1To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 3 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been duly favor’d with your friendly note of the 14th of July, and shall not fail to give its enclosure to most direct and ready conveyance I can.—The flattering marks of confidence which you have been pleased to repose in me, and the satisfactory arrangements which have been made on my present mission, are highly appreciated by me: And I trust, that, actuated by a proper sense of the...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 9 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to offer you my services in the Naval Department.—It would be presumption in me to say that I am fully qualified to conduct the business of this Department; but, having passed a few years, on my first entrance into life, in maratime affairs, which included the building and fitting out Vessels, and having been latterly engaged, for some years, in commerce, I cannot say that I am...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 19 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed letter from Mr. Dandridge, who is now in this City, will express to you his wish to be appointed Commercial Agent for the United States, either at Port Republican or here.— In a letter to the Secretary of State, under date of the 24th of August, I informed him of the determination of the Governor to fix his residence at Port Republican, and of his expressing a wish that I might be...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 25 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to the Memo. which you gave me, I have now the pleasure of sending you some of the Liqueurs & Sweetmeats of this place.—They are packed in two Boxes with a card of Direction on each “The President of the US.”—ship’d in the Schooner Betsy of Alexandria , Saml. Gilpin Master, and addressed to the care of Colo. Gilpin of that place, to whom you will have the goodness to order the Amount...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 26 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been this moment honored with your favor of the present date, and feel grateful for the attention you have been so good as to pay me, by an offer of the Consulship in St. Domingo; and am highly flattered by the confidence which you repose in my prudence and discretion.—But, how ever desireable such an office may be to me, either in a pecuniary point of view; or from a wish to serve my...
6To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose an Arrêté of the Governor of this Island, opening certain Ports to Neutral Vessels. The Governor has been for about 3 weeks in the Southern part of the Island. I intended, before this time, to have made a tour to Port Republican; but I have found so many things to call my attention here that it has as yet been out of my power. I shall, however, set out in a few...
7To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 4 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Tobias Lear. 4 September 1805, “On board the U.S. Ship Constitution Tunis Bay.” “The bearer of this, Sidi Soliman Mellamella, goes to the U. States, to present himself before the President, as Ambassador from His Excellency the Bey of Tunis; as his Credentials &ca. will fully shew. He has been Ambassador from this Court to Naples and Genoa, appears to be a Man of Correct observation,...
8To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 October 1801, Cap Français . No. 13. Encloses decree of Toussaint opening some ports to neutrals. Has been too busy to make an intended trip to Port Républicain. Has received a letter from British agent Corbet complaining that American vessels clear from Jamaica for the U.S. then come to Saint-Domingue to buy produce with Jamaican profits. Has not replied in full but only stated that the...
9To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 29 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
The Vessel in which I have engaged my passage from this place to St. Domingo, will be ready to sail on tuesday; and if she should be delay’d beyond that time, it will be at my expense. If it should be convenient for you to have my instructions prepared by Mond[a]y, I will be in the City on that day and receive them. I presume you will either hear from Mr. Thornton before that time, or that he...
10To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 27 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 July 1801, Cap Français. No. 4. Reports that Toussaint has just arrived from Gonaïves, where he apparently spoke with British agent who had recently returned from Jamaica. Notes that British agent has not yet communicated with him; Lear will await his initiative. Expects to hold discussions with Toussaint “this Evening.” Comments on high reputation of Stevens—“he Appears to have served the...
11To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 19 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 7. Takes advantage of Stevens’s delayed departure to relay word that two British frigates appeared off the harbor on 17 Aug. One frigate boarded, then released, American schooner Commerce as it entered port. Has not heard of their capturing any American vessels, although several left earlier. Encloses an order from Toussaint halting payments from the treasury...
12To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 19 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the pleasure of writing to you this forenoon, I have been favored with your acceptable letter of the 12th. inst. with its enclosures, for which I am much obliged. I have been on board the Constitution since writing to you in the morning; and am fully convinced that she will not be ready to sail until the 10th of Augt. Captn. Preble appears to be making every exertion to get the...
13To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 29 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 March 1802, Cap Français. No. 23. Transmits copies of his dispatches of 28 Feb. and 22 Mar., since which one warship and two frigates have arrived from France with troops. “ Nothing more has occurred respecting Louisiana. That it is ceded to France is true and that part of the forces sent out are intended [for] that country there is no doubt but I are still of opinion that if they touch...
14To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 20 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
As the Honorable, the House of Representatives has been pleased to refer to you, for your report thereon, a Memorial which I laid before that Body, stating the circumstances attending my residence in the Island of St. Domingo, as Genl. Com. Agent of the United States, and the losses which I sustained in consequence of continuing there until the destruction of the City of Cape François; I take...
15To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 15 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose duplicates of my two last letters Nos. 9 & 10. Since writing the last nothing new has occurred here. The Governor has not yet returned to this place; but is expected in 5 or 6 days. Mr. Dandridge has arrived here this day from Aux Cayes, and informs me that everything is tranquil in that quarter. Industry and good order prevail there, and the crops promise to be...
