21From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of Octr. 24 with the communications which passed with the British Government on the subject of Capt. Whitby was not received till last evening. Not a moment will be lost in taking the steps most likely to hasten the testimony which may establish the essential facts charged on that officer. But considering the tedious passage of your letter, the season of the year, the particular...
22From James Madison to James Monroe, 19 January 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have already, in a letter by the last British packet given you a hint of the sensation produced in Mr. & Mrs. Merry, by a circumstance of Etiquette. I had supposed that it would yield to the proofs of respect & cordiality which would be experienced by them, from all in & about the Government, and to the explanations which would be superadded. I find however that the case is to be transmitted...
23From James Madison to James Monroe, 25 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
In the month of September last, the French ship of War L’Impetueux of 74 guns, being disabled by a gale of wind, and making for an asylum, was fired upon and afterwards burnt by the British ship Melampus and two others, on the coast of North Carolina, within the limits of our jurisdiction. The inclosed communication from the Navy Department, which had instituted an enquiry through Capt....
24From James Madison to James Monroe, 5 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
Hoping that a post note on Norfolk will be cash in Richmond, I enclose one for $300, instead of committing bank notes to the mail. Nothing has occurred since you left us worth detailing to you. We are still uninformed of the precise circumstances which have detained Mr. Rose on board the frigate. There is a report that he will either pass up the bay to Annapolis, or possibly engage a vessel to...
25From James Madison to James Monroe, 22 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
Being advised that the Board of Commissioners under the 7th article of the British Treaty, when they were about to make a final adjournment found that the United States were in advance the sum of five hundred and twenty six pounds four shillings and nine pence, and that they ordered it to be paid to you, I request you to be pleased to pay it over to Sir Francis Baring & Co to be applied by...
26From James Madison to James Monroe, 22 April 1806 (Madison Papers)
Under the same cover with this you will receive a letter for our Consul at St Petersburg committing to his charge a letter from the President to the Emperor Alexander, and inclosing a copy of a letter from this Department to Genl Armstrong. The letter to the Consul is open to your perusal, to be thereafter duly forwarded. It is thought proper that you should be thus put into possession of the...
27From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
You will herewith receive the ratification by the President and Senate, of the Convention with the British Government signed on the 12th of May 1803, with an exception of the Vth article. Should the British Government accede to this change in the instrument, you will proceed to an exchange of ratifications and transmit the one received, without delay, in order that the proper steps may be...
28From James Madison to James Monroe, 1 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 23 Ult. Callendar made his appearance here some days ago in the same temper which is described in your letter. He seems implacable towards the principal object of his complaints and not to be satisfied in any respect, without an office. It has been my lot to bear the burden of receiving & repelling his claims. What feelings may have been excited by my plain...
29From James Madison to James Monroe, 5 January 1804 (Madison Papers)
The information and observations which you have as yet received from me since your arrival in London, on the impressment of our seamen, and other violations of our rights, have been in private letters only. The delay in making these injuries the subject of official communications, proceeded first from an expectation that the British Government would have notified formally to the United States,...
30From James Madison to James Monroe, 8 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have not yet thanked you for the copy of your Message, which I find has attracted attention, and circulates with advantage to yourself, as well as to the public. It is much to be wished that the same manly and enlarged sentiments, and the same just and enlightened policy, might distinguish the addresses of all the Republican Governors, and co-operate with the example set by the President, in...
31From James Madison to James Monroe, 1 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since you left us we have no further intelligence from N. Orleans, except a letter dated Jany 20 from the vice Consular agent there, from which it appears that the letters to the Govr. & Intendant from the Spanish Minister here, had arrived abt. the 13th. and had not on the 20th. produced the desired change in the state of things. The delay however does not seem to have been viewed by the...
32From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 January 1806 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you on the 8th. instant enclosing a pamphlet on the principle in question between this Country & G.B. and mentioned that it would be communicated by the Presidt. with other documents on the subject. This will not be done, and I have written to recall the letter & pamphlets from the ports to which they were sent. If either of the copies should have gone to sea & should reach you, be so...
33From James Madison to James Monroe, 15 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
The condemnation of the cargo of the Olive Branch having been reversed, General Allen finds himself in the situation pointed out at the close of my letter of the 13th of December 1803 of having gained no more by his judicial pursuit than an abstract decision of the illegality of the capture: for Messrs. Bird, Savage & Bird, of London, who became his sureties on the delivery of the property to...
