1To James Madison from Rufus King, 2 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
Preliminaries of peace between France and Great Britain, were signed last night at Lord Hawkesburys office. With perfect respect & Esteem I have the honour to be Sir Your ob: & faithful Servt: RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 9); letterbook copy ( NHi : Rufus King Papers, vol. 54). RC docketed by Wagner.
2To James Madison from Rufus King, 25 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 May 1801, London. Introduces Prince Ruspoli, officer in the Order of Malta, who comes recommended “by our Countryman Mr. West.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.; marked private.
3To James Madison from Rufus King, 26 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 April 1801, London. No. 15. Received instructions several months ago to procure jewels as present for bey of Tunis and had estimated cost at £7,000 sterling. That part of presents consisting of silk and woolen cloth (valued at over £1,000) has been sent to Eaton by Maw-hood and Co. Jewelry is being prepared by Rundel and Bridges to be finished in June, about the same time as the guns and...
4To James Madison from Rufus King, 20 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 March 1802, London. No. 59. Reports that Bird, Savage, and Bird will send to the Treasury Department the accounts for the Tunisian present and encloses copies of his letters on shipment of the articles. Has had no word from Hargreaves since he left Algiers; in early February Eaton was temporarily in Leghorn for his health. Nothing decisive has occurred in the negotiations at Amiens, but...
5To James Madison from Rufus King, 11 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
As my mission abroad had no other connexion with the money department of our Govt. than wht. arose from the payment and receipt of my annual appointments, I made it a point carefully not to have the custody, or to become accountable for any money belonging to the public. Hence I have concluded that I have no accounts to settle with the treasury. But as however this department keeps the accts....
6To James Madison from Rufus King, 5 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 July 1802, London. No. 71. Reports that the loan recently obtained by the Dutch government at a rate of interest “hitherto unknown in that frugal and industrious Country” has “excited a good deal of curiosity.” It is believed that part of the loan, in the amount of 15 million guilders, has been paid to France to secure release from the claims of the Prince of Orange, pursuant to the separate...
7To James Madison from Rufus King, 27 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 February 1802, London. Within the past ten days, some persons have begun to question whether the Amiens negotiations would end in a definitive treaty. Does not share this opinion and points out that prolonging the negotiation would harm British financial and commercial interests. Can only deal in conjectures as to the discussions at Amiens but is confident “they bear no resemblance to the...
8To James Madison from Rufus King, 20 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 August 1801, London. No. 30. Conveys word from Murray and Dawson that exchange of ratifications has been completed in Paris. Encloses letter from Eaton with latest information on situation at Tunis. Refers to previous statements of his reluctance to execute Eaton’s orders. RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 9); letterbook copy ( NHi : Rufus King Papers, vol. 54). RC 1 p.; marked...
9To James Madison from Rufus King, 2 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
The news Papers, among which is the Porcupine, the Paper of the new opposition, which Mr. Dawsons repeated disappointments enable me to add to those I had before delivered to him afford a pretty just view of the public Sentiment concerning the peace. Mr. Sheridan, in a single sentence has happily expressed this sentiment: “It is a peace every body is glad of, and no body proud of .” Of the old...
10To James Madison from Rufus King, 18 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 December 1802, London. No. 77. The language and measures of the British ministry during October produced “no beneficial effect” upon the French government. “The temper then manifested, had it been persisted in, would have involved the Nation in a new War. But the tone was soon lowered: the orders supposed to have been given to retain certain Possessions … have been recalled, and with the...
11To James Madison from Rufus King, 2 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
The Receipt of my dispatches will have apprized you of my arrival. For the moment I am engaged in the arrangements which the Settlement of my family require—as soon as I find a leisure moment I will prepare and send you the promised Supplement to my last dispatch, tho I really have nothing of importance to add. I do not recollect whether it has been the usage for our Ministers to proceed to...
12To James Madison from Rufus King, 9 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
Lord Whitworth was ordered to leave Paris on the Evening of the 3d. instant, unless the French Government should have signed a Minute by which it should be agreed that the English should continue the Military possession of Malta for ten years; that the Island of Lampidusa should be ceded to them for ever; and that the French Forces should be withdrawn from Holland. On the morning of the 3rd....
13To James Madison from Rufus King, 19 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 July 1802, London. No. 73. Reports receipt of 25 June letter from Commodore Morris at Gibraltar announcing Morocco’s “unexpected declaration of war” on U.S. Has notified U.S. consuls in Great Britain so that American ships might be forewarned. Does not know why “this unjust Proceeding has arisen,” having “no exact information either concerning the internal condition of Morocco, or of the...
