51To James Madison from Robert Ritchie, 19 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have to inform you that I have received information by express from Jacmel that on the night of the 1 inst an armed Barge from a British Frigate entered the harbour & cut from her moorings the Brig Fair American Azel Howard Master of Philadelphia which vessel had part of her Cargo on board, & part on Shore when the event took place. The Captain was carried off with the vessel & I presume the...
52To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 20 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
It is a pleasant circumstance for me, that when I do address you in writing for the first time in my life, I am to fullfil the agreable task of congratulating you on your appointement to one of the first dignities of the Republique. If talents & [ illegible ] the depositaries of the public authority can insure the happiness of the Common Wealth, America can not, but have the luckiest fate....
53To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 20 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 March 1801, Bordeaux. Encloses correspondence of his agent M. Pelletreau at Rochefort on sailors tried and sentenced there to twenty-four years in chains; adds copies of protests and his letter to naval minister on the subject and reply. Unlike ships of other nations, American vessels neither come to consular office on arrival, deposit ship’s papers there, nor report clearance on departure....
54To James Madison from Meriwether Jones, ca. 20 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 20 March 1801, Richmond. Mentioned in Jones to Levi Lincoln, 25 Mar. 1801 (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1801–9). Requests that contract for public printing be awarded to the Examiner . Explains why Mr. Davis should not continue to benefit from this emolument. Concludes that if JM thinks the change impolitic, Jones will be content.
55To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 20 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have not had an opportunity of addressing you since the Portland sailed from here in December. With reference to some of the particulars of the letter I had then the honour of addressing you—I beg leave now to Submit to your perusal the Correspondence herewith, (No. 1), of my Agent, Mr. Pelletreau, at Rochefort, on the subject of the unfortunate Sailors tried there and condemned to twenty...
56To James Madison from John Dawson, 21 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I regret that we did not meet before my sailing, which I expect will be on tomorrow. My trip will, I hope, prove usefull to my country, and advantageous and agreeable to myself. I shall return early in the fall, and expect that it will not be attempted in the district to take an advantage of my absence, or shoud it be that the attempt will be resisted by my friends. My wishes are to obtain...
57To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 21 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 March 1801, Berlin. No. 186. Reports continuing British embargo on Swedish shipping is likely to close Elbe and Weser to British vessels. Relays hearsay that among British seamen detained in Russian ports there are some Americans as well. Has pressed Russian minister to free such persons; recounts minister’s reluctance and his suggestions that U.S. appoint a consul in Russia and recall...
58To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 21 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 March 1801, Tripoli. No. 5. Encloses accounts of disbursements and accounts current and copy of banker-merchant Leon Farfara’s record of monies paid pasha in lieu of overdue U.S. tribute. Denounces Farfara as “incorrigible” villain but notes that O’Brien trusts him. Relates his financial embarrassments, urges annual stipend of $2,000 for the consular post, and stresses the indignity he must...
59To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 21 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed are my accts. of disbursments & acct. curt. and likewise a quintuple of Mr. Leon Farfara’s acct. for cash & bills paid in lieu of the stores stipulated by the treaty between the United States and this Regency & likewise for the Brig Sophia promised to the Bashaw by Captn. OBrien when said treaty was concluded, The contingent expencis ammounted to 1500 dollars, the whole sum paid by me...
60To James Madison from Arthur Campbell, 23 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
It is difficult to remain silent amidst the general exultation on the Election of the present Chief Magistrate of the Union; I mean the joy is general among the Farmers and Labourers of all Classes. Some Merchants and the monied interest with the Bigots and fanatics in religious matters, may have their fears. But the old Tories, and new Gallants of the Whore of England can never be won, even...
61To James Madison from David Humphreys, 23 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment received intelligence from a person worthy of credit, at the Royal Sitio of Aranjuez, to the following effect: Last night Lucien Bonaparte signed (and it is he himself who told me) the Treaty by which the Heriditary Prince of Parma (and not his father) is definitively named King of the Etruscans. This election of the Prince, the Son, instead of the Prince his father,...
62To James Madison from William Irvine, 23 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I most sincerely & heartily congratulate you, on the late success in the Election of President, and appointments to office in consequence; not that I think yours has been sought, or is even agreeable to you, but in as much as you are willing to lend your aid and give some of your time to the public service, so soon as circumstances would render them acceptable. Many of us, you & I among the...
