1To James Madison from William Jones, 27 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I owe you an apology for so long detaining the enclosed letter. You are probably informed that Mr Corbin is a Director of the Office of the Bank of the United States at Richmond which will go into operation as soon as the necessary preparations can be made. You are now my dear sir about to retire from an arduous but glorious carreer followed by the grateful recollections of a free and virtuous...
2To James Madison from William Jones, 27 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I understand a law has passed creating the Office of Solicitor to the Treasury and the intimate knowledge I have of the worth and talents of Mr E W Duval induces a wish that he should obtain that appointment. His services and experience in the Comptrollers Office while his worthy uncle filled that place afford him peculiar advantages, and his Sterling integrity professional talents and zeal...
3To James Madison from William Jones, 25 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
If my attachment to an old and worthy friend shall need any auxiliary aid to justify the trouble I am about to give you, It will be found in your love of justice and confidence in the purity of my motives. The paper which I enclose contains under the prostituted name of “Americanus” a most vile and groundless calumny against my friend Mr Clarke whom you were pleased to appoint Naval Officer of...
4To James Madison from William Jones, 29 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Presuming that it may be acceptable to you to know the progress and prospects of the subscriptions to the Bank of the United States which in the existing state of things so materially involves the financial operations of the government, and the currency and credit of the country; I have the pleasure to communicate to you such information as I possess on the subject either officially or...
5To James Madison from William Jones, 13 January 1816 (Madison Papers)
The proofs I have had of your confidence and regard and the belief that the opinions which I have formed upon a deliberate view of the state of the national currency and its effects upon public and private property, will not be unacceptable to you in the present crisis of our affairs; I take the liberty of submitting to your inspection the copy of a letter which I had occasion to address to a...
6To James Madison from William Jones, 15 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
By the invitation of professor Patterson Presnt. of the mint I was few days since highly gratified with a view of the fine collection of mathematical and Astronomical instruments procured in Europe for the u States by Mr F. R Hassler under the direction of the Secy of the Treasury. The number description and quality of the instruments do honor to the liberality of the government and to the...
7To James Madison from William Jones, 22 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
I took occasion, some short time since, verbally to represent to you the merits & qualifications of Mr E W Duval, which fit him for the correct discharge of more important duties than those in which he has been engaged in the Navy Department, and to suggest his peculiar fitness for the trust of paymaster of the Navy, should that office be created by law. My regard for this gentleman, founded...
8To James Madison from William Jones, 30 November 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 30 November 1814, Navy Department. “The promotions and appointments designated on the enclosed paper are required for the naval service of the United States.” RC ( DLC ); enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B–A3); letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). RC 1 p.; draft of JM
9To James Madison from William Jones, 30 November 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 30 November 1814, Navy Department. “The promotion of the within names, is required to fill existing Vacancies in the marine Corps.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). The enclosed list (1 p.; printed in Senate Exec. Proceedings, Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.; Washington,...
10To James Madison from William Jones, 29 November 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 29 November 1814, Navy Department. “I have the honor to enclose, for your Signature the Brevet Commission herewith.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). 1 p.
11To James Madison from William Jones, 14 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
The promotions designated in the paper herewith are required for the Naval Service of the United States. I have the honor to be with very great respect your Ob. Servt. Letterbook copy and partial letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ); enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B–A3). The enclosure (1 p.; printed in Senate Exec. Proceedings, Journal of the...
12To James Madison from William Jones, 14 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
In exhibiting to you the list of proposed promotions from Masters Commandant to Captains I omitted to explain the circumstances of the Case of Master Commdt. Leonard who stands first upon the list and is omitted in the list I submitted to you for promotion. The Enclosed Naval General orders will exhibit his case. He has not been since employed and you will determine whether the public interest...
13To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 14 November 1814] (Madison Papers)
The President will perceive that Com Chauncey is of opinion that two Ships of the line and one frigate can be built at Sacketts Harbour in due time and that the enemy Cannot prepare an equal force. It will also be observed that he agrees with me in the expediency of seizing a port, on the St Laurence near Hamilton in order to intercept supplies going to Kingston and I still question the policy...
14To James Madison from William Jones, 26 October 1814 (Madison Papers)
In obedience to your instructions to take the preparatory steps for increasing our Naval force on Lake Ontario to an extent which shall command the superiority on that Lake at the opening of the spring campaign of 1815, I wrote to Commodore Chauncey and to Samuel T Anderson Esqr agent for the transportation of stores, the letters of which the annexed are copies; the originals went by the mail...
