101To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
By inclosures A. & B & my dispatch No. 7 forwarded by Ship Liberty on 3d. June you will be informed of every transaction worthy notice in relation to our affairs with Tunis & Tripoli. You will please to observe that the cruizers of Tripoli have been frequently at Sea since the war commenc’d & thence concieve the danger our Merchant ships have been exposed to, from the returns of our Consuls...
102To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 15 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
I cant find words expressive of my feelings when I contemplate the national consequences attending the capture of the brig Franklin. Had those pirates got her crew safe into Tripoli it would have reduced us nearly to the same humiliating situation that the Swedes are in. As it is, it proves that we cannot evade the depredations of the most insignificant cruisers of the most insignificant...
103To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
By circulars from Gibraltar we are informed that Mr. Simpson arrived at that place on the 25th. of June having recd. orders to depart the Emperor of Morocco’s dominions in half an hour, in consequence of his having declared war against the United States of America. By my Circular of the 11th. of Septr. 1801 copy’s of which were forwarded to the Department of State and to Comodore Dale I...
104To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
During my residence at Tripoli I had the honor to transmit to the Department of State the history of the r eign of Aly Pacha father of the reigning sovereign of Tripoli including the different revolutions in that State, an account of the murder of Mohammed Bey & the dethroning of the rightfull sovereign of Tripoli Hamet Pacha who at that period was under the protection of the Bey of Tunis, but...
105To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 26 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
In addition to my dispatch of yesterday give me leave respectfully to submit to the Presidents decision—Whether, supposing government should think proper to put an end to the War with Tripoli without prosecuting it to extremity; it would not be to the interest of the United States to embark Hamet Pacha on board our Comodores Ship & proceed with him before Tripoli, to then inform his brother...
106To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 8 October 1802 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter from the Bashaw of Tunis to the President of the United States. The nature of the demand therein made, as well as the insolent stile it is couch’d in will dictate the necessity of re-inforceing our squadron in this sea as soon as possible after the meeting of Congress, as I presume it would be inconsistent to accede to this demand after having refused the cannon...
107To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 29 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
On the 12th: of October I had the honor to be presented, with yours of the 18th: of April and 10th: of May last, by Commodore Morris. No. 1 and 2 of the enclosures, will give you our latest intelligence from Tripoli. No. 3 Contains my Opinion relative to the Measures most proper to be adopted in the present crisis. And No. 4 will inform you the terms on which Sweden has concluded a Seperate...
108To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to inform You that I sailed on board the Chesapeake from Leghorn roads on the 3d. of Novr. and arrived at Malta on the 20th. where we lay untill the 25th. of December when we got underway in company with the Enterprize schooner and proceeded to Syracuse in Sicily and return’d to this port on the 4th. inst. where we found the New York, who had arrived on the 29th. of December...
109To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 15 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed with this, I have the honor to transmit, for the information of Government, a Journal of events, which has taken place since my last. Enclosure A, contains, the latest information, we have received from Tripoli, and B, is my last communications to Mr. Nissen. The suspicion which Mr. Eaton is at present under, of having, misapplied Public money, I most sincerely hope he may be able to...
110To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 30 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
My last dispatch inform’d you of our transactions at Tunis. I have now the honor to communicat e those at Algiers. On the 19th. in the evening we arriv’d in thi s Bay where we found a French Frigate whose Commander inform’d us, that the Dey of Algiers had not declar’d War against France as we were inform’d at Tunis that their boat was on Shore in order to accommodate matters amicably if...
111To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
This day I have taken the liberty to draw upon the Department of State for the sum of Four hundred & thirty dollars & twenty five Cents in favor of John Gavino Esqr. Consul for the U S. of America at this place. Said sum when paid you will please to have placed to my Acct. untill final settlement. I am with very great Respect Sir Your Most Obdt. Servt. The preceding is the full transcription...
112To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 5 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
In my last of the 30th: of March I had the honor to inform you that I intended to remain some time longer with Comodore Morris, as I presumed that I should be able to convince him of the propriety of proceeding off Tripoli immediately & of taking me with him in order to commence a negotiation with that Regency according to the tenor of my instructions. I fail’d in the attempt and on the 6th:...
