2461To James Madison from Robert Taylor, 24 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had prepared a draft of the principal deed for the settlement intended by your memo: (for it would have required several to accomplish all the purposes intended) and was waiting an opportunity to shew it to Doctr. Rose to discover whether it was agreeable to his intentions or not, When I received a note from Mrs. Rose informing it was not necessary to prepare the writings and requesting a...
2462To James Madison from Thomas Bulkeley, 24 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 October 1801, Lisbon. Reports that peace has slowed the sale of American produce, “particularly the Articles of Provisions.” Has dismissed acting vice-consul Marcelino Roiz da Silva for fraudulent overcharges and collusion with customhouse officials. Roiz’s subsequent behavior toward him resulted in the police intendant-general’s threatening Roiz with banishment to Africa. Warns JM that the...
2463To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 24 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 October 1801, Treasury Department. Encloses copy of letter from George Latimer about prize ship Harmony . RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). RC 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 9 Nov. Enclosure (1 p.) is a copy of Latimer to Gallatin, 20 Oct. 1801, reporting that the Harmony had sailed before the arrival of Gallatin’s 15 Oct. instructions (see Gallatin to JM, 15 Oct. 1801 , and n....
2464To James Madison from James Maury, 24 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 October 1801, Liverpool. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s circular letter of 1 Aug. Will attend to instructions on foreign ships purchased by U.S. citizens. Has never given registers or sea letters to such vessels but has, after seeing satisfactory proof, granted certificates of American ownership. Reports that recent practice of British government when learning of yellow fever outbreaks in...
2465From James Madison to Charles Pinckney, 25 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
In the instructions, accompanying your Commission, it was not forgotten, that the trespasses of Spain on our commerce, had laid the foundation for strong complaints and reclamations on the part of the United States; and it was accordingly made your duty to press them in a proper manner on the Spanish Government. As this violation of our neutral rights prevailed most during the misunderstanding...
2466To James Madison from Francis H. Rozer, 25 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
My Servant George has brought me your name, and informs me you are desirous of hireing him by the year, but the rate I hold him at pr Month is too high, for that period. I omitted inserting in the paper I gave him, the terms by the year. I will take $120 pr Ann: and to return him cloathed in the same manner you receive him. These are the lowest terms I will take for him; and altho’ I am...
2467To James Madison from John Elmslie, Jr., 25 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 October 1801, Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope . Has received latest copy of U.S. laws by way of London. Complains of mistreatment by Lieutenant Governor Dundas. The Neptune of Philadelphia, bound for the Cape of Good Hope and Batavia with a cargo of flour, arrived on 9 Oct. and was refused entry by the collector. Captain requested that Elmslie apply to the lieutenant governor, who on 13 Oct....
2468To James Madison from Joseph Pulis, 25 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 October 1801, Malta. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 3 July letter [not found] covering commission as consul at Malta. Expresses thanks and determination to fulfill responsibilities. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Malta, vol. 1). 1 p.; in French. On the same day Pulis sent a similar letter to Jefferson (docketed as received 29 Apr. 1802) along with a completed bond agreement, signed “Giuseppe Pulis,”...
2469From James Madison to Tobias Lear, 26 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
William Hart Esqr. of Saybrook, Connecticut, has a claim upon the Government of St. Domingo, for the use of his Sloop Harriet, for 32 days, by virtue of a requisition of the Military Chiefs acting under Genl. Toussaint. It appears that Dr. Stevens formerly took up this business, and procured a promise from that General to make satisfaction for the injury, as soon as the state of the Treasury...
2470From James Madison to Rufus King, 27 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to call your attention to the enclosed letter from the Collector of New York and the protest to which it refers. The American protection, with which the unhappy seaman therein mentioned was provided, raises a presum[p]tion at least that he was one of our citizens, as his shipment at Amsterdam, a place hostile to Great Britain, discountenances the idea of his being her subject. But...
2471From James Madison to Richard Söderström, [27 October] 1801 (Madison Papers)
In relation to the complaints you have preferred in several instances of capture and recapture of property alledged to be Danish, against the commanders of American public ships of War, it is my duty to inform you, that with the sincerest desire to avoid any thing which may procrastinate a decision, and under a just impression of the candor and liberality which your manner of acting would...
2472To James Madison from Pierpont Edwards, 27 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
This will be put into your hands by Mr. Eli Whitney of this City a gentleman very highly respected by all who know him, and considered here as a very able Mathematition, & the first Mechanical genius in New England. He has business to transact with Government. I take the liberty to recommend him to your patronage. I am with great respect & esteem Your Most Obdt Servt Tr ( CtY : Eli Whitney...
2473To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 27 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the 22d inst. I had the honor of writing a few lines to you by the Schooner Eliza, Captn. Coy, bound to Wilmington in (Del) stating that a small alarm had taken place in this City the preceding Evening, in consequence of the Governmt. having taken up some people who were suspected of having formed a plot to disturb the public tranquility. On the morning of the 23d inst. I was with Genl....
2474To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 27 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 October 1801, Treasury Department. Encloses letter from Oliver Ellsworth, which had been referred to Treasury Department accountants. Comptroller requests JM’s opinion on the principle on which the account is to be settled and the time period for which Ellsworth is entitled to a salary. Since case is not defined by law but covered by discretionary power which is vested in State Department,...
2475To James Madison from Caesar A. Rodney, 29 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving your letter in answer to mine announcing the election of Col: David Hall as Governor of this State. Since that time I have been on the Circuit attending to the duties of my profession, but at the same time to those which demand a due portion of care in relation to society. Our small majority gave birth to a sentiment in some breasts favorable to controverting...
