25201To James Madison from Richard Bland Lee, 1 February 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have just heard that a vacancy has lately happened on the Judicial Bench of Columbia, in consequence of Chief Justice Kilty being appointed chancellor of Maryland. I have some times thought—that I was qualified to fill one of the junior seats on that Bench—and at present, the appointment thereto would prove agreeable, and might be useful to my young family whose education begins to call for...
25202To James Madison from John Gavino, 15 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 April 1801, Gibraltar. No. 62. Transmits copy of his dispatch no. 61 and encloses copies of 2 Jan. letter from Cathcart to O’Brien and O’Brien’s 21 Jan. and 8 Feb. letters to Gavino. Reports arrival of convoy from Great Britain. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Gibraltar, vol. 2). RC 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 15 June. Enclosures are: Cathcart to O’Brien and Eaton, 2 Jan....
25203To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with a request contained in a letter from Mr. Brent, under date of the 19h. inst. I do myself the honor to transmit to you copies of my correspondence with General Leclerc concerning Captain Rogers and Captain Davidson, which you will find enclosed under Nos. 1. 2 & 3. With great respect & sincere attachment I have the honor to be Sir, your most Obedt. Sert. The preceding is the...
25204To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 9 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing you on the 4th. of January, nothing new has occurred here relative to our affairs. After the departure of the Courier for Alicante, on the 8. of January, we have not had an arrival from Europe in this port, nor the departure of a Vessel, excepting a few of the Country going coastways. And from, or of the United States, I have not heard anything, since your...
25205To James Madison from Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, [28 July] 1804 (Madison Papers)
La mission confiée au Général Turreau a pour premier objet de resserrer chaque jour davantage l’union qui subsiste entre la France et les Etatsunis. Persuadé, Monsieur, de votre empressement à concourir au même but, j’ai prévenu ce Général des dispositions avec lesquelles vous l’accueilleriez et vous pouvez compter qu’il s’attachera constamment à y correspondre par les mêmes sentimens de...
25206To James Madison from the Right Reverend James Madison, 18 November 1803 (Madison Papers)
I remit the Note, which you forwarded, & will thank you to supply John with 60$, & send to me one for the 500 orignally lent. John is on his Way to Baltimore to commence his Novitiate in mercantile Business. I had destined him for the Law; but have submitted to his own Election. He appears anxious to give yourself, Mrs Madison & Miss Paine a momentary Call, & I have also urged him to do so....
25207To James Madison from Colin Auld, 10 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 10 May 1802. Mentioned in Daniel Brent to Auld, 14 May 1802 (DNA: RG 59, DL, vol. 14). Expresses concern over the appointment of a successor to Henry Potter, a judge of the U.S. Circuit Court for the Fifth Circuit. Brent replied that a commission for Edward Harris of North Carolina had been made out and sent to the president in Virginia, making it probable that the new judge...
25208To James Madison from William Eaton, 9 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 November 1802, Tunis. Notes that the accompanying letter dated 22 and 27 Oct. was sent on 27 Oct. by a British ship which returned to port after springing a leak. Received JM’s 10 May letter on 30 Oct. Was directed to forward his account with the returning squadron, “but it must be long since known to the Government that no ship of that squadron showed itself here for seven or eight months...
25209To James Madison from Caleb Gardner, Constant Taber, and Pardon Gray, 6 November 1805 (Madison Papers)
¶ From Caleb Gardner, Constant Taber, and Pardon Gray. Letter not found. 6 November 1805. Described in Jacob Wagner to Gardner, Taber, and Gray, 18 Nov. 1805 ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 15) as asking that the third installment of the award due them be paid by the collector at Newport, Rhode Island. Wagner stated that it would be inconvenient to depart from the prescribed form for payment, which...