113To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 1 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed I have the honor to transmit my accompts & acot: curt: which closes my accompts as Consul for Tripoli I have likewise annex’d a full exposition of the monies which have been expended under the head of Tripoli since my administration commenced, & hope that it may meet the approbation of government. The Presents for Algiers have nearly all arrived some diamond solitaires excepted which...
114To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 20 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since the date of the enclosed communications to our Consuls in Barbary nothing has transpired either to confirm or to contradict the report therein contain’d of the capture of Mr. Smith, which I most sincerely hope may turn out to be a similar one to that of McNiels engagement, neither have I heard any thing official from our squadron. It is however here reported that on board the Newyork...
115To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 22 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
By the last post from Naples, I have heard nothing relative to the capture of Mr. Smith. My correspondent merely mentions the departure of the Prudent Captn. Croningshield. From an almost uninterrupted series of misfortunes which literally commenced before I was born & seems to be assiduous in persecuting me through life I have become naturally credulous in believing reports which excite...
116To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 8 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
I am extremely happy to inform you that the report of the capture of Mr. Smith has proved to be false. He arrived safe at Malta, as did the ship Prudent on which he was supposed to have taken passage at Messina. All well. A respectable merchant at Genoa by last post gave his correspondent here the following intelligence, Viz. By an arrival from Tunis we are inform’d that the Dey of Algeirs...
117To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 24 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
At this moment I mean only to acknowledge the receipt of Yours of the 9th: of April enclosed with two letters from the President to the Bey of Tunis the one of the 14th: & the other of the 22nd: of April the Commission for Tunis was not enclosed probably left out by mistake, & to inform you that I immediately took passage onboard a greek Polacca bound to Corfú whose master has agreed to land...
118To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
Last night arrived from Tripoli & Tunis a french vessel which brought me the enclosed intelligence from Mr: Nissen at Tripoli. From Mr. Davis at Tunis & from Comodore Morris I have not rec’d. a line since I saw them last which seems to me as extraordinary as improper. As I am just going to embark for Malta I cannot be so diffuse as is necessary on the subject of Mr. Nissen’s report but foresee...
119To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 30 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
In my last communications Nos. 9 & 10, I intimated to you that I should be necessitated to draw upon the department of State for $20,000 in order to facilitate a negotiation between the United States and the Regency of Tripoli as it would have been of no service what ever but the reverse, to have proceeded to Tripoli without funds or credit. The Bashaw as in a former instance would increase...
120To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 18 September 1803 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed detail will inform you of our actual position at Tunis, in addition to which I have the honor to inform you that I was creditably inform’d that the Bashaws political reason for not receiving me at Tunis, is no other than in consequence of a request from the Dey of Algiers to that purport, in compliance with the will of the Sanhedrim & their most righteous Secretary; I am...
121To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 19 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that I proceed to Leghorn in the Syren the first westerly wind. I have given Mr. Lear every information in my power, & will dispatch the Syren from Leghorn to Algiers with the Consular present with the greatest dispatch. Peace is concluded between the United States & Morocco, for the particulars, of which I refer you to Comodore Prebble & Col. Lear & remain with...
122To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 19 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
Understanding that the Consulate at the Island of Madeira is vacant, I have taken the liberty to address the President, soliciting him for the appointment. If my former services, with which you are well acquainted, renders me an object worthy your attention, I request the favor of your interposition in my favor, & you may be persuaded that the strictest attention to the duties of the office &...
123To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 23 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that I arrived in Funchal roads on the 18th: inst: in 28 days from Washington & 24 from the Capes after a passage so very pleasant that we never handed out top galt: sails but once during the whole time On my arrival I found that the Gentleman who was encharged with our affairs by the Governor had gone to another part of the Island upon a party of pleasure. I...
124To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 8 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
It has been contended i n this Consulate by Several Masters of Vessels, that Seamen left onshore in consequence of wounds or s ickness ought of right to be maintain’d at the co st of the United States and that consequently t hey have no right to pay three months wages i n advance to Seamen So discharged, & State as a re ason that those Seamen pay Hospital money to the United States As I would...
