51To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 22 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 22 July 1806, Boston. “I was hond. with your esteem’d favor of the 15th. inst. this morning, & immediately paid into the hands of the Ambassador the sum of 2643 dollars, the amount of cash paid by him for the articles sent to Washington, and have taken his receipt for the same in full of all demands: I made use of every suggestion mentioned in your letter, & many...
52From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 15 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To James Leander Cathcart. 15 July 1806, Department of State. “Beside the four field pieces, the Secretary, bureaux and rice, which could not, for want of room, be received on board the Franklin, it has unfortunately happened that 80 barrels of loaf sugar and ten tons of log-wood, belonging to the Ambassador have, from the same cause, been left at Baltimore. They have however been ordered...
53From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 7 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To James Leander Cathcart. 7 July 1806, Department of State. “I have received your letter of the 1st. of July, and have caused four thousand dollars to be remitted to you at Boston, for which you will apply at the Branch Bank. The whole two thousand dollars allotted for the Prime Minister may be laid out by you in purchases of presents. I hope your wishes will be speedily gratified, as the...
54To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 1 July 1806 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here yesterday and was duly hond. with your favor of the 21st. Ult. and have recd. drafts on the U, S branch bank at this place to the amount of 5000 dollars the appropriation of which shall correspond with your instructions. The Ambassador requests that the cash intended as presents to his suite may be paid into his hands at Boston, as several debts have been contracted by them...
55From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 30 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To James Leander Cathcart. 30 June 1806, Department of State. “Mr. Charles Gosonis, the bearer has undertaken to travel to Boston with the three domestics of the Tunisian Ambassador, as their interpreter. He has been paid one hundred dollars, and if he is successful in carrying them all to Boston, he is to have seventy dollars more; Should he not succeed he is to have only fifty instead of...
56From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 21 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To James Leander Cathcart. 21 June 1806, Department of State. “I have requested the Secretary of the Treasury to remit to you at the branch bank at Boston, two thousand dollars as a personal present to Mr. Mellimelli. It is intended to make presents in money to his suite and servants, as noted on the next page.* Will you be pleased to ascertain from him, whether it would be most agreeable to...
57To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 15 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 15 June 1806, Philadelphia. “I receiv’d your favor of the 10th. inst. in course of post, & since have been constantly employ’d in the execution of the duties assign’d me: The Ambassador has seen every thing worthy notice in this City & its environs, & I had proposed to leave town on monday morning but am prevented by the eclipse which renders it improper to...
58From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 10 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To James Leander Cathcart. 10 June 1806, Department of State. “In consequence of your letter of the 6th. I have requested the Secretary of the Treasury to place to your credit three thousand dollars in the Branch Bank at Boston. You shall hear in a day or two respecting the present to the Tunisian Ambassador.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 15). 1 p.
59To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 6 June 1806, Baltimore. “I was hond. with yr favor of the 2nd. inst in course of post & would have replied to it had I had any thing to inform you worthy your attention: The presents are compleated, the Cattle, plate, & Mocca Coffee excepted: I have made purchases for the Ambassador to the amount of 20,000, the whole of which is lodged in the public stores: he...
60From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 2 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To James Leander Cathcart. 2 June 1806, Department of State. “The Secretary of the Navy has anticipated the answer to your letter of the 30th. Ult. by authorizing you to inform the Tunisian Minister, that the small armed Vessel is intended as a present to the Bey; that he may load her on his own account; and, that, after calling at Baltimore to receive his purchases, she will take him and...
61To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 30 May 1806 (Madison Papers)
We arrived in this City via Annapolis on Sunday evening, & with difficulty obtain’d lodgings at the Columbian Inn, after having been rejected at Evanses & several private houses: The manner the Ambassador has been treated since, & the pains that has been taken to efface unfavorable impressions promises success equal to the expectations of government. Yesterday an officer from the seat of...
62To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 5 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 5 May 1806, Georgetown. “On the subject of the presents for the Bashaw of Tunis, I have the honor to Report That Mr. Foxall has six brass field pieces which are well calculated for that service, the Secretary at War is the proper person to apply to for them, he has carriages at his disposal which will suit them without making new ones, provided they are...
63To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 26 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 26 April 1806, Georgetown. “It occurs to me that the Bashaw of Tunis has too much good sense to declare War against the United States while they have a force in the Mediterranean able to cope with his; in opposition to this opinion it may be stated that the United States having refused to comply with the Bashaws demand, of maratime & military stores, if receded...