15To James Madison from William Jones, [18 October 1814] (Madison Papers)
I respectfully submit the enclosed in order to suggest the expediency of instructing Mr Crawford to encourage and facilitate the emig[r]ation of a few Parisian or German medallists. It appears to be a fact that but one artist is to be found in the U States capable of executing in a decent style the medals voted by Congress to the Navy officers and that person has been exclusively engaged on...
16To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 18 October 1814] (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Navy respectfully submits the accompanying proceedings to the President and asks his decision on the sentence against Joseph Wallace. He also refers the President particularly to that part of the proceedings and testimony which develope the nefarious robbery committed upon the public magazine on the eastern Branch and the perpetrators of that act. The Secy intends to...
17To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 15 October 1814] (Madison Papers)
With respect to money the Department is truly in the most untoward Situation. I have now laying over the requisitions of the agents for the months of July august & Septr that is the balance due on those requisitions to the amt $800,000. and my requisitions on the Sec of the Treasury for more than a million are yet unsatisfied. I am distitute of money in all quarters. Seamen remain unpaid and...
18To James Madison from William Jones, 14 October 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 14 October 1814, Navy Department. “I have the honor to enclose, herewith, a list of the Promotions and appointments, in the Navy, marine Corps, and Flotilla Service, of the United States, during the late Recess of Congress.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosures ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ); enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B–A3)....
19To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 28 September 1814] (Madison Papers)
I have been extremely uneasy for the fate of those vessels until the receipt of this. None but a seaman can appreciate the danger and hair breadth escape of this Squadron; and to continue or remain at all near the lower end of the Lake at this Season must in all probability end in the destruction of the fleet. Gen Brown has been most unreasonable in his expectation of Naval cooperation. RC (...
20To James Madison from William Jones, 25 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
The papers numbered 1 @ 5 and that marked A. herewith enclosed were received from Com. Decatur by the last mail together with his letter to the Depmt. dated the 22d Inst which is also respectfully submitted; will fully explain the nature of the offensive incident which has produced his remonstrance and appeal to your decision. I view with extreme regret this first inroad upon the harmony and...
21To James Madison from William Jones, [22 September 1814] (Madison Papers)
Allow me to present to your view the enclosed sketch of our financial means, which is the result of my extreme solicitude and ardent desire to sustain the public credit and provide the money to carry on the war with energy and effect. I deprecate the loss of credit & consequent resort to means which must prove unequal oppressive and inefficient, and I hope these motives and feelings will...
22To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 19 September 1814] (Madison Papers)
Tis truly glorious news & nothing could have been better timed. We can now strengthen Chauncy so as to man the 15 Gun Boats and small Vesse[l]s. This will tend to diminish the lustre of our blazing Capitol in the eyes of the Cockneys and the ministry may probably take wit in their anger. Yours ever RC ( DLC ). Undated; conjectural date assigned here based on evidence in n. 1. Docketed by JM...
23To James Madison from William Jones, 11 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
The determination which I was compelled to form and communicate to you on the 25th of April last has acquired irresistible confirmation by all the circumstances attending my private affairs since that period. The enclosed letter (received yesterday) is submitted to your inspection to show that the only remaining hope I had of alleviation has vanished. The first paragraph of the letter from...
24To James Madison from William Jones, 11 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
The circumstances connected with my private affairs which induced me to explain to you on the 25th. April last the necessity I should be under of resigning the honorable trust which I hold, shortly after the ensuing meeting of Congress, having acquired irresistable strength by the lapse of time, I now respectfully tender to you my resignation of the office of Secretary of the Navy, the...
25To James Madison from William Jones, 1 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
Respectfully offered for the consideration of the President. The late disaster is the result of a desperate enterprise of the enemy and a too confident security on our part. It is strictly in the nature of a surprise and cannot again happen. The capitol, the Presidents mansion, the Treasury, War, & Navy Buildings have been destroyed, but in all other respects the seat of government remains the...
26To James Madison from William Jones, 18 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have deemed it proper to submit to your inspection the enclosed letter from Commodore Bainbridge respecting the irregularity and serious evil arising from the loose and uncontroled manner in which communications by flags of truce with the ships of the enemy are conducted, and respectfully invite your attention to the subject with a view that some settled regulation may be adopted if you...
