451To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 9 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I recd. last night the inclosed letters from Mr Livingston, which afford another proof that the French Government, however deficient it may be in other attributes is an enlightened one. It would be better no doubt if our objects could be attained by our own means only, but friendly interpositions of other Govts. in such a case ought not only to be accepted but to be acknowledged with respect &...
452From James Madison to Pierpont Edwards, 4 August 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your two favors of the 30 & 31. ulto. and am much obliged by the kind & confidential communications made in them. We were not inattentive to the suggestions that an improper acquittal of Smith & Ogden was to be apprehended from the course which was meditated. But it was impossible to apply a remedy, without establishing a precedent objectionable in itself, and which might be...
453To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 18 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have enclosed a Letter from Mr Bracken, who was appointed administrator for Mr Bellini, to Mr. Mazzei, which, he informs me, gives particular State of the affairs of our deceased Friend.—It appears from what Mr Bracken says, that there is Property remaining to the amount of nearly £300. A Certificate of the Death of Mr Bellini is forwards by this Post to Govr Page, with a Request, that he...
454From James Madison to William Lee, 6 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
You will oblige me by taking care that the inclosed which has been put into my hands by a friend be safely delivered according to address, and by letting it be known that you will charge Yourself with the transmission of an answer, and of any article that may accompany it. You were so good as to make an offer of your attention in forwarding me any articles, particular wines, which I might wish...
455From James Madison to James Simpson, 31 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
I acknowledge the receipt of your letters from No. 56 to No. 60, both inclusive. By this conveyance of the Schooner Citizen you will receive the so long expected gun carriages. From the pains which have been taken in getting them ready, it is hoped that they will prove an acceptable present to the Emperor, and you will not fail to make use of the occasion to confirm him in sentiments most...
456From James Madison to Jacob Wagner, ca. 22 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 22 August 1801. Acknowledged in Wagner to JM, 31 Aug. 1801 , and mentioned in JM to Jefferson, 26 Aug. 1801 . Authorizes shipment of powder and ball to dey of Algiers and instructs Wagner to honor Eaton’s charter contract, to take no action on Eaton’s commissions for timber and cattle, and to send Jefferson copies of the State Department’s last letters to Eaton.
457From James Madison to the Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs, 16 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 October 1801, Department of State, Washington. Transmits a letter of condolence from the president to the prince regent of Portugal on the death of the prince of Beira. Asks the Portuguese minister to present it since the American minister at Lisbon presumably has taken his leave. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, IC , vol. 1). 1 p.
458From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
The post having arrived last night after Eleven OC. & the one from below being expected early this morning, I have had but little room for bestowing thought on Dayton’s letter and your drafted answer. It would be an advantage to know the precise answer given by Mr. Rodney to the application which was made to him on the same subject. I heard this read by Mr. R. but can not sufficiently rely on...
459Enclosure: From James Madison, 18 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully reports to the President the information requested by the Resolution of the House of Representatives, of the 8th of January last relative to Spoliations committed on the Commerce of the United States, under Spanish authority; and also, relative to the imprisonment of the American Consul at Saint Jago de Cuba. This Report has been delayed longer than was...
460From James Madison to Christian Gynther Bernstorff, 16 September 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 2d. June last, accrediting Mr. Pedersen as the Chargé des Affaires of His Danish Majesty. Mr. Olsen having before his departure intimated that this gentleman might be expected to arrive in order to take upon himself that character, he was, through the effect of a courtesy so naturally produced by the friendship existing between the two...
461To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 29 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
a free use of their harbors & waters, the means of refitting, & refreshment, of succour to their sick & suffering have at all times and on equal principles, been extended to all; and this too while the officers of one of the belligerents recd. among us were in a continued course of insubordination to the laws, of violence to the persons of our Citizens and of trespasses on their property....
462From James Madison to David Erskine, 9 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your letter of Sep: 14, in which you inform me that Thomas Wilson, one of the men taken by force from the American frigate Chesapeake has been tried by a Court Martial at Halifax, and having been adjudged to be a British born subject, and a deserter from H. B. Majesty’s Ship of War Halifax, had received sentence of death. I cannot acknowledge this Communication, Sir,...