25210To James Madison from Nicholas Voss, 20 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Nicholas Voss. 20 March 1806. “J. Madison has this day accepted an order by me payable May 15. 1806 in favor of Thomas Tingey, which order when paid is to be an advance of half a years rent for the House occupied by the sd. Madison, computed from the 1st. day of May of the present year.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.; in JM ’s hand, signed by Voss.
25211To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 27 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 May 1801, Philadelphia. Introduces Winthrop Sargent, “who as well as myself has been abused, and injured by a faction in the Mississippi Territory. I call it a faction, because with a few exceptions , it is composed of the most abandoned, and profligate part of the community, and consists of british subjects, discontented americans, and fugitives from justice.” Describes supporters of...
25212To James Madison from John Gavino, 27 December 1802 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to referr to what I had the honor of writing you ⅌ my last No. 108 under 23d. Inst. & now transmit you anexd Copy of a Letter received from Consul Eaton of Tunis 9th: Ulto., I have also sent off to Capns. Murray & Campbell duplicates thereof. A french Squadron of five large french Ships of War & a Brig whent past this day from the Westward Supposed to be from St: Domingo. I have...
25213To James Madison from Joseph Barnes (Abstract), 16 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
16 February 1805, Florence . “To a man of Sentiment who wishes to promote the good of his Country, and the interest of his Countrymen, Especially in a Public Situation tis a most painful reflection to be under the necessity of making my Apology for his Conduct. “A Concatonation of unforeseen unfortunate circumstances having prevented me from fulfiling the duties of My Consulate in Sicily...
25214To James Madison from Pseudonym: "A Volunteer of Charleston", 20 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
As our dearest rights seems, directly in question, and our government, arraying itself again for defence of Liberty, I submit for inspection a plan not heretofore in use, and if the inequallities of the surface were not insurmountable; Objections in other respects, I am purswaded, are reconcilable to its general principles, which are simple and as follows: having obtained, five pieces of...
25215To James Madison from John Appleton, 1 January 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have The honour to inclose you a statement of The American Vessels which have arriv’d & sail’d from The district to which my Commission is limited; They are not numerous, but from The unfortunate circumstances which have attended so great a proportion of Them, and which almost every season furnishes similar examples, I am induced to hope & presume our Government will adopt, such measures as...
25216To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 July 1802, Leghorn. No. 8. Enclosures A and B, along with his dispatch no. 7 which was forwarded by the Liberty on 3 June, relate all information of importance on U.S. affairs with Tripoli and Tunis. Tripolitan cruisers have been frequently at sea since the war began, and this at a time when the extent of American commerce “never was so valuable.” Has seen twenty-four American ships “in this...
25217To James Madison from William Jarvis, 23 December 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jarvis. 23 December 1805, Lisbon. “The foregoing is a Copy of the letter I had the honor to write you the 3rd. Inst. by the Brig Rebecca Captain Wilson for Philadelphia. Since which no arrangement has taken place relative to Quarantines, except two orders sent to the Health Office of Bellem the 18th. & 26 Ulto. the former very mild the latter very rigid. This may be imputed to...
25218To James Madison from Jonathan Williams, 6 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Jonathan Williams. 6 May 1806, West Point. “Five Dollars ⅌ annum, to be remitted to Lieut Walker. K. Armistead, Treasurer of the Society at West-Point State of New York. is the Contribution established by Law, for Every Member of the U.S.M.P.S. —all Surplus Funds Will, at the End of Every Year, be a fund to be employed in premiums for Scientific improvement, as compensations for...
25219To James Madison from George Joy, 2 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
Here is a Snow Storm that would do honor to Passamaquoddy; and as I have no Engagement abroad, I have been employing the time in transcribing my Short hand Notes from the Margin of a Newspaper rec’d 3 Days ago containing your Ltr: 25 Mar: to Mr: Erskine. I make no Apology for the freedom of the Remarks. You know it is my Way; and moreover I think it always best to anticipate what your...