64To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 26 September 1805 (Madison Papers)
A few days ago I made application to General Dearborn as a candidate for an Agency that is vacant at the post of Natchitoches; finding I had a rival in the person of Mr. Rodgers, I waited upon the general this morning who inform’d me that a number of respectable persons having applied for the said appointment he had determined to lay their pretensions before the President who would select the...
65To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 14 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 14 August 1805, Washington . “It is some time since I had the honor to promise you document[s] to substantiate the justice of some personal remarks dispersed through the numerous communications which I have had the honor to transmit to the Department of State, The liquidation of my Accounts prevented me from presenting them prior to their final Settlement,...
66To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 12 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 12 August 1805, Washington . “I have the honor to enclose Mr. Nissen⟨s⟩; receipt [not found] for security given for cloth taken from me by the Bashaw of Tripoli deposited in his hands by me in order that he might recover the amount upon account of the United States, & likewise his letter to me of the 14th. of January 1805 containing a list of the furniture left...
67To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart (Abstract), 3 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
3 May 1805, Washington . “If you have recd. no later intelligence from the mediterranean the following extract will give you some information.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Tripoli, vol. 2). RC 2 pp.; docketed by Wagner. At the bottom of his letter, Cathcart appended an extract of a letter from William Higgins to him, dated at Malta 8 Jan. 1805 (printed in Knox, Naval Documents, Barbary Wars, Dudley...
68To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 27 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor, to transmit for consideration and final settlement accompts & vouchers for disbursements made by me, since I have been in public service, they are properly arranged under separate heads of expenditure and carried down to the date thereof in such a manner, that the whole may be comprized under one point of view, which will considerably facilitate their Settlement, Mr. John...
69To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart (Abstract), 21 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
21 March 1805, New York . “Not having cash sufficient to transport my family to the seat of government their place of residence, I have taken the liberty to draw upon you in favor of Mr. Jacob Barker for the sum of two hundred & fifty spanish dollars which you will please to pay & deduct the said from the five hundred dollars allow’d by government to pay part of my expences home.” RC ( DNA :...
70To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart (Abstract), 2 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
2 March 1805, New York . “I have the honor to inform you that I arrived in the river on the night of the 27th. inst. & immediately forwarded Comodore Prebles dispatches to the Secretary of the Navy, I would have forwarded you a copy of them had I not been prevented from landing my family by bad weather and the negligence of the Pilot until this afternoon, but as the Comodore has proceeded to...
71To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 15 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 October 1804, Leghorn. “This day I was honor’d with your very acceptable letter of the 11th. of June & am extremely happy that my conduct has been approved by his Excellency the President, the good of the service was my sole motive, so far as I was concerned I have been successful & my procuring the Gun & Mortar boats at Naples I presume has at least facilitated the reduction of the Bashaw...
72To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 26 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 September 1804, Leghorn. “The annext copy of my last letter to Mr. Nissen is a tribute of respect due to that gentleman for his services since the war with Tripoli commenced, & his humanity to our unfortunate fellow Citizens in captivity. The extract from Mr. Higgens at Malta will inform you of Comodore Prebles operations since my last, & serve to prove that my opinion that co-ercive...
73To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 9 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 July 1804, Leghorn. No. 8. “Conceiving it my duty to give you what information I collect in those parts give me leave to forward for your perusal the enclosed extract of a letter from Algiers which I have no time to translate: since I have seen a letter from a person in Office at Algiers which informs us that a British Ship of War arrived there with the Consul for Tripoli on board and has...
74To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 June 1804, Leghorn. No. 7. “Enclosed are duplicates of my last communication & a copy of my correspondence with Comodore Preble which will inform you in detail of the situation of the Squadron and of my operations at the Court of Naples which I hope will meet with the President’s approbation. “On my return from Naples I receiv’d your highly esteem’d favor of December the 26th. 1803 & am...
75From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 11 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
The latest letters I have received from you are those of the 18, 21, & 27 March. I had befor⟨e⟩ received several copies of your accounts, which are now in the Treasury Department in a course of investigatio⟨n⟩ and settlement. By Commodore Barron, who is proceeding ⟨to⟩ the Mediterranean with five additional frigate⟨s on⟩e of which is armed en flute, I take occasion to mention, that if after...
76To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 27 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 March 1804, Leghorn. No. 6. Encloses copies of letters from Preble and Mathieu and his replies. “I shall depart for Naples to join the Come: in the morning & will remain with the Squadron as long as he may think it necessary; In a former communication I observ’d that I did not conceive it good policy to send the Consul general to Tunis & Tripoli even if practicable which is doubtful it...