463From James Madison to Edward Thornton, 7 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose duplicate letters from the Navy Department, requesting their Agents in London to pay for the supplies furnished to the ships of War President and Enterprize.——.——.——. It would have given me satisfaction to comply with your wish for an earlier arrangement of this business, but as it depended on another Department, it will readily be perceived that no time has been...
464From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 1 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letters of the 15th. 16th. & 21st. of March. Letters lately received from our Ministers at Paris and Madrid communicate the agreeable information that the King of Spain has formally receded from his objections to the transfer of Louisiana to the United States. The emoluments and allowances which you are authorized to charge the United States in consequence of your removal...
465To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I red. last evening your two favors of the 9 & 13th. Before I left Washington I wrote to Simpson approving his refusal of passports in the cases required by the Emperor, and understood that the instructions from the Navy Dept. to Comodore Morris were founded on the same principle. It is to be inferred therefore that we are no longer on a footing of amity with Morocco: and I had accordingly...
466To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 29 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of State, to whom has been referred by the President of the United States a Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 23d Inst., requesting the President to communicate to that House such information as he may have received relative to the Copper mines on the South side of Lake Superior, in pursuance of a Resolution of the 16th. April 1800, authorising the appointment of...
467To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 8 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I recd yesterday yours of the 6th. with a return of the letters from Appleton and Savage. Under the same cover with this are sundry communications , some of them very interesting. They need not be returned till I can receive them at Monticello, which I expect will happen early in the ensuing week. Should the inclosed letter to Mr. Pichon be such as you entirely approve, I beg the favor that it...
468From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 11 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
The latest letters I have received from you are those of the 18, 21, & 27 March. I had befor⟨e⟩ received several copies of your accounts, which are now in the Treasury Department in a course of investigatio⟨n⟩ and settlement. By Commodore Barron, who is proceeding ⟨to⟩ the Mediterranean with five additional frigate⟨s on⟩e of which is armed en flute, I take occasion to mention, that if after...
469From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [27 January 1806] (Madison Papers)
J. M. with respectful complts. to the Presidt. suggests an attention to the last paragraph in the Rept. to him concerning interpolations, lest it should not square with what was represented in the first Message agst. Spanish outrages on the high seas. The report was to go to the Presidt. on saturday or yesterday. A Baltimore paper has published Yrujo’s letter to the Dept: of State commenting...
470From James Madison to Messrs. Warner and Leit, 8 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 May 1802, Department of State. “I have just written to Mr. Soderstrom for such information as may enable me to satisfy your enquiries concerning the fate of your claim upon Sweeden —this Gentleman having long since made a representation of it to his Government, by the request of that of the United States. When his answer is received I shall lose no time in communicating its contents to you.”...
471To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, [20 June 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
I suggested some time ago to Col. Habersham the objections to a Contract for 4 years for carrying the mail. His reply was that frequent contracts would not only be very troublesome, but by lessening the value of contracts, discourage good undertakers. He added that a clause in the contracts reserved to him a right at all times to make any of regulations he might chuse, making at the same time...
472From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 1 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Albert Gallatin. 1 November 1805, Department of State. “I have the honor to request that in virtue of the power of Attorney of Tobias Lear Esqr., enclosed in my letter to you of the 5th. Septr. 1803 [not found], there may be remitted to George Long, of Portsmouth N.H. five hundred dollars, from the appropriations for Barbary Intercourse. Mr. Lear to be charged with the same and held...
473To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors of the 4 & 7th. instant have come duly to hand. Letters from C. Pinkney to the 10th. of June have been forwarded to You thro’ Washington. They confirm the idea that Spain emboldened by France, is speculating on the presumed aversion of this Country to war, and to the military connection with G.B. They shew at the same time that Spain herself not only does not gain at war, but...
474From James Madison to Roger Gerard van Polanen, 30 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
The ship Mary, belonging to Mr. Jeremiah Yellott of Baltimore, whereof Isaac Phillips was master, was, with a very valuable cargo, captured on the 4th. of February. 1800. by a French privateer, & carried into Curracoa. As the ship was bound from Batavia, a Dutch port, to Baltimore, a neutral port, restitution was due, and was claimed from the Governor of Curracoa but without effect, under the...
