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...
4271To James Madison from James Monroe, 9 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
We arrived here yesterday in 29. days from the Hook. The voyage was as favorable in other respects as it was in point of dispatch, having experienc’d no storm or other unpleasant incident in it, the sea sickness of my family excepted. To avoid the expence of entering the port with the ship, the Captn. had contracted to land us from the road which he proposed doing in his own boat, but as there...
4272To James Madison from Robert W. Fox, 9 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 April 1803, Falmouth. “We continue in the same uncertain state respecting Peace or War between this Country & France: many people are of opinion War will be the consequence. The Impress Service is going on with great vigour in this Country, but hitherto the Citizens of the United States have not been molested, except one Man, who has been married in this Town for about 6 Years: I have...
4273To James Madison from Rufus King, 9 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 April 1803, London. No. 90. “The question of peace or War may at this moment be decided. Lord Hawkesburys Note in reply to the refusal of France to admit of any discussion respecting Malta is dated the 3rd. and was dispatched on the 4th. instant.” The note expresses the king’s regret that the French government had declined giving the satisfaction and explanation he demanded and had...
4274To James Madison from John Mitchell, 10 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I take the Liberty to Mention to You that the Warren Captn. Hammond got well out the 6h.—& that I had the honor of forwarding for Mr Livingston the Copy of His former Despatches ⅌ that Vessell. It is with Sincere pleasure that I ad My Old friend Mr. Monroe Landed here the 8h. instant & set out this Morning for Paris Which he will reach the 12h. It will be agreeable to you to know on Mr....
4275To James Madison from William Riggin, 10 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 April 1803, Trieste. Transmits a copy of his dispatch of 30 Mar. Proposes departing “in the course of this month” as his private affairs require his presence in the U.S. “for a short time.” Has appointed Swinton C. Holland, “a gentleman who has been in America and is acquainted with the Laws of the United States,” to act as “Pro Consul” during his absence. Hopes this will meet with the...
4276To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 11 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
My Notes will tell you how far I have officially pressed the Government on the subject of Louisiana. I have omitted no means in conversation of eradicating their prejudices in its favor & I informed you that I had reason to think that I had been successful with all unless it was the first Consul to whom I addressed myself in the letter & essays that you have seen, & that were attentively read...
4277To James Madison from Peder Blicherolsen, 11 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1803, Philadelphia. Has just received two royal ordinances from Copenhagen, one detailing quarantine regulations for Americans and the other stipulating laws and rules prescribed for Danish and all other ships. Has had the former translated in full and seven articles connected with and explanatory of it extracted from the latter. Encloses translations. Believes a knowledge of them...
4278To James Madison from Enoch Robins and Others, 11 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1803, Jacmel. The petitioners, Enoch Robins of New York, Joseph Gardner of Massachusetts, and James J. Barry of Maryland, state that they were permitted by the government of Saint-Domingue to reside on the island as foreign merchants and are therefore entitled to the “privileges and immunities allowed by all civilized nations to strangers residing in their dominions,” one of which is...
4279To James Madison from James Sullivan, 11 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1803, Boston. “If I had an idea of what its commonly called the making of interest I should not possess confidence enough in the weight of my own character to attempt it: but in an extensive government, information, as to men qualified for offices must be had through some channel or other.” Encloses a letter signed by men “respectable and friendly to the present administration” and...
4280From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 12 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you an application from Col. Leven Powell of Virginia, relative to a claim he makes upon the French Government for losses sustained by him about the year 1792. by reason of the stoppage, by French authority, of the Mail in which some bills of exchange in which he had an interest were passing to England; the same bills having been afterwards depreciated and paid to...
4281To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 12 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Wells, an American Gentleman, who has been here some time on claims from South America, informs me he will return to the United States in a few days—by him I have the further opportunity of informing you, that finding Mr. Cevallos considered himself as obliged to wait until he received Dispatches from the Colonial Officers of New Orleans before he could give a decisive answer to the...
4282To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 12 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 April 1803, Treasury Department. Has received JM’s 6 Apr. letter and has taken measures to place the requisite sums in London and Amsterdam. There not being at the time any depository in London for treasury funds, those funds were remitted “to the order of Messrs. Rufus King & Christopher Gore or of either of them.” Lists the accounts for which funds were remitted to Amsterdam: $19,425 for...
4283To James Madison from William E. Hũlings, 12 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 April 1803, New Orleans. Refers to his letter of 1 Apr. via Natchez informing JM of the arrival of Laussat, “Whose professions are amical” toward the U.S. “There is a letter in town from a respectable Mercht. of Bordeaux whom I formerly knew in Philada. by which we learn that in consequence of the disastrous news from St Domingo, the troops destined for this Province, were positively...
