31To James Madison from William Jones, [18–20 May] 1813 (Madison Papers)
Extract from a letter of Capt. Sinclair dated Norfolk. May 16. 1813. I was yesterday evening at the Capes—where there were 4–74s. 5 Frigates—1 Ship, apparently a merchantman—2 Brigs of War—and armed Schooners, making in all 22 Sail. They are moored, forming a line up the Bay Channel and also a line across the Channel to Hampton Roads—just at the tail of the Horse shoe. These are the Squadron...
32To James Madison from William Jones, 28 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
I enclose 11. letters received by the mail of this day from Commodore Chauncey. Nos. 17. to 27. The most material are Nos. 22 to 27. inclusive some surgeons and mates have gone on and others are going. Captain Sinclair is here and goes on in the mail tomorrow to take the command of the New Ship at Sacketts Harbour. We have had no Marines to send on and have not succeeded in recruiting any on...
33To 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...
34To 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....
35To 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...
36To 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....
37To 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...
38To 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...
39To 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 ]...
40Draft 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...