1To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 8 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have already forwarded for you five copies of Dispatches, to inform you, that a Truce for twelve Months was concluded between Portugal and Algiers; and that a fleet of Algerine Cruizers had gone through the Streights into the Atlantic, on Saturday night last. They were reported to me by an officer of a Portuguese frigate who spoke with them, to consist of eight sail; I believe, however,...
2To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 7 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you, under yesterday’s date, letters to be forwarded by four different conveyances, containing information that a Truce for twelve months was concluded between Portugal and Algiers; and that a Fleet of eight Algerine Cruizers had gone through the Streights into the Atlantic. I observed in a Postscript, that I should afterwards explain by whose instrumentality the Truce was made. I...
3To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
A dispatch boat has just arrived from Algiers, which brings authentic intelligence, that a Truce for 12 months is concluded between Portugal and that Regency. In consequence of which eight Algerine cruizers, viz. four frigates, one brig and three Xebeques, have just passed through the Streights, into the Atlantic. Our vessels will now be exposed to the most eminent hazard of capture, as it was...
4To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 3 Oct. 1793 . Having announced in his last their arrival here with the hope of sailing to Alicante with the Portuguese fleet, they have been detained and probably will not leave in less than five or six days. The Portuguese fleet passed through the straits the day before yesterday, part of it coming into this harbor and part falling eastward of the Rock, before taking advantage of...
5To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 26 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
After a very favorable passage, we landed at this Garrison on Sunday last; and the next day proceeded with all the dispatch and diligence in our power to unpack the different articles of public property left here by the late Mr. Thos. Barclay, and to select such as might be proper for the object you propose. We have not as yet made such progress as to enable me to give you the result. I have...
6To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 17 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
We are now under way with a fair breeze, to go over the bar, in company with the vessel which will carry this letter. Since my letter of yesterday we have nothing new, except an account from Spain (which is depended upon) that the Spanish Camp near Perpignan commanded by Genl. Ricardos, has been surprised by the French, and that the Spaniards have lost three thousand men in the affair. The...
7To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 16 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
We are this moment embarking, and I would not take my departure without just informing you of it. The wind prevented, or we should have sailed yesterday, as I had proposed. It is even now uncertain whether we shall be able to get over the bar to-day. The Portuguese Troops destined for Spain are beginning to embark this day, and will sail about the 20th. instant. Yesterday a Packet arrived from...
8To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 13 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
We have chartered a Swedish vessel at the rate of 340 Millrees per Month for two Months certain, and as much longer as we shall have occasion for it. This was the only expedient left for us, and the best terms we could make, and at all events will prove œconomical in case of our success at the place of destination. We shall have our Money, Passport, and every thing provided, and I hope we...
9To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
In addressing a letter to you the day before yesterday, and announcing the arrival of Captn. Cutting, I promised to write to you again by an opportunity which would occur in a few days. Determining there would be no sufficient compensation for the delay of going by Madrid, my hope was that you would have been informed, at this time, of our having at least secured a passage to Gibralter. This...
10To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 1 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 28th. of last Month a Packet arrived from Falmouth; in which Captn. Cutting came passenger, and delivered to me your several letters of the 21st., 22nd. of March and 12th. of April, together with the official and other Papers accompanying them. Of those of a private nature I notice the Contents, and will comply with your intimations. As to the public Dispatches, I entreat the Executive...
11To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 25 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 25 Aug. 1793 . He avails himself of the unanticipated sailing of a vessel for the United States to note that he has received, by the packet arrived since his last letter, a letter from the bankers of the United States in Amsterdam stating that they had TJ’s orders to hold at his disposal the residue of ƒ117,600 from the fund of ƒ123,750 they had received last year for Pinckney’s...
12To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 15 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 15 Aug. 1793 . Expecting no other opportunity to occur for some time, he forwards the gazettes. Although this is the campaign season, he has nothing remarkable to communicate. No packet has arrived since his last letter, he has heard nothing of Captain Cutting, and the Moorish princesses have sailed for Tangier under convoy of a warship. The Portuguese troops mentioned in his 20 July...
13To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 4 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 4 Aug. 1793 . Three vessels arrived here a few days ago from St. Michael with distinguished Moors, whom he visited with Church and Dohrman to offer assistance after receiving an account of them, via the American captain of one of these ships, in a letter from Thomas Hickling, acting consul at St. Michael, whose Portuguese patent he encloses. The Moors consisted of two widows of the old...
