1451To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 14 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 January 1803, Baltimore. Forwards some intermediate numbers of the Leiden Gazette just received. “If about the time of my return to Holland in the Spring any circumstances arising out of our foreign relations should render neccessary a temporary special Agency or commission from our Govt to any part of Europe, I should be glad of the employ as it would be an aid towards my expenses while it...
1452To James Madison from Elias Vanderhorst, 2 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
The preceding are Copies of my last Letters to you of the 12th. & 13th. Ulto. since which I have not had the pleasure of he aring from you, nor has any thing worth communicating occurred in t he interval. Enclosed are four Letters which I have recd. for you fr om Mr. King, as also a few News-Papers & the latest London Price Current, to which I beg leave to refer you for what is passing in this...
1453To James Madison from William P. Gardner, 22 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 June 1803, Philadelphia . Informs JM of his arrival in Philadelphia from the Dutch colonies on the coast of Guiana, after a quarantine of thirty days in Delaware. Waited some time in the colonies for accreditation but left after the governor refused his exequatur. As a result of “the impositions laid on the American Commerce in that Country and the Conduct of the persons at present in...
1454To James Madison from Richard Bland Lee, 6 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Under cover I send to you a letter from Mrs. Lee to the friend of her youth. Permit me at the same time to assure you, that a visit from no persons, to our hermitage, could afford us more delight than from Mrs. Madison & yourself. Occupied entirely with rural pursuits, & having at present no business to lead me to the city, I trust you will without ceremony favor us with your company, whenever...
1455To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 15 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose the Charter-party of the ship Osage chartered for the United States by the collector of New York, in conformity with the directions of the President of the United States. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Sir Your obedient Servant DNA : RG 59—ML—Miscellaneous Letters.
1456To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 19 August 1806 (Madison Papers)
I am Sorry that another unexpected obstacle is likely still longer to retard the departure of the Tunisians. The Secretary of the Navy has forwarded letters of the 13th. of which the enclosed copies were furnished only yesterday. An indemnity for the annulling of the debentures by Shifting the cargo would be a mere form; and if no Treasury arrangement could dispense with the inconvenience...
1457To James Madison from Thomas Mathews, 3 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
I shall offer no excuse for the liberty I take in introducing my friend Lieut. Saunders, to your notice and attention. I flatter myself you will find Mr. Saunders an agreeable young Man, and I know He will be acceptable to you, for He is a Man of Honor and integrity. As I am fixed at the principle mart in our State, it would give me pleasure to render you any services in this quarter. I pray...
1458From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 11 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
As the letter proposed to the Emperor of Russia may lead to something of importance, I wish to communicate it to the other gentlemen of the admn. will you therefore be so good as to correct it severely , and return it to me as you would approve it? DLC : Papers of James Madison, Rives Collection.
1459To James Madison from Caspar Wistar Jr., 29 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to introduce to you two very distinguished Travellers, Dr. Anthony Fothergill lately from Bath in England, where he has been long established & enjoyed great reputation honourably acquired by numerous successful exertions in the Cause of Science & humanity and the celebrated Baron Humbolt, who is now on his way to Europe after an excursion of more than five years in South America &...
1460To James Madison from Jacob Lewis, 1 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 October 1804, Port au Prince. “I feel it my duty on all occasions to Communicate to you all Political information which may be interesting to my Governement. On my return to america from this Country from my last voyage hither, I Communicated to the President Through Mr. Granger; Such information as I had received respecting proposals which had been made to the Chiefs of This Island, by the...
1461To James Madison from Peter Bryan Bruin, 12 October 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to announce to you, my determination, (after thirty six years public life,) to resign my present Office of first Judge in and over this Territory, on the first day of March next. I give this early information, that the President may be enabled, to nominate a Successor at an early period of the Session. Accept Sir, the assurances of my respect. DNA : RG 59--LRD—Letters of...
1462To James Madison from E. Belden & Company, 8 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 March 1803, New York. Acknowledged in Brent to E. Belden & Company, 17 Mar. 1803 (DNA: RG 59, DL, vol. 14), as an inquiry about their charge against the government for printing the laws in the N.Y. Commercial Advertiser. Brent stated that the U.S. treasurer would remit payment to Samuel Latham Mitchill in New York.
1463To James Madison from James Monroe, 11 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I expected to have been presented to the King at the last levee according to the intimation of Lord Hawkesbury at our interview on my arrival; but the day before the levee Mr. Hammond called to express the regret of Lord Hawkesbury that the death of Lord Bristol the father of Lady Hawkesbury, which was known only the night before, put it out of his Lordships power to accompany me to the court...
