2341To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 September 1801, Knoxville. Reports that arrangements for his descent of the Mississippi are nearly completed; expects to leave the first week of October. Has received information from the Mississippi Territory that “the public Mind is tranquil,” party spirit has considerably subsided, population is increasing, and relations with the Spanish and the Indians are harmonious. Requests regular...
2342From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 17 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I make use of the oppy. by Mr. Davis to forward you the contents of the weekly packet recd yesterday from the Office of State. Having had time scarcely to read some of the communications, I am unable, if there were occasion, to submit comments on them. Mr. Wagner writes that Mr. Graham left Washington on saturday last with the papers relating to the Mission of Mr. Livingston, and was to be...
2343Draft of Instructions to Robert R. Livingston, [ca. 17 September] 1801 (Madison Papers)
You will herewith receive your commission as Minister Plenipotentiary from the U. States to the French Republic. You will also be furnished with copies of the instructions given to Mr. Dawson who carried to France the modified ratification of the Convention of the 30th of Sepr. last, and of those to Messrs. Elsworth and Murray charged with negociating a ratification in the same form by the...
2344To James Madison from Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard, 17 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 September 1801, Amsterdam. Since their last letter of 7 July the firm has received through Charles Pinckney JM’s letter of 19 June [not found] authorizing Pinckney to draw on them for his salary and contingent expenses. They repeat their earlier request that a remittance be made “to reimburse Our actual large advance, and to meet all the future and probable Exigencies of the Ministers and...
2345To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 18 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 16th by post & 17th by mr. Davis have been duly rec⟨eived.⟩ He has not yet opened himself to me; but I shall assure him that nothing can ⟨be⟩ said here on the subject, nor determined on but when we shall be together at Washington. I have a letter from mr. Gallatin whose only doubt is whether Rogers should be removed. If he is, he seems clear Davis had better have the...
2346To James Madison from Robert Ritchie, 18 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 September 1801, “ On board the Brig General Warren, Pennsyla. Quarentine Ground .” Announces his arrival from Port Républicain to attend to personal business. The suddenness of his decision to depart precluded his giving JM earlier notice. Has arranged for his assistant, John Linn, to perform consular duties during his absence. Requests president’s approval for a few months’ leave to...
2347To James Madison from Edward Stevens, 18 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 September 1801, Philadelphia. Encloses a packet entrusted to him by Colonel Lear. Will visit Washington as soon as the president returns to communicate to him “all the information I possess respecting the Colony of St: Domingo.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cap Haitien, vol. 3). 2 pp. For enclosed packet, see Tobias Lear to JM, 17 and 19 Aug. 1801 . A full transcription of this document has been...
2348To James Madison from Joseph Hamilton Daveiss, 19 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 September 1801, Frankfort. Hopes the enclosed statement of Kentucky federal court cases will be received in due time. Delay was caused by his long absence from Kentucky. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). RC 1 p. Enclosure (31 pp.) is a list in two parts of suits pending in the U.S. circuit court for Kentucky and of suits ended by a decision or judgment; certified as a true statement by...
2349To James Madison from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 20 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 September 1801, Marseilles. Transmits via Bordeaux a packet of dispatches from Cathcart, now at Leghorn, who reports the action of U.S. schooner Enterprize in taking a Tripolitan polacre. Believes this has caused the pasha to doubt wisdom of declaring war on U.S. and hopes squadron under Commodore Dale’s command will soon give him “other Instances of Mortification to the great honour of the...
2350To James Madison from John Gavino, 21 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 September 1801, Gibraltar. No. 72. Reports that contrary winds have delayed his previous dispatch. On 19 Sept. the George Washington and the Peace and Plenty arrived; they are now departing with merchant vessels. Spanish privateers “who pretend to Blocade this Port” fired at the Peace and Plenty off Tarifa. States that on 19 Sept. the vice-admiralty court at Gibraltar condemned the schooner...
2351To James Madison from William Madison, 22 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
As no division of the Estate, both real & personal, can take place without the friendly Bill in Chancery of which Mr Randolph & Wickam have been notified I deem any consultation on the subject unavailing ’till a decree is had, which may ascertain the Rights of all the claimants. As Executor I cannot concur in any distribution of the personal Estate without the authority of the Chancellor—and...
2352To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 22 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I arrived last Evening at the Hague & proceed to day on my route to Paris. I inclose You the Leyden Gazette of this morning. I passed through Leyden Yesterday & stopped there sometime to view the academy & such things as were worthy my attention in that respectable & antient town once the capital of Holland & particularly to form an acquaintance & have some conversation with M: Blussé the...
2353To James Madison from Theodorus Bailey, 22 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 September 1801, Poughkeepsie. Has discovered that Levi McKeen, without Bailey’s consent or knowledge, recommended him to Gallatin for position of commissioner of loans in New York. Declines being in competition for the office as salary would not support his family “in a city, where the means of living are so expensive.” Was assured before Congress adjourned by “conspicuous republican...
2354To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 September 1801, Amsterdam. Encloses that day’s Leiden Gazette with accounts of the revolution in government at The Hague. Reports that the Austrian emperor continues to sanction election of bishops of Cologne and Münster despite French and Prussian opposition. A few days earlier he forwarded a packet of letters from Pinckney, who left Amsterdam on 19 Sept. en route to Madrid. Would...
2355To James Madison from William Kirkpatrick, 22 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 September 1801, Málaga. Since his 25 Aug. letter to JM , Philadelphia and Essex returned to Málaga and left again on 12 Sept. sailing east. Encloses copy of official notification he received on 5 Sept. of U.S. blockade of Tripoli; immediately informed all local consuls. Reports that quarantine on U.S. vessels has been reduced to ten days. Has news from Gibraltar that Tripolitan admiral...
