51To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 26 August] 1813 (Madison Papers)
Extract from a letter from Fort George U. C. Augt. 17. 1813 By a despatch last night at Taptoo we learn that the enemys fleet had come to Just off the Creek (12 mile Creek) handed his Sails & was preparing to land, when Com. Chauncy’s fleet appeared in Sight & was, when the express left, in chase of the Enemy. Unfortunately the weather is this day very boisterous & therefore the Comre. will...
52To James Madison from William Jones, 27 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
A friend in London has forwarded to me the latest maps of the Canadas, that of the upper province published in Jany last upon a large scale and from official authority. It is certainly the best I have seen. I send it by this days mail for your inspection and when you may find it convenient to return it I shall forward it to the secretary of War on the frontiers where it may be useful. We have...
53To James Madison from William Jones, 7 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
From day to day have I been in expectation of receiving something, at least from the Lakes of Sufficient Importance to communicate to you but my last from Chauncey is of the 20th and from Perry of the 21st. ulto. It appears by the papers that Com Chauncey must have left Sacketts Harbour again with the addition of his New Schooner last Sunday Week and it is also said that the British fleet are...
54To James Madison from William Jones, 8 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I yesterday received letters from Com Chauncey to the 28th. He was then ready and would sail that night with Gen Wilkinson onboard for the upper end of the Lake. He had sent over a flag merely for the purpose of looking into Kingston, and found the enemys fleet had sailed. The new Schooner is a very efficient addition to Chaunceys force she sails with him—his whole force in perfect order and...
55To James Madison from William Jones, 10 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have received a letter from Captain Allen commander of the U.S. Brig Argus dated L’Orient 12 June saying that he had arrived safe there in a passage of 23 days and had captured the British Schooner Salamanca. Accept my congratulations upon the pleasing event of the safe arrival of our friend Mr Crawford. It appears the armistice had been protracted to the middle of August & as that period...
56To James Madison from William Jones, 11 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I enclose a copy of captn Perrys letter of the 2d Inst received this day. You will perceive he has returned to Sandusky waiting for the movements of Genl Harrison. The following is an extract from Genl Boyds private letter to the War Depmt recd this day. It is dated 5th. Inst. at F’ George. “Gen Wilkinson arrived late last evening—the fleet is also here—the British fleet in sight.” Official...
57To James Madison from William Jones, 14 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
Accept my congratulations and the glorious little victory of the Enterprize over the Boxer. It is in as high style and [ sic ] any that has preceded it and serves to enliven the national feeling during a period of suspense and anxiety. Gen Bloomfield has recieved a private letter from Col Brearley with a postscript of the 7th at Fort George. Our fleet was out on the Lake in pursuit of the...
58To James Madison from William Jones, 18 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have this morning received your favors of the 16th. and immediately sat down and made the enclosed sketch of our Treasury resources. It is made in haste but I believe will be found substantially correct. I have not met with Sheldon this morning to cast his eye over it. The original Balance and the estimates of monthly receipts & expenditures was taken from a pretty accurate statement of the...
59To James Madison from William Jones, 21 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed Handbill will inform you of a Naval Victory than which nothing ever was more complete glorious and important in the effects which it must inevitably produce. It appears that their new Ship must have been among the number. Tomorrow I trust will give us a glorious account from Chauncey the accounts thus far warrant the belief. Accept my sincere congratulations. Genl Armstrong...
60To James Madison from William Jones, 22 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment received the details of Perrys Victory. It was sanguinary & severe. We lost 27. Killed 96 Wounded. Lieut Brooks of the Marines & Midshipman Laub. the only officers of note killed. The Laurence, Perrys flag ship lost 22 killed—61 Wounded and the ship utterly disabled so that in the midst of the action he shifted his flag to the Niagara when her Commander the gallant Elliot...
61To James Madison from William Jones, 22 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
Be pleased to sign and transmit the enclosed transfer. It is intended to meet the 80,000 Drs. overdrawn per Second column of the Statement herewith enclosed. Very respectfully Your Obdt Servt RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). Enclosures not found, but see n. 1. The transfer stated that pursuant to the authority given the President by the act of Congress of 3 Mar. 1809, JM was directing that $60,000 of...
62To James Madison from William Jones, 25 September 1813 (Madison Papers)
Unless some additional proposals come in by the northern mail this day which I do not expect, the Loan will be closed at 88¼ money for 100 Stock payable agreeably to the instalments in the advertisement. I could have closed it at 88½ allowing them to pay the whole down at the Second Instalment but some inconvenience would have arisen in varying the terms from those published and moreover the...
63To James Madison from William Jones, 1 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
I herewith enclose a Tableau of the several Districts, candidates & persons recommending for appointments under the tax Laws, containing all the applications made to this time. I found Sir that the mere names would have afforded but a very partial mean of deciding as some of the letters are warm & decisive whilst others are cold and equivocal. I have therefore directed the whole of the letters...
64To James Madison from William Jones, 13 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
The letter & Postscript which you saw published in the National Intelligencer giving an acct of the tremendous Battle between Chauncey & Yeo was from Gen. Wilkinson whose imagination had converted a running fight into a close action dismasting boarding &c. Indeed there is nothing so deceptive as nautical appearance to those not familiar with such scenes. Yeo’s constant object has been to...
