1To Thomas Jefferson from John Armstrong, Jr., 28 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have put off writing to you, not only to the last day, but litterally to the last hour of Dr. Bullus’s stay in Paris. By this delay, I expected to add something, if not to the interest, at least to the bulk of my intelligence; but as “the best laid schemes of mice and men” go often wrong, and are even defeated by the very means taken to promote them, so it has happened to mine; the day has...
2To Thomas Jefferson from John Armstrong, Jr., 15 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving your packet by the St. Michael and of executing your Orders with respect to the letters it enclosed. I shall write you f reel y by but I cannot let even this conveyance (tho’ somewhat hazardous) entirely escape me. I regret most sincerely that the measure suggested in my public letter by Hayley, should have appeared to be dangerous. Be assured, the danger is in...
3To Thomas Jefferson from John Armstrong, Jr., 9 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I had yesterday the honor of receiving from a Committee of the Agricultural Society of the Seine, composed of the President and Secretary of that body and the Counsellor of State Monsr. Moreau du St. Mary—the letter and medal herewith enclosed and committed to the care of Mr. Blackwell of New York. The manner in which these were presented for conveyance, was peculiarly flattering to me—as it...
4To Thomas Jefferson from John Armstrong, Jr., 28 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
M. Warden has already forwarded to you Regnier’s description of the dynamometre, and I have now the pleasure of sending the machine itself. It has several uses, and its accuracy in all of them is unvarying. M. Patterson, who is now here, says he forwarded your plough many months ago, in the Ship Ocean, for New York. I hope you received it. It is a noble present for a country like our’s, in...
5To Thomas Jefferson from John Armstrong, Jr., 17 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I had not the honor of receiving your letter of the 21st. July ‘till some time in Decr. The young man whom it was meant to introduce, has been here since mid-summer. He is apprized of his obligations to you, and as far as we can judge from the outside, is sufficiently sensible of them. Gen. Lafayette passed the holidays with us. He was then in good health, and, what is more extraordinary, in...
6To Thomas Jefferson from John Armstrong, Jr., 2 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I sincerely regret that I should be compelled to give you the trouble of reading the Volume of Documents transmitted herewith. the controversy, out of which the book has arisen, was not, as I believe you will discover from the book itself, a thing of my seeking; and whether Skipwith has, at bottom, been anything more than a tool to others? is to me somewhat doubtful. Be this as it may,...
7To Thomas Jefferson from John Armstrong, Jr., 15 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer of this is an active, sober, industreous and brave man, and in the event of a war, may be very usefully employed. He was a favorite of Admiral la Touche Treville and an officer on board of his ship, as long as the navy Ordinances of France permitted a foreigner to be in office. He has since been loitering about Paris to no purpose either of public or private benefit. It was in this...
8To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 15 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
You will find in this note the substance of certain observations made by the Emperor at a Diaplomatic audience given yesterday at Fontainebleau. After rebuking the infallible head of the church (through the Cardinal legate) he Said, "He has sent me an Ambassador Extraordinary whom I shall send back to him, and whom I will not even see." Then addressing the Ambassador of Portugal, he declared,...
9To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 25 October 1808 (Madison Papers)
Hearing that the Charleston packet would not sail before the 1st. of November, I avail myself of that circumstance to add a few lines to those already sent by M. Roux. Such is the apparent persuasion on the side of Russia, that England will accept the terms recently offered to her by the two Emperors, that Genl Romanzoff has come on to Paris with the view, as is reported, of avoiding all...
10To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 24 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor in a note of the 24th. ultimo to communicate the terms on which it was understood here, that a general pacification of European quarrels might be effected. Since the date of that communication an answer has been received from Great Britain expressive of a desire for peace, but declining to act on the propositions made to her, untill She had consulted her allies. The Emperor’s...
11To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 31 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
I received a few days past a letter from M. de Champagny of which a copy is enclosed. I know not that any American vessel has come to Europe in violation of the embargo, excepting one. The vessels alluded to by the Minister are no doubt those mentioned by Mr. Montgomery (or such as those) who tempted by the high freights given here will not return to the U. S. I enclose a journal of yesterday...
12To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 22 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
Mr Patterson offers so good a conveyance that I cannot but employ it. Nothing has occurred here since the date of my public dispatches (the 17th. inst.) to give to our business an aspect more favorable than it then had, but on the other hand, I have come at the knowledge of two facts which, I think, sufficiently shew the decided character of the Emperor’s policy with regard to us. These are...