63To James Madison from Ralph Bowie, 24 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Perhaps it may be necessary to offer some apology for the liberty I take in now addressing you. It is not to congratulate you on your appointment to an office of high importance to the dignity and happiness of this Country, for I know the Office is honor’d, and I beleive the Interest of our Country will be eminently promoted by your acceptance of it; nor is it directly nor indirectly to ask...
64To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 24 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
One of my neighbours when I lived in this place, Mr. Du Ponceau is about to publish a collection of state papers calculated to illustrate some important points of public law. One of them which he shewed me appeared to be so important that I begd a copy, which I might send to Washington. I have the pleasure to inclose it. You will observe it expressly mentions wheat, meat &ca. not to be...
65To James Madison from Anthony New, 24 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
After congratulating you on the event of our Election of the President, and your appointment under him, permit me to introduce to your attention, the bearer Mr. Henry C. Coleman, who wishes to be employed in some office under the Government. I have had the pleasure of a long and intimate acquaintance with Mr. Coleman, and can assure you that he is a Gentleman of irreproachable character, and...
66To James Madison from William Ross, 24 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Trusting you will pardon the Liberty taken, and be disposed to render that Justice which my peculiar hard case may appear to require, I beg leave most respectfully to state, that I have been for some time past honor’d with the printing of the Laws enacted by the Congress of the United States; and that on the removal of the government, I undertook a Journey from Philadelphia to this place, and...
67To James Madison from David Humphreys, 24 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 March 1801, Madrid. No. 269. Believes recent royal order stipulating that “every recaptured vessel should remain in totality to the profit of the Recaptors” has been revoked “in consequence of my Protest.” Conveys correspondence with Spanish government concerning South Carolina . Council of war has not yet tried the case. Reports king’s renewed confidence in his adviser, the “Prince of...
68To James Madison from William Savage, 24 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 March 1801, Kingston, Jamaica. Transmits copy of last dispatch, which State Department has not acknowledged. Reports that Lord Hugh Seymour in recent letters assures Savage that persons represented to him as impressed American seamen will be freed if they answer the descriptions given. Names one seaman sought but not located in Seymour’s command and lists six others who have been set free....
69To James Madison from William Savage, 24 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
The preceeding is a Copy of my last respects, si nce which I am without any of your favors. Lord Hugh Seymour in his letters to me of the & 8th. February assures me that the persons whose n ames have been represented to him as American Subjects s hall be liberated if their persons answer the description given. H e further assures me upon enquiry no person by the name of James Hughes is on...
70To James Madison from Samuel Dexter, 25 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
The President of the United States has decided to appoint William Davies Collector of Norfolk—to be superintendant of the Light Houses and other Establishments, which are provided within the State of Virginia for the protection of navigation. I have therefore to request, that you will cause the necessary Commission to be issued & transmitted to this Office. I have the honour to be very...
71To James Madison from Edward Livingston, 25 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 March 1801, New York. Introduces and commends to JM’s attention his friend Josef Yznardy, who “has some title to the favor & I think claims on the justice of our government.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
72To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 26 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I am still here. Three refusals of the Naval Secretaryship have been re[c]ieved, and I am afraid of recieving a 4th. this evening from mr. Jones of Phila. In that case Genl. Smith has agreed to take it pro tempore, so as to give me time; and I hope the moment it is in either his or Jones’s hands, to get away; but this may be yet three four or five days. Lincoln is doing the duties of your...
73To James Madison from Rufus King, 26 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Tho’ the King has recovered, he does not yet hold a Court, nor is it understood that he attends to any but the most pressing and indispensable business. The chief of the new Ministers are in their places, and all of them will be so in the course of a few days. The Duke of Portland remains in the Home Department: Mr. Addington, the late Speaker, is at the Head of the Treasury, Lord St. Vincent...
74To James Madison from Ebenezer Stevens, 26 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the 13th. Inst. I forwarded you Invoices & Bill Lading of a Cargo I have laden on board the Ship Grand Turk, by order of your late Predecessor, for account of the Tunisian Powers. The Ship is now ready to proceed on her Voyage, and is only waiting for the necessary Certificates and documents, to accompany the Invo. I beg leave to solicit your early attention in forwarding them, as the...