27To James Madison from William Jones, 15 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
When I came into office the Hospital establishment at Charleston So C. was on Shore maintained at a very considerable expence and though under the care of an excellent Physician Doctor Logan of the Navy, diseases were protracted or terminated mortally in a great many cases. Knowing the climate of S.C from some years residence at Charleston I was satisfied that a Hospital ship moored in the...
28To James Madison from William Jones, 1 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed is from Doctor Buchanan of the Navy Com Chaunceys Physician. Chauncey has doubtless been very ill and I suppose his officers were unwilling to commun[i]cate his case to the Department until he was convalescent. Shall I countermand Decaturs order or let him proceed for fear of a relapse? Chauncey however cannot take umbrage at the order as it is framed with the strictest regard to...
29To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 31 July 1814] (Madison Papers)
Blocks and Iron work were under his entire direction with ample means of procuring. In Com. C. letter of the 8th July he mentions some little Iron work wanting for the Mohawk but does not intimate any detention on that account. The only cause of delay which then appeard arose from the necessity of changing the Officers and crews on account of Captain Smiths absence. This with some final...
30To James Madison from William Jones, 30 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
The northern mail which ought to have arrived yesterday has been received but not a line from Sacketts Harbor. You will perceive by Captain McDonnoughs letter enclosed that the enemy at the Isle au Noix had not on the 13th. Inst. began to plank their Ship. (Col Gardner says she is a 16 Gun Brig). I almost regret commencing the new Ship at Vergennes—God knows where the money is to come from!...
31To James Madison from William Jones, 26 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed I am persuaded is written by some personal enemy to Com Chauncey. Will you have the goodness to examine whether it is not by the same hand as that sent to you by Mr Gales. Sincerely your Obdt Sert The brother officers of Chauncey entertain but one opinion of him and that is in the highest degree honorable to him. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM . Enclosure not found, but it may have...
32To James Madison from William Jones, 9 July 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 9 July 1814, Navy Department. “I have the honor to enclose for your signature, a Brevet commission for Anthony Gale now a captain in the marine Corps & who has been of that grade more than ten years: and a Brevet commission for Richard Smith also a captain in the Marine Corps, who is recommended by Commodore Chauncey and the other commanding naval Officers at Sacketts...
33To James Madison from William Jones, 8 July 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 8 July 1814, Navy Department. “I have the honor to enclose for your Signature the Blank Commissions herewith.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). Jones sent JM similar letters enclosing blank warrants and commissions on 17 and 30 Nov. 1814 (ibid.).
34To James Madison from William Jones, 29 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
The defenceless condition of this State & the imminent & increasing danger of hostile attack induced the General Assembly at their late Session in this month to direct me again to press these subjects upon your consideration, conformably to their request the Council of War have appointed Col. Nathaniel Searle Junr (whom I beg leave to introduce to your notice) a special messenger to present to...
35To James Madison from William Jones, 18 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
The importance of the matter and of the observations contained in the enclosed letter compel me to submit it to your perusal though there is one suggestion which the writer would not readily forgive me for exposing. The subject connected with that suggestion is so exceedingly momentous as to justify its exhibition to the person best qualified to appreciate its value and the fitness of the...
36To James Madison from William Jones, 14 June 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 14 June 1814, Navy Department. “The Christian name of Mr French not being known at this Department, I have to ask the favour of you to give the enclosed such direction as will ensure its reaching him.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). 1 p. The enclosure may have been intended for Robert F. French, who was commissioned as a midshipman on 11 June 1814 ( Callahan, List...
37To James Madison from William Jones, 8 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
Will you be pleased to name the three 74s now building one of which is to be launched on the 20 Instant at Charlestown Massts. and the other two are in great forwardness. I am very respectfully your Obdt Servt RC ( DLC ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). RC docketed by JM . JM inserted an asterisk here and wrote below Jones’s signature: “*1. Independence / 2. Union / 3. Franklin (the...
38To James Madison from William Jones, 6 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
In obedience to your order of the 3d Inst I have the honor to Report the Several documents herewith enclosed lettered from A to H containing all the information in this Department on the various subjects of your enquiry. I am with great respect Sir your Obdt Servt RC and enclosures ( DLC ); letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosures ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). For enclosures, all dated 6 June...
