11To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 24 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 November 1802, Antwerp. Notes that in his letter of 10 Sept. he acknowledged receipt of JM’s 22 June letter enclosing his commission. Had expected to be in Antwerp by October but had difficulties disposing of his house and moving his family. Left Bordeaux on 9 Oct. and did not reach Antwerp until 11 Nov. owing to family illness. Has been well received by the prefect, d’Herbouville, as well...
12To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 24 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 January 1803, Antwerp. Has “this instant” received a duplicate of JM’s 12 Nov. 1802 letter by the Philadelphia . Finds it impossible to express “with what lively emotions” he received “this new mark of the President’s favour.” However important Antwerp may become, does not hesitate to accept the appointment to Le Havre, where his acquaintance with the French will make him more useful to the...
13To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 12 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 March 1803, Antwerp. Takes advantage of the first direct conveyance since the opening of navigation to send a copy of his November dispatch and the articles mentioned in it. Received JM’s 12 Nov. letter on 24 Jan. and answered immediately. Is anxious to learn if his reply arrived in time. Compares the benefits and disadvantages of the consulates at Antwerp and Le Havre. Sales at Antwerp do...
14To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 16 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1803, Antwerp. News was received on 13 Mar. of recent British measures indicating a renewal of war. “This news and the double levy of conscripts gives serious uneasiness to every class of people here and particularly to the foreign Merchants.” Prices of foreign goods “rose immediately, very considerably,” and will probably continue at elevated prices in Batavian ports “for some time.”...
15To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 1 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 May 1803, Antwerp. Refers to his last letters of 12 to 18 Mar . “I was honoured on the 18th. Ulto., with your letter of the 3d. March [not found] with my commission as confirmed by the Senate, which, as events have turned, I hope fixes me here and may be a means of satisfying the wishes of my friend Mr. John Mitchell lately appointed by our Envoys to the Commercial Agency at Havre.” Is...
16To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 3 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 May 1803, Antwerp. “I am just now favoured with a letter from Mr. Skipwith dated 30 Ulto. in which he says ‘this instant I have yours of the 27th. I expect you will hear from our Minister … and probably you will be informed of his and Mr. Monroe’s intention of naming you one of the Commissioners that is expected to be formed here for the liquidation of Americans [ sic ]. … This business...
17To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 13 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 June 1803, Paris . Wrote JM on 1, 2, and 3 June by the ship Philadelphia and brig Betsey from Antwerp. Livingston appointed him “Commissioner under the late convention with france.” Left Antwerp on 29 May; appointed his secretary, John Robertson, deputy commercial agent “with the approbation” of Livingston. Encloses a copy of the commission. Robertson will, “in order to reconcile the...
18To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 19 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 June 1803, Paris . Acknowledges receipt of JM’s letter of 9 Apr. and his commission as commercial agent at Le Havre, which he accepts “with gratitude.” Proposes to delegate his present powers to John Mitchell; will leave for his post as soon as he receives his exequatur. Believes Mitchell is “the most suitable person” to continue the duties, since he “now holds the office under a temporary...
19To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 26 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 December 1803, Paris. “I received a few days ago your favor of the 30th. Septr. in which you are pleased to submit once more to my choice, the Commercial Agency of Antwerp or Havre. “The circumstances of the War—a proper view of the probable trade of the United States to both places and a due regard to my own Situation on the score of Commercial competition leave no longer any doubts on my...
20To James Madison from John Mercer, Isaac Cox Barnet, and William Maclure, 26 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 December 1803, Paris. Having been informed by Livingston on 23 Dec. of the ratification of the treaty with France and the president’s confirmation of their appointment, they transmit a report of their business. 26 December 1803, Paris. “On the 29th. of June, two of the undersigned being in Paris, received from the American Ministers, Commissions to carry provisionally into execution the...