801From James Madison to William Charles Coles Claiborne, 16 May 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. a letter from Messrs: Winter & Harman inclosing a copy of their Memorial to you of Oct. last, with your answer, and claiming a permission to introduce into the Mississippi a ship with slaves which they expect from New Providence. It being improper to discuss a claim of that sort with the Memorialists, if the grounds of it were less absurd and the stile less exceptionable, I...
802From James Madison to James A. Buchanan, 27 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 February 1804, Department of State. “Your letter of the 15th. inst. has been duly received together with the papers it enclosed, respecting the capture of the Brig Lear and the proceedings exercised against her at Antigua. Should the event of a condemnation take place, it will be advisable for you to appeal to England, since the doctrine of the blockade of Martinique is [ sic ] announced by...
803From James Madison to Stephen Higginson and Others, 6 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have received your two letters of July 23 & Aug. 11; the former requesting the interposition of the Executive with the Government of Spain for redressing injuries suffered by American Merchants in Spanish Colonies; the latter suggesting that in the mean time, a public vessel be dispatched thither with an Agent authorized to demand a more prompt justice from the local authorities. The...
804From James Madison to Charles Pitt Howard, 11 September 1805 (Madison Papers)
I was presented a few days ago with a sample of Wheat from Buenos Ayres, and of Barley from Old Spain. Being deprived of the opportunity of putting them into the ground myself, I know not that I can dispose of them better than into your hands. I have no particular reason to suppose that either has any peculiar merit; but it may be the case; or they may improve by a change of climate. Such...
805From James Madison to Anthony Merry, 29 January 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have been duly honored with your several letters, two of the 7th. another of the 8th. Instant. In one of those of the 7th. a Claim is advanced in Behalf of British Subjects, under the third and the additional Articles of the Treaty of 1794, to extend their Commerce with the Indians, to the Tribes dwelling within the Territory lately acquired by the United States beyond the Mississippi. As...
806From James Madison to Samuel Cabot, 10 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 May 1802, Department of State. Acknowledges Cabot’s letter of 1 May “communicating your intention to return to London as an assessor to the Board of Commissioners under the 7th. Article of the Treaty of 1794. on the terms explained in my letter of the 24th. ulto. beyond which I am not authorized to countenance any expectation.” Informs Cabot his account has been settled at the Treasury...
807From James Madison to John Joseph Fraissinet, 5 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To John Joseph Fraissinet. 5 November 1805, Department of State. “Enclosed you will receive the passport requested for yourself & family. As it is not at present thought advisable to institute a commercial or consular agency to Martinique, I can only observe in answer to the other parts of your letter, that the circumstances which may be thought to recommend you to fill it, will be estimated...
808From James Madison to William Pinkney, 10 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
Finding that Mr. Erskine detains the packet a day longer, I add a line to my private letter of yesterday. The communications made to Congs. have it would seem, kindled all the indignation which was to be expected. The paternal solicitude of H. B. M. for the sufferings of the people here under the Embargo, was recd. with ridicule & contempt. The repetition of the paragraph was called for with a...
809From James Madison to William Lattimore, 30 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 December 1803. “The Secretary of State presents his respects to Dr Lattimore and informs him that the commission of John Steel as Secretary of the Mississippi Territory expired on the 7th May 1802 and that the commission of his Successor is dated 3 March last.” RC ( DNA : RG 233, Petitions and Memorials, 8A-F1.1). 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand; unsigned. Printed in Carter, Territorial Papers,...
810From James Madison to Samuel W. Dana (Abstract), 14 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
14 February 1805, Department of State . “As Mr. Eaton’s accounts are depending in the Treasury, the memorial of Mr. Cotton, enclosed in your letter of yesterday has been transmitted together with the letter to the Auditor, in whose power it will be to answer the question you propose.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p. Letter not found. For congressional consideration of...
811From James Madison to Charles Simms, 10 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Charles Simms. 10 July 1805, Department of State. “I request you to be pleased to inform me whether there is at Alexandria any Vessel, bound to Boston; as I wish to Ship thither five pieces of brass cannon intended for Barbary.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 15). 1 p. On 12 Aug. 1805 the War Department charged the State Department $8,664.99 for five brass eighteen-pound cannon...
812From James Madison to John Armstrong, 2 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
From the period when the misunderstandings between France and the United States encouraged the Agents and cruizers of the former in the year 1797 to fall upon the trade of the United States, till the capture of Curaçoá, this Island served as a station for Commissioning and fitting out privateers, for holding judicial proceedings over prizes, for selling them, and in short could scarcely be...