77To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 21 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 March 1804, Leghorn. No. 5. “Enclosed I have the honor to transmit twelve copies of a translation of the President’s two last speeches to congress, the[y] retain sufficient elegance of stile to recommend them ’tho dress’d in a foreign language; besides as we are indebted to the old world for a vast fund of knowledge; I think it but just that we should repay them when we have an opportunity:...
78To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 18 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1804, Leghorn. No. 4. “By the arrival of the Imperial Polacca La Benevolenza Captn: Luca Lucovich in eight days from Tripoli I am enabled to give you the intelligence contain’d in the enclosed extract of a letter from Monsr: Antoine Zuchette Batavian chargé des affaires at Tripoli to Diederick Kerfsbyll Esqr: Batavian Consul at Leghorn , the latter gave me the extract in confidence &...
79To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 March 1804, Leghorn. No. 3. Encloses “a copy of my correspondence with Comodore Preble & others, since my last of the 1st: of February.” “I have not heard from Colonel Lear since I parted with him! but my anxiety has been in some measure reliev’d by Come. Preble’s letters, as the[y] inform me that he has receiv’d the sundry communications which I forwarded to him in the United States brig...
80To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 1 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 February 1804, Leghorn. No. 2. Enclosed his accounts with the U.S. up to 31 Dec. 1803 with his 28 Jan. 1804 letter . “At present I send you a copy of a negotiation with Mr: Anthony Dugan for bills upon you for 5000 dollars at 5 ⅌C: discount on the ammount receiv’d which makes a considerable difference between the terms of this negotiation & that for 20,000 dollars negotiated by Messrs. Degen...
81To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 28 January 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 January 1804, Leghorn. “I have the honor to transmit for final settlement accompts & vouchers for expenditures, which with those already forwarded to the Department of State includes a statement of all expenditures made by me upon acct.: of the United States of America, from the date of my Commission as Consul of the U: S: at Tripoli July 10th 1797 unto the 31st: of Decemr: 1803.” According...
82To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 20 January 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 January 1804, Leghorn. Has drawn on JM for $5,250 in favor of Anthony Dugan for $5,000 cash received from Dugan at 5 percent discount, “said sum to be applied for the relief of the Officers & crew of the United States (late) Frigate the Philadelphia now in Captivity in Tripoli, which I request you to honor & have placed to my acct: until final settlement.” “Mr: Dugan acting as Agent for his...
83To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 January 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 January 1804, Leghorn. No. 1. “I have receiv’d no intelligence since my last from our Squadron or any part of Barbary; I hope the intrigues of OBrien & Davis may not prove prejudicial to our affairs in those quarters for I have always been of opinion that Mr: OBrien was not sincere when he requested his recall, & the character which Davis has assumed will make him go any length to maintain...
84From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 26 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your numbers from 11 to 14 both inclusive and a subsequent one of the 19th. October last. The President has not fixed upon a person as Consul for Tunis; but when the appointment takes place as the occasion would not invite nor circumstances justify any reference to yourself of a nature to wound your sensibility, you may dismiss every apprehension on that subject. On the...
85To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 17 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 December 1803, Leghorn. “Enclosed with this is my acct: curt. with the United States for the ammount of $44,550 the whole of said sum being accounted for & the vouchers forwarded to the Department of State, except the ballance which is in favor of the United States $5854 82/100 which shall be accounted for when I make out my acct: of disbursements for this year; & lest some of my good...
86To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 15 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed papers will inform you of the loss of the United States Frigate the Philadelphia, of the deplorable situation of the Officers & crew, & of the steps which I have taken to alleviate their present sufferings until provision is made for them by government. I have not a word to offer in extenuation of this fatal accident, it envolves incalculable consequences, & changes our position...
87To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 30 November 1803 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here in the United States Brig Siren on the 12th: inst: & on the 14th: I got practique in consequence of having landed immediately at the Lazzaretto, & my writing a note to General La Vilette the Tuscan Governor of Leghorn with whom I am personally acquainted, the Brig was quarantined for some days longer in a similar manner that the Adams was last May of which you are no doubt...
88To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 19 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 October 1803, Gibraltar . Informs JM that he will proceed “to Leghorn in the Syren the first westerly wind.” “I have given Mr. Lear every information in my power, & will dispatch the Syren from Leghorn to Algiers with the Consular present with the greatest dispatch.” Announces that peace has been concluded between the U.S. and Morocco; refers JM to Preble and Lear for the details. RC ( DNA...
