51To James Madison from DeWitt Clinton, 25 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
I inclose you a copy of an Affidavit of Thomas Cook relative to the outrage lately committed in this port. Our port is still blockaded by the Cambrian and Boston Frigates which continue stationed in the Bay about two miles this side of the Hook. The sloop of war Driver is cruizing just outside of the Bar and yesterday brought a vessel to which was coming into port. I have the honor to be &c RC...
52From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 7 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his affectionate salutations to mr Madison & sends him the inclosed which will explain itself. he hopes to see him & family at Monticello when most convenient to themselves; and observes for his information that the road through Shadwell is put into fine order, the right hand at issuing from the ford on this side to be greatly preferred to the left. the road by Milton is...
53To 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...
54To James Madison from Thomas Bulkeley, 1 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 August 1801, Lisbon. Encloses report [not found] on American trade with Portugal from 1 Jan. to 30 June and copies of letters received from U.S. consuls in Tangier and Tripoli on North African relations and the arrival of Commodore Dale’s squadron. He himself stands ready to offer squadron all possible assistance. Acknowledges receipt of triplicate of JM’s 21 May letter. States that the brig...
55To James Madison from Andrew Moore, 11 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am Requested by Mr Joseph Grigsby of Rockbridge Cy. Va. To offer his Services as Secretary in the Ilinoise Territory. Mr. Grigsby is a Very Respectable Character Has been for some years past A Representative in the State Legislature, A Good Clerk, Possesses Information & an Accuracy in doing Business fully equal (In my Opinion to the faithfull Discharge of the Trust. Should He obtain the...
56To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 31 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 31 March 1806, Amsterdam. “I have lately received from the Department of State two Copies of a Pamphlet entitled, ‘An Examination of the British Doctrine which Subjects to Capture a neutral trade not open in time of peace’ and I have perused with much interest this monument of deep research & critical investigation of the principles of the Laws of nations & their...
57To James Madison from John Morton, 4 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 June 1801, Georgetown. Explains reasons for his consent to diversionary trip the U.S. vessel Warren took from Havana to Veracruz. Its replacement ship for Cuban duty, Ganges , was en route to the station. No French vessels had been seen off Cuban coast for several months, nor were they expected. It was common knowledge in Havana that a considerable amount of American property was detained at...
58To James Madison from Charles Pinckney and James Monroe, 1 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
We had the pleasure to write to you by Mr. Gorham on the 2nd. of Feby. and to transmit a copy of our first note to Mr. Cevallos, and of the Project which we presented him for the adjustment of all differences between the U. States and Spain, as also of his answer to it, which we had then just received. We now forward the sequel of the correspondence, by which it appears that we are as distant...
59From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 9 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The road through Ravensworth is rendered absolutely impassable for a four wheeled carriage by a single change made lately by one of the mr Fitzhughs in his plantation. you must not therefore attempt it, but go on to Fairfax C.H. & there turn off to Songster’s. Bull run is now passed at an excellent ford, and the hills by a great deal of work have been made quite good. the road between Elkrun...
60To James Madison from Thomas Newton Jr., 26 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 April 1804, Norfolk. “I take the liberty of enclosing to you Mr. Marrast’s Certificate of Cit[iz]enship—his wish is to obtain from you a protection such as is usually granted. Permit me to ask the favor of you to return Mr. Marrast’s Certificate if not contrary to form.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). 1 p.; docketed by Brent, with his notation: “Passport for John Marrast.”
61To James Madison from Charles Peale Polk, 18 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 July 1802, “near the Old Bridge,” Washington. “I take the liberty of writing a few lines soliciting your Patronage to procure a Clerkship, as Copyist, in the Office of the Treasurer .… I am told that the duties are extremely easy, and can be performed by a Common Capacity.… I have long depended on Your humanity for being placed in a Situation more permanent than Painting for my Support.” RC...
62To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 24 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have just now heard of an opportunity from Havre. I am doubtful whether my letter will arrive in time for it. I therefore confine myself to inform you that Genl Bernadotte is named Minister to the United States in the place of Otto who will be employed here. Genl Bernadotte is brother in law to joseph Bonaparte & is a very respectable man & has the character of a decided Republican. I have...
63To James Madison from Hugh Lennox, 15 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Hugh Lennox. 15 May 1806, Kingston. “I have to inform you of my safe arrival here on the evening of the 10th. Inst. I took an early opportunity on the 13th to pay my respects to Admiral Dacres Commanding on this Station, and was received with marked attention, next day the 14th I opened my office of Agency in this City as you will sea advertized in the daily courant herewith. “As yet I...