25220To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 30 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since writing the foregoing I am honored with your Circular of 9th. April last with Copy of the Act of 28th. February, by the wise provissions of which the embarrasments incident to the duty of foreign Consuls are almost entirely done away. Some cases have already occurred not foreseen by the Legislature. One is that of Seamen who from ill usage, or other reasons may demand their Discharge,...
25221To James Madison from Levett Harris, 27 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 October 1803, St. Petersburg . Refers JM to his letter of 25 Oct. by “this Conveyance, the delay whereof, enables me to acquaint You of the particulars of my last interview with the minister of foreign affairs.” Presented his commission along with a translation. Count Vorontsov “observed it would have been in form for the first minister of State in America to have addressed a letter to him...
25222To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 11 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
It was my intention to have wrote you fully on the subject of the depredations Committed in these seas, by Mr. James D. Barry of your City, but am now prevented, in consequence of his sudden departure in a Vessel touched off the Port in Distress—however I will obtain the necessary Documents relative to those depredations, and forward the same by the Brig Republican of Baltimore, now loading...
25223To James Madison from Israel Smith, 16 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 August 1802, Rutland, Vermont. Recommends Samuel Prentiss of Rutland for the post of commissioner of bankruptcy. “P⟨r⟩entiss is about thirty five ⟨years o⟩f age has been Educated ⟨in⟩ the profession of the Law—is a man of good morals and good habits and in my opinion very capable of discharging the duties of a Commissioner.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1801–9, filed under “Prentiss”). 1 p....
25224To James Madison from John M. D. Laurance, 16 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
By directions of the Columbian Insurance Compy of this City I transmit you certain papers relative to the Capture of the American Schooner Mariner. Many other Vessels have been captured under similar circumstances—being insured however at other offices the proper documents will be forwarded by them. It is the wish of the Underwriters of this City in submitting these documents to your...
25225To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
Designing Men here, have made the most of the imprudent conduct of the Navy officers; they affect to attribute it to the influence of General Wilkinson’s proceedings the last winter, and are desirous of making it the means of exciting the prejudices of the Louisianians, against both the Government and her agents; But they will be disappointed; the Louisianians begin to distinguish between the...
25226To James Madison from John Martin Baker, 31 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1804, Palma. “I had this honor, on the 23d ultimo, to which I beg leave to refer you, and to Confirm.” Now communicates the news “by report this morning, from a respectable merchant, three days from Alicante,” that Montgomery had just received official notice of the capture off Tripoli of a Tripolitan cruiser, which was then taken to Syracuse, “manned with Americans,” and sent again...
25227To James Madison from Charles D. Coxe, 11 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to refer you to my letter of 26th ulto. since which nothing has occur’d of an extr aordinary nature. The Ship Two Brothers has nearly finished discharging her Cargo, which has necessarily proceeded very slowly, owing to the great distance of transporting it from the Ship to The Town in Sandals across the lake, which is about nine miles. Mr. Lear has not yet made his appearance...
25228To James Madison from Levi Lincoln, 16 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter from the author of the former letters, would to me be too flattering, not to be read with the greatest complacency. I forward it with pleasure to the man, who deservedly commands, the affection, and the esteem of a Dickinson. The Pamphlet, which accompanies, on the agriculture of the United States, was sent to the office by Mr Williams, at the direction of Mr King. Two...
25229To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 18 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 November 1803, Natchez. “Shortly after closing my despatches of this morning I received the enclosed letter from Mr Clarke to which I returned an answer, a copy of which is likewise enclosed.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, TP , Orleans, vol. 2); letterbook copy ( Ms-Ar : Claiborne Executive Journal, vol. 13). RC 1 p.; printed in Rowland, Claiborne Letter Books Dunbar Rowland, ed.,...
25230To James Madison from Fulwar Skipwith, 3 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to address you on the 25th. Ulto., with the transcript of a note, furnished me by Mr. de la Grange, containing the decision of his Majesty the Emperor on certain points, which had been put in question by the Council of Prizes, relative to the execution of the decree of his I. Majesty. For your more satisfactory information, I now have the pleasure to inclose an exact copy of...
