1To James Madison from John Morton, 4 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 June 1801, Georgetown. Explains reasons for his consent to diversionary trip the U.S. vessel Warren took from Havana to Veracruz. Its replacement ship for Cuban duty, Ganges , was en route to the station. No French vessels had been seen off Cuban coast for several months, nor were they expected. It was common knowledge in Havana that a considerable amount of American property was detained at...
2To James Madison from John Morton, 4 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
In addition to the verbal explanation which I gave in reply to the suggestion your kindness & candor led you to give me early intimation of a few days since. I deem it proper to bring the subject again before you, in this mode: as being calculated to establish the explanation with more clearness & permanence. The circumstances which principally produced, in June last, my consent to the Voyage...
3To James Madison from John Morton, 21 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 October 1801, Philadelphia. Explains that the illness and subsequent death of his friend and relative Dr. David Jackson have prolonged his stay in U.S. Is now preparing to return to Havana but “as the period which was contemplated for my accommodation in this respect may perhaps be considered as elapsed,” will resign consular position if president desires. Requests immediate reply as ship...
4To James Madison from John Morton, 30 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 October 1801 , “ Ship Calliope, off Port-Penn , ( Dele .).” Acknowledges JM’s 24 Oct. letter to him covering “Notes on Cuba” [not found]. Expresses gratitude for the “indulgent accommodation of the President.” Mentions in postscript that he delivered JM’s letter to Dallas [not found] at Chester. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Havana, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 5 Nov. JM’s letter...
5To James Madison from John Morton, 30 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have but little more time left than to acknowledge the rect. of your favor of the 24th. current; together with the Notes on Cuba: and to state that I am duly sensible of the indulgent accommodation of the President, and that I hope to evince I am not undeserving of his or your confidence. Be pleased, Sir, to accept the assurance of my unfeigned respect. Your Ob. & Hl. Servt. Your Letter to...
6To James Madison from John Morton, 11 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 December 1801, Havana. Takes advantage of the return of his brother George to the U.S. to inform JM of his arrival on the island. Has received the same official recognition he formerly had and assurances of protection from the governor, but there are “too many circumstances on record” that prevent good relations between the two countries. The “whole commercial community” complain of...
7To James Madison from John Morton, 11 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of embracing the op portunity offered, thro the return of my Brother Mr. Geo. C. Morton to the United States, to inform you of my arrival in this Island; and of such other matters as may at this time be proper to notice. In my re-appearance before His Excell. the Governor I had the satisfaction to receive the same recognition in my official capacity, as formerly; accompanied...
8To James Madison from John Morton, 12 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 December 1801, Havana. Refers to his 11 Dec. letter on the situation at Havana. An embargo on U.S. vessels “for the whole time since my arrival, untill yesterday, in consequence of the sailing of a Spanish Squadron,” prevented him from forwarding any communications before this. Explains that the state of his personal affairs makes it “impossible to ascertain the probable time it may still...
9To James Madison from John Morton, 12 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
Under date of yesterday I have addressed you on the situation of Affairs in this quarter. And altho’ the communication was necessarily dr awn to considerable length, I trust that the im p ortance of the subjects will compensate for the time they may engage your attention. Possessing the same disposition that I have ever had, for promoting by every means in my power a good understanding between...
10To James Madison from John Morton, 25 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 December 1801, Havana. Announces 25 Dec. order banning all foreign vessels from Cuban ports, effective immediately. No warning of this action was given. Immediately sought audience with the governor to discuss final adjustment of American concerns and the situation of ships already en route but failed because of its being a holy day. Sends this information by a vessel that sails early the...