813From James Madison to Daniel Clark, 10 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter was sent to me by Mrs Clark, with a request that it might be forwarded to you. I take this occasion of congratulating you on the successful termination of the measures for placing Louisiana in our hands, and of repeating my acknowledgments for the active and useful services which you have rendered on the occasion. The Bill providing a government for this acquisition has not...
814From James Madison to Henry Hill Jr. or Josiah Blakeley (Abstract), 14 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
14 May 1805, Department of State . “The owners of the Brig Eleanor of Baltimore expressing their wish to regain her and some other property jeopardized in St Jago by the Barratry of the Master, Benjamin Alden, have requested that your official countenance may be given to their endeavours as far as may be necessary and is warranted by the circumstances of the case. You will therefore be...
815From James Madison to William Arnold & Son, 1 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 January 1802, Department of State, Washington. Returns papers the firm had sent concerning the seizure of a ship “under circumstances, which Seem to bring it within the Clause of the Convention with France providing for restitution.” Suggests that the papers be forwarded to Livingston, the U.S. minister at Paris, who has been charged with pursuing such claims, or to the firm’s correspondent...
816From James Madison to James Monroe, 1 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
I commit to your care the inclosed letters & papers for Genl. Fayette which are left open for your perusal. We have just recd. the Message of his B. Majesty which is represented as the signal of a certain rupture with France. From the positions taken by the parties, both diplomatic & military, such an event seems scarcely avoidable. I hope we shall be wise enough to shun their follies, and...
817From James Madison to John Francis Mercer, 23 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
Having acknowledged by the return of the bearer the receipt of your letter of the 16th. instant, with the extract from Mr. Chase’s letter to you enclosed in it, I have now only to add that both of these documents will be forwarded to Mr. King, with an instruction to avail himself of their contents, in pressing to a just result, the negociation with the British Government, relating to the...
818From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 8 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to request that you cause a warrant to be issued in favor of Michael Nourse, the holder of the enclosed bill of William Lewis, lately charged with Dispatches from this Department to France; the said bill being dated the 11, May last, for Nine hundred & fifty six dollars & 97 Cents; payable out of the appropriations for foreign intercourse. The said Lewis to be charged...
819From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 15 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To James Leander Cathcart. 15 July 1806, Department of State. “Beside the four field pieces, the Secretary, bureaux and rice, which could not, for want of room, be received on board the Franklin, it has unfortunately happened that 80 barrels of loaf sugar and ten tons of log-wood, belonging to the Ambassador have, from the same cause, been left at Baltimore. They have however been ordered...
820From James Madison to Samuel Coleman, 13 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
With the inclosed from Col. Monroe, I have recd. a list of his furniture at Richmond, from which, by an arrangement between us I am to take such articles as I may chuse. As I infer from his communications to me, that they are to be selected, packed & forwarded under your care, I take the liberty of furnishing you the inclosed memorandum for the purpose, and of requesting that those marked, to...
821From James Madison to Fulwar Skipwith, 30 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
You will receive herewith evidence of the Citizenship of Alexander Mc:Donnell, who, it appears, was impressed from the American Vessel, Lydia, into the British Ship Iris, some time in 1804, and was afterwards transferred to the Gun Brig Jackall, in which he was detained on the 6th. February 1807. The documents are sent to you, at the request of the Wife of this Man, as she has learnt that the...
822From James Madison to Isaac Cox Barnet, 18 July 1804 (Madison Papers)
Since the letter which gave you an election of the appointments of Commercial Agent at Havre and Antwerp, information was received which indicated that the former place had your preference. A commission was therefore some time ago forwarded to Mr. Jacob Ridgway appointing him to Antwerp, and another to Mr. John Mitchell appointing him Vice Commercial Agent at Havre. The latter commission will...
823From James Madison to Louis-André Pichon, 2 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 May 1803, Department of State. Acknowledges receipt of Pichon’s notes of 18 and 19 Apr. and informs him that “measures have been taken by order of the President, to ascertain the truth of the facts alledged in the documents therein enclosed, to the end that such ulterior steps may be pursued, as the result of the enquiry may render necessary.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p.
824To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 19 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I received last night your letter of the 18th. with a return of the Letters sent with it. Capt. Saunders who is alluded to in Mr. Erskine’s communications, being in the land service, and the alledged enlistment of British deserters, being into the same service. I shall address the information to Genl. Dearborn, and shall intimate to Mr E, that foreign deserters will not be permitted to enlist...