14To James Madison from Rufus King, 17 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
War seems more and more probable, indeed it appears to me inevitable: Holland will be involved, and Spain and Portugal must obey the commands of France. The day after the Kings Message to Parliament was communicated to the French Government, Bonaparte delivered to Lord Whitworth a paper (a copy of which I have seen) stating: 1. That the Expedition preparing in the Dutch Ports, was, as all the...
15To James Madison from Rufus King, 22 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
I left London the 18th. and sailed from Cowes the 21st. of last month—on the 16. the King sent a message to Parliament announcing the termination of the discussions with france, the Recall of the English ambassador from Paris, and that the french ambassador had left London; and calling upon Parliament to support “him in his determination to employ the Power and Resources of the Nation in...
16To James Madison from Rufus King, 29 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
In answer to your Letter of the 24 inst. I have the honour to state that no engagement was ever made by me that the long Bills of the Proctors shd. be paid. In consequence of an instruction that I gave to the agt. Mr Bayard to require that the proctors Bills shd. be regularly taxed, several of them came to me, to represent what they called the usage on this subject, and to urge me to...
17To James Madison from Rufus King, 15 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 May 1801, London. No. 17. Reports that Lord St. Helens has sailed for negotiations with Russians on the subject of a northern confederacy. Since French influence remains strong in St. Petersburg, believes British may have more difficulty than they expect. Conveys word of British victory in Egypt. Acknowledges receipt of 6 May letter from Dawson, then off Start Point. Dawson reached Le Havre...
18To James Madison from Rufus King, 28 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 March 1803, London. No. 88. “My No. 86. [19 Mar. 1803] communicated the tenour of Lord Hawkesbury’s Note of the 15. to the French Ambassador: the conclusion of the Note refers to the demand of France for the evacuation of Malta and declares ‘that the King cannot consent to its evacuation unless substantial security be provided for those objects which in present circumstances would be...
19To James Madison from Rufus King, 13 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 March 1802, London. No. 58. Reports there is no further information on the negotiations at Amiens since his last letter. In a “ free conversation ,” Addington “ yesterday told me that during the last Fortnight his mind had balanced whether to wish the conclusion or rupture of the negotiation ” but that the British were ready to sign a definitive treaty “provided it be done without any...
20To James Madison from Rufus King, 30 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 July 1801, London. No. 28. Believes French invasion of Great Britain unlikely despite military preparations on both sides. Has heard nothing from Egypt. Reports that Sweden has agreed to British-Russian convention; expects Denmark soon to follow suit. Relays report that Tripoli declared war on U.S. 14 May. RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 9). 2 pp.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by...
21To James Madison from Rufus King, 28 February 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 February 1803, London. No. 82. Acknowledges JM’s letters of 16 and 23 Dec. 1802 . “By Lord Hawkesbury’s desire, I have conferred with Colo. Barclay respecting the continuation of the Boundary through the Bay of Passamaquoddy who has made no objection to the line we have proposed, tho’ he appears to think that it would be improper to cede to us the Island of Campo Bello unless the cession...
22To James Madison from Rufus King, 26 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 May 1802, London. No. 68. Reports anxiety among British manufacturers and merchants “founded upon the Belief that France would exclude, either wholly or in a very great degree,” British manufactures. “The prohibitory Laws of France passed during the War have been declared to be in force, and were it not for a recent and extraordinary Law which puts into the hands of the Chief Consul,...
23To James Madison from Rufus King, 9 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 February 1802, London. No. 52. States that the definitive treaty is not yet signed but preparations are being made to reduce the war establishment. Virtual annexation of Italian Republic by France will not impede peace with England, and neither Austria nor the rest of Italy has a voice at Amiens. The size of Great Britain’s peacetime establishment is unknown, but it will be larger than...
24To James Madison from Rufus King, 9 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
Herewith I enclose the Letter of the Comee. of the Senate, together with my answer to yr’s of the 4. Should it still be thought inexpedient to ratify the Convn. without farther Explanation I should think there would be no objection on the part of G. Br before the delivery of the Ratifications, to exchange with Mr Monroe a dec[larati]on that the Conn. was concluded without Reference to the...
25To James Madison from Rufus King, 20 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 June 1802, London. No. 70. Has received the duplicate of JM’s letter of 1 May ; as soon as the original arrives, will take “immediate measures to complete the Convention by exchanging the Ratifications.” The commission under article 7 is proceeding satisfactorily; more than fifty cases have been decided since it recommenced its business, and once the exchange of ratifications is made,...
