401From James Madison to William Dubourg, 26 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To William Dubourg. 26 January 1806, Washington. “Regretting the omission which has suspended the payment of the first note remitted to you, I lose no time in returning it properly endorsed, with assurances of my respect & esteem.” RC ( MdBSAr : Archives of the Associated Sulpicians of the U.S.). 1 p. Cover addressed and franked by JM . See JM to Dubourg, 21 Dec. 1805 , PJM-SS Robert J....
402From James Madison to William Dubourg, 21 December 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your favor of the 19th. instant. It affords me very great plea sure to learn that the dawn of my son in law’s deportment is found to be so acceptable. I was fully aware of the little progress he had made in his studies, and was the more anxious on that account, that in future he might have the aids which I doubt not he will experience under your superintendance [ sic ]. The...
403From James Madison to Dudley Porter Jr. and Company, 17 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 July 1804, Department of State. “I have received your letter of the 9th. inst. representing the loss you have sustained from the capture and detention at Dominica of a vessel and cargo belonging to you, and requesting the aid of the Executive to procure restitution. In answer I have to inform you, that as the British laws provide for damages to be judicially awarded in cases of illegal and...
404From James Madison to A. B. Due, 6 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 June 1803, Department of State . “The Secretary of State has received your letter of the 3rd. inst. [not found] with its enclosures. As the latter prove yourself and Messrs. Matry and Letailleur to be residents of the United States and not citizens, it is out of his power at present to grant the passports you request. If you have any other evidence to prove you to be citizens, you will be...
405From James Madison to Thomas Dulton, 28 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 November 1802, Department of State, Washington. “In consequence of your letter of the 11th. of this month [not found], I have directed the transcript of the proceedings in your case, at Caraccas, to be returned herewith. The enclosed letter to Mr. Pinckney contains a recommendation of your business to his attention as you will see by the extract which I send you.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG...
406From James Madison to Armand Duplantier, 2 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
You are probably not ignorant that an Act of Congress has conferred on General Fayette a grant of land amounting to between 11 & 12 thousand Acres, and that the locations of it in tracts not less than 1000 acres each, are authorized in the Orleans territory. The friendship which has long subsisted between the Genl. & myself has led him to transmit me his power of attorney to obtain the...
407From James Madison to Pierre Samuel DuPont de Nemours, 2 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Madison presents his best respects to Mr. Dupont de Nemours, and requests that he will be so obliging as to take charge of some despatches for the American Minister at Paris, which are forwarded by the present mail to the post-master at Philada. They are to be handed by him to Mr. Dupont. Should a failure happen, Mr. M. will take it as a favor, if Mr. Dupont will please, before he embarks,...
408From James Madison to Flanmand Dusar, 20 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 January 1803, Department of State, Washington. Acknowledges Dusar’s 10 Jan. letter [not found] with the enclosed documents concerning his claim against Spain. A convention stipulating the appointment of commissioners to examine cases and make awards is now before the Senate for ratification. When the convention is ratified and the commissioners appointed, “public notice will be given to the...
409From James Madison to Gabriel Duvall, 25 October 1804 (Madison Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 21st. of July last, requesting my opinion upon the correctness and admissibility of the four following items in Doctor Steven’s account, viz, Dollars 1. For hire of a French Schooner to carry dispatches from the Cape to the Government of the U: States } 2000 2. For hire of a French Schooner to carry dispatches to Genl. Maitland at Jamaica & expences of the...
410From James Madison to Gabriel Duvall, 25 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 January 1805, Department of State. “The Secretary of State has had the honor to receive the Comptrollers note of this day. The mode suggested of vouching the charges in Mr. Thom’s contingent accounts has been, in consequence, adopted as to those depending for settlement. The list referred to, it is conceived, is rendered unnecessary by the certificate of the Chief Clerk, and it would...
411From James Madison to Elisha Dyer, 13 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Elisha Dyer. 13 June 1806, Department of State. “I have received your letter of the 4th. inst. respecting the injury done to the Schooner Morning Star, by a British vessel of war off the coast, which eventuated in the loss of the Schooner on Ocracock bar. Should you be able to discover the authors of this injury, it will be necessary for you to prosecute them in the Court to which they...
412From James Madison to Rufus Easton (Abstract), 22 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
22 March 1805, Department of State . “The President of the United States being desirous of availing the public of your services as a Judge of the Territory of Louisiana, I have the pleasure to inclose your Commission.” RC ( MoSHi ); letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Permanent and Temporary Presidential Commissions). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. For...
