4221To James Madison from John Mitchell, 28 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 March 1803, Le Havre. Thinking it interesting to the U.S. to be informed of European events, sends an extract of a 26 Mar. letter received from Paris which notes: “I think War inevitable, the Dutch Troops &c that went to take possession of the Cape good hope Are made Prisoners, that is, they are allowed to Land Under many restrictions and not to take the Country under their Government. A...
4222To James Madison from James Simpson, 28 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 March 1803, Tangier. No. 55. States that he kept his dispatch no. 53 [24 Dec. 1802] , awaiting Captain Murray’s arrival, until 2 Feb., when Captain Campbell of the Adams took charge of it together with no. 54 [31 Jan. 1803]. A severe eastern gale prevented Murray from calling at Tangier, but Campbell assured Simpson the letters would be forwarded safely. The emperor is still at Morocco but...
4223To James Madison from William E. Hũlings, 29 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you a few day[s] ago, via New York and inform’d you that the French Colonial Prefect was in the River. He arrived in town on Saturday last in the afternoon, and was received with great eclat. I have not yet seen him; I purpose to call on him in a day or two. Genl. Victor is expected here in twenty or thirty days, until then the Spanish Governt. will continue it’s authority. I heard...
4224To James Madison from David Humphreys, 29 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 March 1803, New York. “In compliance with a request from Mr. Thomas Bulkeley of Lisbon, now conducting the Commercial House of Messrs John Bulkeley & Son, I have the honour to forward to you the enclosed letter, which has just come to my hand. The subject of the claim of that House on the Department of State being so fully explained, I cannot doubt that a satisfactory arrangement will be...
4225From James Madison to Richard O’Brien, 30 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Navy, to whose Department the transmission of the Articles for Algiers has lately been transferred has given orders for collecting the maritime stores and other articles, the lists of which you have transmitted, with the exception only of the powder, on which as there would be a loss of two or three ⅌ Cent it is not believed that the occasion demands such a sacrifice,...
4226To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, [30 March] 1803 (Madison Papers)
In my numerous letters of late Date you will percieve the state of our affairs here & as many copies of the Order to the Intendant have sailed we have little doubt that some must be now near you. After I had accomplished the business of obtaining the Order to restore things to their former situation I then made a verbal requisition to the Secretary of State for indemnification for the Damages...
4227Circular Letter from the American Board of Agriculture, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803, Washington. Articles 7 and 8 of the board’s constitution state that each member of the committee of correspondence shall “consider it his duty to collect information and transmit it to the Secretary (of State)” and that any agricultural society in the U.S. “having the same objects as this Board” shall be entitled to membership. Recommends opening “a subscription towards a fund...
4228To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803 , “ U. S Ship Chesapeake Gibraltar Bay .” No. 3. Notes that his last dispatch informed JM of transactions at Tunis; he now communicates those at Algiers. He and Morris arrived in the bay of Algiers on the evening of 19 Mar. and found there a French frigate whose commander informed them that Mustafa Dey had not declared war on France, as they had been told at Tunis, and that the...
4229To James Madison from Levett Harris, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803, Philadelphia. Received his commission as consul to Rotterdam with documents pertaining to the appointment by the last mail. Replied on 25 Mar. [not found] to JM’s letter of 14 Mar. [not found] requesting him to decide between Rotterdam and St. Petersburg so that when the president returned from Virginia no delay would arise if the president saw fit to change the appointment. “As...
4230To James Madison from William E. Hũlings, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803, New Orleans. “I address’d you on the 27th. day of this mo. by the Brig Vanilla, Capt. McNeal Via Baltimore, and inform’d you that the Colinial [ sic ] Prefect had arrived.… He has address’d a piece to the Louisianians—in which he promises to make them happy, and preserve peace with their neighbours. I have not been able to obtain a copy yet, but will send you one in a few days.”...
4231To James Madison from William Riggin, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803, Trieste. Transmits a copy of his 26 Feb. dispatch and encloses copies of his 3 Mar. letter to the secretary of state for foreign affairs and the official acceptance of his appointment as U.S. consul, which he received 29 Mar. and “by which you will please to observe the delay has been owing to the representations made to this Government by Mr. Lamson.” Will forward the bond...
4232To James Madison from Smith & Ridgway, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803, Philadelphia. “We take the liberty of inclosing you a Letter, from Jacob Ridgway, a partner of our House, now residing at Antwerp,… soliciting the appointment of the Consulate of Antwerp; he having been informed, that a vacancy is likely to take place there. We have requested the favour of a few of our friends here, to inform you respecting the Character he bears in this place....