125To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 24 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
By the Brig Apollo Ca ptn: Goldsbury who sails immediately Ihave only ti me to inform you that Sir Samuel Hood with four sa il of the Line & five Frigates & anumber of Transports wi th General Beresford & four thousand Troops on board are now anchoring within two Cables length of the for tifications of this City Some of whom have a lready dropt their Stern Anchors & have Springs their Cables,...
126To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 31 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have this day taken the liberty to draw upon you in favor of Messrs: Ca thcart Foster & Shaw for dollars Seventy Nine twenty Cents for disbursements made by my or der for the relief of distressed Seamen, which y ou please to duly honour & have charged my Account until I forward the nec essary vouchers I have the h onour to continue with great respect Sir Your Obedt: servant DNA : RG...
127To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 3 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
By the Brig Apollo Capt G oldsbury who sail’d on the 24th: Ulto. I had on ly time to inform you that Sir Saml. Hood w ith four Sail of the Line, five Frigates & a n umber of Transports with General Berresford & f our thousand Troops on board had just anchor’d w ithin two Cables length of the fortifications of th is City Some of whom had already dropped their S tern Anchors & had springs upon...
128To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 7 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to inform yo u that this morning an American Vessel from the Streights came into this Roads, but did not anchor She was boarded from the British Guard Ship, the Officer of which reported t hat the Captain had informed him that the Emperor of Morroca had declared War against t he United States of America & that he had to uched at this Port merely to land a Letter for t he...
129To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 14 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to inform you that on the 24th. Ulto. Sir Samuel Hood w ith Four Sail of the Line, five Frigates & a number of Transports with General Berresford & four Thousand Troops on board, anchor’d w ithin two Cables length of this City & imme d iately clapped Springs on their Cables & hoisted o ut their Batteaux & apparently made every preparation to make a vigorous attack upon the...
130To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 5 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform You th at on the 25: Jany Admiral Duckworth’s Squadron hove into sight, composed of the Ships named at foot, in chase of th e Rochford Squadron of Six Sail of the Line & Frigates, who h ad Escaped their Vigilance in a Gale of Wind, and Supposing th ey were a head of them hove too. The Comus Frigate arrived t he 26th. at Night from Terceira, and had been chased by a...
131To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 20 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
By the Mail in 7 days from England, we were Yesterday informed that a general Embargo had taken place in the United States. Consequently we feel very much interested until we are informed of the Result of the pending negotiation with Great Britain, which every class of People on this Island with great reason wishes may terminate amicably, for in the event of a War of any length they must...
132To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
I am sorry to inform You that on the th: Ulto: the British Privateer Brig Caroline, Commanded by Charles Jones, brought into these Roads the American Ship Manchester, Joseph Reynolds Master, Owned by John James Mercht. of Philadelphia, de tained by her since the 19th. Ulto., on pretence that the said Ship had inc urred the Penalty inflicted on Neutrals by the British Order of Council of the...
133To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 7 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose for your Information, the Documents relative to the Ship Manchester, with a duplicate of My Letter of 4: Ulto. which will inform you of her detention. Since my last no Alteration has taken place whatever on this Island. On the 26: Ulto. Sr. Sidney Smith in the Foudroyant, with the Agamemnon, and a Gun brig loaded with Rockets & other implements of Destruction,...
134To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 26 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that on the 23d. Inst. this Island was returnd to its former Masters, and on the 24th. the Portuguese Flag, was displayed on all the Fortifications. The Civil Government w ill be administerd by the Portuguese Governor & Council as heretofore, but the British Troops are to be continued here to protect This Colony, consequently will re main in Possession of all the...
135To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 1 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that since the date of my last by the Cartel Anson, were landed from the British letter of marque the Mars of Guernsey Le Sever master, the Officers & crew of the Schooner Speedwell of Boston John D. Dennis Master captured on a voyage from Marblehead towards Bayonne with a cargo of fish. They were here near a month before an opportunity offer’d to send them home...
136To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 22 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
In mine of 26: April I had the honor to inform you that this Island had been returned to the Porteguese on the 23d. of said Month, since which no alteration whatever has taken place, neither has any thing of moment Occurrd. By this Conveyance Mrs. Cathcart, has sent a Tub containing some Grape vines of a very superior quality which she Requests Mrs. Madison to accept, with her best Respects....