413From James Madison to William Eaton, 10 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
Your several letters not heretofore acknowledged have been received down to that of the 22d. day of february last. Your Bills amounting to Sixteen thousand Dollars in favor of Stephen Kingston and John Shaw, will be paid; but it is regretted that the draughts were made, particularly that for future contingencies, without the statement of your accounts, which had been enjoined. I hope you will...
414From James Madison to William Eaton, 1 March 1806 (Madison Papers)
In answer to the letter in which you bring the subject of your claims, arising whilst you were the Consul at Tunis, again before this department, I have to observe, that no new evidence has been received, since the letter to the Committee of claims, of which a copy is enclosed, was written; except the statements of Doctor Davis. These, as you will perceive, tend to prove the actual extortion...
415From James Madison to William Eaton, 20 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Your letters of 2 & 18 Septr. 6 Octr. 1. 9. 10. 15. 16. 13. 25, 19, & 21 Novr. and 8th. Decr. have been received since the date of Mr. Lincoln’s letter by the Grand Turk, which sailed from New York in March last, with the third cargo of Regalia for Tunis. The proofs, which have been given by the Bashaw of Tripoli, of hostile designs against the United States, have, as you will learn from...
416From James Madison to William Eaton, 17 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed is the invoice of the ship Peace and Plenty, which carries out the last cargo of the stores, stipulated to be delivered to the Bey of Tunis. We hope they will be favorably received, and that the business of the present of jewells has been arranged at as small a sacrifice as possible. By the last advices from Mr. King it is probable, that they have before now arrived at Tunis. If you...
417From James Madison to William Eaton, 12 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
Capt. Jercovich of the Ragusan Brigantine Benevenuto having executed a release of his charter-party, I enclose a certified copy of the instrument for your information. I have delivered to him on your behalf a mutual release. The money paid to him on account of this transaction has been duly charged against you in the Treasury books. I am very respectfully, sir, Your most obed. servt. RC ( TxU...
418From James Madison to William Eaton, 14 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have received your several letters of the 5. 7 & 9th. August 12th. September 9. 13 & 22d. October, 9 & 12th Novr. 13 & 20th. Decr. 1802. The Dey of Algiers having urged several objections to receiving Mr. Cathcart as Consul in the room of Mr. OBrien, the President has determined to appoint another; thus yielding to the usage, which admits of the refusal of a Consul for reasons peculiar to...
419From James Madison to William Eaton, 7 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 January 1805, Department of State. “I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th. Septr. last , and to inform you that no Act of this Government, has been passed to release the Chevalier Antonio Parcile [Porcile] from the demand you have against him for payments made as his surety on loans obtained by him at Tunis in 1798,9 for the purposes of ransoming from Slavery...
420From James Madison to William Eaton, 22 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
Not having your last letters by me I cannot refer to their dates, nor particularly to their contents. The most important part of them communicated the plan concerted with the brother of the Bashaw of Tripoli for making use of him against the latter, in favour of the U. States. Altho’ it does not accord with the general sentiments or views of the United States to intermeddle in the domestic...
421From James Madison to Thomas Eddy, 10 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Thomas Eddy. 10 March 1806, Department of State. “If you have not taken measures to include your claim on the French Government under the Louisiana Convention, it is too late. Unless you made Mr. Erving your private Agent, it was by no instruction from the Executive that he retained the commissions. But it will easily be conceived, that in some cases descrimination between the power of...
422From James Madison to Editors of Gazettes, 1 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
YOUR gazette having been chosen as a means of promulgating the laws of the present session of congress, you will commence the publication from the National Intelligencer, the editor of which has been requested to forward it to you, until the publication is completed. Should not all the laws come to hand by these means, which by a list of their titles that will be published at the close of the...
423From 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...
424From James Madison to Pierpont Edwards, 27 February 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Pierpont Edwards. 27 February 1806, Department of State. “The President being desirous of availing the public of your services as Judge of the District Court of Connecticut, I have the honor to forward you the Commission.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 15). 2 pp. JM presumably enclosed a copy of Edwards’s 24 Feb. 1806 commission (1 p.; offered for sale in Robert F. Batchelder’s...
425From James Madison to Eliphalet Land and Co, 4 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 12th. Ultimo has just been received. The business to which it relates will be attended to by Levitt Harris Esqr. our Consul at Petersberg, on being furnished with documents substantiating the facts, and constituting the merits of the case. I am &c. DNA : William Short Papers.