13To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 6 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
As the Union may be detained by westerly winds two or three days beyond the time set for her departure, I do myself the honor to forward herewith two numbers of the Argus containing the 10th. and 11th. Bulletins from the Army and the translation of a pamphlet, written and published by order of this Government (as is supposed) on the interest which Europe in general has, in the Success of the...
14To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 15 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have this day seen a letter, from a french Officer now at Madrid and entirely in the way of knowing what is going forward, which Contains the following ideas Viz: that since the arrival of Prince Murat the french army employs all the precautions necessary in an enemy’s country; that the people of Spain, though excited by the french intrusion, are yet willing to believe, that the visit is...
15To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 24 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment been confidentially informed, that the Minister of Marine and the Council of prizes were about to receive new orders in relation to the November decree. I hasten to convey this information to you, as it may be important, (particularly at the present crisis) that it should be early known in America. It was conveyed to me in a note of which the following is a litteral...
16To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 29 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
This has no object but to inform you, that I have advanced (of the money of the Public) the sum of two thousand eight hundred & eighty francs to John Martin Baker Messenger & agent of the U. S. and that I enclose his receit for the same. With very high Consideration I am, Sir, Your Most Obedient & very humble servant DNA : RG 59—DD—Diplomatic Despatches, France.
17To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 8 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment received Mr. Lear’s packets & forward them by express to Havre. It would appear from the direction given to the march of the guards, that the Emperor is going to Germany and it is said, for the purpose solely of an interview with Alexander & not with any hostile intention towards Austria. It is even added, that overtures to England for a peace will be the result of this...
18To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 13 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
The conjecture offered in my last letter with regard to the Embargo of our vessels, turns out to be correct. The order was intended to be confined to vessels of friendly and allied powers, or powers having both these characters. The word neutral crept into it merely by mistake. An extract from the Minister’s letter to me on that subject is as follows viz "Aucun ordre n’a ete donné pour retenir...
19To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 31 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
The Court left Bayonne on the 26th & 28th. inst. The Emperor is expected at Nantes on the seventh of Augt. and at Rambouillet on the 13th. It is doubtful whether he will touch at Paris. If he should, I shall endeavor to draw from him an answer to the remonstrances I have, at different times, made since November last. These attempts shall however be so regulated as will most effectually prevent...
20To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 23 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
In a conference I had with M. de Champagny on tuesday last, that minister stated, that a M. Davis (our Consul at Tripoli) had omitted to return the ceremonial visit made to him by his Majesty’s consul at that place; that this omission (being an offense against a usual and necessary civility) was rendered more pointed & piquing by the punctuality with which M. Davis had discharged this duty to...
21To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 23 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
Orders were given on the 17th. instant, & received yesterday at the Imperial Custom house here "to seize all american vessels now in the Ports of France, or which may come into them hereafter". How is this to be explained? Is it that our vessels now in Europe, tempted by the high freights, wish to continue here, running between the belligerents? Is it that the Emperor is determined that french...
22To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 2 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
Gen. Armstrong’s compliments to Mr. Madison and begs his acceptance of a copy of a pamphlet which he (the Gen) has been compelled to print (and which he may be compelled to publish) against an attack the most weak and wicked, unprovoked and unexpected, that ever was made on a public Officer. The documents forming the sequel of this business (not having been received officially) cannot be...
23To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 5 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
276. 967. 972. 71 1354 395 1101 1248 1482 988 1092 1208 1090 1013. 734. 967. 1116. 1225. 624. 972 1097 827. 1354. 511 1116. 1279 1324. 7 1268 1155. 907. 1201. 1519. 80 604 1165 1367 140 925 1105. 1215 972 678 177 1311. 344. 1481. 1105 971. 895 268. 1549. 1225. 103. 921 716. 895. 587. 630 1405. 856 1046 1241. 1284. 1165 803 1247. 655 1126 972. 236 1090 339. 1268 1419 973 962 1078 962 1224. 987...
24To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 14 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
My next letter will announce to you that the Emperor is proclaimed King of Spain. I am with high consideration Sir, Your most Obed. hum Servant DNA : RG 59—DD—Diplomatic Despatches, France.