4284To James Madison from Hans Rudolph Saabye, 12 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 April 1803, Copenhagen. Last wrote on 11 Sept. 1802 . Received the 26 Aug. State Department circular “a few days ago” and will pay attention to its contents. Refers JM to his letter of 16 Jan. 1802 for comments on the subject. “I add this one Remark, that the Allowance of 12 cents ⅌ diem for a sailor’s maintenance, is quite insuficient for their support, not only here, but also at the...
4285To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 13 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have just come from the Minister of the Treasury our conversation was So important that I think it necessary to write it while the impressions are Strong upon my mind, & the rather as I fear that I Shall not have time to copy & Send this letter if I differ [ sic ] it till morning. By my letter of yesterday you learned that the Minister had asked me on the 11th whether I would agree to...
4286To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 13 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 April 1803, Baltimore. “As I expect to leave this for Boston in course of ten days, I think it proper to give you this information in order that you may direct the Documents I am to receive from your Department to be prepared (if convenient) prior to that period.” Will probably embark for Europe from Boston but cannot yet fix the precise time. Should it be material for JM to know the date,...
4287To James Madison from J. Lewis, 13 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 April 1803, New York. Acknowledges JM’s “polite letter” of 5 Mar. [not found]. Thanks JM for the offer it contained. “It wou’d have been very acceptable to me, if it had been made a few days sooner, I am now determined on going upon the waters of the Misisippi, have made my arrangements accordly &. shall depart In all the present Month.” Offers his services “in that Quarter.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
4288From James Madison to William Bingham, 14 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Your two letters respecting the Brig Hope, for the proceeds of whose cargo certain persons in Massachusetts have obtained a judgment against you, have been referred to the Attorney General: but his present opinion is in unison with the former that the United States are under no engagement to indemnify you from the effects of that judgment. Even did such an obligation exist, as no legal...
4289From James Madison to Samuel Chase, 14 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to inform you, in answer to your letter of the 11th. Instant, that the latest Intelligence received from Mr. King concerning the Maryland Bank Stock is of the 28th. Jany. last and of the following substance—That Lord Hawkesbury some weeks before had sent an Instruction to the Attorney General for effecting a transfer of this Stock to the King, in order that His Majesty might...
4290From James Madison to William Eaton, 14 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have received your several letters of the 5. 7 & 9th. August 12th. September 9. 13 & 22d. October, 9 & 12th Novr. 13 & 20th. Decr. 1802. The Dey of Algiers having urged several objections to receiving Mr. Cathcart as Consul in the room of Mr. OBrien, the President has determined to appoint another; thus yielding to the usage, which admits of the refusal of a Consul for reasons peculiar to...
4291From James Madison to J. H. C. Heineken, 14 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th. of the present month stating that the Batavian East India Company were injured by the conduct of two citizens of the United States, one of whom has embezzelled a cargo belonging to them and the other departed from Batavia leaving considerable debts behind. The facilities afforded by the East India company to the American...
4292From James Madison to David Humphreys, 14 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letters of the 29th. Ult and 4th. Inst. and the letters and accounts of Messrs. John Bulkeley & Son, which it enclosed. The latter have been adjusted at the Treasury, and 37.841 Milrees found due which will be remitted thro’ London to those Gentlemen of which in due time, they may expect to hear from the Bankers of the Treasury Department at that place. From a change,...
4293Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [14 April] 1803 (Madison Papers)
1t. Quer. if the laws give any authority at present beyond the limits of the U. S? 2 “This Mission having reference to the Commerce”—may repell, more than the expression used, the criticism of illicit principal objects of the measure. 3 “including the fish” 4. if practicable he might note occasionally the variations of the Needle. RC ( DLC : Jefferson Papers). Undated. Docketed by Jefferson,...
4294From James Madison to Robert Purviance, 15 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 12th inst. respecting the communication made to you by the Consul at London, that Captain Lewis of the ship Birmingham left two destitute seamen behind, whom he was directed to take on board and transport to the United States according to law. If the dispositions of Captain Lewis and one of the seamen of the vessel furnished a less satisfactory exculpation,...
4295To James Madison from James Monroe, 15 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I informed you from Havre on the 9th. of my arrival there the day before, and that I should set out the day after for Paris. On the 12th. I arrived here, and on the 13th. was announced by Mr. Livingston to the Minister of foreign Relations, who received me yesterday in a Manner which was perfectly satisfactory. He said that the first Consul was much gratified by the disposition which our...
4296From James Madison to Robert Gilmor, 15 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 April 1803, Department of State, Washington. “Agreeably to your request, I enclose the answer to Mr. Bingham’s letters respecting the judgment obtained against him in Massachusetts by the owners of the Pilgrim privateer.” RC (Bibliothèque Municipale, Nantes); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). RC 1 p. In Wagner’s hand, signed by JM. The enclosure was probably JM to William...
4297To James Madison from Richard Harrison, 15 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 April 1803. Requests the dates of the commencement and termination of Moses Young’s services as secretary to the U.S. minister at Madrid and asks what, if any, allowances are to be made to him for contingent expenses, including compensation for a translator. “The inclosed Accot. [not found] exhibited by Mr. Beckley will shew, the Amot. claimed under each head by Mr. Young himself.” RC ( DNA...