26To James Madison from Rufus King, 4 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 October 1801, London. No. 37. Had expected to close negotiations on article 6 of the Jay treaty in time to forward result via Dawson, who is on the point of embarkation, but they are not yet concluded. Transmits instead a report of activities since his dispatch no. 32 [24 Aug.]. Will not agree to any variations on or enlargements of the [1783] treaty of peace as this would only “lay the...
27To James Madison from Rufus King, 20 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
Annexed I have the honour to send you a copy of my Correspondence with Mr. Anstey upon the Subject of the British Debts. Reference may be had to numbers 93 & 98. of the last series; the former inclosing Copy of a Paper delivered to Lord Grenville on the 23. of November 1800, as a commencement of the negotiation, and the latter explaining his Lordships reasons for devolving on Mr. Anstey the...
28To James Madison from Rufus King, 10 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 June 1802, London. No. 69. Acknowledges JM’s public letter of 7 Apr. “communicating the Presidents approbation of the Convention respecting the 6 & 7 articles of the Treaty of 1794”; by “private accounts of a later date” has learned of the Senate’s consent. Has no news as to countervailing duties; “their continuance or repeal is a question submitted to the decision of Congress.” Does not...
29To James Madison from Rufus King, 24 July 1804 (Madison Papers)
Owing to my absence from NYK. I had not the honour of receiving yr letter of the 13. before yesterday. Although the suspended Items in my a/c are in my judgment equitable charges, yet as they seem not to be included within the List of contingent expenses heretofore allowed, I feel myself duly sensible of the Presidents liberality in the direction which he has authorised to be sent to the...
30To James Madison from Rufus King, 9 February 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 February 1803, London. No. 81. “As I apprehended might be the case, Bird Savage & Bird have answered my demand for the surrender of the Bills of Exchange lately remitted to them, by saying they were unable to deliver them up, as they had been discounted before their failure.” Has requested the firm to prepare and send him “their Accounts including all receipts and Payments up to the day on...
31To James Madison from Rufus King, 24 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 September 1801, London. No. 35. Acknowledges JM’s letters of 21 May , 15 and 30 June , and 24 , 27 , and 28 July , the last three conveyed by Erving. Contrary to his earlier report, Denmark has not agreed to the convention with St. Petersburg, but he assumes it will eventually do so in order to regain its possessions in the East and West Indies. Discusses the situation in Europe after the...
32To James Madison from Rufus King, 10 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 May 1803, London. No. 97. “Upon farther search several Trunks of Papers respecting West Florida have been discovered, and upon my application orders were immediately given to deliver them to me. I have annexed Copies of the application, and Answer, in order that the manner may appear in which these Documents came into our possession. “I am told by the Clerk who found them that there are...
33To James Madison from Rufus King, 4 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 September 1801, London. No. 33. Reports that several American merchantmen have been seized off blockaded French coast despite Lord St. Vincent’s assurances that such vessels would be warned and turned away. Hopes to have these ships released soon. Expresses surprise that American merchants still continue to risk valuable ships and cargoes after long experience with the situation and their...
34To James Madison from Rufus King, 30 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
The question of Peace or War is still undecided; and as France plays for Time, and England (in which there is a public opinion) for a good Case to lay before the Nation, the negotiation may be spun out still longer; tho’ it continues to be said, as has been said for the last fortnight, that the next Messenger would enable the Ministry to bring it to a close. The objection of the British...
35To James Madison from Rufus King, 5 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 August 1802, London. Suggests that if the president consents to his return to the U.S., the same public ship could bring his successor and return King home. Realizes it is unlikely a frigate from the Mediterranean would be convenient, since “coming from that Quarter she might be liable to perform Quarantine which would occasion a long detention, as well as great Expense.” Requests to be...
36To James Madison from Rufus King, 23 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 December 1801, London. No. 45. Encloses copy of a letter from Lord Hawkesbury to Sir John Nicholl that has resulted in an order of restitution by the High Court of Admiralty in favor of all American vessels and cargoes detained on passage to Le Havre, except for the Frederick of New York and its cargo, the agents having brought that case to trial too soon. Conjectures the sentence may be...
37To James Madison from Rufus King, 14 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 August 1801, London. No. 29. Encloses copies of letter from John Turnbull of Turnbull, Forbes, & Company and the order in council referred to therein. Has sent Arrowsmith’s five-volume atlas; plans to forward Faden’s collection of maps and charts as soon as it is completed. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 9); letterbook copy and copies of enclosures ( NHi : Rufus...
38To James Madison from Rufus King, 12 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
From the month of May till September or October, including what is here called the long vacation, very little Business can be done in London; it being the custom of almost all official Characters to pass the summer in the Country, and to visit London as seldom as they can. I am not aware that anything very pressing will, in the course of the summer, especially if the Peace be definitively...
