James Madison Papers
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From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 28 August 1803

To Thomas Jefferson

Sunday Aug. 28. 1803

Sir

I have recd. your two favors, one of the 24th. instant the other covering the letters from Mr. Gallatin, & Barnes now returned.1

I had thought it might be best not to answer Thornton’s letter2 because in some parts his manner did not deserve it, because he speaks with out the known sentiments of his Govt. and because the Minister of higher grade expected, will be likely to give a more eligible opportunity for these discussions. As I promise the pleasure of being able to take your directions in person in the course of this week probably towards the last of it, I shall do nothing in the case till I can do it with that advantage. The British Govt. I apprehend will not act with us on the subject of seamen, in the manner you hint at. They would sign no convention without reserving to themselves the claim to impress seamen in the narrow seas, and as this was evidently inadmissible, it was no doubt made a condition with a view to prevent any arrangement, and to carry on the impressments as heretofore. In consequence of your letter of  3 I had directed Derieux to be paid his charge of $300 for actual expences, as Hughs was paid his. If any thing farther should be thought just in his behalf it can be added. I inclose the communications recd by the last mail from Washington. Pederson I presume may be told that he will have access to the Govt. as the substitute of Olsen, who signified his wish to that effect. Will you be so obliging as to have the confidential letter from Monroe to the three Senators put into the hands of Mr. Nicholas.4 You will see by his public letter that his liberality has been very near seducing him into a very ticklish situation. I have not yet been able to decypher the letter to you from Mr. Livingston, having but just recd the Cypher. I will execute the task for the next mail. I think K’s prejudice must have given a strong coloring to his remarks on E.5 The caution alluded to in Mr. Gallatin’s letter, was if I do not misrecollect observed in the instructions from the Dept. of State.6 Yrs. most respectfully

James Madison

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