4298To James Madison from John Stevens, 15 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 15 April 1803. Mentioned in William Thornton to Stevens, 29 Apr. 1803 (listed in the preliminary volume of Calendar of the Stevens Family Papers [Newark, N.J., 1940], item 244), as dealing with Stevens’s boiler invention. In 1996 the New Jersey Historical Society was unable to locate Thornton’s letter. On 11 Apr. 1803 a patent for “a new and useful improvement In producing...
4299To James Madison from Seth Lewis, 16 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 April 1803, Natchez. Has determined to resign as chief justice of the Mississippi Territory as of 15 May. Asks JM to convey this to the president and to acknowledge receipt of this letter “as early as possible.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LRD , filed under “Lewis”). 1 p. Docketed by Jefferson. Printed in Carter, Territorial Papers, Mississippi , 5:215.
4300To James Madison from Levett Harris, 17 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Being scrupulous of troubling you farther on the subject of my late letters, I requested a friend I had at Washington to enquire of the practicability of the change, in relation to which, I have had the honour to address you: And I learn that some doubts have arisen in the department of State, of a Consul from this Country being received at St. Petersburg. (I have the authority of an...
4301To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 17 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Petry having been detained, I have an opportunity to give you a relation of what has passed Since my letter of the 13th. On the 14th I called upon Mr Munroe to present him to the Minister who had upon my application fixed 3 O’clock that day for his reception. Before we went we examined our Commission in which there are two circumstances with which I am not quite Satisfied—one indeed of...
4302From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston and James Monroe, 18 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
A month having elapsed since the departure of M Monroe it may be presumed that by the time this reaches you communications will have passed with the French government sufficiently explaining its views towards the United States and preparing the way for the ulterior instructions which the President thinks proper should now be given. In case a conventional arrangement with France should have...
4303From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston and James Monroe, 18 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
The reasonable and friendly views with which you have been instructed by the President to enter into negociations with the French Government justify him in expecting from them an issue favorable to the tranquillity and to the useful relations between the two Countries. It is not forgotten however that these views, instead of being reciprocal, may find, on the part of France, a temper adverse...
4304To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 18 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
J’ai eu l’honneur de vous faire part verbalement de la conduite que le commandant de la frégate Anglaise le Boston avait tenue en rade d’Hampton, envers le navire français l’anne le 1er. d’Avril. Je joins ici copie littérale de la lettre du Capitaine de ce bâtiment au Commissaire de la République à Norfolk, d’après la quelle vous pourrez voir, Monsieur, jusqu’a quel point ces procédés...
4305From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 18 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 April 1803, Department of State. “In answer to your letter of the 12th. inst.… I approve of the House of Sir F. Baring & Co. as Bankers of the monies to be remitted to London for objects connected with the Department of State, so long as they remain the bankers of the Treasury Department in their general transactions. The accounts of former reimbursements for the expense of prize-causes, in...
4306To James Madison from William Kirkpatrick, 18 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 April 1803, Málaga. Transmits a copy of his last letter, dated 31 Mar. , with copies of its enclosures. On 8 Apr. Captain Campbell in the Adams “gave a call here on his way up the Mediterranean, with a Convoy of Seven Merchant Vessels”; he departed on 9 Apr. intending to stop at Alicante and Barcelona to offer escort to vessels bound for French and Italian ports. Commodore Morris in the New...
4307To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 19 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 April 1803, Washington. Informs JM without losing a moment that by documents just received from Spain in a warship dispatched solely for that purpose, he sees confirmed all the assurances he gave on previous occasions regarding the intendant’s orders rescinding the right of deposit at New Orleans. The king has ordered that the deposit be continued until the two governments come to an...
4308From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 19 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
You will herewith receive a letter to the Consul of the United States at New Orleans, covering orders from the Spanish Government, for the immediate reestablishment of our right of Deposit. The letter is left open for your perusal. You will please to give it that expeditious transmission to New Orleans which its importance requires, and which is given to it from this place, by an express...
4309From James Madison to Daniel Clark, 19 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letters to the Governor & Intendent of Louisiana have just been put into my hands by the Spanish Minister here. They contain orders from His Catholic Majesty for the immediate restoration of the Deposit at New Orleans; as you will find by the communication on the subject by the Marquis D’Yrujo to this Department of which a printed translation is herewith enclosed. You will please...
4310To James Madison from Rufus King, 19 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since the removal of the Negotiation to Paris, I am less able to send you early and exact information of its progress. It is understood that according to the Instructions sent to Lord Whitworth on the 3rd. instant, his Lordship concluded his Conferences, as well with Mr. Talleyrand as with the First Consul, by declaring that a refusal of the satisfaction he was ordered to demand would be...