75To James Madison from Benjamin Stoddert, 26 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a list of the French Vessels, captured since the 1st Octr last, & brought into the ports of the United States. There are no documents in this office to shew whether these vessels have been condemned in our courts, or otherwise, except the Berceau, which has been condemned, sold, & purchased by the Public, & is now ordered to be restored, under the Treaty. I have...
76From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 26 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I am still here. three refusals of the Naval Secretaryship have been recieved, and I am afraid of recieving a 4th. this evening from mr Jones of Phila. in that case Genl. Smith has agreed to take it pro tempore, so as to give me time; and I hope the moment it is in either his or Jones’s hands, to get away; but this may be yet three four or five days. Lincoln is doing the duties of your office....
77To 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...
78To James Madison from Thomas Bulkeley, 27 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 March 1801, Lisbon. Acknowledges receipt of State Department letters of 13 Sept. and 21 Nov.—the former regarding the capture of the brig Sea Nymph . Has learned that captors bribed mate to take false oath “declaring the Vessel & Cargo French property.” Later, mate made counterdeclaration, and the ship and cargo have been liberated. Meanwhile, Gavino has obtained court order in Gibraltar...
79To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 27 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 March 1801, Lisbon. Reports that recent packets from Britain contain no mention of a British plan to aid Portugal. Speculates on reasons for delays in French or Spanish invasion: French may hope Spanish will begin and bear brunt of it, or in the interval Portuguese cabinet may succeed in maneuvering British out of the country without provoking them. RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Portugal, vol. 5)....
80To James Madison from Ebenezer Stevens, 27 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 March 1801, New York. Acknowledges letter of 21 Mar. accompanying the papers of the ship Grand Turk . Has procured passports from British and Spanish consuls, which are delivered to the captain with packages for Eaton. The ship sails “this day.” Should passport from the French chargé arrive in time, he will deliver it. RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). 1 p.; erroneously docketed by Wagner as “27...
81To 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...
82To James Madison from Thomas Bulkeley, 27 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your very much respected favors of the 13 September & 21 November last Year. The former being on the s ubject of the Capture of the Brig Sea Nymph Capt. McKever belonging to Mr. Tarascon of Philadelphia, you may rest fully assured my most unwearied exertions are always paid to the Interest of our Citizens whenever they fall under my protection and no...
83To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 28 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 March 1801, Berlin. No. 187. Encloses copy of Spanish declaration of war on Portugal. Reports thirty-day truce between France and Naples, the terms of which include an embargo on British ships in port of Naples. Expects general European war against Britain. Notes that Nelson has sailed for Copenhagen, that a British refusal to lift embargo of Swedish and Danish ships effectively answers...
84To James Madison from John Gavino, 28 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 March 1801, Gibraltar. No. 61. Transmits copy of previous dispatch, no. 60. By last accounts, French squadron was at Toulon. Reports French naval battle with British frigate Febe . King of Naples has made peace with France and closed ports to British. Thirty Danish and Swedish vessels have been brought into Gibraltar. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Gibraltar, vol. 2). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as...
85To James Madison from John Gavino, 28 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I herewith inclose you Copy of my last dispatch No. 60 to which please be referrd. By the last accounts from aloft the French Squadron was at Tolon. A french 44 Gun Frigate from the west with 740 Men, & Sundry Stores on board went by, and the English frigate Febe that was Cruising aback of the Rock Chased her, & after came up an Action took place for 1 1/2 hours in which the French had upwards...
86To James Madison from Rufus King, 29 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
In confirmation of the rumours of the day, Carnot’s answer to Bailleul, published during the Exile of the former, states the Project which had been discussed in the Directory to obtain from Spain a cession of Louisiana and the Floridas. A reference to that performance, copies of which I at the time sent to the Department of State, will shew the manner in which it was expected to obtain the...
87To James Madison from John Knapp, 29 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I congratulate you on an event terminating so fortunately for the Republican cause, by the Election of Mr. Jefferson. Permit me to solicit your friendship & support to the attainment of a situation under his Administration, such as my Ability & Integrity will enable me to discharge. I hope there is no assumption of Vanity, when I say, my long services in public life & various Public Offices of...
88To James Madison from Anthony Haswell, 30 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
For many years past I have edited and printed a public paper in this town, on the proceeds of which I have brought up a large, and expensive family, having been greatly afflicted with sickness. The unhappy political divisions which for some years past have afflicted our country, have been peculiarly injurious to me—the state business has been taken from me: the advertising for the public...
