act of war [and] necessarily...
I had the Honor to forward to you by the last Mail, most of the Papers belonging to this Department, which relate to the Batture . I now send the residue and should add to them a copy of the Instructions under which the Marshal took possession of that Property, were they to be found on our Records. RC ( DLC ); in John Graham’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esq r...
List of Papers sent to M r Jefferson 6 th June 1810 —from the Dept of State. Three Letters from M r Livingston to the Sec y of State the one without date the others dated
Mr Lowry is a good Republican, of unblemished Character—understands the French & Spanish languages—a regular bred Merchant—about 30 years of age—his talents good. RC ( DLC ). In pencil. Addressed to “The President.” Dated 1809 in the Index to the James Madison Papers . Conjectural date assigned on the basis that Lowry probably traveled to Washington after 21 June and evidently had left the...
I avail myself of the oppy. by Mr. to forward copies of my several letters lately written to you; & to add the present. The arrival of the J. Adams brought your letters of the following dates . From that of the 16th. April, it appears that the seizures of Amn. property lately made, had been followed up by its actual sale, & that the proceeds had been deposited in the Emperors Caisse prive. You...
Letter not found. Ca. 12 July 1810. Mentioned in JM to Smith, 17 July 1810 . Forwards letters from Gov. David Holmes and Robert K. Lowry and a copy of his reply to Lowry.
I came from Balt to the office on Monday to attend for a few days to its general affairs and arrived just in time to receive & to forward to you Mr Moriers letter. I have in a letter to him acknowledged the receipt of it and have intimated to him that you would probably be at Washn in the course of the first week of the next month. The papers, as prepared, in the case of the proposed return of...
Letter not found. 26 September 1810. Described as a two-page letter in the lists probably made by Peter Force (DLC, series 7, container 2). Also referred to in Smith to JM, 28 Sept. 1810 . Concerns the drafting of a proclamation to be issued upon the revocation of the French decrees. Smith probably enclosed as well a letter (not found) from William Harris Crawford of 27 July 1810 (Crawford to...
In my last letter I took the liberty of intimating to you that I would by the next Mail forward for your consideration a sketch of a proclamation to be issued upon the revocation of the Fr. Decrees. This was my first idea, formed, indeed, without having considered the subject and under the impression that the same Course would be pursued as was taken in the case of Erskine’s arrangement. Upon...
I yesterday had the honor of receiving your letter of the 23 Ult and I have this day forwarded its enclosure to mr Rodney . Well knowing how necessary it is that this very interesting statement should be promptly laid before your Counsul and not imagining that I could suggest any improvements, much less, such as would make amends for the injuries that might result from the delay, I could not...
Would it not be well to annex to the despatch to Mr Pinkney that part of the first letter of Mr King which relates to Blockades marked with a pencil //   // ? P. S. Owing to a very severe cold I will not be able to accompany to your house Mr Jarvis. But I will send him. RC ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison Papers); enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain). Date of RC assigned on the basis...
The funds, which had been provided by law for the relief and protection of destitute American Seamen in foreign Countries, have been rendered this year inadequate to their contemplated object by the extensive seizures of our vessels in Europe, and the effect thereof on the situation of the crews. The advances, which have been necessarily made by our Ministers and Consuls to supply the wants of...
18 December 1810, Department of State. Acknowledges Turreau’s letter of 12 Dec. in answer to his inquiries about certificates of origin and the admission to France of American agricultural products. Concludes from the letter that the importation of American cotton and tobacco is “specially and absolutely prohibited.” Also notes that the decree of 15 July effectively prohibits the importation...
Knowing the interest, you take in the state of our foreign relations and the solicitude, you feel for your old and sincere friends, I hasten to transmit to you a copy of the documents, which accompanied the late message of the President . They shew the Course, we have been steering in a sea of difficulties. As the principles, which I have feebly endeavoured to maintain, are, in truth, but a...
I have this moment seen Col McKee. He says he will immediately proceed to the Country in question and will be happy in affording to his Country any services in his power but that he cannot go thither in the Character of a Secretary. I hasten to give you this information in order that arrangements may be made for fixing upon a proper person as Secretary to Matthews. Respctfy RC ( DLC ). In...
4 February 1811, Department of State. Forwards copies of the latest census and militia returns from the Orleans Territory in compliance with a Senate resolution of 1 Feb. 1811. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, TP , Orleans); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL ). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith. Enclosures are copies of the census return for the Orleans Territory, 31 Dec. 1806 (1 p.),...