1464To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 8 October 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John M. Forbes. 8 October 1806, Hamburg. “It is only Since a few days that I have heard that a certain Captain Peter Turner of Ship Horace of Portsmouth (N. H.) had threatened to make some remonstrances to you on the Case of an American seaman whom I had forced him to receive on board his Ship with the sum of Ten dollars allowed by law. I must misconceive the Spirit of our Government...
1465To James Madison from John Gavino, 29 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 December 1801, Gibraltar. Reports that frigate Boston arrived on 22 Dec. and brought him JM’s letter of 3 Oct. [not found] with two enclosures for Cathcart that he forwarded to Appleton at Leghorn. Has just been informed that Swedish admiral Cederström is at Málaga with four Swedish frigates and orders to cooperate with Commodore Dale against the Tripolitans. Partial Tr ( DNA : RG 46,...
1466To James Madison from William Lee, 14 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 July 1804, Bordeaux. “It having been represented to me that some of my Countrymen in London and Paris ⟨co⟩mment severely on my conduct respecting the Joseph & Phoebe of Castine from Virginia with Tobacco via Cowes the situation of which Vessel I mentioned to you in my respects of the 11th of April I have thought it a duty I owe myself to enclose you copies of my letters on this affair (in...
1467To James Madison from George W. Erving, 14 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
The last dispatch which I had the honor to address to you, was dated on the 10th. of April; after a Sudden, but bloodless Revolution had placed Ferdinand the 7th., the idol of his generous & grateful people, on a throne which, defended by their courage & patriotism, seemed to be irrevertible by any other human power: His virtues & good dispositions afforded the most flattering prospects; and...
1468From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 5 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you the pamphlet of the author of War in disguise of it’s first half the topics & the treatment of them are very common place. but from page 118. to 130. it is most interesting to all nations, and especially to us. convinced that a militia of all ages promiscuously are entirely useless for distant service, and that we never shall be safe until we have a selected corps for a year’s...
1469To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 12 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I very much regret the accident, which retarded the dispatches from France. Upon the enquiry I made, after the receipt of your favor of the 4th. it appeared that they had been detained in the Georgetown Post office, from the monday on which they should have been forwarded to the succeeding friday, by the mistake of the Postmaster. All the letters and packets I made up for the mail on the...
1470To James Madison from Aaron Vail, 23 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 June 1803, Lorient . Acknowledges receipt “yesterday” of a commission as “commercial agent at this port and neighbouring ones.” Will pay “strict attention” to JM’s circulars of 1 Aug. 1801 and 9 Apr. 1803, as well as to his “general instructions” to U.S. consuls. Has also received a copy of the laws enacted by the first session of the Seventh Congress; wishes to receive a copy of those...
1471To James Madison from S. B. Wigginton, 31 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 May 1804, Bordeaux. “When inconveniences, or evils of a very small magnitude are suffered to exist for a length of time they are very apt to become serious in the end, & sometimes not easily remedied. My situation and standing in life may make it appear presumption in me to attempt to point out an abuse that arises from passports issued from the Office of Secretary of State, which are of...
1472To James Madison from James Monroe, 3 October 1804 (Madison Papers)
Some days after Lord Harrowby returned from Weymouth I received from him a note of the 26th. ult. expressing his regret that he had been so engaged since his return, that he had not been able to see me, and, that he could not even then fix a time for the purpose. His note concluded with an invitation to dinner on the 29. at his house in the country. On an attentive consideration of the note...
1473To James Madison from Thomas Auldjo, 26 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to write you 1st. March last by the S hip Charles to New York. I now embrace the opportunity of a Ship I have loaden for Philadelphia, to send you a few of our latest newspapers which will shew the State of things in this Country better than I can describe it. Trade is very much at a Stand, but notwithstanding that, the people at present in power seem determined to persevere in...
1474To James Madison from Robert W. Fox, 20 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert W. Fox. 20 January 1806, Falmouth. “Since my last respects of the Decemr there have been detained the two following Vessels, the Oliver Woolcott Captn Richards from North Amboy with Sugars bound to Amsterdam, carried into the Mountsbay, and the Lucy Captn Peckham from Baltimore with a Cargo of Sugar, Coffee &ca bound to Nantes put into this port—on the arrival of the latter...
1475To James Madison from David Humphreys, 27 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Yesterday I received by way of St. Sebastian farther copies of your several Dispatches, dated the 2nd of August and the 8th and 23d of September last. My first proceedings on the contents of all of which having already been reported, I have only to observe that I shall continue to transmit to you my correspondence with His Catholic Majesty’s Ministers on these and other subjects of national...