25231To James Madison from Savary, 27 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
You will be surprised of the liberty I take to direct you the present: But I hope that the Subject will carry with it my excuse. Juge John Coburn, man respectable by his character, his republican principles, his knowledge in the law & also as a father of a numerous family, had been appointed formerly a Juge of the Territory of new Orleans; The dread of that Climate entertained by a part of his...
25232To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 10 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
France has cut the knot. The difficulties relative to Parma and Placentia that stopped the expedition to Louisiana have ended by their taking possession of the first. As you see by the enclosed paper, orders are given for the immediate embarkation of troops (two demi brigades) for Louisiana they will sail in about twenty days from Holland. The government here will give no answer to my notes on...
25233To James Madison from George Davis (Abstract), 17 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
17 February 1805, Tunis . No. 24. “I have the honor to inform you of the safe arrival of the Tunisien Xebec at Sphax; the Rais came to Tunis on the 19th. ultimo, and made several complaints as was naturally anticipated, (esta l’usanza) to wit, of the loss of two chests of cloathing, damage done to the vessel, her rigging &c. I gave a decisive refusal to any compensation; his complaints were in...
25234To James Madison from Josef Yznardy, 19 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
The object of the present is to inform you Sir, that P the enclose d Copies will appear how Richard Hughes has plagued me with incompetent demands regar ding the Brig Mary of New York. My answer to him refers to the information already sent yo u and which I now amplofy. He Acerts that said Vessel was bought here by Capn. Samue l Young (which is true) after being abandoned by the former Owner....
25235To James Madison from Robert Taylor, 21 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Lewis Madison of Caroline wishing to obtain employment in some public office at Washington and being personally unknown to you has requested thro’ the intervention of two friends Mr. Thomas Rogers & Mr. Richard Hawes an introductory letter from me. With Mr. Madison I am unacquainted, but with Mr. Rogers & Mr. Hawes perfectly so and know that any thing they would say is intitled to the...
25236To James Madison from Fulwar Skipwith, 1 January 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have here the honor of transmitting the Statement of claims referred to in my last letter of the 14th. of novemr., including such as are to be found in the conjectural note designated by the Convention, Such as were exhibited a little before the signing of that convention, in my Statement to the Minister of the united States, & lastly all the claims, which have been Since presented to the...
25237To James Madison from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 27 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
Confirming you mine of the 21st: inst. with a Copy of a letter from our Consul at Naples of the 9th. inst., I have now the honor to hand you hereannexed copy of a letter I Just received from our Consul at Tunis; dated the 5th. inst respecting our present situation with Algiers, to which I beg your refference. I am giving notice of the same to our minister at Paris, & to the American th that...
25238To James Madison from Levi Lincoln, 6 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to forward a letter recd by the last mail from the District attorney of Vermont respecting the strange affair referred to in the accompanying papers which you some time since enclosed to me. I am Sir most respectfully yours RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, LOAG ). RC docketed by Brent. For the enclosed letter from David Fay to Lincoln, 29 June 1802 (3 pp.; docketed by Brent),...
25239To James Madison from Hubbard Taylor, 12 December 1804 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed you by Capt. Richard Taylor (son of Come. Richd Taylor) who has been chosen to take the Votes of the Electors of this State for President & Vice President, which has been unanimous for Mr. Jefferson & Mr. Clinton. Capt. Taylor like his Father has been unfortunate in the defence of his Country having recd. a wound which ere long will prove very troublesome, government has...
25240To James Madison from Anonymous, 5 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
Ought a man who has violated the embargo law to have a commission under the government i am sure you will say no. Then before you give iohn barney (who I am told is applying for a captaincy in the n avy) one inquire who owned the schooner Sloath capt. Macey which vessel loaded with flour for Orleans befor the supplement to the embargo and went in to the havanna with one of the owners on board...
