1To James Madison from James Simpson, 10 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 July 1801, Tangier. No. 34. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 21 May dispatch transmitted by Gavino. Three American frigates arrived at Gibraltar on 1 July; the Enterprize had anchored there on 26 June. Gavino informs him that the squadron proceeded into the Mediterranean on 4 July, a circumstance likely to produce the best consequences in negotiations with Barbary powers. Has received positive...
2To James Madison from James Simpson, 8 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 January 1802, Tangier. No. 35. Has requested that Captain Shaw of George Washington stop at Tangier for this dispatch as “we frequently experience detention, and sometimes even loss of Letters.” Has information that Emperor Mawlay Sulaiman is unhappy at not having received an embassy from the U.S. since 1795. Since the death of his prime minister Sidi Mohamet ben Ottman and other nobles in...
3To James Madison from James Simpson, 25 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 January 1802, Tangier. No. 36. Has learned from Gavino “that he could about this time negotiate some of my Bills.” Has drawn on JM for two bills totaling $2,000, which he asks JM “to direct being paid, and that sum charged to me, as a farther imposal on Account of Sallary … in arrangement sollicited in concluding paragraph of No. 35 [8 Jan. 1802].” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Tangier, vol. 1). 1...
4To James Madison from James Simpson, 20 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 February 1802, Tangier. No. 37. Owing to the “very great delay” in arrival of George Washington , has sent his no. 35 [8 Jan.] to Gavino to forward; transmits a copy. Has heard nothing further of the demands Pasha Hackmawy made on 14 Dec., which augurs well. Hackmawy “has been succeeded in the Command of this place by the Governour of Tetuan, who now holds both Govermts.—he is an...
5To James Madison from James Simpson, 19 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 March 1802, Tangier. No. 38. Forwards a copy of his dispatch of 20 Feb. Reports that the Essex arrived on 24 Feb. and sailed again on 26 Feb. On 13 Mar. the Batavian sloop of war Daphne arrived “with dispatches from that Government, containing assurances that an Embassy would be sent to Muley Soliman without delay”; the ship went on to Tunis and Algiers “with similar intelligence.” Relates...
6To James Madison from James Simpson, 13 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 May 1802, Tangier. No. 39. Forwards his dispatch no. 38 [19 Mar. 1802]. Reports that the emperor’s plan to send wheat to Tripoli has been suspended but has not been entirely given up, despite his and the Swedish agent’s efforts. Relays intelligence received 12 May that on 6 May the governor of Rabat had been ordered to send a schooner to Dar el Beida to load wheat for Tripoli and that a...
7To James Madison from James Simpson, 5 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 June 1802, Tangier. No. 40. Transmits a copy of his dispatch no. 39 [13 May 1802] and encloses a translation of the minister’s response to his and the Swedish consul’s 25 Apr. letter on the intended shipment of wheat to Tripoli, “by which you will see he submits the propriety of that measure to the Letter of the Treaties of Sweden and the United States, with this Country. Unfortunately...
8To James Madison from James Simpson, 14 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 June 1802, Tangier. No. 41. Presumes that no. 40 [5 June 1802], which was forwarded to Gibraltar on 10 June, is still there and that “this will go from thence with it.” On 13 June the governor informed him that “since Passports could not be granted for the two Cargoes Wheat he wished to send to Tripoly, His Majesty had directed the Vessels should go to Tunis; which I was happy to hear, as...
9To James Madison from James Simpson, 17 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
Its with great concern I am under the necessity of acquainting you, that either the information given the Swedish Consul and myself on Sunday last, respecting His Imperial Majesty having consented to allow his Wheat Vessels to go to Tunis, was extremely fallacious on the part of the Governour of Tangier, or the Emperour must have very speedily repented of having taken that resolution. This...
10To James Madison from James Simpson, 26 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 June 1802, Gibraltar. No. 43. Transmits a copy of his dispatch no. 42 [17 June 1802]. Is “extremely sorry” to report that he was “compelled by the Governour of Tangier to retire from thence on thursday Evening, in consequence of positive orders from His Imperial Majesty to that effect, received on the evening of the 22d, accompanied with advice of his having declared War against the United...