65To James Madison from William Jones, 14 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
The northern mail of yesterday brought an account of the partial success of Chauncey in capturing 4 of Yeo’s Schooners with about 300 regular troops onboard. I hope the mail of to day may bring me his letters. Tristram Dalton whom you had designated for one of the Collectorships in Massachusetts is also an applicant for that Office in the District of Columbia which it is thought he would...
66To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 8 November 1813] (Madison Papers)
A vacancy having occurred by the death of the late Naval Officer for the port of Philad. permit me to recommend for that place an old and valued friend, Mr Saml Clarke of Philada. whose honor integrity & Sound republican principles I have tested by the closest connexion from the year 1781 (when we were captured in the same vessel after a severe action and became tenants of the same prison...
67To James Madison from William Jones, 16 December 1813 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 13th. instant, I have the honor to state, That the amount of duties accruing on goods, wares and merchandise imported into the United States from the 1st. day of July 1812 to the 31st. day of December of the same year, for which period the accounts of the Collectors of the Customs are settled, was Ds. 9,869,199.31. And the amount of...
68To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 20 December] 1813 (Madison Papers)
Measures are taken to forward the Embargo Act with a p[r]int circular to the collectors and it will go off tomorrow in order to notify the parties concerned of the passing of the Act. I have also directed Mr Sheldon so to modify the instructions as to provide for the exception of vessels licensed for the fisheries or whaling voyages and it will be printed with the utmost possible dispatch. The...
69To James Madison from William Jones, [21 December] 1813 (Madison Papers)
With anxious solicitude for the return of the Secretary of the Treasury which at the time of his departure was confidently anticipated in all the month of November I have forborne to reiterate the excessive pressure of the duties of the two Deptmts. however relieved in the details of the Treasury by the subordinate officers of that Depmt. until it has become intolerable by the interruptions...
70To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. January 1814] (Madison Papers)
No man has been more conversant with Banking Institutions, monied operations, and Stocks, than Mr Fox. He was employed in the accounting Depmt. of the U S during the revolution and in digesting and liquidating their accounts few men participated so largely. He was the first Cashier of the Pennsylvania Bank from its establishment to the yellow fever of 1793 on which account he left it as well...
71To James Madison from William Jones, 1 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letters display our military force in the NW in wretched plight; but the judicious arrangements of Captain Elliott have considerable abated my anxiety for the safety of the fleet at Erie but it is extremely desirable that some troops should be ordered to Erie and put in Bay. Unless the latter place is speedily reinforced I have no doubt an attempt will be made and the result will...
72To James Madison from William Jones, 5 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
The resolution of the Senate of the 31st of December last requests the President of the United States to cause to be laid before that body a Statement of the value of all articles manufactured or composed of wool or of which wool is the material of chief value; also the value of all articles manufactured or composed of cotton, or of which cotton is the material of chief value; and also the...
73To James Madison from William Jones, 12 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
In conformity with the Resolution of the Senate on the 3d. Instant I have now the honor to enclose an account of the Blankets and other woolen goods provided for the Navy during the last year as far as it can be ascertained from the accounts rendered, but as those accounts do not exhibit the quantity remaining on hand, and as the consumption fluctuates with the voluntary demand of the Seamen,...
74To James Madison from William Jones, 13 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
In pursuance of the resolution of Congress, of the 19th. of March 1812, directing the Secretary of the Treasury to employ a person to digest and reduce to such form as Shall be most conducive to the interests of the United States, a Statement of the number, nature, extent, Situation and value of the arts and manufactures of the United States &c Tench Coxe Esqr. of Philadelphia, was employed...
75To James Madison from William Jones, 18 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
On the subject of the Claim of Mr Mix for the cost of Torpedos said to have been prepared and placed in the channel leading to Norfolk by order of General Taylor, having referred to the act of the 16 July 1813 I cannot perceive that the execution of the duties enjoined by that law falls within the province of this Department, as every thing of the kind hitherto has been under the direction of...
76To James Madison from William Jones, 4 February 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 4 February 1814, Navy Department. “I have the Honor to enclose for your Signature the Blank Warrant herewith.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). 1 p. Jones sent similar letters enclosing blank warrants or commissions to JM on 12 Mar. and 7 and 26 Apr. 1814.
77To James Madison from William Jones, 7 February 1814 (Madison Papers)
In conformity with the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 30th. of July 1813. copies have been prepared at the Treasury, of the accounts in detail of the different ministers plenipotentiary, envoys extraordinary, secretaries of legation, and consuls appointed under the authority of the United States from the commencement of the present government: also, accounts of the expenses...
78To James Madison from William Jones, 17 February 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 17 February 1814, Navy Department. “I have the honour to submit to your consideration, the following List of promotions and appointments during the late recess of Congress.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). Letterbook copy 1 p. The enclosure (1 p.) listed four promotions, including that of Oliver Hazard Perry from master commandant to...
79To 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:...
80To 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...
81To 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...
82To 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,...
83To 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,...
84To 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...
85To 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...
86To 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...
87To 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...
88To 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...
89To 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...
90To 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...
91To 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...
92To 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...
93To 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...
94To 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...
95To 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...
96To 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.).
97To 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...
98To 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...
99To 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!...
100To 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...