89To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 19 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that I proceed to Leghorn in the Syren the first westerly wind. I have given Mr. Lear every information in my power, & will dispatch the Syren from Leghorn to Algiers with the Consular present with the greatest dispatch. Peace is concluded between the United States & Morocco, for the particulars, of which I refer you to Comodore Prebble & Col. Lear & remain with...
90To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 September 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 September 1803, Gibraltar . No. 14. “On the 23rd. inst. I arrived in this bay & immediately went onboard the Constitution to pay my respects to Comodore Prebble & Coll. Lear. In obedience to your instructions of the 16th. of July I presented them with a copy of my communication of the 9th. inst. & since has given the latter every information in my power, the bustle naturally attending so...
91To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 18 September 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 September 1803 , “ US Frigate Adams off Almeria bay .” No. 13. “The enclosed detail will inform you of our actual position at Tunis.” Informs JM that “the Bashaws political reason” for not receiving Cathcart at Tunis was “in consequence of a request from the Dey of Algiers to that purport, in compliance with the will of the Sanhedrim & their most righteous Secretary.” Is “consequently...
92To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 18 September 1803 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed detail will inform you of our actual position at Tunis, in addition to which I have the honor to inform you that I was creditably inform’d that the Bashaws political reason for not receiving me at Tunis, is no other than in consequence of a request from the Dey of Algiers to that purport, in compliance with the will of the Sanhedrim & their most righteous Secretary; I am...
93To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 9 September 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 September 1803 , “ US. frigate Adams at sea .” “In my last communication of the 30th. Ulto., I had the Honor to inform you of my departure from Leghorn on the 27th. do., on board the U.S frigate Adams, and to promise you a detail of our opperations in relation to our affairs with the Regency of Tunis, which I now have the Honor to transmit, for the information of government.… “Friday Sept:...
94To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 30 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 August 1803 , “ Frigate Adams at Sea .” No. 11. Wrote in his last letters (nos. 9 and 10 [ 24 and 25 July ]) that he was drawing on the State Department for $20,000 “in order to facilitate a negotiation between the United States and the Regency of Tripoli.” Believes “it would have been of no service what ever but the reverse, to have proceeded to Tripoli without funds or credit.” Also...
95To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 30 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
In my last communications Nos. 9 & 10, I intimated to you that I should be necessitated to draw upon the department of State for $20,000 in order to facilitate a negotiation between the United States and the Regency of Tripoli as it would have been of no service what ever but the reverse, to have proceeded to Tripoli without funds or credit. The Bashaw as in a former instance would increase...
96To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 July 1803, Leghorn . No. 10. Encloses news from Nissen at Tripoli brought by a French ship that arrived “Last night.” Has not heard from Davis at Tunis or from Morris, “which seems to me as extraordinary as improper.” Foresees difficulties in the coming negotiation: “we have lost our importance in those seas, & if it is not speedily retrieved by a brilliant act we must & had much better at...
97To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
Last night arrived from Tripoli & Tunis a french vessel which brought me the enclosed intelligence from Mr: Nissen at Tripoli. From Mr. Davis at Tunis & from Comodore Morris I have not rec’d. a line since I saw them last which seems to me as extraordinary as improper. As I am just going to embark for Malta I cannot be so diffuse as is necessary on the subject of Mr. Nissen’s report but foresee...
98To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 24 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 July 1803, Leghorn . No. 9. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 9 Apr. circular , “enclosed with two letters from the President to the Bey of Tunis the one of the 14th: & the other of the 22nd: of April.” The commission for Tunis was not enclosed. Has taken passage on “a greek Polacca bound to Corfú whose master has agreed to land me at Malta.” Hopes to find U.S. warships there. Will execute the...
99To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 24 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
At this moment I mean only to acknowledge the receipt of Yours of the 9th: of April enclosed with two letters from the President to the Bey of Tunis the one of the 14th: & the other of the 22nd: of April the Commission for Tunis was not enclosed probably left out by mistake, & to inform you that I immediately took passage onboard a greek Polacca bound to Corfú whose master has agreed to land...
100From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 16 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
I duly received your communications by the Chesapeake. In order to draw the war with Tripoli to as speedy a close as possible, a Squadron of two frigates and four light Vessels are preparing to sail for the Mediterranean, in one of the former of which Mr. Lear, who is to succeed Mr. OBrien, will take his passage. From the information the President has received of the probability of impediments...