11To James Madison from James Simpson, 3 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 July 1802, Gibraltar. No. 44. Transmits a triplicate of his no. 43. Informs JM that “yesterday I received a Letter from the Governour of Tangier dated 30th. June, advising that His Imperial Majesty (in answer to the Letter he wrote on the 22d) had directed I might be permitted to remain [in Morocco] six Months.… Had this order arrived in time to prevent my expulsion, all would have been...
12To James Madison from James Simpson, 16 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 July 1802, Gibraltar. No. 45. Transmits a duplicate of his no. 44 and encloses a copy of his letter to the governor of Tangier and an extract of a letter from the Danish consul at Tangier “containing substance of what the Governour encharged him to communicate by way of reply to my Letter to him.” Thought it best to wait for the Adams and instructions from JM “before I closed with the...
13To James Madison from James Simpson, 27 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 July 1802, Tangier. No. 46. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 30 [20] Apr. , received from Captain Campbell of the Adams , and reports that he “landed here last Night” under a flag of truce to “more speedily and effectualy” make the communications JM charged him with for the emperor of Morocco. The governor is absent in Tetuàn, “whither I shall follow him tomorrow, and after the necessary...
14To James Madison from James Simpson, 3 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 August 1802, Tangier. No. 47. “Last Night I returned from Tetuan after having had an interview with Hadge Abdarhaman Hashash, who confirmed to me that the Ship mentioned to be at Larach, was destined to detain American Vessels, as well as others; and shewed me His Majestys original Letter … authorising Hashash to give directions to the Captain for that effect.… Happily Commodore Morris being...
15To James Madison from James Simpson, 12 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 August 1802, Tangier. No. 48. “Original of No 47 [3 Aug. 1802] was forwarded by way of Lisbon, duplicate and triplicate under cover of Mr Gavino at Gibraltar; each accompanied by a copy of the Letter I wrote the Emperour from Tetuan. I have now the honour of encloseing with this, translation of the answer I received last night, to that Letter; by which I am concerned to find new ground...
16To James Madison from James Simpson, 3 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
No 48 dated 12h. last Month was forwarded in triplicate by way of Lisbon—Cadiz & Gibraltar, each accompanying a translation of the answer, received to the Letter I wrote His Imperial Majesty Muley Soliman from Tetuan, which I hope will reach you safe. I have now the honour to acquaint you that after sending away No. 48, I reflected it would be best [to] delay writing the Minister again, untill...
17To James Madison from James Simpson, 14 September 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 September 1802, Tangier. No. 50. “I have this day taken the liberty of drawing a Bill on you to order of Mr Edward Humphry, payable thirty days after presentation for Two thousand dollars, on Account of Sallary; which request you will be pleased to direct being paid. Including this Bill, I have since my appointment to this Consulate, drawn for Ten thousand dollars in all, on Account of...
18To James Madison from James Simpson, 28 September 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 September 1802, Tangier. No. 51. Sent a duplicate of his no. 49 [3 Sept. 1802] with the Boston on 9 Sept. and a triplicate to Gavino on 10 Sept. Both were accompanied by a copy of his 1 Sept. letter to Moroccan minister Selawy. Encloses a translation of the minister’s answer, the essence of which “amounts to a confession that they have not been able to offer any thing farther, in support of...
19To James Madison from James Simpson, 15 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 December 1802, Tangier. No. 52. “The fund alluded to in the Letter you honour’d me with 21st. October being no longer within my reach, it has become necessary for me to draw Bills on you for Two thousand dollars for the Contingent expences of this Consulate, as will be more fully explained in my general Letter.” The bills, “for conveniency in passing,” are drawn in two sets of $1,000 dated...
20To James Madison from James Simpson, 24 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 December 1802, Tangier. No. 53. Acknowledges JM’s 27 July , 22 Aug. , and 21 Oct. letters . Circumstances have changed since the first two were written. Is pleased to learn that the president has approved his actions. Notes that his dispatch no. 51 enclosed a copy of Moroccan minister Selawy’s 20 Sept. letter. Encloses his answer and the minister’s reply. Confined his letter to the chief...