2476To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 29 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 October 1801, Amsterdam. Acknowledges JM’s 1 Aug. circular and promises to reply fully at earliest opportunity. Will send copy of new Batavian constitution as soon as it is “published in a systematic form.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
2477To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 29 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 October 1801, Georgetown. Sends JM a note regarding duties Baltimore customs office charged on items Pichon received from France on the Maryland ; asks JM to rectify matter. Requests that restitution, if made, be sent to William Barney who paid the charges. RC ( DNA : RG 59, NFL , France, vol. 1); Tr ( AAE : Political Correspondence, U.S., 53:369). RC 2 pp.; written in French; in a clerk’s...
2478To James Madison from William Savage, 29 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 October 1801, Kingston, Jamaica. Reports that Admiral Montagu, who has returned to Jamaica and taken command of the British squadron, seems disposed to be cooperative; accordingly, expects greater success in liberating impressed Americans, though “the great difficulty is to distinguish English & Americans.” Mentions the case of the schooner Orange and encloses a copy of Montagu’s report...
2479To James Madison from Fulwar Skipwith, 29 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 October 1801, Paris. Since his letter of 12 Oct. acknowledging receipt of his commission, has received his exequatur as well as authorization to grant passports. Encloses list of judgments made by the Council of Prizes from its inception. Also encloses various documents relating to the condemnation of the Rodolph Frederic and its cargo as he believes the principles in the case may “interest...
2480To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 30 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 October 1801, Bordeaux. Drew fl. 410 on U.S. bankers at Amsterdam on 21 Oct., the balance of his account for supplying American seamen, for which he encloses accounts and vouchers. Also encloses statement of U.S. vessels in port from 10 Apr. to 21 Oct. [not found], after which William Lee assumed consular duties. Requests that JM lay his previous letters, requesting compensation as agent...
2481To James Madison from Pierpont Edwards, 30 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 October 1801, New Haven. Introduces Chauncy Bulkley of Chatham, Connecticut, “a very respectable merchant and a worthy republican,” who will explain the reason for his visit to Washington. Any assistance JM can offer him will be given to “a man who stands high in the esteem of our fellow republicans.” RC ( DNA : RG 76, France, French Spoliation Claims, folder B). 1 p.
2482To James Madison from Peter Johnston, 30 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 October 1801, Prince Edward. Introduces Elijah Hendrick and recommends him for employment in post using his mercantile and accounting skills. RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Cover marked by Johnston, “Care of Mr. Hendrick.” Republican lawyer Peter Johnston represented Prince Edward County for several terms in the Virginia House of Delegates, where he actively supported the passage of JM’s Virginia...
2483To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 30 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 October 1801, Cap Français. No. 14. Wrote to JM on 28 Oct. via brig bound to Newburyport; has little more to add. As he mentioned, gunfire was heard on the night of 22 Oct. The following morning a plot was uncovered to raise an insurrection and exterminate whites not only at the cape but throughout the country to the northwest. An alarm spread on 24 Oct. that “the Country was in Arms and...
2484To James Madison from John Morton, 30 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 October 1801 , “ Ship Calliope, off Port-Penn , ( Dele .).” Acknowledges JM’s 24 Oct. letter to him covering “Notes on Cuba” [not found]. Expresses gratitude for the “indulgent accommodation of the President.” Mentions in postscript that he delivered JM’s letter to Dallas [not found] at Chester. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Havana, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 5 Nov. JM’s letter...
2485To James Madison from Stephen Sayre, 30 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 October 1801, Philadelphia. Requests JM to remind the president that his extraordinary services to the government are still unrewarded. Supposes that the postmaster has been dismissed and suggests himself as a replacement. His conduct, character, and friends all indicate his fitness for the position, but he will have no cause for complaint if the president can find any other person better...
2486To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 30 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 October 1801, Philadelphia. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 21 Oct. relating to imprisonment of Le Couteulx. Both he and Liston have sent requests for release to authorities in Canada and Great Britain. Does not know if delay is caused by new information in case or by desire to await instructions from home but promises to write to Canada again. Notes that Le Couteulx is detained not simply as...
2487To James Madison from Walter Jones, 31 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
Having been absent from home, at the time our last weekly post arrived, I could not return an answer to your Letter, till now. I learn, that the negro Plato, Sailed for the City in a vessel that left this part, about the 13th., & I suppose long before this, has reached his destination. Had I found him lurking through design, or unable, tho willing, to prosecute his Journey, be assured I would...
2488To James Madison from Rufus King, 31 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
It is confidently believed that a considerable Expedition composed of land & Sea forces, is preparing in france, and will soon proceed to St. Domingo, and perhaps to the mississippi. Should Toussaint resist, our commerc[e] may experience fresh Embarrassments in the west India seas. On this account among others the Presence of our Minister at Paris becomes more and more desir⟨a⟩ble. To my...
2489To James Madison from George W. Erving, 31 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 October 1801, American Consulate, London. No. 4. Dawson’s delayed departure and return to London a second time allow transmission of the enclosed statements. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, CD , London, vol. 8). RC 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 13 Jan. The enclosures include lists of awards made by the Board of Commissioners payable on 5 July 1798 and 1 May 1799 and received by...
2490To James Madison from John Gavino, 31 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 October 1801, Gibraltar. No. 75. Reports that Spanish shore batteries fired on American merchant vessels on 19 and 27 Oct., killing one sailor. Has written formal reports to Commodore Dale, who witnessed second attack, and to Humphreys. Notes that Dale and the Philadelphia will sail on first good wind to convoy merchant vessels in the Mediterranean, leaving the Essex to guard Tripolitan...