34From James Madison to James Monroe, 25 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
Your several letters to Apl. 19. have been recd. The dawn of your negociations has given much pleasure and much expectation . We wait with anxiety your next despatches, which will probably disclose the precise prospect if not the result in form . The crisis as seen here has been auspicious and I am persuaded that you will have seised [ sic ] and pushed its advantages . The purchase of the
35From James Madison to James Monroe, 9 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
By Capt. Brewster, who, with his son and two Pilots, are about to proceed to England as Witnesses in the case of Capt. Whitby, I send you copies of several of my last letters. He will also be the bearer of a letter from the Collector of New York stating the advances made to the Witnesses respectively. Two other Witnesses are expected to sail from Philada., to whom it was found necessary to...
36From James Madison to James Monroe, 21 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
In the joint letter from you & Mr. P. of October a project on impressments is referred to which does not appear. I forget what passed with you in conversation on the subject. You will oblige me by dropping me the state of the case, and if there be any document in your hands that you will be so good as to forward it or a copy of it. It can if necessary be thrown into the mass which will be...
37From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 September 1806 (Madison Papers)
In my letter of the 22d. of April 1804 I referred you to a previous one to Mr Gore, in which he was instructed to settle with the British Government for the captures by the United States on the Commission under the 6th. article of the British Treaty and to pay the balance due to them. No information having been received that this affair has been settled, it has been found convenient to...
38From James Madison to James Monroe, 18 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of came duly to hand, accompanied by the papers now returned, and by a note on the correspondence communicated to Congs. It appears that in most instances the parts allotted for publication coincide with your wishes. In the excepted instances, an attempt will be made, to have the confidential parts, conformed also to these, by being included in the publication ordered by the H. of...
39From James Madison to James Monroe, 23 April 1806 (Madison Papers)
Your last letter bears date on the 12th. February. Those of 18 Octr. 11. 26 Novr. 11. 23 Decr. 28 Jany. & 12 Feby. last had been previously received. Congress adjourned the evening before the last. The Gazettes before and herewith sent will give you a general view of the proceedings of the Session. As soon as the laws passed shall be ready, a compleat copy of them will be forwarded. For the...
40From James Madison to James Monroe, 16 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
In a private letter by Mr. Baring I gave you a detail of what had passed here on the subject of etiquete . I had hoped that no farther jars would have ensued as I still hope that the good sense of the British government respecting the right of the government here to fix its rules of intercourse and the sentiments and manners of the country to which they ought to be adapted will give the proper...
41From James Madison to James Monroe, 5 August 1805 (Madison Papers)
There can be little doubt that the facts contained in the inclosed documents respecting the firing into the American Brig Hannah, whereby Isaac Bridges, the Master, came by his death, amount to murder in the Capt. of the British Cutter. You will therefore be pleased to lay them before the British Government as an additional example of the wanton barbarity with which our Citizens are treated at...
42From James Madison to James Monroe, 31 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 January 1802, Washington. Introduces Prince Ruspoli, who has been recommended by Mr. King and through him by Mr. West. Ruspoli “proposes to make an excursion from Richmond, by the way of Monticello, to the Natural bridge; & returning thence, to proceed thro’ Norfolk to Charl[e]stown by water.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Incomplete. Docketed by Monroe.
43From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have received from you letters of the following dates written after your arrival in London, viz the 19th 20th & 26th July, the 11 & 15th August. I have the pleasure to inform you that the Treaty for Louisiana has been ratified in form, and is now before both Houses, for the Legislative provisions necessary with respect to the Stock, to taking possession, and to Governing the Country. There...
44From James Madison to James Monroe, 25 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
Mr Hary Grant was some years ago appointed Consul for Leith; but it is understood that he has spent but little of his time at that place and that he is now most probably in France. The President would before now have superseded him had a suitable successor been found. It is however deemed improper that he should longer hold the Office and you will accordingly signify to the British Government,...
45From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
You must be already acquainted with many of the circumstances respecting the purchase made in France by General Ira Allen of a quantity of Arms and field pieces which on their passage to the United States were captured towards the close of the year 1796 by the British Ship of War Audacious. General Allen having requested a recommendation of his interest to your patronage, I the more readily...