64To James Madison from Ebenezer Stevens, 10 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 July 1801, New York. Reminds JM that the Peace and Plenty is loaded and prepared to sail for Tunis. Awaits return of papers sent to State Department 24 June. “This Shipment nearly completes the Stores demanded by the Tunisian powers.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). 1 p.
65To James Madison from Robert C. Gardiner, 2 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
On the 6th. of April Ult: I had the honor to answer a Circular dated the 26th. of August 1802, containing your Instructions, respecting the expenditures of public money, for the relief of distressed Seamen abroad; the Sum stipulated by Congress being inadequate to their support in this Country, I begg’d to be advised, how I should act in supporting those in future, who may apply for...
66To James Madison from C. F. Bagge (Abstract), 12 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
12 April 1805, Salem, North Carolina . “Although I have not the pleasure of being personally acquainted with you I take the liberty to adress you on the following subject, by yesterdays Mail I received a letter from a Mrs. Elizabeth Rea living in Columbia Southcarolina whose Husband a certain Mr. Alexander Rea was the bearer of the Votes for President & Vicepresident of the unitedstates from...
67To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 28 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
I send you my account for the last three months. The only charge of consequence is for the Post Office which is to me a very disagreeable one because they will give no Voucher. I have applied to them repeatedly & they always say they never do. While almost every American who has friends or Business in Madrid incloses his letters & packets under cover to me & particularly while large Bundles of...
68To James Madison from Frederick Degen, 6 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you herewith a list of the American Vessels arrived at this Port from the month of December last to all June, and beg leave to observe that two more came in about a fortnight ago, which being still in quarantine are not comprized and will of course be included in the next List. One of these the Brig Fitz William Capn. Goldsbury of Boston, coming from Leghorn to...
69To James Madison from William Jarvis, 15 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 March 1803, Lisbon. Notes that his previous letter was sent by the Eunice to Alexandria and enclosed copies of his correspondence with Almeida, the last semiannual list, Lisbon and Belém port charges, and his account. Since part of the charges in the account are probably not provided for by law, submits them entirely to the government’s discretion. Received “this day” a duplicate of JM’s 14...
70To James Madison from Charles Pinckney and James Monroe, 25 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
The subject in which we have been engaged, is so fully before you in our publick communications, that there remains only one point for us to make any remarks on to you in a private one; that is, what will be best for our government to do in the present unexpected and disagreable business. We do presume that it will be impossible to leave it in its present state. The injuries which our people...
71To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 24 January 1806, New Orleans. “I have the honor to enclose you a Copy of a statement made me on Oath, by Stephen a free black man; I do not credit it in whole; I however, have no doubt, but that the free people of Color have been tampered with, and that some of them are devoted to the spanish Interest. “Mr. Morales is yet in this City, and should I not an [ sic...
72To James Madison from Edward Jones, 10 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
I take the earliest Opportunity to inform you of the arrival of the French Squadron at this Port on the 6th inst. with 4 or 5000 troops, and that peaceable possession was taken of this Town and the neighbouring Forts the Same Evening. Genl. Richpanse with most of the Squadron has gone down to Basseterre, where it is beleived Resistance will be made by the Blacks. An Embargo was laid...
73To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 29 October 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Carlos Martínez de Yrujo. 29 October 1805, “Near Philadelphia.” Because some Spanish privateers have detained several ships that seemed to be American and taken them to Spanish ports, the United States minister in Madrid has made several complaints on the subject; the ministry of state having informed the ministry of marine about them, some of the said vessels have been set at liberty...
74To James Madison from William Eaton, 9 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
The letter accompanying this of 22d. a 27th. ult. went off for Gibraltar on the day of its date by an English merchantman which, having sprung a leak at sea, returned into port. That from the department of State of May 10th. I had the honor to receive 30th. It was enjoined on me to forward my account by the return of the squadron: but it must be long since known to the Government that no ship...
75To James Madison from James Sullivan, 12 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
Colonel Harris of Portsmouth in New Hampshire, is passing through this town to Washington. He wishes to procure your attention; and beleives that a letter from me will do some thing towards it. His business he will explain; it grows out of the Embargo. You may rely upon any thing he says on any subject. Could there be any favour in business, of this kind, from personal, political, or party...
76To James Madison from James Monroe, 11 December 1805 (Madison Papers)
The delicate state of health which my family has enjoyed of late, attributable as is supposed in a great measure to the atmosphere of London induced me to come here last week. A letter from Lord Mulgrave, which I received just before I left town, having revived the expectation that I should hear from him on the subject of my former ones; I thought it proper to apprize him of my proposed...