2356To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 September 1801, Cap Français. No. 12. Encloses a copy of the organic laws of Saint-Domingue framed by the central assembly. RC , FC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cap Haitien, vol. 3). RC 1 p.; marked duplicate; docketed by Wagner as received 24 Oct. FC docketed by Lear, with his notation: “Duplicate by Brig Brandy wine, Terence Downey—via Philada Sepr. 24h. 1801.” The enclosure may have been a copy...
2357From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
Having sent you by Mr. Davis the communications recd. by the mail of last week, I have none to make you at present. You will find me at home, on saturday or sunday, when I hope to be able to fix the day for following you to Washington. The despatches for Mr. Livingston will be ready by the time I shall have the pleasure of seeing you. My conversation with Mr. Graham who staid a day or two with...
2358To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 23 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 September 1801, Amsterdam. Forwards an enclosure [not found] that he has received since his letter of the previous day. Reports that the legislature rejected the new constitution proposed by three members of the Batavian Directory after receiving a protest against it from the other two directors. The directors who had proposed the plan then employed a “Military Escort” to seal off the...
2359To James Madison from Thomas Bulkeley, 23 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 September 1801, Lisbon. Has just received the enclosed letter from Portuguese minister of foreign affairs relating to the departure of Smith. Reports sharp increase in military impressment and meetings on 21 and 23 Sept. of a council of war. The French army at Zamora [Spain] may be preparing to move on Portugal. Its destination is unknown, but it is believed that France insists on gaining...
2360To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 23 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 September 1801, Treasury Department. Encloses copy of letter from collector at Boston and copy of statement from a Mr. Doane. RC and enclosures ( DLC : Gallatin Papers). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Gallatin. Docketed by Wagner as received the same day, with his notation: “British Snow Windsor / See Circular to the Governors of 16 April 1795.” Enclosures (4 pp.) are copies of...
2361To James Madison from Turell Tufts, 23 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 September 1801, Paramaribo. Reports arrival of sloop Sally of Wilmington from Norfolk with only registry certificate and clearance. Captain said that sea letter, shipping papers, and crew listing were lacking because collector Davies at Norfolk told him they were unnecessary. Points out that sea letter is the document which all naval commanders who do not speak English ask to see. Urges...
2362To James Madison from David Humphreys, 24 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 September 1801, Madrid. No. 287. Has formally notified minister of state of American blockade of Tripoli; encloses copy of that note and minister’s reply. Confirms news of victory of the Enterprize over Tripolitan corsair, quoting from a 19 Aug. report by Commodore Dale. Notes that Portugal continues to delay peace negotiations with France. Plans to send his accounts by an American citizen...
2363To James Madison from Rufus King, 24 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 September 1801, London. No. 35. Acknowledges JM’s letters of 21 May , 15 and 30 June , and 24 , 27 , and 28 July , the last three conveyed by Erving. Contrary to his earlier report, Denmark has not agreed to the convention with St. Petersburg, but he assumes it will eventually do so in order to regain its possessions in the East and West Indies. Discusses the situation in Europe after the...
2364From James Madison to Charles Pinckney, 25 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
The instructions accompanying your commission as Minister Plenipotentiary to Spain, informed you of the reported cession of Louisiana to France, of the views which the President had taken of the subject, and of the conduct to be pursued by you in relation to it. It was observed at the same time, that correspondent instructions would be given to the Minister Plenipotentiary to the French...
2365To James Madison from Alexander Fowler, 25 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 19th. of April, for which I thank you, and I am obliged to you for the good opinion you entertain of my integrity and Independence. Electioneering Squabbles constantly creates not only animosities but misrepresentations, and it gives me pain, to find that our animosities here should have caused my name to be brought before our...
2366To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 25 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
Extract of a letter from Mr. Mountflorence to the Secretary of State, dated Paris 3rd. Augt. 1801. “The ratifications were exchanged 31st. ult. and Mr. Thomas Appleton This is the name of our Consul for Leghorn. J Wagner has been entrusted by Mr. Dawson with that of the French Government delivered unto him by Mr. Murray.” Extract of another letter from the same to the same, dated 6 Augt. 1801....
2367To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 26 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr: Wagner having informed me by his letter of the 11th: instt: that neither copy of the within papers which I had forwarded from Hamburg, had then arrived at the seat of the government, I have now the honour to transmit a third copy of them; and am with great respect, Your very humble & obedt: Servt: RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Duplicate Originals of J. Q. Adams, 1800–1801, 1809–12). Docketed by...
2368To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 26 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 September 1801, Algiers. Complains that the dey and the prime minister have requested four times that he provide a passport for over 250 crewmen from the two Tripolitan cruisers blockaded at Gibraltar. The crewmen, to avoid capture and starvation, had escaped and made their way to Oran. The dey wishes to return them by ship to Tripoli, but the port is under American blockade. Is determined...
2369To James Madison from James Monroe, 27 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
It has occurr’d to me it might possibly be of some use for me to give Mr. Livingston a letter to the consul Cambaceres. I was well acquainted with him, while in France, had much intercourse on publick business & he was often at my house. Still I am not aware it will produce any good effect; perhaps there may be an impropriety in my writing him. I send you a letter to him for mr. L., and submit...
2370To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 27 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 September 1801, Leghorn. No. 12. Sends enclosures covering occurrences since his last dispatch. Danish commodore Koefoed has arrived from Tripoli, where he adjusted terms of tribute rather than taking advantage of the current opportunity to eliminate payments; coercion of the pasha seems contrary to Danish policy. Though enclosures show the friendly disposition of Swedes, he believes they...