21To James Madison from James Simpson, 31 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 January 1803, Tangier. No. 54. Continuing westerly winds and severe weather all through January having prevented the Constellation from passing the straits, encloses his no. 53 [24 Dec. 1802] with this letter. Also encloses a report of U.S. vessels that have visited Moroccan ports during the past year [not found]. Commercial intercourse between the U.S. and Mogador has materially increased,...
22To James Madison from James Simpson, 28 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 March 1803, Tangier. No. 55. States that he kept his dispatch no. 53 [24 Dec. 1802] , awaiting Captain Murray’s arrival, until 2 Feb., when Captain Campbell of the Adams took charge of it together with no. 54 [31 Jan. 1803]. A severe eastern gale prevented Murray from calling at Tangier, but Campbell assured Simpson the letters would be forwarded safely. The emperor is still at Morocco but...
23To James Madison from James Simpson, 14 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 May 1803, Tangier. No. 56. Last wrote on 28 Mar. by way of Gibraltar and Lisbon. Has not since heard from JM. Admiral Cederström anchored at Tangier on 19 Apr. to invest Wyk with the Order of Vasa, then sailed for Sweden on 20 May, “his Squadron having all passed the Straits before him.” The emperor has returned to Meknes, where Alcayde Hashash and Wyk have been with him. Wyk returned to...
24To James Madison from James Simpson, 3 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 June 1803, Tangier . No. 57. The brig Mary of Salem, William Webb, master, owned by John Derby, has been requisitioned for the emperor’s service at Mogador to convey masts and naval stores to Salé. “Every possible opposition was made on the part of Mr Gwyn & Mr Brown the Supercargo, but to no effect.” Brown demanded $1,000 for the service; the governor of Mogador “promised to pay whatever...
25To James Madison from James Simpson, 8 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 June 1803, Tangier . No. 58. Forwarded his no. 56 dated 14 May by way of Gibraltar; sent no. 57 dated 3 June by the Brig Mary of Salem; sent duplicates of both to Jarvis in Lisbon. “Yesterday” received the original and duplicate of JM’s of 26 Mar. with a postscript to JM’s 1 Apr. letter. As requested, he encloses a copy of JM’s 21 Oct. 1802 letter . The delay in sending his nos. 53 and 54...
26To James Madison from James Simpson, 9 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 July 1803, Tangier . No. 59. Sent no. 58, dated 8 June, by Gavino. On 29 June received the triplicate of JM’s 26 Mar. dispatch with a 6 Apr. postscript authorizing him to draw bills for $4,000 on the U.S. minister in London for the purchase of one hundred gun carriages for the emperor of Morocco. Believes “this sum would not be equal to the cost and charges” of such a purchase, and as “every...
27To James Madison from James Simpson, 28 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 July 1803, Tangier . No. 60. Wrote last on 9 July (no. 59) in duplicate by way of Gibraltar and Lisbon. On 18 July the resident consuls issued passports for the frigate Mirboka of 22 guns and 100 men and on 23 July for the Maimona of 30 guns and 150 men. “It is portended both will be ready to put to Sea next week, but I doubt if the latter will.” The emperor gave each captain sealed...
28To James Madison from James Simpson, 15 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 August 1803, Tangier . No. 61. His letter of 28 July (no. 60) “was forwarded in triplicate by way of Gibraltar.” Two ships sailed from Larache and Salé on a cruise, and the two galleys built at Tetuán “have been by great exertions got over the Bar of that River, now nearly dry; they are daily expected here to compleat their equipment when they will be employed in and about the Straits, as...
29To James Madison from James Simpson, 5 September 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 September 1803, Tangier . No. 62. Wrote last on 15 Aug. (no. 61). Received distressing news from Captain Bainbridge of the Philadelphia , dated 29 Aug. off Málaga: “the suspicions I had entertained of hostile intentions” on the part of Morocco toward the U.S. “appear to have been but too well founded.” On receiving Bainbridge’s letter “Thursday last” met with Alcayde Hashash, “who denied …...
30To James Madison from James Simpson, 6 September 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 September 1803, Tangier . No. 63. Gavino having sent him “the Remainder of the Articles necessary to be provided previous to His Majestys arrival here, and transmitted an Account thereof,” has drawn another bill on JM for $550, which, along with the $1,000 drawn 15 Aug., he wishes JM to pay and charge “for this Service.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Tangier, vol. 2). 1 p.; marked “Triplicate”;...