825From James Madison to Robert Smith, 28 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Robert Smith. 28 June 1806, Department of State. “I have the honor to enclose a letter, directing the Collector of Norfolk to deliver to Capt. Wederstrandt of the Brig Franklin a small quantity of Rice intended for the Bey of Tunis. This, with the goods purchased by the Ambassador of Tunis, and stored at Baltimore will be all that is necessary to be taken on board before the Vessel...
826From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 11 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a copy of a letter I propose to write to Mr. Erving, Agent of Claims in London, and the draft of a notification to be published in the Newspapers, as therein expressed. The transfer of the monies received on account of the adventures of Masters and Seamen of captured Vessels, for which restitution has been decreed, from London to this City, in the manner explained,...
827From James Madison to the President of the Senate, 22 December 1802 (Madison Papers)
In pursuance of the “Act to revive and continue in force certain parts of the ‘Act for the relief and protection of American seamen,’ and to amend the same,” I have the Honor to lay before the Senate Abstracts of the Returns made to me by the Collectors of the Customs within the United States, of Registered and of impressed American seamen; to which is added a Report, exhibiting an Abstract of...
828From James Madison to Willink and Van Staphorst, 6 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have this day drawn upon you, at fourteen days sight, in favour of Thomas T. Tucker Esq Treasurer of the United States, for twenty thousand current Guilders, being the sum received from the Batavian Government on account of the condemnation of the cargo of the ship Wilmington Packet, at St Martins, on the 30th Sept. 1793 and placed by Mr Murray late Minister Resident of the United States at...
829From James Madison to Levi Lincoln, 25 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Tho’ much hurried in preparing for my journey home I can not leave this place without thanking you for your last very kind letter, and wishing you all the happiness in your domestic situation which will be added by the perfect reestablishment of Mrs. Lincoln’s health, and that of her mother. Mine in which you are so good as to take an interest, ⟨h⟩as with a slight bilious interruption...
830From James Madison to William Pinkney, 30 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
My last was of the 4th. inst, and went by a British packet from New York. I now forward a copy of it. Congress ended their Session on the night of the 25 inst. The series of newspapers, herewith sent, affords a view of their proceedings subsequent to the communications last made to you. Some other prints are included which throw light on the workings of public opinion and the State of public...
831From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
I sent you yesterday by Docr. Bache a packet recd. by the mail of last week, that it might the less interfere with what you receive directly. I avail myself of another private opportunity to forward the communications recd. by the mail of yesterday, by which means the further advantage will be obtained, of gaining a week in those cases which require your sanction, and which need not go back...
832From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 April 1804, Washington. “Inclosed herewith are the letters last recd from Mr. Pinkney, with some communications from the Mediterranean, and from the Comissrs. under the 7th. art: of the British Treaty. The capture by Capt: Preble was in some respects very apropos; but is there not danger that it may give umbrage to the Grand Seignor?” Adds in a postscript: “Not knowing the address of...
833From James Madison to Richard Harrison (Abstract), 25 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
25 March 1805, Department of State . “In answer to the questions you have put, respecting Mr. Savage’s accounts, I have the honor to observe; “1st. That the charges for Stationery are inadmissible, but those for Office rent may be allowed, if moderate & sufficiently vouched; and “2nd. That it has not been unus[u]al to pass small charges in such accounts, upon the deposition of the...
834From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 23 February 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since my last which was of the 18th day of January, I have received your several letters of the 11th and 14th November, 1802. As you will receive this from the hands of Mr. Monroe, I refer to him for full information relative to our internal affairs generally, and in particular to the violation of our right of deposit at New Orleans, with the impressions and proceedings which have resulted...
835From James Madison to William Tatham (Abstract), 6 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
6 May 1805, Department of State . “J. Madison has received the volume of papers concerning the province of Quebeck. He thanks Mr. Totham [ sic ] for this tribute to the collection of Books in the Office of State; as well as for the polite access which he offers, to the other Books in his possession, of which he has not duplicates.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 2 pp.
836From James Madison to John Armstrong, Jr., 8 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
Your letters and communications by Dr. Bullus were duly delivered on the day of . The same conveyance brought a copy of the sentence pronounced by the French prize Court in the case of the Horizon, giving a judicial effect to the Decree of Novr. 21. 1806, as expounded in the answer of Mr Champagny to your letter of the . Whilst the French Government did not avow or enforce a meaning of the...