77To James Madison from Fontaine Maury, 10 January 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 January 1804, New York. Requests a letter of introduction to Governor Claiborne “in favor of Mr Hugh Pollock of this place who is about to settle at New Orleans.” “Mr Pollock has been a Merchant of much respectability here for some years, he married the only Daughter of Mr Joseph Anthony late of Philada. and from a long acquaintance with him I have no hesitation in saying he is quite the...
78To James Madison from John Mitchell, June 1803 (Madison Papers)
My last of the 23d. May informed you of the Sailing of Mr. Hughes ⅌ the Experiment for N York with dispatches from our Minister at Paris. The Present will be handed you ⅌ Mr. Jay Who is Charged with Copy of the Treaty of Which Mr. Huges was Bearer of the Original and which I hope may Arrive after a short passage. The only inteligence I can Communicate is that the Entrance of this port is...
79To James Madison from John Steele, [19 July] 1802 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to put into your hands the enclosed letter from General Davie recommending Mr. Barnet and Mr. Montflorence to the notice of Government. As I am not at all acquainted with the former, and but slightly with the latter, I wish to be understood as not offering an opinion concerning the pretensions of either: Indeed I would not have put you to the trouble of even reading the letter but...
80To James Madison from Francois de Navoni, 6 May 1807 (Madison Papers)
Je me suis trés respecteusement fait un devoir d’avancer á Monsieur divers Depeches, le dernier datè le 10. Avril passé remis par Capne. Piterson dans les quelles je n’ai pas manqué de lui reppresenter le plus convenable, et de la maniére que j’ai procuré de me distinguer vis-avis de Monsieur le Commodor de Campbelle qu’il partit trés sattisfait, et content comm’aussi touts les Officiers et...
§ From John Pearson and James Kimball. 22 July 1805, Newburyport. “We the Subscribers did in March last past Load and fix away the Brig Hannah, from this place, Isaac Bridges Master, with a Cargo of Boards, Staves, Oil & sundry other articles for the Island of Terciera, one of the Western Islands or Azores, the said Brig sailed from this port on the 13th. day of March, and nothing material...
82To James Madison from William Jarvis (Abstract), 14 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
14 April 1805, Lisbon . “Understanding the Brig Acorn, Captain Folger did not get out yesterday I shall avail myself of this Vessel to inform you that a British transport which arrived from the Streights last evenning, brings advice that on the 9th. Instant 13 French Sail of the line and 4 Frigates appeared off Cadiz, when the British blockading Squadron, consisting of 6 sail of the line and...
83To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose an Arrêté of the Governor of this Island, opening certain Ports to Neutral Vessels. The Governor has been for about 3 weeks in the Southern part of the Island. I intended, before this time, to have made a tour to Port Republican; but I have found so many things to call my attention here that it has as yet been out of my power. I shall, however, set out in a few...
84To James Madison from James Gillespie, 21 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 February 1804, House of Representatives. “Some time past I called at the office, at the request of A Mr. Hall printer of Wilmington N C, he is desirous to publish the Acts of Congress in his weekly newspaper. “I use the freedom to State that the Wilmington Gazette has A more general circulation And is conducted on better principles; than any other paper, in those divisions of our State...
85To James Madison from George Henry Rose, 19 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Rose will, in conformity to Mr. Madison’s wish, do himself the honor of waiting upon him at the Office of State to-morrow, at one o’Clock. DNA : RG 59-NFL-Notes from Foreign Legations, Great Britain.
86To James Madison from John Ridgely, 8 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that Consul Davis arrived in Tripoli on the 6th. of May. I left there on the 12th. and arrived here a few days since in the U. S. S. Constitution, Come. Campbell. I embrace this favorable opportunity of passing two or three months in the most interesting part of the world, and hope this step will not be disapprobated by you. I profit by this occasion of renewing...
87To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 4 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Tobias Lear. 4 September 1805, “On board the U.S. Ship Constitution Tunis Bay.” “The bearer of this, Sidi Soliman Mellamella, goes to the U. States, to present himself before the President, as Ambassador from His Excellency the Bey of Tunis; as his Credentials &ca. will fully shew. He has been Ambassador from this Court to Naples and Genoa, appears to be a Man of Correct observation,...
88To James Madison from Albert Gallatin (Abstract), 25 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
25 May 1805, Treasury Department . “I beg leave to remind you that no appropriation has been made by Congress for paying the Salaries allowed by law to the Governors Secretaries & Judges of the Michigan & Louisiana territories, nor for defraying the contingent expences of the same. As those newly erected Governments will be in operation after the first day of July next, it may perhaps be...