25To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 7 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of enclosing my last half year’s account with the United States and the necessary vouchers. I Am, Sir, with very high consideration Your Most Obedient & very humble Servant P. S. Mr. Armstrong would be much obliged by being informed whether his other Accounts have been regularly received & submitted to the Treasury Department for Settlement. DNA : RG 59—DD—Diplomatic...
26To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 23 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
My last letter was dated on the 18th. Inst. I have now the honor of enclosing copies of two notes, the one from the Minister of foreign Affairs, the other from the Minister of Marine & Colonies. The former, relates to a commerce carried on, as is alledged, by American Vessels between the belligerents; the latter assigns the reasons why an embargo, now imposed on our vessels in the Ports of...
27To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 25 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment heard, that "Mr. Santuianes, the secretary of the Embassy from Spain to this Court, has been appointed Min. Plen. to the U. S. by the Prince of Asturias (as he is called here) or King of Spain as he calls himself." "His (Santuianes) Orders are, to present himself at Washington before the next meeting of Congress". Through the same cha nnel I am informed, that "the Emperor...
28To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 8 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
The writer of the letter appended to this note, is a very amiable and respectable man, and very competent to the discharge of the duties of the appointment he sollicits. He is intimately known to Mr. Monroe. DNA : RG 59—DD—Diplomatic Despatches, France.
29To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 9 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
I forward by Mr. Mc.Elhonny a copy of a second and very extraordinary decree of this Government with regard to neutral commerc e. Whether it be meant to stimulate Great Britain to the commission of new outrages, or to quicken us in repelling those she has already committed, the policy is equally unwise, and so decidedly so, that I know not a single man of consideration who approves of it. It...
30To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 12 May 1807 (Madison Papers)
The appearances of rupture between this Country and Austria, which a few days ago gave some uneasiness here, have subsided, or have been altogether mistaken. The assembling of troops on the eastern frontier of Bavaria on the one side, and the adoption of a conscript law & prohibition of the Sale of provisions on the other, have, it seems, had causes very different from those which had been...
31To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 25 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have advanced to Mr. Baker Of public money (as per Receipt hereto appended) the sum of two thousand eight hundred and eighty francs. This advance is not perhaps entirely regular, but what could I do? I could not suffer a Messenger of the U. S. with a wife and three children, to starve in the streets of Paris. The first copy of the receit was sent by M. Livingston. I am with great respect,...
32To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 25 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
The St. Michael arrived at l’Orient on the 1st. instant and, like the Osage, was immediately put under sequestration. It was not till the 8th. that Mr. Baker arrived here. On the 10th. I Dispatched a Courier with the note to Mr. Champagny, a copy of which is enclosed. The receit of this was acknowledged by a letter from that Gentleman of the 18th., a copy of which is also inclosed. By this you...
33To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 15 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
I Stated in my last letter the Substance of a declaration made by the Emperor, viz: that if means could be found to except American property from the operation of the decree of November, 1806, without infringing the principles of the decrees, he would immediately make the exception. No time was lost in communicating this declaration to me, and I was invited to point out the means it required,...
34To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 16 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
I had yesterday the honor of receiving Your letter of the 10th. of November last, with a copy of one from Mr. Daniel Clarke and a duplicate Copy of that in relation to Gen. Wilkinsons instructions &c. &c. The Campaign being over and the Emperor and his Minister of foreign relations about to return to Paris, I hope soon to have an opportunity of renewing my communications with the latter. I...
35To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 16 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have just been advised that the two Ships, the Julius Henry & Junietta, whose cargoes were sequestered at Hamburg, have been put at liberty and that, of seven others in the Ports of France which I have claimed, Six have been given up. This circumstance and some others which, (writing as I do by the mail), I cannot mention, give me reason to believe, that the system with regard to us, will be...
36To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 21 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving your dispatch of the 2d. of August last, enclosing a copy, of a letter from Lt. Smoot to the Secretary at war and one from you on the same subject to Mr. Feronda. You will see by my letter to the Prince of Masserano a copy of which is hereto annexed, that I have lost no time in conveying to that Ambassador, the intelligence received, with regard to West...
37To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 12 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
The moment I received your letter of the 25th. of July Conveying to me the President’s wishes that I should interest myself for Francis Dorivert &c. (who claimed from this Government the restitution of an Estate formerly belonging to Francis S. Bellisle), I hastened to possess myself of the nature and extent of the claim, and of the impediments which have been thrown in the way of it. My...
