51To 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...
52To 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...
53To 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:...
54To 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...
55To 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...
56To 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.
57To 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...
58To 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...
59To 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...
60To 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,...
61To 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...
62To 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...
63To 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...
64To 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...
65To 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...
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, 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...
68To 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...
69To 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...
70To 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...
71To 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...
72To 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...
73To 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...
74To 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...
75To 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...
76To 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...
77To 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...
78To 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...
79To 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...
80To 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...
81To 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...
82To James Madison from William Jones, 23 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
On the day of your departure from this City you directed the Removal of Josiah Weston Collector of New Bedford which upon looking into the Department I took the liberty of suspending for a few days as the usual course in cases of complaint against Collrs. had been adopted in this Viz to direct some trusty person to investigate the alleged grounds of complaint and report to the Depmt. The...
83To James Madison from William Jones, 23 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have received a Despatch from Com Chauncey dated the 13th. at Sacketts Harbour where he had that day arrived with the Gen Pike, Oneida, Madison, Gov Tompkins, Conquest, Ontario, Pert, & Lady of the Lake; having left the Fair American and Asp at Niagara. He would that day take in five weeks provision and sail in the evening in pursuit of the Enemy. The aspect of this Despatch is unfavorable...
84To James Madison from William Jones, 21 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
I return the proceedings of the court martial in the case of Lieut Sevier and upon reflection I think it will be better to remit than to reverse the Sentence and will be in conformity with General Pinckneys letter. Indeed as he has confirmed the sentence though stayed the execution I believe there is no other regular course but to remit. If you think to please say at the foot of the...
85To James Madison from William Jones, 18 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
A letter from Genl Boyd and a private one from Genl Williams states that Com Chauncey lost two of his smallest vessels by upsetting in a squall and that by a sudden shift of wind the enemy were enabled to get between two more of his smallest vessels and the squadron but it is not known whether they were captured or escaped. They state however that Chauncey was still pursuing the enemy in order...
86To James Madison from William Jones, 17 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
I herewith transmit the proceedings of a Court Martial held at Point Petre 19th July for the trial of Lieutenant Alexander Sevier Commanding a detachment of Marines serving with the Army of the UStates in that quarter—which resulted in a sentence of dismission from the service of the U States. I have reason to believe that an impartial enquiry into the general character and conduct of Lieut...
87To James Madison from William Jones, 16 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
Mr Osgood the Naval Officer of New York is dead. The offices of Surveyor & Naval Officer are of course to fill. You mentioned Furguson Coffin and Heath. I enclose a letter from Mr Lefferts MC. to Mr Gale. Mr Alexr McComb father of Col McComb and former great Speculator is also an applicant for the Naval Office. Will you please to say which of the Candidates or what other shall fill the...
88To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 16 August] 1813 (Madison Papers)
I enclose for your information copy of a letter from Mr Anderson Navy Store keeper New York who has been with Commodore Chauncey from the commencement of the Lake service. He is a judicious active man whose services have been very important and being in Chaunceys confidence he has a perfect knowledge of the past and present state of things in that quarter. I am very respectfully Your Obdt....
89To James Madison from William Jones, 14 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed extracts and copies from Com Chauncey & Captn Perrys letters and from the private letters of General Williams to the Secretary of War will convey to you the state of things on the Lakes. The prospect is propitious whatever may be the result. The presence of the British fleet on the Lake is I take it a desperate (but successful) effort to relieve the forces at the head of the Lake...
90To James Madison from William Jones, 12 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
Last night Coll Duval of Annapolis came up from that place in haste to see the Secretary at War who had left this place the preceding day. Col D. states that the enemy in great force are approaching Annapolis with the evident intention of attacking it and that Colonel Carbery had received orders from Gen Smith to repair immediately to Baltimore the execution of which had been suspended merely...
91To James Madison from William Jones, 11 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed is copy of a letter received this morning from Capt Perry. Thus Sir you see the vessels that were “built in a pond from whence they could not be removed” are afloat in safety on the broad Lake having passed the Bar in the presence of the enemy without interruption which I take to be an acknowledgement of inferiority. You will observe that the eight vessels which had passed the Bar...
92Draft of a Naval General Order, [ca. 29 July] 1813 (Madison Papers)
The palpable and criminal intercourse held with the enemys forces blockading and invading the waters and shores of the United States is in a military view an offence of so deep a die as to call for the vigilant interposition of all the Naval Officers of the United States. This intercourse is not only carried on by foreigners under the specious garb of friendly flags who convey provisions water...
93To James Madison from William Jones, 24 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
My duty to the Nation, solicitude for the prosperity of your administration, for yourself a sincere personal regard, and anxiety for my own reputation; demand of me to state to you frankly my conviction of the absolute impracticability of my discharging the high and responsible trust of acting Secretary of the Treasury combined with the duties of Secretary of the Navy. The accumated [ sic ]...
94To James Madison from William Jones, 21 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 July 1813, Navy Department. “The appointments, & nominations on the enclosed paper, are required to fill existing vacancies.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). Letterbook copy 1 p. The copy of the enclosure (5 pp.) lists 122 promotions and appointments in the navy. Notes near the end of the list read: “Transmitted to the President 23. July 1813” and “The...
95To James Madison from William Jones, 15 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
At 4 AM I received the enclosed from Captain Morris and immediately came to this place to order the three scows armed with 32 & 24 pounders to take a position at Greenleaf Point and to order some heavy Cannon from the Yard to that place with every other means of defence in preparation. My opinion is that though the force is formidable the real object is to menace this place and to get Water...
96To James Madison from William Jones, 21 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have pleasure in sending the enclosed letters which show that com. Chauncey has determined upon the course which you were so solicitous he should have done, and has thereby in my mind greatly elevated his Character as perhaps there are few Naval officers who would have resisted the temptation to exalt their fame! Have the goodness when you have perused to send the letters to my Lodgings....
97To James Madison from William Jones, 8 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
I enclose for your perusal the official letters of Commodore Chauncey 27, 28, 29. June which the bearer will take to the printers after you have perused them if you think proper. I also enclose a letter from Com Bainbridge covering Commodore Brooke Challenge which I am happy Captain Laurence did not receive as the post mark is the day after the Battle. I also enclose Com. Decaturs letter. The...
98To James Madison from William Jones, 6 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed report is prepared in consequence of a call from the Chairman of the Naval Committee of the Senate for a return of the number of Gun Boats in service and their Stations, with a view as I understood him in conversation to propose an additional special defence for Baltimore of a number of Barges or Galleys which the City of Baltimore during the late excitement built and now wish to...
99To James Madison from William Jones, 6 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
I send the enclosed letters for your perusal. James T Leonard was next in command to Com Chauncey until arrested upon charges of misconduct and is now under arrest waiting the investigation of a Court martial. I know not who was the commanding naval officer that so precipitately destroyed the stores, nor is it possible to anticipate the consequences as it respects the equpment of the New Ship....
100To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. May 1813] 1813 (Madison Papers)
Will the President please to say what answer I may give to Mr Gray and if the prayer of his petition cannot be granted what reasons I may assign. I recollect that the distinction in Gerards case was that he had entered the waters of the US not knowing of the War and was taken and detained there until ransomed. I do not recollect the merits of the other cases to which Mr Gray alludes, but I...