39To James Madison from William Jones, 25 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed are copies of the last received from Com. Chauncey. I regret to find that the enemy raised the schooner which had been sunk with the guns and stores onboard and that we have lost seven guns instead of two as I had supposed. Except the heavy guns the loss is unimportant as the entire upper deck battery of the President Frigate consisting of 42 ? carronades were sometime since...
40To James Madison from William Jones, 18 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
The last date recd from Com Chauncey is of the 9th with Copy of a letter that morning received from Captain Woolsey herewith enclosed together with an account of the enemys force and operations at Oswego (which place he abandoned on the 7th.) as stated by a deserter. The ship designated in this account as the Prince Regent is not the one so called in his old fleet but his new large ship...
41To James Madison from William Jones, 16 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed are copies of letters from Commodore Chauncey which came to hand yesterday. The public papers will inform you of the attack made by the enemy upon the village of Oswego and I have the satisfaction to say that whatever may have been the issue it could not involve any of our Ordnance or naval Stores as none had been sent below the falls from which the whole either had or would in a...
42To James Madison from William Jones, 14 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose herewith the proceedings of a Court martial held on board the United States Ship United States in the Harbour of New London for the trial of William S Cox Lieutenant—J W Forrest and Henry P Fleshman midshipmen—William Brown Bugleman and Peter Frost John Joyce and Joseph Russell seamen in the Navy of the United States late of the U S. Ship Chesapeake upon charges...
43To James Madison from William Jones, 10 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
Accept my congratulations upon the event of another brilliant achievement by our brave Tars. The U S Ship Peacock Captain Warrington of 20. 32 pd. carronades and two long 12 pds has captured the British Sloop of War Epervier of 18. 32 pd carronades after an action 45 minutes in which the enemy lost 8 killed and 15 Wounded and was excessively cut to pieces having 5 feet water in her hold. The...
44To James Madison from William Jones, 6 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 4th. came to hand this morning. If the information received by the Secretary of War be correct as I presume it is from the confidence reposed in it by the Secretary, then the plan of operations which he suggests appears to me well adapted to the occasion. I have no information of recent date either affirming or contradicting the rumoured preparations of the enemy at Mackadash...
45To James Madison from William Jones, 25 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
Circumstances over which I have no controul having coerced a determination on my part to retire from the honorable station in which your confidence and good will had placed me, it is proper that I should apprise you of my intention in anticipation of that event though I shall not intimate my design to others. I shall endeavour to remain at my post if possible until the next meeting of Congress...
46To James Madison from William Jones, 11 April 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 11 April 1814, Navy Department. “The promotions & appointments designated in the papers herewith marked A & B are required to supply existing deficiencies.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosures ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). Letterbook copy 1 p. The letterbook copy of the enclosures (1 p.) consists of a list marked “A,” which named seven persons to be navy surgeons,...
47To James Madison from William Jones, 23 March 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 23 March 1814, Navy Department. “The Appointments and nominations designated in the enclosed paper are required for the Naval service.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). Letterbook copy 1 p. Jones listed ten persons to be nominated as navy pursers, including Benjamin F. Bourne, Joseph B. Wilkinson, the son of Maj. Gen. James Wilkinson,...
48To James Madison from William Jones, 17 March 1814 (Madison Papers)
I enclose these papers as a partial illustration of the ruinous extent to which smuggling is rapidly progressing and the danger to be apprehended from settled habits of turpitude and the expertness and intrepidity acquired by the practice of lawless gain. Can any thing short of the removal of the temptation correct the evil? The opportunities on our middle and Southern coast are manifold...
49To James Madison from William Jones, 9 March 1814 (Madison Papers)
Although the duties of my proper Depmt engross my attention almost to the exclusion of every other thought yet in the peculiar situation in which we stand and our absolute dependence upon the monied resources of the country which appear to be in a great degree under the malignant controul of a faction whose deadly hostility to the administration of the government would prostrate the country at...
50To James Madison from William Jones, 23 February 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 23 February 1814, Navy Department. “I have the honor to submit, for your consideration, the appointment of William Boyd, of Maryland, as Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, during the late recess of Congress, and whose name was omitted in the list presented to you on the 17th. instant. He received his appointment on the 24th: of September last.” Adds in a postscript:...