1476To James Madison from Thomas Law, 15 July 1804 (Madison Papers)
As the present Administration takes every opportunity to promote the happiness of those around them, I am induced to submit to your perusal imaginary Speeches to the Indians now here which I wrote on Saturday for my amusement, but which (as my mind tells me I ought not to suppress them) I now trouble you with. Mr Dunn a very sensible Irish Gentleman who visited the Indians informed me, that...
1477To James Madison from Samuel Latham Mitchill, 28 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
This is the third day of our Election; and the polls must be all closed this Evening. The opposition have made a very strong effort against us. They have spared no pains to ensure success to their Cause. Their hopes were grounded originally less on their own Numbers, than on a division which they beleived to exist among the republicans. Unfortunately, from causes which you well know, there was...
1478To James Madison from Richard Claiborne, 6 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Richard Claiborne. 6 March 1806, New Orleans. “In virtue of a Resolution of the City Council, certain improvements have been made to the Streets—and it was directed, that the expense attending the same should be defrayed by the respective Owners of Lots. The street in front of the Government House has been improved as directed by the City Council; and I am this day presented with an...
1479To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 16 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of the 11th of May with its inclosures. I can give you no better proof of my own solicitude to prevent any violation of the neutral rights of the United States, than the circumstance of my having about six weeks ago reminded His Majesty’s Consul at Norfolk of the rule established by the American Government as to the interval required...
1480To James Madison from William Lee, 26 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 26 June 1806, Bordeaux. “If it is not thought incompatible with the public service, I shall feel obliged if you will have the goodness to obtain leave for me of the President, to visit the United States, the next fall. Should this permission be granted me, I will with your approbation name either Mr John Appleton of Calais, Mr Anderson of montpellier, or Mr. F. Rotch a very...
1481To James Madison from Philip Mazzei, 30 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 August 1804, Pisa. Notes that JM will receive this letter from Giuseppe Timpanari Vigano, to whom Mazzei has also given a letter for the president that contains a succinct and informed narration of Timpanari’s vicissitudes. Though certain that Jefferson would have JM read it, has suggested it to him. Ardently desires that JM know the nature of them before having to deal with Timpanari. Asks...
1482To James Madison from Harry Toulmin, 20 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
I feel myself much indebted to you for your favour of October the 7th and for the intimation which you are pleased to give that the offer of my services in making enquiries relative to the country lately acquired by the United States could not fail of being acceptable. Much discordancy of sentiment I find prevails on the course which ought to be taken relative to the purchased territory: but I...
1483From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 12 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Nathaniel Ewing of Pensylvania to be Reciever of public monies at Vincennes. RC ( ViU ); addressed: “The Secretary of State”; written on verso of an address sheet in John Barnes’s hand: “The President, of the United States.” PoC ( DLC ). Notation in SJL : “Ewing.” Nathaniel Ewing had been recommended to Gallatin by John Badollet, the recently appointed register of the land office at Vincennes...
1484To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 20 December 1802 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure of Writing you from Leghorn announcing to you my arrival in Italy. Since this I have been in Florence & Pisa & am now in Rome. Knowing your sincere friendship for me I venture again to inclose you a letter I have Written to my Daughter sketching my Tour thus far, & I send it to You, Open, requesting you when You have read it to seal the letter it is in directed to my friends...
1485To James Madison from John Francis Mercer, 20 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 June 1801, West River, Maryland. Recommends Anne Arundel County resident John Groves for clerkship. “This business is peculiarly disagreable to me … but when called on by any Citizen of the County I live in, I deem it in some measure a duty, to give them every advantage in my power that I think they merit.” RC ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison Papers). 1 p. Mercer, a native of Stafford...
1486To James Madison from John Mitchell, 9 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of addressing you some time since, When I solicited you to recomend Me as a proper Person to act as Commercial Agent for this Port, And I believe my friend Mr. Monroe also wrote you to same purport. Not hearing of any Appointment being Made since Mr Dobel declind comeing here—I solicited Mr Livingston to nominate Me that the Place should not be without an Official Agent, Which...
1487To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 28 January 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 January 1804, Leghorn. “I have the honor to transmit for final settlement accompts & vouchers for expenditures, which with those already forwarded to the Department of State includes a statement of all expenditures made by me upon acct.: of the United States of America, from the date of my Commission as Consul of the U: S: at Tripoli July 10th 1797 unto the 31st: of Decemr: 1803.” According...