25241To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne (Abstract), 4 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
4 April 1805, Amsterdam. “A long & severe Winter has prevented me from transmitting you the Leyden Gazettes so regularly as I could have wished; much has not been lost, however as the political incidents have been few & of little interest during the time—the season is now fast approaching when we may look for a developements of those plans which during the interim have been contemplated in the...
25242To James Madison from Augustus B. Woodward, 27 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 October 1803, Washington . “I am afraid I have not made myself perfectly understood by the secretary of state, with respect to some parts of the conversation I had lately the honor to hold with him. I will therefore add one or two observations to what was then mentioned.… I am now much disposed … to resign my present situation to another brother, … who will be obliged to leave this city in...
25243To James Madison from William Pinkney, 10 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
I had the Honor to write you a short Letter by Mr. Temple Bowdoin, dated, I think, on the 29th. of last Month, of which (not having it here) I cannot now send a Duplicate. It stated, that I had received by the British Packet a Duplicate of your Dispatch by the St. Michael, that I had just had an Interview with Mr. Canning, and that there was Reason to believe that the Object mentioned in that...
25244To James Madison from Robert W. Fox, 10 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I paid thee my respects on the 8th. Ultmo., since when nothing particular has occurred. Near all the Harvest in this part of the Nation is saved, and it is said the Crop is good in quantity and quality, and prices are falling fast. Barrel Flour is 50/ a 58/ ⅌ Barrel, Rice 22/ a 26 ⅌ . I apprehend the great fall in this article is occasioned by the plentiful harvest and very considerable...
25245To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 13 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
The principal object of this is to Send you an extract of a letter Just received from Mr Graham, as it is possible that Mr Pinkney may not find So early an opportunity of writing to you. It appears by Mr Graham’s letter that Mr Pinkney had not yet received information of the Communication made by the Spanish Court to the First Consul on the Subject of our Treaty. After this I think it...
25246To James Madison from William Jarvis, 9 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
Since the date of the letter which will accompany this, ie 21st. Ulto:; which has s at in my desk waiting the daily release of our Vessels in this Port (although a Duplicate has been sen t by the way of St. Uber) nothing Material has occ urred in this Place. Out of the great numbers of Vessels I understand were about Sailing from the United States, three only have got in, so that the Scarcity...
25247To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 17 July 1806 (Madison Papers)
I return the Commission made out for mr. Briscoe as Commr. of the Western road, his residence at or near Fort-Cumberland being thought to make him liable to an influence which might affect the direction of the road. Baltimore being peculiarly interested in having that road conducted along the best rout without regard to the local interests of the neighborhood, I have thought it best to ask of...
25248To James Madison from Rufus King, 9 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
As your Letters to me concerning Mr. Ervings appointments do not explicitly state the Presidents intentions in respect to his being employed as an Assessor to the Commission under the seventh article of our Treaty with this Country, I desired him to send to the Board an Extract of his Instructions which define his Duties and which would be Sufficient to shew the Presidents expectation on this...
25249To James Madison from Peder Pedersen, 26 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Peder Pedersen. 26 August 1805, Philadelphia . “I herewith beg leave to inform you that His Majesty the King has been pleased to appoint G. Hammeken Esqr. hitherto His Vice Consul in New York, to be His Consul for the states of New Hampshire Massachussets Rhode Island Connecticut & New York, to reside in New York; and J. F. Eikard Esqr. hitherto His Vice Consul in Philadelphia, to be...
25250To James Madison from James Monroe, 17 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
By my letter of yesterday you will find that the business is at an end with this government & that it only remains for me to take leave of the court & withdraw from Spain. Before I do this I shall see the Prince of peace & also Genl. Beurnonville, the latter to day, as I dine with him, the former as soon after his return from Madrid as possible. He returns to morrow. Mr. Pinckney who has...