1741To James Madison from Beers & Judah, 26 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
From a persuasion in our minds, that you will be equally ready as your predecessors, Messrs. Randolph & Pickering to give every information consistent with propriety as appertaining to the duties of your office, We take the liberty to address you, And inform you that more than eight years has passed since we had a Vessel & cargo, amounting in value to upwards of $15000 dollars, captured by the...
1742From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, with Madison’s Reply, 26 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you see if the inclosed is right, and make any alterations in it you think for the better? particularly is the expression lately recieved true? or should the word lately be left out? Feb. 26. 1802. [ Reply by Madison: ] The word lately is true as it refers to the returns of Maryland & Kentucky—that from the former being an original statement—that from the latter a corrective one. The...
1743To James Madison from W. F. Gordon, 27 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor of acknowledging the receipt of your letter, of the 18th. Inst. which came to hand yesterday, enclosing the Instructions to Capt. Laughton, with his letter and that of Consul Gavino, relative to his putting into Gibralter. Messrs. Stewart & Co. has suggested to me his intention of claiming Demurrage, whilst the Grand Turk lay at Gibralter. I shall in conformity with Your...
1744To James Madison from Rufus King, 27 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 February 1802, London. Within the past ten days, some persons have begun to question whether the Amiens negotiations would end in a definitive treaty. Does not share this opinion and points out that prolonging the negotiation would harm British financial and commercial interests. Can only deal in conjectures as to the discussions at Amiens but is confident “they bear no resemblance to the...
1745To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 28 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
(Private) As I am informed from various quarters that there is no doubt of the repeal of the national revenue laws, my situation obliges me to trouble some of the gentlemen in the government with an application. On reflexion I think it least embarrassing to Mr. Gallatin, in a Pennsylvania case, not to address myself to him, tho he is the only Person, besides the President, to whom I wish, if...
1746To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 28 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 12th inst. by Captn. John Rodgers, late of the Navy of the U. States, who sailed from this on the 13h for Baltimore, in the Schooner Nelly. I then acknowledged the rect. of your letter of the 8h of January, which reached my hands on the 30th and also gave as full an account of the disasterous events which had taken place here, as time and circumstances...
1747To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 2 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 March 1802, Bristol. Transmits copies of his letters of 12 and 13 Feb. , since which nothing worth communicating has occurred. Forwards four letters from Rufus King and encloses newspapers and the latest London price current. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bristol, vol. 2). 1 p. Written at the bottom of Vander Horst to JM, 12 and 13 Feb. 1802 . Copy (ibid.) dated 3 Mar. 1802. Enclosures not found....
1748To James Madison from Elias Vanderhorst, 2 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
The preceding are Copies of my last Letters to you of the 12th. & 13th. Ulto. since which I have not had the pleasure of he aring from you, nor has any thing worth communicating occurred in t he interval. Enclosed are four Letters which I have recd. for you fr om Mr. King, as also a few News-Papers & the latest London Price Current, to which I beg leave to refer you for what is passing in this...
1749To James Madison from William Marshall, 3 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 March 1802, Charleston. Introduces Mr. Read of Charleston, whose “object in Visiting The Federal City, will be particularly explained to You.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Robert Read was a South Carolina merchant with business dealings in Cuba (see JM to John Morton, 7 Apr. 1802 ).
1750To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1802, Leghorn. No. 2. Has learned that the U.S. ship George Washington , which arrived 31 Jan. from Tunis and Naples and sailed a few days later with merchant vessels under convoy, reached Marseilles safely. The President was repaired at Toulon and has sailed for Gibraltar. Eaton arrived in Leghorn on the George Washington and remained until 28 Feb. He will stop at Naples “to determine...
1751To James Madison from Obed and Aaron Mitchell, 4 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1802, Nantucket. “We the Subscribers being owners of the ship Minerva Sailed from this place on a whaling voyage to the Brazils & Woolwick [Walvis] Bay in 7th Mo 1799, upon her return with a full load of oil … the 5th of 10th Mo 1800 was captured by a French Privateer of 12 Guns.” The vessel was ordered to Guadeloupe, but on 14 Oct. it was retaken by the British ship Gaite and “ordered...
1752To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
On the 31st. of Jany. the United States Ship Washington arrived here from Tunis and Naples & sail’d in a few days with all the merchant vessels under her convoy that were ready to depart. We have since heard of her safe arrival at Mersailles. The President has been thoroughly repair’d at Toulon & has sail’d for Gibraltar, I presume to await the arrival of the other squadron which we expect...
1753To James Madison from Rufus King, 5 [March] 1802 (Madison Papers)
Commodore Dale while at Toulon having informed me that he might have occasion to draw upon Messrs. Mackenzie and Glennie for more than the amount of the Funds in their hands subject to his Draughts, I communicated the same to these Gentlemen, who have assured me that the Commodore’s Bills shall be duly honoured. The arms which have been making by Mortimer for the Bey of Tunis are completed;...
1754To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 5 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 March 1802, Leghorn. No. 3. States that “during Mr. Eaton’s delay at Leghorn he inform’d me that no consideration on earth could have sufficient weight to induce him to remain in Barbary a moment after our affairs were terminated with Tripoli…. I therefore request that I may be removed from Tripoli to Tunis as I presume I have a prior right to that appointment to any person in the United...
1755To James Madison from Bartholomew Dandridge, 5 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 March 1802, Aux Cayes. Received news of the arrival of twenty-five to thirty thousand French troops at Cap Français and Port Républicain about 10 Feb. First reports indicated the French troops met a friendly reception. Subsequent reports—that “at both places the Troops arriving from France were opposed & fired upon at their landing by the troops of Toussaint & Dessalines” and that both towns...