31To James Madison from James Simpson, 26 September 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 September 1803, Tangier . No. 64. Encloses four documents and requests that JM lay them before the president: (1) the “answer to the Letter I had the honour of advising by No. 62 to have written the Emperour”; (2) “translations of a Letter from the Secretary of State with its enclosures chiefly regarding the Meshouda”; (3) “the Ministers answer to my Letter on subject of violent measures...
32To James Madison from James Simpson, 6 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 October 1803, Tangier . No. 65. Has drawn a bill on JM for $1,000 payable at thirty days’ sight “to order of John Gavino Esqr on Account of Sallary,” as is “fully explained” in his “general Letter of this days date.” Requests that JM pay this bill “accordingly.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Tangier, vol. 2). 1 p.; marked “Triplicate”; docketed by Wagner. Simpson next wrote JM on 8 Oct. 1803 . A...
33To James Madison from James Simpson, 8 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 October 1803, Tangier . No. 66. Informs JM that the emperor arrived in Tangier “on Wednesday last” but has held no audience because the prime minister, Sidi Mohammed Selawy, was sent on business to Tetuán. Preble anchored the Nautilus “in this Bay on Tuesday.” The frigates New York and John Adams arrived “On Wednesday Night.” The U.S. squadron “has paid every respect to His Majesty and on...
34To James Madison from James Simpson, 15 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 October 1803, Tangier . No. 67. Sent his letter dated 8 Oct. (no. 66) by way of Gavino. Will write at length by the New York , which will “touch here in a few days.” Informs JM that Preble left Tangier “yesterday for Gibraltar, after happily all differences being accommodated with this Country.” He and Preble had a conference “Monday last” with the emperor: “he expressed a strong desire of...
35To James Madison from James Simpson, 17 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 October 1803, Tangier . No. 68. Wrote JM on 8 Oct. (no. 66) and 15 Oct. (no. 67) by way of Gibraltar. Encloses duplicates of both with copies of their enclosures. By those letters “you will see His Imperial Majesty very early … shewed strong dispositions for Peace; experience has taught me how desireable an object that is to us.” “His Majestys conduct in regard to giving aid to Tripoly has...
36To James Madison from James Simpson, 17 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 October 1803, Tangier . No. 69. “After having closed my general Report of this days Date I beg leave once more to address you in respect to the totall inadequacy of the Antient Sallary granted for the Office I am honoured with. I am almost ashamed to repeat on this subject but necessity compells me, as … it is impossible for me to continue to serve the Nation at two thousand dollars a...
37To James Madison from James Simpson, 4 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 November 1803, Tangier. No. 70. Forwarded his dispatches nos. 68 and 69 by the New York , which departed on 19 Oct. The schooner Nautilus returned from Mogador on 30 Oct. with news from [Peter] Gwyn that on receipt of the emperor’s order on 19 Oct., “the Governour there immediately set the Crew of the Hannah at liberty and put Captain Williams in possession of his Vessel with every article...
38To James Madison from James Simpson, 26 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 December 1803, Tangier. No. 71. Refers to his last dispatch, no. 70 of 4 Nov., sent by way of Lisbon and Gibraltar. Has since learned from Gwyn that the emperor sent two messengers to Mogador with confirmation of orders for the release of the Hannah , “which I mention as a proof of his sincerity in that matter.” “Captain Williams applied to me for payment of his Seamens maintainance and...
39To James Madison from James Simpson, 12 January 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 January 1804, Tangier. No. 72. “I beg leave to advise that I have this day drawn a Bill of Exchange on you, payable thirty days after presentation to the order of Messrs. Khun & Green for Eight hundred dollars, on Account of the current Contingent expences of this Consulat. I have to request you will be pleased to direct said Bill being paid accordingly.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Tangier,...
40To James Madison from James Simpson, 28 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 February 1804, Tangier. No. 73. Received the original and duplicate of JM’s letter of 31 Oct. 1803 with postscripts of 4 and 10 Nov. The original was delivered on 22 Feb. “by Mr William Thom, together with Charter party of the Schooner Citizen and Bill of lading for One hundred Gun Carriages by that Vessel, destined as a Present from the United States to His Imperial Majesty Muley Soliman.”...