46From James Madison to James Monroe, 1 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
I commit to your care the inclosed letters & papers for Genl. Fayette which are left open for your perusal. We have just recd. the Message of his B. Majesty which is represented as the signal of a certain rupture with France. From the positions taken by the parties, both diplomatic & military, such an event seems scarcely avoidable. I hope we shall be wise enough to shun their follies, and...
47From James Madison to James Monroe, 25 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
In the postscript of 18th. to my letter of the 15th of April, you were requested to suspend your departure from London for Madrid until you should be informed of the President’s views as to your destination after closing your mission to Spain . I am now enabled by the return of the President to signify to you that he yields to the reasons assigned by you for declining the appointment on this...
48From James Madison to James Monroe, 8 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
Since my last which went by duplicates, & will therefore I hope have been recd. yours of Novr. 25. which like this is private, has come to hand. Your public letter accompanying it, is answered publickly by this opportunity. It is very agreeable to find the British Ministers so candidly acknowledging the justice of our general conduct towards their nation and the fairness particularly of our...
49From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 September 1803 (Madison Papers)
I returned to this City on the 24th. The President arrived the day after. General Dearbourn was here before. Messrs. Gallatin & Smith are daily expected. We have reassembled a little earlier after our full vacation than usual, in order to be the more prepared for the earlier meeting of Congress. The last letter recd. from you was of the 11th. of Augst by Mr. Baring who forwardd. that with the...
50From James Madison to James Monroe, 16 January 1804 (Madison Papers)
You will herewith receive the instructions in pursuance of which you are to propose and negotiate a convention between the United States and Great Britain, on the subject of impressments and other matters interesting to the two nations; and for which this letter with your commission of Minister Plenipotentiary to his Britannic Majesty will be your authority. I have the honor to be, Sir, With...
51From James Madison to James Monroe, 20 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
You will receive herewith a letter for yourself & Mr. P. acknowledging the receipt of your communications by Mr. Purviance, and suggesting the intermediate course to be pursued, untill the further instructions contemplated by the President can be matured. The delay will be short; but it is desireable to accomodate the instructions to the result of some enquiries as to certain facts, and the...
52From James Madison to James Monroe, 12 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
The papers herewith inclosed explain particularly the case of the Brig Aurora. The sum of the case is, that whilst Spain was at War with Great Britain, this vessel, owned by a citizen of the United States, brought a cargo of Spanish produce purchased at the Havana, from that place to Charleston, where the cargo was landed, except an insignificant portion of it, and the duties paid or secured...
53From James Madison to James Monroe, 6 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
The documents herewith inclosed from No. 1 to No. 9 inclusive explain the hostile attack with the insulting pretext for it lately committed near the Capes of Virginia by the British ship of war the Leopard on the American Frigate the Chesapeake. No. 10 is a copy of the Proclamation issued by the President, interdicticting in consequence of that outrage, the use of our waters and every other...
54From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have recd I believe all your letters public and private down to that of October 22, written merely to say that all continued well. I have taken due care of the communications on the subject of your . Every thing seems to be well understood on this side the water. I can not say more now as I write of necessity without cypher. Mr. Merry has been with us some time. He appears to be an amiable...
55From James Madison to James Monroe, 3 December 1804 (Madison Papers)
Capt. Dulton, who brought despatches for Mr. Pinkney and now returns with others for you, has a claim on the Spanish Govt. which he will explain to you; and which he wishes to receive your attention as far as will consist with the distinction between your functions & those of the Ordinary Minister. I have apprized him of this distinction, and of the danger of a precident that might load you...
56From James Madison to James Monroe, 11 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Clinton, the Mayor of New York, having understood that Capt. Whitby has stated that he is in possession of an affidavit tending to shew that the place where Pierce was killed last spring by a shot from the Leander was not within the jurisdiction of the United States, has furnished the inclosed documents to set the matter in a clear light. I have the honor to be &c. DNA : RG...
57From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 September 1805 (Madison Papers)
The decision in the Admiralty Courts of G. B. disallowing the sufficiency of landing, and paying duties on, Colonial produce of belligerent Colonies, re-exported from ports of the U.S., to protect the produce agst. the British Cruisers & Courts, has spread great alarm among merchants & has had a grievous effect on the rate of insurance. From the great amt. of property afloat subject to this...
58From James Madison to James Monroe, 18 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd your favor of the 5th. and with it your observations, addressed to the Dept. of State, on the subject of the Treaty of Dcr. 1806: which will be communicated to Congs. with the documents relating to the negociations &c connected with the Treaty; it being understood that such a disposition of the paper will conform to your wishes. Mr. Rose’s mission is abortive. Communications on the...