1488To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 May 1804, New Orleans. “I received on this morning the enclosed letter from Captain Turner, the Commandant Civil and Military of the District of Nachitoches on the Red River, and immediately returned an Answer of which the paper, marked A, is a copy. “In my letter to you of the 10h. instant, I mentioned that, the Marquis of Casa Calvo, Governor Salcedo, and the Intendant, Moralis, were...
1489To James Madison from William Jarvis, 3 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 August 1802, Lisbon. Reports that he arrived on 1 Aug. and wrote the enclosed letter to the minister of foreign affairs the next day. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 6 May , which he received on his arrival; will “pay particular attention to the several claims against this Government for the Vessels siezed in the Brazils.” Notes that the quarantine “laid last winter” has been taken off. Has just...
1490To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 18 February 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have been honoured by yours of the Novr. I am pleased to find that you are Satisfied with my applications to the Government on the Subject of the debt, I am only Sorry that those applications have hitherto been unsuccessful & as far as appears will continue to be unless Some motive more efficacious than that of justice or national faith or credit is held out. To enter into the financial...
1491To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 23 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I learn by the public papers, and I have as yet received no other intelligence, that an English Ship bound from the West Indies has been brought into one of the Eastern ports, the French prisoners on board having risen upon the crew and compelled them to come to the United States. If this Ship is a Cartel or flag of truce, carrying prisoners to France, I have to request that you will issue the...
1492To James Madison from Anthony Terry, 22 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour of writing you the 5th. instant. Edward Preble Esqre. Commodore of the U. S. Squadron in the Mediterranean has been so obliging as to communicate to me the pleasing news of the differences being settled between the U. S. & the Emperor of Morocco, on which I most sincerely congratulate you, assuring you that said news has caused a great pleasure amongst all our Citizens here....
1493To James Madison from William Eaton, 14 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 March 1804, Washington. “‘The ship Fortune belonging to the Bacries at Algiers, after having been put under the American flag to carry our captives from Algiers to Marseilles, was afterward kept or placed a new under that flag for the purposes of the Bacries alone; and when laden on their account, and captured and condemned by the British the Bacries demanded and compelled Mr. Barlow to...
1494To James Madison from M. de Marentille, 20 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 20 September 1802, New Jersey. Acknowledged in Daniel Brent to Marentille, 23 Sept. 1802 (DNA: RG 59, DL, vol. 14). Inquires whether aliens may acquire patents in the U.S. Brent assured him that “a law of Congress, of the 17th. April 1800. extends [the privilege] to aliens, who shall have resided two years in the United States.”
1495To James Madison from John Armstrong, 21 January 1806 (Madison Papers)
My last letter was dated on the 22d. of December. In that I stated the opening of a new negociation between France & Austria, and the most probable conjectures formed here with regard to the result. These you will now find realized by the treaty of Presburg concluded on the 26th. December and submitted to the senate on the 14th. instant. You will have heard that Rear Admiral L’Allemand on his...
1496To James Madison from William Tazewell, 27 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 March 1801, Williamsburg. Seeks final settlement of his pay due for service as a Paris-London messenger for envoy Elbridge Gerry in 1798. Encloses his account, which includes salary and expenses after the time of his capture by a French privateer. Pickering refused to settle the account, disallowing “my expenses of capture.” Took the matter to Congress, and a private act overcame the...
1497To James Madison from Henry Hill Jr. (Abstract), 14 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
14 June 1805 . “Since I had the honor of writing you the 12th. Inst., I have recd. a Letter from his Excelly. the Marquis of Someruelos in reply to My address to him of the 6th. of which I herein Enclose you a Copy & Translation; And I am happy to have it in my power to forward it by this opporty. that you may See at one view the Correspondence that has passed between his Excy. and Myself. “He...
1498To James Madison from Joseph Bartlett, 21 October 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 October 1802, Cambridge. Regrets calling JM’s attention from official duties to a private letter but feels confident that the writings of “an undignified citizen” will be read with candor and attention. Knows JM must be “crouded with applications” both from personal acquaintances and from those who know his political character. “Stern necessity frequently commands what delicacy in other...
1499To James Madison from David Moffett, 16 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 May 1801, Philadelphia. Recites facts establishing his citizenship and ownership of the Fair American , which was anchored off Jacmel when seized by “armed men from the British Frigate Circe.” British took ship as a prize to Jamaica, and case will come before Vice-Admiralty Court there in June. Captain of Fair American has returned to Philadelphia. Asks for government aid “in Obtaining...
1500To James Madison from William Lee, 20 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 December 1803. “P the good Intent for Philadelphia I take the liberty to send you under care of the Collecter three boxes containing fruits in Brandy almonds, & prunes.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.