From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 April 1805
To Thomas Jefferson
Washington Apl 5. 1805
Dear Sir
Yours of the 1st. instant has been recd with the letters of Jarvis Monroe & Pinkney. I had a conversation yesterday with Turreau on the subject of Ferrands decree.1 He was perfectly rational and accomodating, expressed a wish to receive without delay a note from me on the subject, and promised to interpose as requested. He regretted that Logan’s motion to prohibit the trade with St. Domingo,2 had not succeeded; observing that the Blacks had lately been enabled by American supplies to advance agst. Ferrand, & that the violence of his proclamation had been probably inspired by that circumstance. The Baltimore paper of yesterday, seems to confirm this circumstance; <but?> with the addition, that the French are likely to be driven out of the Island.3 Inclosed is a copy of Ferrand’s Edict, and of the letter I sent to Turreau.4 His answer has not yet been recd. Yrs. with respectful attachment
James Madison
RC (DLC: Jefferson Papers). Docketed by Jefferson as received 8 Apr., with his note: “Ferrand’s decree, Tureau, Yrujo.” Enclosures not found, but see n. 4.
2. On 23 Feb. 1805 George Logan informed the Senate that on the following Monday he would ask permission to introduce a bill banning trade and intercourse with Haiti. When he did so, on Wednesday, 27 Feb., the Senate rejected his request ( 8th Cong., 2d sess., 64, 65).
3. The 4 Apr. 1805 Baltimore American, and Commercial Daily Advertiser contained a report that as of mid-March the Haitian army was nearing the city of Santo Domingo, the women and children had already left the city, and the men were about to leave.
4. The enclosures presumably included JM to Louis-Marie Turreau, 4 Apr. 1805, and General Ferrand’s 5 Feb. 1805 decree.