14To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 20 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last, which was dated the first of July, I have had the honour to receive yours of the 26th. of April, covering the Presidents Proclamation of the 22nd. of the same Month, and other communications on the subject of it. Hitherto hostilities have not taken place between this Country and France. Should they commence (which is not very improbable) I shall take care to comply with your...
15To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 1 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 1 July 1793 . In compliance with the instruction in TJ’s letter of 15 Mch. 1791 he encloses a state of his accounts with the United States and vouchers for the past year. He was surprised to learn a few days ago that Mace and Lucas, the British consuls in Barbary mentioned in his 8 Feb. letter, were still at Gibraltar. Both seemed anxious to avoid delay, and Mace especially assured him...
16To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 20 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was of the 19th. of May. Since which time no vessel has sailed from this Port for the U.S. I have anxiously expected Captain Cutting by every Packet from England, and particularly by that which arrived the day before yesterday. But there is no intelligence of him. Had he fortunately arrived at this instant, we might have obtained a Swedish or Danish vessel for our purpose. Those...
17To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 29 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour of writing to you on the 19th by Capt. Orne, who was bound to Salem. In that letter I acquainted you with my having received yours of the 30th. of March, and that I should endeavour to make all the preparations in my power for the accomplishment of its object. No intelligence is received as yet of Captn. Cutting: nor is any vessel yet found that would be likely to answer the...
18To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 19 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received on the 9th. instant the letter which you did me the honour to write to me on the 30th. of March. Although two Packets have arrived from England since that letter came to hand, I have received no news of Captn. Cutting. In the mean time, I pray you will assure the President on my part, that I am making preparations for proceeding in the proposed business, in order that there may...
19To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 29 April 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 29 Apr. 1793 . He has received no direct intelligence from America since his last dispatch. The birth of a daughter to the Princess of Brazil this morning will require the diplomatic corps to attend court for ten successive days beginning tomorrow and lead to the suspension of all business for some days so that the Portuguese can celebrate the arrival of this eagerly awaited successor...
20To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 4 April 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 4 Apr. 1793 . Since his letter of 24 Mch. he has repeated his application to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs about “the hardship of refusing our vessels laden with wheat, after requesting Franquia , to proceed to their destination.” He has succeeded in this instance, as his letter to the Secretary and its enclosures indicate, and will continue to be unremitting in his...
21To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 24 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour to transmit a Copy of the Official Answer of the Secretary of State for foreign Affairs, respecting the two Subjects on which I had applied to him. A Translation is also annexed. As the Papers containing the circumstances relative to this business will be before you, I will not trespass on your time by offering comments. I even forbear to remark on the policy of State that...
22To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 19 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 19 Mch. 1793 . He acknowledges TJ’s dispatch of 2 Jan., accompanied by others for Carmichael and Short which the Spanish ambassador will forward, and by plans of the Federal City which will be disposed of as requested. In his No. 60 he reported that Portugal will probably grant no monopoly in wheat to Naples, and in No. 65 he described his efforts to expand American commerce here. His...
23To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 8 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 8 Feb. 1793 . His letter No. 64, a duplicate of which went by a second conveyance, described Barclay’s sudden death and the reasons he felt it necessary to come here to take care of the public property. Upon his arrival last Sunday he found the packages Barclay had brought from Lisbon safely in the hands of the Russian consul, James Simpson, who promptly told all he could about them...
24To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 8 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 8 Feb. 1793 . The fortuitous arrival here of the British consuls for Morocco, Algiers, and Tripoli and the French consul for Morocco has enabled him to obtain valuable information about Barbary affairs. Mr. Matra, the British consul for Morocco, has been summoned to Tangier to consult with Messrs. Mace and Lucas, who are enroute from England to Algiers and Tripoli. He says that the...
25To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 25 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed Papers from No. 1. to No. 6. inclusive may serve to shew the proceedings I conceived myself authorised in taking, with respect to American flour and grain. The crisis is as favorable for obtaining a liberal policy as perhaps ever can be expected; and I have endeavoured to avail myself of it in as delicate and efficacious a manner as I was able. Some names of great authority, I...