16To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 8 April 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have taken the liberty of drawing upon you this day in favour of Colo. Clement Biddle of Philadelphia, for one hundred dollars, to be placed to my Account with the U: States, for money advancd for distressed Seamen in this place. My advances on this account exceeds this sum; but I should not have drawn had it been permitted to send money out of this Island; or could a bill be had on...
17To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 28 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 12th inst. by Captn. John Rodgers, late of the Navy of the U. States, who sailed from this on the 13h for Baltimore, in the Schooner Nelly. I then acknowledged the rect. of your letter of the 8h of January, which reached my hands on the 30th and also gave as full an account of the disasterous events which had taken place here, as time and circumstances...
18To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 28 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose triplicate of my respects to you of the 4th. of January, and duplicate of that of the 9 th. instant, together with the Schedule of my accounts with the United States. Since forwarding the Originals of these letters I have heard nothing respecting the U. States, excepting by a letter from Mr. Montgomery, our Consul in Alicante, that an embargo had been laid on all...
19To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 30 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the 28th. instant I had the honor of writing to you a few lines in haste, respecting the state of affairs here. That letter was sent by the Brig Eliza Coats, Capt Hodges bound to Newbury Port, and left open, under a Cover to Dudley A. Tyng Esqr Collector at that place, that he might use its contents for the information of the mercantile part of the community in that quarter, and then to...
20To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 17 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 January 1802, Cap Français. No. 19. Reports that since his last of 11 Dec. he has received JM’s letters of 26 Oct. and 21 Nov. , both arriving on same ship. Appreciates president’s approval of his conduct. Will pursue individual claims on the basis of his amended instructions. Dandridge’s commission was not enclosed in JM’s letter; has informed him of appointment and asked Linn to continue...
21To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 17 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing you, under date of the 11th. of December, I have had the satisfaction to receive your letters of the 26th. of October and 21st. of November; both of which came to hand by the same vessel. Nothing could have been more gratifying to my feelings than the President’s approbation of my conduct since I have been here; and I pray you will have the goodness to...
22To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 8 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 April 1802, Cap Français. Has drawn on JM in favor of Clement Biddle of Philadelphia for $100, to be charged to his account with the U.S. for money advanced for distressed seamen. “My advances on this account exceeds this sum; but I should not have drawn had it been permitted to send money out of the Colony; or could a bill be had on Philada.… Till lately the expenses on this account have...
23To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 3 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 November 1804, Malta. No. 9. “Since my last, under date of July 16th (Duplicate of which and enclosures are herewith transmitted) I have been honored with your letters of the 6h & 13h of June, which were handed to me at Algiers, by Capt. Chauncy, on the 29th of July. “The letter from the President to the Dey of Algiers appeared to give him much satisfaction, particularly that part which...
24To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 7 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have received the letters which you did me the honor to write on the 1st & 4th of November, and 26h of January. The time of their getting to my hands you will find noted in a copy of my Diary, which is herewith transmitted. You will, undoubtedly have been informed, before this, that the Gun Carriages have been applied by Mr. Simpson, agreeably to their original destination. I am persuaded...
25To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 31 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
A Copy of what I had the honor of writing to you on the 28th. instant, with its enclosures, accompanies this. The Vessel which took the aforesaid letter did not sail ‘till the 29th. Yesterday I sent my Drogerman to the Pala ce to know of the Dey what were his ultimate intentions (if he chose to declare them) respecting the business mentioned in my last; and to request that I might be allowed...
26To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 25 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
On the 29o. of August, I had the honor to receive your respectable letter of the 15o. of May, and on the 14o. of October, that of the 7o. of June, with its enclosures; and on my Arrival at this place, Dr. Triplett put into my hands your several letters of the 9o. 11 & 19o. of July, and one from Mr. Wagner of the 6o. of August, with the several enclosures and papers mentioned therein. At the...
27To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 14 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to inform you that I have this day drawn upon you, in favor of John Gavino Esqr. at 30 days sight, for five thousand dollars, on account of the United States of America, for their Barbary Affairs. With the highest respect & consideration, I have the honor to be Sir, Your mo. ob. St. Privately owned.
28To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 20 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 17th. inst.—a copy of which I now enclose. Since that time nothing new has occurred here. The Governor, General Toussaint Louverture, has been absent from this place for 3 days past. It is supposed he has gone towards Port Republican. His movements are very rapid and uncertain. He commands everything in this Island. He is certainly an extraordinary man....
29To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 24 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 8. Encloses letter from Toussaint revealing plans to move seat of government to Port Républicain, to which Lear replied that he would ask for the president’s decision on his own place of permanent residence. Since Toussaint’s letter was the first indication of his having changed his determination to move to Gonaïves, Lear will take no steps until the seat of...
30To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 26 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a duplicate of my respects to you of the 12th. ultimo, Since which nothing new has occurred relative to our affairs here. As several of the Corsairs of this Regency have returned from their Cruize since the affair of the 31st. of March, and some of them had spoken American Vessels without offering any molestation, I have written to our Consul in Alicante, as well as...