89To James Madison from Robert Patton, 24 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Patton. 24 January 1806, Philadelphia. “I this day received your favour of the 21st, enclosing a draft on the Bank United states, for three hundred & fifty dollars, being the sum to be paid, in exchange for a pair Horses. Enclosed you have the receipt & warrantee. I sincerely hope they may answer your expectations. “I beg you to believe me, when I assure you, that, it will always...
90To James Madison from William Pinkney, 6 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have an opportunity by Mr. Bethu ne, who leaves Town Tomorrow, for Falmouth, to e mbark for the United States in the British Pack et; and I cannot omit to take Advantage of it , although I have still nothing conclusive to co mmunicate. The Hope arrived off Falmouth, and land ed Mr. Atwater, on the 16th. of last Month; she immediately proceeded on her Voyage to Franc e with a fair Wind. Mr....
91To James Madison from Elias Vanderhorst, 13 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
The above is a Copy of my last of the 3d. Insta. ⅌ the arina, Via Philadelphia, since which I have not been honored w ith any of your favors. In some of my former Letters I mentioned, that from the great extent of Sea-Coast within my Consular District, I had found it necessary to appoint five different Agents to act for me at the Principal Ports Vizt. Saml. Bonfill Esqr. for Exeter, Stephen...
92To James Madison from Frederick Degen, 29 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit herewith to your Excellency, a Copy of my respects of the 28th. December, as also a Duplicate List of the few american vessels which arrived at this Port the last Six months of the year 1807. The two Schooners therein mentioned as laid up in consequence of the late difficulties with Algiers, were going home in Ballast since the Settlement of this Business, by Mr....
93To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 9 November 1803 (Madison Papers)
I inclose you Clarke’s memoranda. The following articles seem proper for Executive attention. An instrument vesting in the Collector of Natchez the powers of the Administrator, Treasurer & Contador. Instructions to Claiborne to suppress useless offices to remove any existing officers. to appoint others. It would be well these could go by next post. Would it not be well to send in what...
94To James Madison from Stephen Sayre, 6 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have requested it as a favor, to know, whether I may, or may not expect, some appointment from Administration. If you conceive the refusal of an answer ought to be conclusive, you are not perfectly acquainted with my character—for—since I am compel’d to pass the line of delicacy, you must pardon me, if I draw some just & natural conclusions, and presume, that others have been provided for,...
95To James Madison from Joseph Browne, 17 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
The excitement which appears to have created so much interest in the United States and particularly in the western Country, has not been wanting in influence in this Territory. Alarms are generally increased in proportion to the distance from correct information, our last advices from the Seat of Government are at least six Weeks old, and those from New Orleans more than two months; situated...
96To James Madison from James Simpson, 15 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 October 1804, Tangier. No. 85. “I beg leave to enclose duplicate of No. 84 [6 Oct. 1804] and to advise that the Emperour has Condemned the two Prussian Vessels with their Cargoes. He has directed that the Captains & Crews shall be employed on the repairs of the Fortifications of Salle and Rhabat. This is the first instance we have seen of Muley Soliman setting Christians under such...
97To James Madison from Robert Taylor, 3 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Daniel Ward of Culpeper the bearer of this wishes an appointment in t he army of the United States. I have known him for several years and believe that any patronage you afford him will be well placed. His character is believed to be entirely fair and in his office of deputy Sherif which he has held for some years I have not heard ought alledged agt. him. He has brought letters to me from...
98To James Madison from William Eaton, 12 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
The cause of the sudden change of treatment on the part of this Bey towards me in my representative character is just now discovered. About thirty days ago arrived here a chaux (messenger) from the Sublime Porte with a firman from the Grand Signor demanding immediate restitution of three Sardinian merchant vessels and cargoes, captured during the late war, by the Bey’s cruisers, while under...
99To James Madison from John Leonard (Abstract), 5 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
5 February 1805, Barcelona . “My last Respects to you were by the Schooner Betsey Capt. Terrett. I now send a list [not found] of the arrivals &c. from June 1804 to Jany. 1805., and beg leave to observe that I have not yet received the Commission of Consul, for altho I am considered as such & exercise the functions annexed to the Office yet it would afford me a satisfaction to receive the full...
100To James Madison from William Willis, 27 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 August 1803, Barcelona . His last letter informed JM that “Leonard had arriv’d here and that he was soon to take possession of the Consulate.” Has given up the office but wishes to be reinstated once his “innocence and exertions for the common interest” of his country are established. “I am inform’d every day that Mr Leonard has secret instructions to arrest me and send me to the U.S.… I...