4233To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803, Philadelphia. Has been directed by Hawkesbury “to present to you the inclosed account of provisions furnished at Gibraltar to the American Ship of war President and Enterprize Schooner towards the close of the year 1801, and to request that the American Government will be pleased to order the payment of it.” Understands from Commodore Dale, who is in Philadelphia and “has a...
4234To James Madison from Thomas Thompson, 30 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 30 March 1803, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Acknowledged in Brent to Thompson, 12 Apr. 1803 (DNA: RG 59, DL, vol. 14), as a request for payment. Brent wrote that Thompson’s account had been adjusted at the treasury “some time since” and $211.60 would be sent to him. On 11 Jan. 1803 Thompson had written to Gallatin that he had been instructed in a letter from the State...
4235To James Madison from Lafayette, [31 March] 1803 (Madison Papers)
General Bernadotte is so gloriously introduced by his own reputation, and Character, that I shall only present him to you as my personal friend. He is of all men the one I would better like to see going to America as an ambassador, was he not also the man, whom all true and steady patriots cannot but heartily wish to keep nearer to his own country, where none surpass, and but few can equal the...
4236To James Madison from William Kirkpatrick, 31 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1803, Málaga. Transmits a duplicate of his 16 Mar. letter and encloses a copy of a 16 Mar. letter “just received” from O’Brien with news of the French peace with Algiers. Presumes JM has been informed of the 23 Mar. arrival at Gibraltar of Commodore Morris in the Chesapeake , accompanied by the New York, John Adams , and Enterprize . Believes they returned to Gibraltar for provisions....
4237To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, April 1803 (Madison Papers)
In my last of the 30th March dated at this place you were informed of the state of our affairs up to that time. I had yesterday another conference with Mr Cevallos, in which I repeated to him the Arguments in favour of our Claim for indemnification, for such of the Damages as could be properly ascertained to have arisen from the refusal of the Intendant of New Orleans to permit a deposit at...
4238From James Madison to John Milledge, 1 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1803, Department of State. In compliance with the request contained in Milledge’s letter of 11 Mar. [not found], encloses a copy of the treaty concluded with the Creek Indians at Fort Wilkinson. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p. For terms of the treaty, see Joel Early to JM, 7 Dec. 1802, n. 2 .
4239To James Madison from William E. Hũlings, 1 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1803, New Orleans. “Yesterday eveng I recd. a packet from Govr. Claiborne contg. a letter for the Intendt … (But in case of the French Authorities being arrived; to the Capt. Genl., or other agent authorized by the Governmt of France). I accordingly waited on Mr. Laussat, the Colonial Prefect, and delivered it to him. Mr. Laussat recd. me with much Affability, & assured me that it was...
4240To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 1 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1803, Baltimore. A State Department packet directed to Bird, Savage, and Bird came to the collector “yesterday.” It will not be forwarded until further directions arrive from JM. “An Oppy. for England will offer on Wednesday next. It will Occur to you that a power of Atty. will be necessary from you to whomsoever you may appoint to Succeed those Gentlemen as your Agent in London—again...
4241To James Madison from James Soucheiron, 1 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1803, Barcelona. Encloses a copy of a circular from O’Brien “which Seems to be of some importance.” “Mr. Willis by his absence has left this place without a Consul.” Expects daily that Pinckney, to whom he wrote several letters about the situation, will appoint someone to take charge of the consular business. Willis having charged no consular fees, the captains will not readily comply...
4242To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 2 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 April 1803, Hamburg. Last wrote on 20 Dec. 1802 . “Our River being at length cleared of Ice I avail myself of the first opportunity to transmit to you the Semi annual Report of Arrivals &c of American Vessels ending in December A.D. 1802 [not found]. The present is a most interesting moment with us. We have a new and very Serious alarm of a great probability of recommencement of hostilities...
4243To James Madison from Rufus King, 2 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 April 1803, London. No. 89. Reports that no answer has yet been given to Andréossy’s note, which declined all discussion of Malta. “Lord Hawkesbury’s Answer will probably be delivered to day; it will without doubt persist in the Determination communicated in his first Note, and may disclose new and additional reasons in its support.” The issue of an overture Napoleon reportedly made to...
4244To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 April 1803 , “ U S Ship Chesapeake, Gibraltar Bay .” Informs JM that he has drawn on the State Department “this day” for $430.25 in favor of John Gavino; “said sum when paid you will please to have placed to my Acct. untill final settlement.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Tripoli, vol. 2). 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Cathcart. Docketed by Wagner. A full transcription of this document has been...
4245To James Madison from John Gavino, 4 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 April 1803, Gibraltar. No. 117 [118]. Has received no letters from JM since his last, no. 117 [17 Mar. 1803] . “Consul Simpson … sent me the inclosed Dispatch for you; and at Same time Thos: Beck, and David Ervin, two american Seamen saved in June last from the Schooner Betsy of Norfolk which was Wreckd on the Southern Coast of Barbary, and the Empr. of Morrocco since redeemed from the Arabs...