19 February 1811, State Department. Transmits in accordance with the House of Representatives resolution of 18 Feb. 1811 the papers marked A and B, which contain all the information, not heretofore communicated, concerning the “repeal or modification as well as the practical operation of the orders and decrees affecting our neutral commerce” since 1 Nov. 1810. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233,...
Desirous of laying before the President, with the utmost precision, the substance of our conference of this day, and knowing that verbal communications are not unfrequently misunderstood, I consider it proper to propose to you in a written form the questions, which I have had the honor of submitting to you in conversation, namely; 1st   Were the Berlin and Milan Decrees revoked in whole or in...
The Secretary of State respectfully represents to the President, that agreeably to the several Acts of Congress authorizing the third Census or enumeration of the Inhabitants of the United States and the Territories thereof, instructions were issued to the several Marshals and Secretaries, conformably to the provisions of the Law; in consequence of which, regular returns of the population of...
I have just received with great satisfaction your very friendly letter of the 30 Ult. Of the occurrence at Washington I had as little suspicion as you had. And I, at this moment, know not to what infatuation to attribute it. From one of your old & uniform friends I some days since received a letter requesting information as to the ground there was for the Opinion, that you had been privy to...
In reply to your letter of the 25th of this month, just received, I have no hesitation in stating to you, that, at no period, of your administration, did I consider or understand, that any kind of bargain or arrangement had, directly or indirectly, in any manner or form, been proposed or made between yourself on the one part and my brother & myself or either of us on the other part, in...
You must know that me the Undersigned election for you in year 1800 on my own expencee I went to Annopolis and published a card that broaght out Judge Düwald to write those essays which was the opinion of M r Leiper of Philadelphia put you in as President of the U States You must know I am now in distress and am under the nes necessity of asking of you for a Dollars you will see that I have...
I addressed you a letter some days ago and stated th that it was me that went to Annopolis in the year 1800 and put a card in Mr Greens paper which brought out Judge Duval to write those Essays that put you in as President of the United States and that at your close of years you should not forget me P.S Indeed I Should like somethng at the Present time for I am in reducd circumstancs and...
You must know that in the year 1800 the 17th day of May I left Philadelphia; to go on election for you—at Annapolis. I put a card in Mr G ses paper at Annapolis which brought Judge Dumal to address a member essay which was inserted in all the papers through the United States—I have got in years and wish it on you to transmit by Mail to me at Harrisburgh Pa ten or twenty dollars to Robert Smith...
You must know that it was Robert Smith who electioneered for you in the year 1800—he at Annapolis in Maryland put into Mr Greens papers a card which brought out G Duwald Esq to write those essays which had the effect to put you into station of President of the United States I make known to you that I am getting in years am now about sixty—I therefore think that you might settle a life annuity...
I have made known to you of going on to Annapolis in the year 1800—and put a card into the Newspaper printerd at this city that brought out Judge Dewala to write essays which was inserted in all the Newspapers through the Unit States that was not in the federal interest as I am getting in years I think you should notiece me—and shall expect it at your death when it shall please the allmighty...
You must know that I am not in as good state of health as I good wish—you must know as I took an active part in your election in the year 1800 and it was on that card putt into the Greens chapter paper that brought out G G Duvall to write those essays that was the Lever that made you President of the United States—I could ask of you some few Dollars at the Pressent time—I was in Washington...
have addressed you letter prior to this expecting you would notice me. I having taken an active part at the Election in the year 1800 Being a printer I had some advantage as I could get a line put into Mr Greens paper at Annapolis and this step that made you President of the United States of America—I am now indisposed & shall thank you much for a few Dollars and it will be remembered you must...
You must know I have been waiting for an answer to my letter of respecting asking of you some aid having in the 1800 did the Deed that made you President of the United States, you must know it is 24 years this fourteenth of May that I left Philadelphia and travelled through (Delaware) Wilmington to Baltimore that I left Baltimore the 13th of June or thereabout to Chestertown and to Easton:...
You must know that in the year 1800 I took an active part in your election and left Philadelphia the 17 day of May for Baltimore at Annapolis I put into M r Greens paper a card that brought out G G Duwald to write essays that w hent through a great many papers in the U States and I consider that it was those essays of G.G Duwald made you the President of the US as I am growing in years I thin...