89To James Madison from David Howell, 30 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I seem to be under the necessity of availing myself of our former acquaintance, in any measure, to answer the expectations of the writer of the enclosed paper No. 1. His character & connexion with me are known to yourself & to the President. His abilities, integrity & diligence in his office are not called in question. I have enclosed his original Letter in proof that his faculties yet remain...
90To James Madison from Nathaniel Irwin, 31 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I condole with you on the death of your honoured father, whose politeness & attention I do not forget. Such are the changes in this world, that with the same breath, I congratulate you on your accession (I will not say elevation ) to the Office of Secy of State. On this occasion I would remind you, that “you were once my friend.” Do not be alarmed. I am not going to ask your influence with the...
91To James Madison from John Minor, 31 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1801, Fredericksburg. Recommends Henry Coleman of Caroline County for a federal office. Expresses surprise that Thomas Newton has not kept him informed concerning the order for cigars but believes the Norfolk merchant seeks the “best possible for us.” RC ( DLC ). 2 pp.; docketed by JM.
92To James Madison from Robert Montgomery, 31 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1801, Alicante. Gives résumé of his 8 Mar. dispatch. Has placed all U.S. vessels in surrounding waters on alert. Transmits letters just received from U.S. minister at Madrid. Spain has ordered a tax upon all “Commercial People,” including resident U.S. citizens (nearly $4,000 for himself). Has protested to minister of state, quoting seventh article of treaty. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD ,...
93To James Madison from Moses Robinson, 31 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1801, Bennington, Vermont. Offers congratulations on election and JM’s appointment. Recommends Anthony Haswell to publish U.S. laws in Vermont in place of Samuel Williams of Rutland, who has opposed Republican sentiments. Recounts Haswell’s tribulations under the Alien and Sedition acts. Suggests misconduct in post office has interfered with delivery of newspapers from Philadelphia...
94To James Madison from Benjamin Thompson, 31 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1801 “ Christa. Bridge State of Delaware .” Recollects past association with JM; complains of ill fortune and losses “as a Canadian Refugee.” Despite unsuccessful request for consular post during Washington’s administration, renews his application for a position. Believes few Americans possess knowledge of the French language and customs superior to his. RC ( DLC ). 2 pp.; docketed by...
95To James Madison from Israel Whelen, 31 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1801, Philadelphia. Encloses a copy of the charter party for the Grand Turk . Stevens has drawn on him for $6,556.60. Requests that he be remitted that sum. The insurance is carried by the owner at 5 percent. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Purveyor’s Office, Philadelphia). RC 1 p. Enclosure 3 pp.
96To James Madison from Robert Montgomery, 31 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour of addressing you under the 8th. Expressing inclosing copy of a letter from Mr. Cathcart in Tripoli the d. of January advising that the Bay of that State, and had promised to declare War against the United States of America if before the 22d. of April next he did not receive the Stipulated gratifications from our Goverment. I also advised that I had received letters for Mr....
97To James Madison from Edward Livingston, April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I regret very much that I had not the pleasure of seeing you before I left the Seat of Government. On taking a final leave of that body in which I began my political noviciate with the advantage of your friendship & advice it would have been interesting to review the changes it has undergone since that period with one Whose liesure & observation have enabled him to mark their causes and...
98To James Madison from Francis Brooke, 1 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1801, Fredericksburg. Recommends Henry Coleman to JM as a person worthy of a clerkship. Coleman has letters of introduction from John Taylor of Caroline and others, so the sole reason for an extra testimonial is the applicant’s “Solicitation and the liberality of your Character.” RC ( ViU ). 1 p.; docketed by JM.
99To James Madison from Robert Ritchie, 1 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1801, Port Républicain. Encloses copy of a pamphlet from Toussaint on measures for taking possession of Spanish part of the island, with attendant correspondence. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cap Haitien, vol. 3). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 2 May. Enclosures not found. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
100To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 1 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1801, Lisbon. Relays reports that Spanish and French are soon to make peace with Portugal, demanding that Portuguese exclude British ships of war and prizes from their ports and pay reparations. Presumes that on these terms peace will result. Notes some of the considerations that prompted Naples to seek an accommodation with France. RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Portugal, vol. 5). 1 p.;...