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, 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...
3To 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...
4To 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...
5To 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...
6To 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...
7To James Madison from John Morton, 26 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 December 1801. Has “obtained the detention of the Vessel till this morning” and has just had an interview with the governor by which it appears that “the stoppage of the Intercourse is conformable to an Order of His Majesty of Long standing, & repeatedly urged; but which this Administration ha⟨d⟩ found it necessary to evade until, by the communication of a Cessation of Hostiliti⟨es,⟩ their...
8To James Madison from John Morton, 9 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 January 1802, Havana. Introduces Charleston merchant William Cooke, “who was noticed in my Communication of the 11th. ulto. as having been a great & innocent sufferer … from an unwarranted, violent, & cruel exercise of power by the Intendant-General of this island.” Cooke seeks redress. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Havana, vol. 1); Tr ( DNA : RG 76, Spain, Treaty of 1819, Disallowed Claims, 62B)....
9To James Madison from John Morton, 9 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 January 1802, Havana. Has little to add to his last letters but that a considerable number of American vessels have arrived, none of which has been permitted to enter or unload cargo. Encloses a published order regarding residence of foreigners, which he believes from communications with the governor will not be enforced. Like the order closing ports to American ships, it is intended for the...
10To James Madison from John Morton, 20 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 January 1802, Havana. Wrote last on 9 Jan. to inform JM that no decision had been made on admission of American ships that had arrived at Havana since the order prohibiting them. Was led to believe on 13 Jan. that these vessels, fifty-nine with cargoes and sixteen without, would be admitted the following day if the consignee of each vessel would petition the governor. Until 9 Jan., he had...