38To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 2 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
After having dispatched my letter of the 12th. ulto. it Struck me that nothing would be lost, and that Something might be gained, were Mr. Short to take an early occasion of hinting to Count Romanzoff the advantage that would probably result as well to Europe as to the U S, could France be brought back to the ground She used to occupy with regard to the rights of neutral commerce. If the...
39To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 7 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
Conceiving the moment of Joseph’s accession to the crown of Spain to be one which might be favorably employed in Settling our long pending controversy with that crown, I hastened to address a Note, the copy of which is enclosed, to his Minister of foreign Relations. To this I received the answer of that Minister on the 8th. instant, a copy of which is also transmitted. With very high...
40To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 27 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment received the letter, of which the enclosed is a Copy, in answer to mine of the 10th. instant to M. de Champagny; and am Sir, with very high consideration, Your most obedient & very humble servant DNA : RG 59—DD—Diplomatic Despatches, France.
41To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 20 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
In the letter you did me the honor to write to me on the 22d. of May last, you advert to the following subjects 1st. the construction given by this Govt. to its Decree of the 21st. of November. 2d. the promulgation of a decree of similar character by the Spanish Govt. 3d. the slow progress made towards an adjustment of our differences with Spain & 4th. What may be known at Paris of the agents...
42To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 27 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
I forward by Mr. Mc.Elhonny a copy of a second and very extraordinary decree of this Government with regard to neutral commerc e. Whether it be meant to stimulate Great Britain to the commission of new outrages, or to quicken us in repelling those she has already committed, the policy is equally unwise, and so decidedly so, that I know not a single man of consideration who approves of it. It...
43To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 20 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit the copy of a letter this moment received from Mr. Champagny, informing me that His Majesty the Emperor has directed the Embargo on American vessels in the Ports of France to be raised. With very high respect I am, Sir, your most obedient and very humble Servant, DNA : RG 59—DD—Diplomatic Despatches, France.
44To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 20 May 1807 (Madison Papers)
Mrs. Stewart returns to America 20,000 fs. richer than when she left it, but believing herself entitled to double that sum, she of course is not above half-pleased. As you may hear somewhat of her discontents, it may not be improper to state, that on her arrival in Paris the fund created by the Convention was reduced to 108,000 fs. and that for this residue, three other Claims were considered...
45To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 29 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
I Send you the enclosed documents merely to invite a general instruction on the Subject of advances of Public money to the Agents of Prize causes. My own opinion is that the Captures under the decrees of Nov 1806 and December 1807 will, as intimated in Mr. Champagny’s note of the 15 of January be decided on principles altogether political; of course that the intervention of either agents or...
46To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 24 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit herewith the Moniteur of the day, which contains a very interesting account of the resumption of hostilities between the grand Armies &c. I send also copies of three letters which I have written to the Prince of Benevent on the subject of our business with Spain. To the first of these I have received no answer from that Minister. The two others were sent by a...
47To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 29 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of enclosing copies of two letters received yesterday the one from Naples the other from Amsterdam and am, with very high consideration, your most obedient & very humble servant I shall write to you in a day or two by M. T. Mikkel who is about returning to America. This goes by the Post. DNA : RG 59—DD—Diplomatic Despatches, France.
48To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 24 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of transmitting the copy enclosed, of a letter from the Minister of Marine & Colonies, in answer to mine of the 10 instant, on the subject of the Imperial decree of the 21st. of November 1806. An additional explanation which I have just received and which it may be well to communicate is, that American Vessels coming from England or her Colonies into the Ports of France, since...
49To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 26 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
My last letter was of the 15th. inst. and sent by the Ship Arno of New York. As in that I sent copies of several notes written to the Department of foreign affairs, merely to shew the nature of our complaints against this Government, so it may be proper to send you a copy of the answers I have received to some of these notes. It is observable that those of the 19th. & 20th. inst. (the one...
50To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 2 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
I enclose a copy of the Acct. of the late house of Taney & Simonds with Swan & Co. as found among the documents at the Treasury, & a letter from the Director Gen. in answer to a second note from me (of the 10 Ulto.) requiring the evidence on which the charge made by the Govt. against Taney, was founded. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Most Obedient & very humble servant DNA : RG...