41To James Madison from James Simpson, 2 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 March 1804, Tangier. No. 74. “I have now to advise that all the Stores shipt on the Schooner Citizen for His Imperial Majesty have been landed in safety, but one Truck, which thro’ the negligence of the Moor Boatmen was lost overboard. As this was no fault of the Master of the Schooner, I gave him Certificates of the entire Delivery. The Rice was found of so very bad a quality it could not...
42To James Madison from James Simpson, 5 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 March 1804, Tangier. No. 75. “As I never untill now have been able to find an opportunity of passing Bills since the date of the particular Letter I had the honour of addressing you the 17h October last year, I have but this day drawn a Sett of Bills on you to order of Messrs Khun & Green of Gibraltar payable thirty days after presentation for Two thousand dollars, being the sum mentioned in...
43To James Madison from James Simpson, 7 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 April 1804, Tangier. No. 76. “I avail of this opportunity of the Vessel by which Mr Thom returns to the United States, to hand you translation of His Imperial Majestys Letter in answer to that I had the honour of writing to advise the arrival of the Gun Carriages. “On the 24th last Month I had the honour to receive your Letter of the 26th December, which it is impossible for me to answer by...
44To James Madison from James Simpson, 14 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 June 1804, Tangier. No. 78. “I have the honour to acquaint you that the three grand Festivals of the Moors happening all in this half year, together with the extra disbursements arising on the circumstances mentioned in my former Letters, has occasioned my drawing a Bill on you of this date to order of Messrs. Khun & Green for One thousand six hundred dollars, payable thirty days after...
45To James Madison from James Simpson, 10 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 July 1804, Tangier. No. 79. “I avail of the opportunity of a Schooner for Boston has put in here to take Water, to acquaint you that the Emperours three Ships have been fitted out, Maimona of 30 Guns & 70 Men at Sallé Maimona 32 Guns & 80 Men } at Larach Mirboha 14 Guns & 50 Men You will observe the number of Men has been considerably reduced from what they usualy carry, which marks their...
46To James Madison from James Simpson, 13 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 August 1804, Tangier. No. 80. “Original of No 79 [10 July 1804] was forwarded by the Schooner Jane, sailed from this Bay the 10th last Month for Boston. “I have now the honour to acknowledge receipt of the Letter you addressed me on the 6h June , accompanying the Act for not only establishing the Mediterranean Fund but makeing an immediate appropriation for its purposes of a Million of...
47To James Madison from James Simpson, 30 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 August 1804, Tangier. No. 81. “My late correspondence with Sidy Muhammed Selawy on subject of His Imperial Majestys wish to send Wheat to Tripoly, having in some particulars become of rather an Interesting nature, I think well to hand you herewith translations of my Letter to him of the 9th Inst., his answer of the 20th. and my reply of the 26h. I was enduced to send him the Letter from...
48To James Madison from James Simpson, 15 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 September 1804, Tangier. No. 82. “No. 81 conveyed copy of my correspondence with Sidy Muhammed Selawy last Month. I have not yet received any answer to my Letter of the 26h., but my Friend at Rhabat advises me he had read and explained it to him on the 2d Instant. Captain Rodgers went off Sallé and at his return here on the 27h Ulto acquainted me the Emperours three Ships had retired within...
49To James Madison from James Simpson, 24 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 September 1804, Tangier. No. 83. “No 82 dated the 15h. Inst. forwarded in Quadruplicate, advised amongst other matters that Muley Soliman had appropriated a sum of money said to be about One hundred & forty thousand dollars for the purpose of augmenting his Navy. I have now the honour to acquaint you that this money has not been (as was intended) shipt for Lisbon; directions have been given...
50To James Madison from James Simpson, 6 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 October 1804, Tangier. No. 84. “With this I have the honour to enclose triplicate of No. 83 [24 Sept. 1804]. Advice has this day been received that on the 28h. Septr His Imperial Majestys Frigate Maimona returned to Salle with a Prussian Ship and Brig bound from Lisbon to Amsterdam and Antwerp, captured off the Coast of Portugal. “The Captain of the Maimona reports that the other Frigate of...