39To James Madison from Rufus King, 7 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Owing to the continuance of the King’s illness, the change of the Ministry is still incomplete, and very little business, beyond the ordinary routine, is transacted. It is supposed to be on this account that no measure has been adopted in consequence of the Prussian Note avowing the King’s accession to the Northern Confederacy, the Principles of which, according to every appearance, are to be...
40To James Madison from Rufus King, 20 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
If the annexed copy of the Treaty between France and Spain, respecting the establishment of the Prince of Parma in Tuscany, be genuine, of which I have no reason to doubt, you will perceive the value which these Powers seem to have placed upon Louisiana; the cession whereof to France is confirmed by the 7th. article of this Treaty. I am in hopes that I shall be able to obtain and send you a...
41To James Madison from Rufus King, 8 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. and am obliged to you for your letter of the 5th. the settlement of my family will for some time call for and engage my time and attention, after this shall have been done, I will cheerfully upon an intimation from you, visit the seat of Govt. and make any such personal Communications as you may require. Had I supposed that you had not recd. dispatches from Paris of a date...
42To James Madison from Rufus King, 20 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 October 1801, London. No. 40. Adverse winds, which have delayed Dawson’s departure, give opportunity to send continuation of report on conferences with the lord chancellor and Lord Hawkesbury. Situation now is uncertain with no hint as to the turn it may take. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 9); letterbook copy and copy of enclosure ( NHi : Rufus King Papers, vol....
43To James Madison from Rufus King, 13 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 May 1803, London. No. 98. “I have the honour to transmit herewith the Convention which I yesterday signed in Triplicate with Lord Hawkesbury relative to our Boundaries. The Convention does not vary in any thing material from the tenour of my Instructions. The line thro’ the Bay of Passamaquoddy secures our Interest in that quarter. The provision for running, instead of describing, the Line...
44To James Madison from Rufus King, 13 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 February 1802, London. No. 53. Informs JM that Great Britain will accede to a proposal to abolish all discriminatory duties between U.S. and British territories and that Vansittart has moved for a bill in the House of Commons authorizing the king “by an order in Council, or by Proclamation, to cause the countervailing Duties … wholly to cease, or to be suspended.” Counts on the bill passing...
45To James Madison from Rufus King, 30 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 November 1801, London. No. 43. Understands that Lord Cornwallis will leave Paris soon for Amiens, where ministers from France, Spain, Portugal, and Holland will gather to conclude peace negotiations. Expedition to Saint-Domingue has not left, but a British squadron is to go immediately to the Jamaica station; it is supposed that the French expedition will proceed without waiting for the...
46To James Madison from Rufus King, 16 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 July 1802, London. No. 72. Reports that he exchanged ratifications of the convention on 15 July with Hawkesbury. An original copy of the British ratification and certificate of exchange will be delivered to JM in Washington by Gabriel Christie, a former U.S. representative from Maryland. RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 10); letterbook copy ( NHi : Rufus King Papers, vol. 55). RC...
47To James Madison from Rufus King, 16 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 June 1802, London. Acknowledges JM’s private letter of 7 Apr. conveying the president’s permission to visit France and neighboring countries. Has no plans at the moment; might spend a few weeks at Paris in July or August. His secretary, John Pickering, returned home several months earlier; “I have expected as his successor my Nephew Mr. H. Southgate, who will probably arrive in the course...
48To James Madison from Rufus King, 8 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 March 1802, London. No. 56. Reports that Austria is “highly dissatisfied, as justly she may be, with the issue of the meeting at Lyons.” Obstacles delaying conclusion of definitive peace treaty and the “unexampled stagnation of the Trade of this Country” have abated ardor for peace in Great Britain as well. This change in the “temper of the public mind” is attributed to Napoleon, whose views...
49To James Madison from Rufus King, 10 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
The day before yesterday I received the Duplicate of your letter of May 21. and am persuaded that the appearance of Commodore Dale in the Mediterranean must have a favourable influence upon our affairs in that quarter. My No. 20 will have apprized you of the Sentiments of this Government in respect to this Squadron, upon the Supposition that it was destined to the Mediterranean: these friendly...
50To James Madison from Rufus King, 31 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
It is confidently believed that a considerable Expedition composed of land & Sea forces, is preparing in france, and will soon proceed to St. Domingo, and perhaps to the mississippi. Should Toussaint resist, our commerc[e] may experience fresh Embarrassments in the west India seas. On this account among others the Presence of our Minister at Paris becomes more and more desir⟨a⟩ble. To my...