26To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 23 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
My last public letter to you was dated Janry. 7th. and acknowledged the receipt of yours of Novr. 6th. Since that time, I have received your previous Dispatch in date July 12th, by way of Madeira. By these it appears that all my letters, except No. 52. had come to hand. Should that have finally miscarried, I will send a copy that the series may be complete. The Papers transmitted herewith...
27To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 8 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Although I was well acquainted with your reluctance to come into the office you hold, having seen the letters which passed on the subject; yet I cannot avoid being much distressed by your determination to quit it so soon. I entertained hopes that a desire to assist the President in the execution of his important office, together with some other motives resulting from a consciousness of your...
28To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 7 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 7 Jan. 1793 . He has received TJ’s letter of 6 Nov. 1792, with postscript of the 7th, acknowledging receipt of his letters numbered 54 to 59. He presumes TJ meant to acknowledge receipt of numbers 44 to 59 or else the miscarriage of so many of his letters would not have gone unnoticed. “The last public Dispatch I had the honour to receive, previous to that which I now acknowledge, was...
29To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 23 December 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The sudden departure of a Swedish ship for New York affords me an opportunity of conveying to you the Spanish and Portuguese Gazettes to this date. How long I shall continue to be able to forward them is uncertain, since a new order has been issued here within three days past on the subject of News-Papers. They are now for the first time prohibited from being read or admitted at Coffee and...
30To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 28 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
By some extraordinary delay, I received only a few days since, and by the same vessel which carries this letter, your Dispatch of the 13th of Decr: last. I immediately took the necessary steps for complying with your instructions, by writing to Mr. Carmichael on the subject and putting that letter into the care of the Spanish Ambassador’s Courier. I have already remarked to you, that, although...
31To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 31 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The late unfrequency of opportunities of writing directly to America is the less to be regretted, as you will have received so much important information from other Countries of Europe, and as I could have given you so little from this. However the general tenor of commercial intelligence here is, that there will be a greater demand than was expected in several parts of this Continent for...
32To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 9 September 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 9 Sep. 1792. Since his last of 12 Aug. TJ has undoubtedly learned of the bloodshed in Paris, the provisional suspension of the King of France, the convocation of a new national convention on the 20th of this month, and the retreat of Poland to the old government. The Queen’s condition has worsened after Dr. Willis’s departure and the Princess of Brazil is believed to be pregnant. A...
33To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 12 August 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 12 Aug. 1792 . He transmitted his accounts for the year past with his letter of 1 July. Since then no significant foreign news has arrived, but he expects to hear soon of the invasion of France and the Russian invasion of Poland. Now that Dr. Willis has returned to England, he will be able to learn little from “the interior of the Palace,” except from the Duke of Lafões, who is weary...
34To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 1 July 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 1 July 1792. In compliance with TJ’s instructions of 15 Mch. 1791, he encloses a statement of his accounts with the United States to this date. Because he lacks vouchers, minor expenditures for the relief of American seamen here and postal charges paid for him in England by Johnson are not included in it. The statement also omits the 32,175 Dutch guilders he drew on the American...
35To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 20 June 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 20 June 1792. According to an account from a gentleman at Gibraltar, Barclay remains there and the civil war in Morocco continues. Muley Ischem and Muley Suliman both claim the title of Emperor. The former stays in the capital and is recognized everywhere south of the Morbeya, the latter resides at Mequinez and is acknowledged north of that river. Unless the brothers agree to divide...
36To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 17 June 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 17 June 1792. Since his letter to TJ of 21 May he has received TJ’s dispatch of 9 Apr. and forwarded those for Barclay and Carmichael. The country’s political placidity has been upset by some recent disturbances. Several hundred ship carpenters at the royal dock and the “rabble” in this city marched to Queluz to seek redress of grievances from the government. After the army prevented...
37To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 21 May 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 21 May 1792 . The remoteness and tranquility of Portugal makes it both inadvisable and unnecessary for him to trouble TJ with reports about the general political and military situation in Europe resulting from the declaration of war by the King of France against the King of Hungary. “But there is one circumstance of considerable moment towards the success of the French cause, which is...
38To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 May 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 3 May. 1792 . The Swedish agent to the Portuguese court confirms the death of the King of Sweden. “It appears that four Persons of some rank had drawn lots for the execution of the plot against the King’s life. The Person on whom the task devolved, together with two of the others are apprehended. The fourth committed suicide by poison. It is said many of the officers of Artillery were...