4246To James Madison from John Lamson, 4 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 April 1803, Trieste. Informs JM that his consular functions ceased on 31 Mar. 1803 by a government decree in favor of William Riggin. In a 22 May 1802 letter , Lamson sent JM a report of all American ships that had entered Trieste to that date. Encloses a list of those entering between then and 31 Mar. 1803 [not found]. The brig Two Betsys of Baltimore was driven ashore and sank on 12 Jan....
4247To James Madison from Josef Yznardy, 4 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 April 1803, Cádiz. “I had the honour of writing you the 12th. October ultimo, since when I have been at the Court of Madrid, from which Capital I am just returned.” During his absence JM was informed of the quarantine imposed on U.S. ships at Cádiz. As Pinckney was absent from Madrid during that time, Yznardy obtained a reduction of quarantine on vessels in his district and also obtained...
4248From James Madison to Daniel Clark, 4 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 4 April 1803. Acknowledged in Clark to JM, 20 June 1803 (DNA: RG 59, CD, New Orleans, vol. 1). Requests Clark to keep “an account as exact as possible of the amount of all payments exacted from our Citizens in violation of the Treaty.” Encloses a letter from Pichon to the colonial prefect of Louisiana.
4249To James Madison from Harry Toulmin, 5 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
In conformity with the law of the United States relative to the securing of copy rights, I have the honour of transmitting to you a copy of a collection of the Laws of the general assembly of this commonwealth, and I am happy in the occasion it affords me of renewing, in some degree, that intercourse which several years ago, I had for a short time the pleasure of holding with you, and of...
4250To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 5 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1803, Hamburg. Last wrote on 2 Apr. via Boston and New York enclosing a report of American vessels in port to December 1802. Transmits a triplicate copy of the report. “I wish it was in my power to Communicate any thing Correct on the important discussion between France & England which excites, at this moment, such universal interest.” The latest letters of 28 Mar. from Paris and 29...
4251To James Madison from William Moultrie, 5 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1803, Charleston. Returns his commission as bankruptcy commissioner. “As Tis a business that requires much time and attention, it will be very inconvenient for me.” Recommends John Webb, who was appointed to the position by Judge Bee “some time ago” but was superseded by the recent appointment. “He is a man of integrity and the only one now in the Commission of this State that has been...
4252To James Madison from William Savage, 5 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1803, Kingston, Jamaica. Last wrote on 25 Jan. Encloses his quarterly account to 31 Mar. in the amount of $250.83 [not found]. A report prevails that the U.S. government is contemplating a law excluding “the landing of all Negroes & free persons of Colour.” Should such a law have been deemed necessary and be in force, he requests instructions “as to these free Negroes & people of...
4253To James Madison from Robert Smith, 5 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1803, Navy Department. Encloses a letter “this day received” from Israel Whelen in reply to a 26 Mar. letter from Smith requesting information about the stores due to the dey of Algiers. “As the subject is new to us, I beg the favor of you to let Mr Wagner make out a list of the articles wanted.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to Secretary...
4254From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 6 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose estimates of the sums necessary to be remitted to London and Amsterdam respectively, for nine month’s service, commencing from the beginning of the present year: you will be pleased therefore to cause the remittances to be made; that destined for London to be placed in the hands of the Depository of the Treasury funds, and the other in the hands of Messrs:...
4255From James Madison to Christopher Gore, 6 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Within a few days past the Secretary of the Treasury received information of the failure of Messrs. Bird, Savage & Bird, and yesterday Mr. Kings letter on that subject came to hand. As this event will have embarrassed our pecuniary arrangements and render a prompt supply necessary, the Secretary of the Treasury has consented to direct you to hold the sum of $17,887 50/100 of former remittances...
4256From James Madison to Vincent Gray, 6 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is a copy of a letter lately received from one Peter Foster, stating his complaint of unjust treatment, received at the Havana, on suspicion of his aiding a British Privateer in acts of hostility against the Island. It might have been required of him to make out his case by proofs, but as he states himself to be greatly distressed, and therefore may not perhaps have it in his power, I...
4257From James Madison to William Lee, 6 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
You will oblige me by taking care that the inclosed which has been put into my hands by a friend be safely delivered according to address, and by letting it be known that you will charge Yourself with the transmission of an answer, and of any article that may accompany it. You were so good as to make an offer of your attention in forwarding me any articles, particular wines, which I might wish...