475From James Madison to Thomas FitzSimons and Others, 17 December 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 10th. inst. and its enclosures respecting the capture of the Enterprize, Eugenia and other Vessels lately sent to Halifax. Though the further proof respecting the trade in which these Vessels were concerned is believed to be unwarranted by the law of Nations, both in its object & the Channell required for obtaining it, it is most proper for the aggreaved...
476From James Madison to John Mullowny, 7 December 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 December 1804, Department of State. “Your letter of the 26th. ult: has been just received. The case of capture to which you refer was recommended to the care of the Minister of the United States at Paris, but his proceedings therein do not appear. It would therefore be advisable for you to write to Fulwar Skipwith Esqr. Agent of the U: States at Paris, for the information you request.”...
477From James Madison to Louis Guillaume Valentin DuBourg, 5 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his best respects to Mr. DuBourg, and inclose a note for $198.15. the balance of the acct. agst. John P. Todd MdBS .
478From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 18 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have to request that you cause a warrant in favor of John Henry Purviance to be issued, to be paid out of the appropriations for foreign Intercourse, for seven hundred and sixty seven dollars and forty eight cents, the said Purviance to be charged therewith on the Books of the Treasury. I have the Honor &c. DNA : RG 59—DL—Domestic Letters.
479From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 7 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
The person to whom I committed my despatches of the 31st ult having been detained here till this time, I avail myself of the opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of your two letters of October 20 & 31 which have just come to hand. I have laid them before the President, but his engagements at the present moment have permitted as yet but a very slight attention to their contents. I can...
480From James Madison to Captain de Vettlehorst, 11 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Captain de Vettlehorst. 11 July 1806, Department of State. “On the receipt of your letter of the 9th. of last Decr. [not found], which was long in coming to hand, the President of the United States, caused the proper enquiries to be made to satisfy your solicitude. The result will appear in the enclosed certificate from the Register of Wills for the County of Philadelphia, and letter from...
481From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 12 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I am just informed by a friend of Dr. Barraud of the Hospital at Norfolk that some arrangement communicated thro’ the Collector of that port, threatens him with the loss of his office; Having been very favorably impressed with the merits of this gentleman by strong representations from Bishop Madison & Judge Tucker, I hope to be excused for saying that I believe him to be a man of very...
482From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 August 1805 (Madison Papers)
Your two favors of the 4 & 7th. Instant have come duly to hand. Letters from C. Pinkney to the 10th. Of June have been forwarded to You thro’ Washington. They confirm the idea that Spain emboldened by France, is speculating on the presumed aversion of this Country to war, and to the military connection with G.B. They shew at the same time that Spain herself not only does not aim at war, but...
483From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 5 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
Be pleased to issue your warrant on the appropriation for the Contingent expenses of the Department of State, for seven hundred dollars in favor of Christopher S. Thom: he to be charged & held accountable for the same. I am &c. DNA : RG 59—DL—Domestic Letters.
484From James Madison to John Armstrong, 15 July 1804 (Madison Papers)
A Commission by which the President appoints you Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States to the French Republic is herewith inclosed, with a letter of credence to the First Consul. The delivery of these will be an occasion of which you will avail yourself to assure the French Government of the continuance of those friendly dispositions which the United States have hitherto expressed, and...
485From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
I got home on friday night, by taking my carriage to pieces & making three trips with it over Porter’s mill pond in something like a boat, and swimming my horses. I found the roads over the flat lands much better than I had hoped. Having been once dry and smoothed, the rains did not penetrate and left them very passable even where slightly covered with water. I was glad to learn that you had...
486From James Madison to John George Jackson, 20 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
The mail of last evening brought your letter of which was due the preceeding one. I have but a comment to add to the enclosed, that I have just recd. a letter from Monroe of Sepr. 16. He had delivered a note to Canning on the 7th. in pursuance of the dispatches by the Revenge; but had recd. no answer. He seemed to think the moment favorable for a proper result, but could not speak with any...
487From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 12 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Albert Gallatin. 12 July 1806, Department of State. “I request you to be pleased to issue a warrant for three hundred & ninety three dollars and forty cents, on the appropriations for the relief of Seamen in favor of Joseph Cowing the holder of the enclosed bill of exchange for the same sum, drawn upon me on the 14 May last, by Marien Lamar, who is to be charged with the same on the books...