39To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 29 April 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 29 Apr. 1792 . There have been no important political developments in this kingdom since his letter of 30 Mch. The Queen continues to recover gradually. The government pursues the same course and the country enjoys the same peace as before the regency. He now has a reliable source of intelligence about the palace, having formed an intimate acquaintance with Dr. Willis.—Since his last...
40To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 30 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 30 Mch. 1792 . He encloses a copy of a letter from Captain O’Bryen showing that Mrs. Duncan’s son was never a prisoner in Algiers. Yesterday he wrote a letter about the captives in Algiers to William Carmichael.—The Queen moved to the palace at Quelux eight days ago. She continues to improve, according to an official report of the Secretary of State for foreign affairs, and her...
41To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 25 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 25 Mch. 1792 . He has just received confirmation from Gibraltar of the death of the Emperor of Morocco mentioned in his last letter. Thomas Barclay is pleased that he did not reach Morocco “before the change of Masters in that Country.”—The Queen’s health has greatly improved in the last week. Dr. Willis concluded that her physicians had treated her improperly and that she would have...
42To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 18 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 18 Mch. 1792. He has just read the following intelligence about Morocco in a letter from a respectable person at Gibraltar. Last month the armies of Muley Yezid and Muley Ischem fought in battle and both brothers died as a result of the clash. A third brother, Muley Slema, who is said to be more inclined to peace with all nations than either of his brothers, has supposedly been...
43To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 17 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 17 Mch. 1792 . There has been no material change in the Queen’s condition during the last eleven days. She is slightly more tranquil as a result of several yachting trips on the Tagus. Dr. [John] Willis just arrived and was presented to the diplomatic corps last night at Mr. Walpole’s residence. After that Walpole immediately took the doctor to meet the secretary of state for foreign...
44To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 6 Mch. 1792 . A Spanish courier has just brought news that the Compte de Florida Blanca is out of office and the Compte d’Aranda has been appointed his successor. He does not know what other changes have occurred or what caused them, but he believes these changes are favorable for the U.S. with respect to navigation of the Mississippi. “I have often heard Mr. Carmichael say,’that, if...
45To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 11 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 11 Feb. 1792 . Since his last of 1 Feb. it has become a matter of public knowledge here that the Queen has been “so afflicted with disease of body and disorder of mind as to render her totally incompetent to the discharge of the ordinary functions of government.” She returned from Salvaterra to Lisbon a little over a week ago and the diplomatic corps attended at the palace the next day...
46To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 1 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 1 Feb. 1792 . Since his last letter of 1 Jan. he has received TJ’s of 29 Nov. He has left the letters for William Carmichael at the Spanish ambassador’s hotel. He has discontinued the Gazettes of Paris and Leyden but still receives the London Chronicle . He encloses the Gazette of Lisbon and has sent for that of Madrid. The enclosed dispatches from Thomas Barclay show the state of...
47To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 1 January 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 1 Jan. 1792 . Nothing remarkable has occurred since his last letter of 24 Dec.—A storm from the north hovers over France and the expectation here is that a blow will soon be struck. The emigrants are indefatigable and the Duke of Luxembourg has left here for Madrid. Russia and Sweden have given the friends of the constitution in France many months to prepare for war. But France is...
48To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 23 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 23 Dec. 1791 . He takes advantage of this opportunity by Capt. Stobo to advise TJ that in his letters of 22 Nov. and 4 Dec. he enclosed receipts from Thomas Barclay for 32,175 current guilders for Barclay’s Moroccan mission. He has been attentive to the request in TJ’s 11 Apr. letter for information about Brazil, though his efforts have been constrained by the Portuguese government’s...
49To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 4 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 4 Dec. 1791 . He sends a duplicate receipt from Barclay for the 32,175 current guilders “destined for the services with which he is charged at Morocco,” the first copy of the receipt having been transmitted in his letter of 22 Nov.—Before sailing from Gibraltar last Wednesday Barclay received a letter from Francisco Chiappe in Morocco and “forwarded the Original to the Office of...
50To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 22 November 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 22 Nov. 1791 . Since his last letter of 28 Oct. he has received certain information that the Dey of Algiers has declared war on Sweden. A Swedish ship which was loading here for a Mediterranean voyage has consequently been unloaded.—Public business “is often done slowly in this Country.” He had to write four or five notes or memoires and wait more than three months before he finally...