59From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
I inclose copies of a letter from Margaret Mitchell of New York and its inclosure, whereby it will appear that her son Andrew Mitchell, a minor, having been practised upon to induce his enlistment, is now a private in the 22d Regiment of foot, under the command of Colo. Mercer, stationed at Calcutta. Should the distress of the mother, as depicted in her letter, fail to excite a degree of...
60From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
It appears that George Utz, for information respecting whom the Prussian Minister addressed himself to you, died at Philadelphia in the year 1793, leaving property to the amount of £400, which is in safe hands. No legal representative had claimed it in July last, from the administrator. During the hostilities at sea which grew out of the state of things between France and the United States in...
61From James Madison to James Monroe, 18 January 1804 (Madison Papers)
I write you by Mr. Baring, who will also take charge of full instructions on the subject of a Convention with G. B for putting an end to impressments &c: It is of great importance to the harmony of the two Countries that the project should not entirely fail. There is not time to forward by this opportunity instructions relative to Madrid. They will probably soon follow. In the mean time, you...
62From James Madison to James Monroe, 20 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
You will receive with this all the communications claimed by the actual & eventual posture of our affairs in the hands of yourself & Mr. Livingston. You will find also that the Spanish Govt. has pretty promptly corrected the wrong done by its Officer at N. Orleans. This event will be a heavy blow to the clamorors for war, and will be very soothing to those immediately interested in the trade...
63From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
The communications by Mr. Hughes including the Treaty and conventions signed with the French Government were safely delivered on the 14th. instant. Inclosed is a copy [of] a letter written in consequence of them to Mr. Livingston and yourself. On the presumption which accords with the information given by Mr. Hughes that you will have proceeded to Madrid in pursuance of the instructions of the...
64From James Madison to James Monroe, 10 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
Finding that [ sic ] Mr. Purveyance within reach of a few lines, I add these to what he is already charged with, to observe that Yrujo has written another remonstrance agst. our acquisition of Louisiana, alledging as a further objection that France by not obtaining the stipulated acknowledgmts. of the King of Etruria from the courts of Petersburg & London had a defective title herself to the...
65From James Madison to James Monroe, 20 July 1804 (Madison Papers)
Since my last acknowledgment of your letters I have received those of . I inclose herewith several correspondences with Mr Merry, Mr Pichon and the Mayor and Marshal of New York, on certain proceedings of the British frigates Cambrian and Boston, and the sloop of war Driver within and without the harbour of New York. Copies of the documents attached to these correspondences are also inclosed,...
66From James Madison to James Monroe, 20 February 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To James Monroe. 20 February 1806, Department of State. “Mr Samuel Grove represents that he has several claims upon the British Government for injuries sustained from its officers during the occupation of part of St Domingo, in the last war. If you can render him any aid, consistently with the nature of the case and of your functions, I request that you will be pleased to do it.” Letterbook...
67From James Madison to James Monroe, 2 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
I enclose herewith sundry letters for you which I presume will be more likely to find you in London than at Madrid. I forward this and them by Capt. Seth Sanger, who proceeds to London in prosecution of an appeal from a decision in the British Vice Admiralty at Antigua. The papers on the subject having been transmitted to England, have not been seen by me. According to his state of the case,...
68From James Madison to James Monroe, 2 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
General Mason has just requested me to forward the inclosed 100 dolrs. to be put into the hands of Mr. S. Pleasants for Mr. Callander. Yrs. affy. RC ( NhHi ). Virginia senator Stevens Thomson Mason was an active supporter of Callender’s cause (see Michael Durey, “ With the Hammer of Truth ”: James Thomson Callender and America’s Early National Heroes [Charlottesville, Va., 1990], pp. 110–11,...
69From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
The chart from which the enclosed was copied is contained in a collection made for the Department of State by Arrowsmith of London. The soundings and other minute circumstances, relative to the northern coast of the Bay of Mexico and the Islands situated in it, have induced the belief that it may prove serviceable to you. With very great respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obed....
70From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
Since the event which led to the Proclamation of the 2d. inst. the British squadron has conducted itself in a continued spirit of insolence and hostility. Merchant vessels arriving and departing, have been challenged, fired at, examined and detained within our jurisdiction, with as little scruple as if they were at open sea. Even a Revenue Cutter conveying the Vice President and his sick...