1756To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 5 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
During Mr. Eaton’s delay at Leghorn he inform’d me that no consideration on earth could have sufficient weight to induce him to remain in Barbary a moment after our affairs were terminated with Tripoli which would naturally envolve in its consequences a final settlement with Tunis. I therefore request that I may be removed from Tripoli to Tunis as I presume I have a prior right to that...
1757To James Madison from Bartholomew Dandridge, 5 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
Without doubt you have learnt from the north part of this island, the arrival of about twenty five or thirty thousand troops from France at Cape François & port Republican. The first news of the arrival of these troops reached this place about the tenth of Feby. We were at first informed that they had been received both at the Cape & Port Repubn. in a most friendly manner; soon after however...
1758To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 March 1802 , “ Near Natchez. ” Refers to his letter of 5 Feb. advising JM of his request to Wilkinson to construct a blockhouse at a central location to store spare arms from Fort Adams; hopes the president will approve it. Is currently occupied with the difficult task of organizing the militia. The election of members of the territorial legislature, to be held the fourth Monday in July, has...
1759To James Madison from George W. Erving, 6 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 March 1802, London. No. 6. Reports the proceedings of the Board of Commissioners under article 7 of the British treaty “respecting one of the appointments in connection with that Board with which the President has been pleased to honor me.” Encloses six related letters and extracts so that “the business may be now fully before you.” Was authorized by JM’s letters of 27 July 1801 to take up...
1760To James Madison from George W. Erving, 6 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 March 1802, London. Private No. 8. Has reported in an accompanying letter “all that has passed upon the subject of my appointment.” Is “perfectly satisfied” with the situation; has full schedule of responsibilities without assessorship. But “upon the score of Emolument—here is certainly a very great deduction without any proportionable deduction of business.” Notes Pinkney’s assertion that...
1761To James Madison from George W. Erving, 6 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
I think it my duty to make you particularly acquainted with the proceedings of the Commissioners under the 7th. Article of the British Treaty respecting one of the appointments in connection with the Board, with which the President has been pleased to honor me, & that the business may be more fully before you, I have annexed to this the several letters & extracts from No. 1 to 6 inclusive. By...
1762To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 7 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 March 1802. Sends a report of the secretary of the treasury on the claim of [Paul] Coulon, a French merchant. Asks JM to interest himself in the case to see that Coulon receives justice. RC ( DNA : RG 59, NFL , France, vol. 1). 3 pp.; in French. Enclosure not found, but see n. 1. Gallatin’s report, dated 22 Jan. 1802, which looked unfavorably on Coulon’s demand for payment, is printed in ASP...
1763From James Madison to Andrew Ellicott, 8 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
Having been lately a good deal out of health, & the Chief Clerk confined by the same cause for some days past, several letters have been unavoidably unanswerd, & among them yours asking the aid of the Dept. of State in exchanging scientific information with a Correspondent in Europe. You will now please to accept the information that whatever facility can be properly afforded for the purpose...
1764To James Madison from John Dawson, 8 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
I am very sorry for the information which you came on the last Evening relative to Skipwith’s claim. I fear it will prove very injurious to him, as he has drawn bills, counting on this fund, which will be protested. I have written to Mr. Purviance to come to this place, under an expectation that he can give some usefull information. On conversing with the Secy of the treasury I find, that some...
1765To James Madison from James Monroe, 8 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
Since my last respecting mr. Skipwith’s claim to reimbursement of the money advanc’d by him to replace what was robbed from him in Paris, of the sum entrusted to him to be remitted to our bankers in Holland, I have been in Albemarle & brought down with me many documents, most of which are original, relative to that affair, which are forwarded you by the mail. In these you will receive the...
1766To James Madison from “A Plain Man,” [8 March] 1802 (Madison Papers)
The system of the administration generally, but especially that part of it which respects the courts, is believed to be so hostile to the Union, and so opposed to your former opinions on the subject, that I cannot resist the inclination I feel, to ask your attention to a few observations, on a point so universally interesting. The friends of the constitution, who consider that instrument as a...
1767To James Madison from Rufus King, 8 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 March 1802, London. No. 56. Reports that Austria is “highly dissatisfied, as justly she may be, with the issue of the meeting at Lyons.” Obstacles delaying conclusion of definitive peace treaty and the “unexampled stagnation of the Trade of this Country” have abated ardor for peace in Great Britain as well. This change in the “temper of the public mind” is attributed to Napoleon, whose views...
1768To James Madison from Rufus King, 9 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
As your Letters to me concerning Mr. Ervings appointments do not explicitly state the Presidents intentions in respect to his being employed as an Assessor to the Commission under the seventh article of our Treaty with this Country, I desired him to send to the Board an Extract of his Instructions which define his Duties and which would be Sufficient to shew the Presidents expectation on this...
1769To James Madison from Christopher Gore and William Pinkney, 9 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 March 1802, London. Informs JM that Rufus King “has addressed to the Board an official Notification” of the president’s appointment of George W. Erving to succeed Williams and Cabot. “The general Terms of this Notification … have been explained by an Extract of a Letter of the Secretary of State to Mr. Erving of the 27th. of July last .… Altho’ it will be manifest upon a bare perusal of our...
1770From James Madison to Horatio Gates, 10 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. your two kind letters of the 11 & 16. Ult: the former by the mail, the latter by Genl Stephens. I need not assure you that the requests of both have been attended to, but I ought to account for the delay in acknowledging them, by pleading the frailty & fluctuations incident to my health. I learn with much pleasure that you enjoy so comfortable a share of this blessing, and that it...