488From James Madison to James Monroe, 25 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
Your several letters to Apl. 19. have been recd. The dawn of your negociations has given much pleasure and much expectation . We wait with anxiety your next despatches, which will probably disclose the precise prospect if not the result in form . The crisis as seen here has been auspicious and I am persuaded that you will have seised [ sic ] and pushed its advantages . The purchase of the
489From James Madison to George W. Erving, 2 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
It appears by the enclosed letter from Mr. King, that on the application of the Proctors for his promise that their long or untaxed bills should be paid, he explicitly told them he could make no engagement to that effect, and that their demand must be decided by the Government of the U: States. It being uncertain whether the Commissioners, under the 7th. Article of the treaty, included in...
490From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
My arrival here was delayed till monday evening last; first by the completion of the business depending at Washington, and then by the breaking down of my carriage just after I had set out which detained me three days. I found at the post office your letter covering the pardon for miller, which was forwarded by the ensuing mail, with the intimation to Wagner which you wished. Yesterday I had...
491From James Madison to George W. Erving, 31 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
You will receive this from the hands of Mr. Christie heretofore a member of Congress from the State of Maryland. He proposes a visit to England, and I beg leave to make him known to you as a fellow citizen entitled to your esteem & civilities. As he leaves this country at an interesting moment in our public affairs, he will be able to give you a variety of information which cannot be detailed...
492From James Madison to Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 4 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your two letters of the 4th. & 27th. Ult. and have laid them before the President. The repugnance manifested in these communications on the part of his Catholic Majesty to the cession of Louisiana lately made by the French Republic to the United States, was as little expected, as the objections to the transaction can avail against its solidity. The United States have given...
493From James Madison to Rufus King, 24 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
My letter of the 15th. of June acknowledged the receipt of your communications of April 20 and 21st. by Mr. Sitgreaves. Your several favours received prior to that date and since, and not acknowledged complete your new series including No 36 with the addition of No 19. Having already communicated to you the decision of the President with regard to the proposed commutation of the claims against...
494From James Madison to Anthony Merry, 14 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 14 June 1805 . Calendared in the index to the State Department notes to foreign legations as “relative to sundry impressments &c &c” ( DNA : RG 59, Notes to Foreign Ministers and Consuls, vol. 1); described in Merry’s 17 June 1805 reply as referring to the brig Happy Couple .
495From James Madison to James Monroe, 9 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
By Capt. Brewster, who, with his son and two Pilots, are about to proceed to England as Witnesses in the case of Capt. Whitby, I send you copies of several of my last letters. He will also be the bearer of a letter from the Collector of New York stating the advances made to the Witnesses respectively. Two other Witnesses are expected to sail from Philada., to whom it was found necessary to...
496From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 December 1802 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State, to whom the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the United States of the 17th inst, was referred by the President, has the honor to inclose to him, the letters and communications annexed from the Governor of the Mississippi Territory, the Governor of Kentucky and from Wm E. Hulings formerly appointed Vice Consul of the United States at New Orleans. In addition...
497From James Madison to Snell, Stagg & Company (Abstract), 23 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
23 March 1805, Department of State . “I have duly recd: your letter of the 18th. inst. with the protest it enclosed respecting the capture, last year, of the Brig Hound, for a pretended breach of Blockade. I make no doubt that you have taken the usual measures for prosecuting an appeal from the sentence which has been passed: in the mean time the protest will remain in this Office among others...
498From James Madison to Jeremiah Townsend and Others, 31 January 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 January 1804, Department of State. “I have received your letter of the 10th. inst. [not found]. Should you be able to trace with certainty the perpetrators of the robbery, your rights may be enforced against them by adopting the proper legal proceedings, but the Government of the United States having no agent at Guadaloupe, have it not in their power to aid you in the investigation. “That...
499From James Madison to Arthur Fenner, 15 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the ratification, by the Legislature of Rhode Island, of the Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, relative to the election of President and Vice President, which you have been pleased to transmit to me. With the greatest respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obed. servt. RC ( R-Ar ). In Wagner’s hand, signed by JM;...
500From James Madison to Robert Denison, 5 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 13th. Ult, I have to inform you that there is no vacances in the Consulate for the Island of St. Thomas. Mr. James McGreggor, of Pennsylvania, fills that office at this time, as he has done since the 16th. Jany. last, when he was appointed to it by the President. I am &c DNA : RG 59—DL—Domestic Letters.