426From James Madison to William Ellery, 3 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 January 1803, Department of State, Washington. “It appearing that the Ship Alnomac was registered at Newport, I request you to be pleased to communicate the enclosed translation of a letter, lately received by me, to the relati⟨ves⟩ of the deceased Capt. Chace.” RC and enclosure ( NjP : Crane Collection); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). RC 1 p. In Wagner’s hand, signed by JM....
427From James Madison to Andrew Ellicott, 6 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 June 1803, Department of State . “A voucher has been transmitted to the Treasury Department, enabling you to receive three hundred and fifty Dollars for expenditures specified in your letter of the 27th. Decr. last.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p. On 4 June Jefferson issued a certificate, “by the representation of the Secretary of State,” to serve as a voucher for the...
428From James Madison to Andrew Ellicott, 8 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
Having been lately a good deal out of health, & the Chief Clerk confined by the same cause for some days past, several letters have been unavoidably unanswerd, & among them yours asking the aid of the Dept. of State in exchanging scientific information with a Correspondent in Europe. You will now please to accept the information that whatever facility can be properly afforded for the purpose...
429From James Madison to Andrew Ellicott, 8 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 May 1801. Acknowledged in Ellicott to JM, 20 May 1801 . Offered for sale in Sotheby Parke Bernet, Fine Americana: Manuscript and Printed (25 Nov. 1975), item 408, which notes that the one-page letter, in JM’s hand, “informs Ellicott attempts will be made, in about twelve or fourteen days, to settle accounts due him for ‘… running the Southern Border .’”
430From James Madison to Andrew Ellicott, 8 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
On my arrival here to take charge of this department, I received several letters from you, urging the settlement of the accounts of the commission for running the Southern Boundary. I regret, that the weighty business, which has engrossed, and continues to demand, the attention of the head of this Department, has retarded the settlement. It is much to be wished, that you should be present,...
431From James Madison to Andrew Ellicott, 18 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr. John Churchman, author of the magnetic Atlas, being desirous of testing the correctness of his theory by comparing it with actual observations of the variation of the needle, has applied to me by letter for a copy of those which he was informed were made under your direction on the Southern Boundary of the United States, and which he supposed were deposited in this office. The enclosed...
432From James Madison to Andrew Ellicott, 17 October 1805 (Madison Papers)
I recd. some days ago your favor of the 2d. inclosing a letter to Genl. Armstrong, which will be forwarded with a few lines from myself, of the purport you suggest. I perceive by the printed reports of the election that your estimate of the event is not likely to be disappointed. The schism among those heretofore united in the scale of republicanism, could not but be regretted, whatever the...
433From James Madison to George Ellis, 25 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
The papers accompanying your letter of the 16th. have been received. It is probable that the Commissioners may require proof of your Citizenship and that of your late partner: and considering the place where the contract was made, they may not be content with the presumption that payment has not been made, unless asserted in a deposition by you. Thinking it advisable that you should take the...
434From James Madison to Joseph Emerson (Abstract), 15 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
15 June 1805, Department of State. “I have received your letter of the 4th. inst. [not found] respecting the Vessels captured from you in 1797 by the French, the circumstances of which, as you state them, preclude any encouragement to expect restitution.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 15). 2 pp.; dated “June 1805”; date assigned on the basis of the letter’s position in the letterbook.
435From James Madison to Jean-Augustin Ernouf, 15 October 1804 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 15 October 1804. Calendared in the index to the State Department notes to foreign legations as regarding “the situation of the officers & crews of the ship Hopewell & Brig Rockland ” (DNA: RG 59, Notes to Foreign Ministers and Consuls, vol. 1). For the seizure of the Hopewell and Rockland , see George Barnewall to JM, 6 Sept. 1804 . On 16 Oct. 1804 State Department clerk...
436From James Madison to David Erskine, 28 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have had the Honor to receive your Letter of the 18th. Instant, complaining of a Violation of the Law of Nations, in the Interruption of certain Dispatches from Vice Admiral Berkeley to yourself, and requesting that a Prosecution may be instituted against William Duane of the City of Philadelphia, on whom the Offence is charged. Having in my Letter of the l9th: Inst, inclosing the Dispatches...
437From 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,...