837From James Madison to John Beckley, 22 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To John Beckley. 22 November 1805, Department of State. “I have the honor to enclose a certificate of the election of a new member of the House of Representatives for the State of Delaware with the letter of Mr. Robinson in which it was transmitted to me.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 15). 1 p. The new member of the House of Representatives from Delaware was James Madison Broom...
838From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 22 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
It has been concluded by the Secy. of the Navy that the public ship the General Greene, can be advantageously sent with the provisions intended for the squadron in the Mediterranean, and the gun carriages promised to the Emperor of Morocco. I have proposed to the President by a letter of this date that 30,000. dollars be tendered, by this opportunity, to the Dey of Algiers, who will be...
839From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 26 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 15th inclosing a letter from Capt. Crafts, came duly to hand. I think it will be proper to have the statement in the letter authenticated and beg you to have it done, should the oppy. offer. We ought to possess, and when proper, to exhibit the real facts of the case at issue with G. B., leaving the impartial to appreciate the influence on its merits from the circumstance that...
840From James Madison to Sylvanus Bourne, 13 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 April 1802, Department of State, Washington. “The President of the United States, to whom I have communicated the request contained in your Letter of the first february last, just received at this office, yielding to the weight of circumstances which produced it, authorizes me to inform you, that you have his permission to come to this Country at the time you mention: But I have it in...
841From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 28 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
Be pleased to issue your warrant on the appropriation for the Contingent expenses of the Department of State for Five hundred dollars in favor of James Davidson Jnr.--he being the holder of a bill of exchange for that amount, dated 3 Decr. 1806, drawn on me by W. C. C. Claiborne Esqr., who is to be charged & held accountable for the same. I am &c. DNA : RG 59—DL—Domestic Letters.
842From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison’s respectful compliments to the President It appears that the Secy. of State, the Secy. of the Treasury, & the Attorney General were appd. Commissrs. to settle with Georgia, by their names, but with their official titles annexed. On the resignation of Col. Pickering, Mr. Marshal was appd. in his room , No resignation of his Commission for the Georgia business being referred to or...
843From James Madison to David Gelston, 19 June 1806 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has communicated to me the report made to you by the British Ship of War Chichester on her entering the harbour of New York. As it does not appear what species of stores she has been sent to procure, I have thought it necessary to remind you, that she cannot be permitted to receive any articles of contraband of war nor any equipments of a nature merely applicable...
844From James Madison to Reuben Newman, 25 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
On the motion of James Madison and Coleby Cowherd for leave to turn a part of the road leading from the tanyard to Gordon’s tavern, it is ordered that Reuben Newman, Reuben Smith, John W. Powell and Nathaniel Gordon or any three of them, being first duly sworn for that purpose, do view the ground along which the said road is intended to be conducted, as well as the present way, and make report...
845From James Madison to Benjamin Lincoln, 28 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Benjamin Lincoln. 28 July 1806, Department of State. “I beg the favor of your opinion, whether the persons, who have executed the enclosed bond as sureties, would be considered as sufficient by those who know them.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 15). 1 p.
846From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 28 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 24 Ult: has lain longer by me without an acknowledgt. than I intended. One cause of the delay was an omission to address myself to the Auditor instead of the Sey. of the Treasy. and his taking some little time in the crowd of business, to prepare the inclosed note on the subject of your accts. which contains all the information I can now give. I have myself recd frequent...
847From James Madison to Hans Rudolph Saabye, 28 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 November 1801, Department of State, Washington. Transmits papers concerning Henry Harrison, “son of a respectable Citizen of New Jersey.” Requests Saabye to extricate the young man from his “engagements” in the Danish service or at Copenhagen and “facilitate his return.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, IC , vol. 1). 1 p. The young man may have been a member of the Harrison family that was...
848From James Madison to James Trimble, 18 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
The President of the United States being desirous of availing the public of your services as Attorney of the United States for the District of East Tennessee, I have the pleasure to inclose your Commission, and am Very respectfully Sir, your most Ob Sert. Catalog--The American Museum of Historical Documents.
849From James Madison to Jacob Wagner, 15 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 15 August 1801. Acknowledged in Wagner to JM, 24 Aug. 1801 . Requests documents on tonnage and countervailing duties imposed by Great Britain on American shipping.
850To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 23 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Having sent you by Mr. Davis the communications recd. by the mail of last week, I have none to make you at present. You will find me at home, on saturday or sunday, when I hope to be able to fix the day for following you to Washington. The despatches for Mr Livingston will be ready by the time I shall have the pleasure of seeing you. My conversation with Mr. Graham who staid a day or two with...