4258To James Madison from Robert C. Gardiner, 6 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 April 1803, Gothenburg. Acknowledges receipt of the 26 Aug. 1802 State Department circular on 31 Mar. via Hamburg. “The Sum stipulated by Congress, is by no means adequate to the sustenance of a Man in this country at any season, but espicially [ sic ] during the Winter when no employment can be obtained for him.” Asks whether he should provide for American seamen “on as reasonable terms...
4259To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 6 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 April 1803, Baltimore. Informs JM that the packet for Erving will be forwarded on Sunday in the George in care of Smith’s nephew Robert Patterson. Recommends Mackenzie and Glennie. “They do our Business on their own Account, are Men of great prudence & Sufficient Capital. Should you Select them, and you want to send a power of Attorney—their Names are James Mackenzie, and Alexander Glennie,...
4260From James Madison to Charles Pinckney, 7 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a copy of a letter which I addressed to you in December last in favor of Mr. Cook. He has since presented himself here with such proofs and favorable recommendations of his case, as will entitle him to expect speedy satisfaction for his losses and the injuries he has received. You will therefore be pleased to interpose in his behalf in the manner best suited to...
4261From James Madison to Edward Thornton, 7 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose duplicate letters from the Navy Department, requesting their Agents in London to pay for the supplies furnished to the ships of War President and Enterprize.——.——.——. It would have given me satisfaction to comply with your wish for an earlier arrangement of this business, but as it depended on another Department, it will readily be perceived that no time has been...
4262To James Madison from William Baker, 7 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Being informed that sundry illegal Ship Papers have been transmitted to you that were issued from the United States Consulate of William Willis at Barcelona, I take the earliest opportunity of forwarding you my declaration relative to their existance: it will place this business in its proper light; in thus discharging my duty as a Citizen of the United States, I claim the protection of its...
4263From James Madison to John Read, Jr., 8 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
In your letter of the 18th. May last in answer to mine of the 6th. of the same month, in which I notified you that your office and all the appointments in it were to be considered as at an end, you stated that probably the time necessary for the settlement of the accounts of the Agents would require your services and those of your Clerks until the close of the then succeeding month or some...
4264From James Madison to Robert Smith, 8 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with your request, I have the honor to enclose four lists, comprehending the Articles which it is expedient should be now forwarded to Algiers. It is necessary to remark that the timber should be of the best quality, to ensure to us a preference in sending such articles rather than others in future, if the commutation for money should not succeed, and because it will be returned...
4265From James Madison to Peter Foster, 8 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 April 1803, Department of State. “In consequence of your letter of the 1st. Ulto [not found] I have written to the person who acts as American Agent at Havana, requesting him to enquire into the validity of the allegations you make and to report the result, in order that measures may be taken for procuring satisfaction for the injuries you may have sustained contrary to the treaty with Spain...
4266To James Madison from William Duval, 8 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 April 1803, Richmond. At the request of many Republicans in Richmond, he has consented to stand as a candidate for delegate to the assembly. Since state law forbids anyone holding a presidential commission to serve in the assembly, he is constrained to resign as commissioner of bankruptcy. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1801–9, filed under “Duval”). 1 p. Docketed by Jefferson. On 14 Apr. 1803...
4267To James Madison from William Jarvis, 8 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 April 1803, Lisbon. Last wrote on 12 [15] Mar. via the Argus to Norfolk, forwarding two letters from Pinckney and enclosing a copy of a letter from O’Brien, a duplicate of the semiannual return, and a London newspaper of 8 Mar. Has since received the original of JM’s 17 Jan. dispatch. Encloses a copy of his letter to Almeida and the reply. “What the real motive was that caused the refusal I...
4268Circular Letter to American Consuls and Commercial Agents, 9 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since the commencement of the year 1802, I have received your letter of the date of June 28 and I now transmit you a copy of the laws of the session of Congress preceding the last. Of those of the last session, a copy of the ’Act supplementary to the “Act concerning Consuls and Vice-Consuls,” and for the further protection of American seamen,[’] is annexed; the remainder will be forwarded as...
4269From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 9 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of January 25th. with the other communications under the same cover. Those before received and not acknowledged are of June 3. 11. July 4. 15. Augt. 6. 25. 26. Sepr 3. 4. 18. Octr 8 in the last year. My last to you was of Augt 22 1802. It was then hoped that you would have been successfully engaged in making peace with Tripoli; for which the crisis was peculiarly...
4270To James Madison from Samuel Coleman, 9 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have at last had time to weigh and repack the plate, and repack the Glass ware and porcelain which you desire may be sent to Washington. I shall with pleasure comply with that desire as soon as a proper opportunity offers; but residing in the country and very little versed in matters of the kind, I beg leave to suggest that the better mode will be for you to confide the business to some...