438From James Madison to David Erskine, 20 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have laid before the President your letter of the 12th: instant, communicating the views of His Britannic Majesty in relation to the French decree of Novr: 21st: 1806, and the principle of retaliation, through the commerce of Neutrals; who may submit to the operation of that decree; as also the measure actually taken, of prohibiting all Neutral commerce from port to port of his enemies, not...
439From James Madison to David Montagu Erskine, 1 August 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to submit to Your Attention a Copy of a Letter of June 4th: of the current Year from William Reeves, stiling himself an Officer in the Naval Service of His Brittannic Majesty, and acting as Prize Master to a Spanish Vessel captured by the British Frigate Hebe, to Governor Claiborne of the Orleans Territory. I cannot doubt, Sir, that this fresh Instance of insulting Address...
440From James Madison to David Montagu Erskine, 7 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving your letter of the 4th. instant, stating that certain British Seamen charged with mutiny, piracy and an attempt to murder their Officers on board an American vessel which had been detained by a British ship, and was then proceeding to a British Port under the care of a prize master, had taken refuge in the U. S. and requesting that the Government would cause...
441From James Madison to David Montagu Erskine, January 1807 (Madison Papers)
From the supplement to your letter of the 4th. instant, and the papers enclosed in it, I learn that Captn. Douglas of H. B. Majestys Ship of War Bellona now in Hampton Roads, has failed to discharge an American Citizen named Richard Dickins now on board that ship; alledging that he entered voluntarily on board another British Ship of War, whence he was sent on Board the Bellona, where on the...
442From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 21 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to receive your letter of the 7th. instant and at the same time one of the two dated on the 12th. The other of this Date has also been since received. I am glad to find by the Postcript to that of the 7th: that the Dispatches which had been delayed, had got safe to hand; and I cannot doubt that as far as General Matthews may have been a party to the Delay, your candour will...
443From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 12 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
In my answer of the 21st. Ult to the part of your letter of the 7th. which refers to a declaration made by a Sergeant Frodsham, that certain British Deserters from the British Ship of war Chichester, had been enlisted into the American service, having on, at the same time, their British uniforms, it was signified that enquiry would be made into the fact. I have now the honor to inclose a copy...
444From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 29 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
FURTHER Reflection on the Tenor and Tendency of the Order of His Britannick Majesty, communicated by your Letter of the 16th Instant, which was answered by mine of the 24th, induces me to resume that important Subject. From the Difficulty of supposing that the Order can have for its Basis either a legal Blockade, impossible to be extended to all the Ports described in the Order, or a supposed...
445From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 25 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
Having laid before the President Your Letter of the 23d. of Febry., explaining the character of certain British orders of Council issued in Novr. last, I proceed to communicate the observations and representation which will manifest to Your Government, the Sentiments of the President, on so deep a violation of the commerce and rights of the United States These Orders interdict to neutral...
446From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 18 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to acknowledge the rect. of Your Letter of the 13th: Inst: together with it’s Inclosures. As they relate to a Subject, more immediately belonging to the Navy Department, I have asked the necessary Information from that Department, and so soon as I receive it, shall hasten to communicate to You the result. I have the Honor to be, With great Consideration, Your obedt. Servt:...
447From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 29 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
Your Letter of the 21st. Inst: on the Subject of the detention by the Collector at Niagara, of certain Boats belonging to Canadian Merchants, engaged in the Indian Trade was duly received and communicated without delay to the Secretary of the Treasury on his return to this City. The Inclosed Copy of his Instructions to the Collector will explain the Interposition which has been thought best...
448From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 1 August 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to submit to Your Attention a Copy of a Letter of June 4th: of the current Year from William Reeves, stiling himself an Officer in the Naval Service of His Britannic Majesty, and acting as Prize Master to a Spanish Vessel captured by the British Frigate Hebe, to Governor Claiborne of the Orleans Territory. I cannot doubt, Sir, that this fresh Instance of insulting Address from...
449From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 22 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit herewith proof of Citizenship of John Wharff, an American Seaman, who is stated to have been impressed on board His Britannic Majesty’s Sloop of War Rattler, and to request the interposition of your good offices to obtain his discharge. The Rattler is said to be on the Halifax station at present. I have the honor to be with great respect & consideration, Sir, Your...
450From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 9 August 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have just received a Letter from the Post Master at New York, stating on the declaration of Capt Selliman of the Ship Thalia, which was carried into a British Port by a British Cruiser, that his Letter Bag, including Dispatches from the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at Paris, to the Department of State, was taken to the Court of Admiralty, the Letters indiscriminately opened,...