1To James Madison from William Eaton, 2 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Eaton. 2 June 1806, Brimfield, Massachusetts. “Herewith I have the honor to pass, through the favor of your Department, to the proper address, two letters which came to hand this morning accompanied by one to me from Hamet Caramella, ex Bashaw of Tripoli. I ask leave also to pass through the same favor an answer to this last mentioned.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Tunis, vol. 2, pt....
2To James Madison from William Eaton, 6 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
I embarked at Tunis in the schooner Enterprize on the 10th. March, touched at Algiers the 20th.—and arrived at Gibraltar the 23d.: the squadron had arrived the morning of the same day. It was my intention thence to have taken passage to the United States in the frigate chesapeak. But, hearing on the 30th. of the arrival of a ship from Leghorn bound directly to Boston, I asked the Commodore’s...
3To James Madison from William Eaton, 18 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 April 1801, Tunis. Contrary winds have delayed departure of chartered vessel [ Benvenuto ]. Reports arrival of O’Brien letters of 5 Apr., which acknowledge receipt of Cathcart correspondence dated 3 Jan. to 26 Feb. and relate O’Brien’s effort to obtain helpful intervention of Algerine regency at Tripoli. Notes that O’Brien also discusses delays regarding the arrival of U.S. regalia in...
4To James Madison from William Eaton, 12 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that the Peace and Plenty, Captain Richard Woods, under the con v oy of the Geo. Washington, arrived here on the evening of the first instant. She has already delivered her powder (which though somewhat damaged has passed with a bribe to the surveyor) and a small quantity of her plank. The rest of her cargo, so far as I have been able to examine it, appears in...
5To James Madison from William Eaton, 26 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 January 1803, Tunis. “The enclosed copy of a letter to Commodore Morris conveys an unequivocal expression of the kind of respect this Bey entertains for the flag of the United States, as well as of his intentions.” Has been informed the project of a peace between Tunis and Portugal is “considerably advanced.” The negotiation is said to be conducted through the intervention of the French....
6To James Madison from William Eaton, 19 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
By letter from our Chargè Des Affaires at Tripoli of 27th. ult. we are informed that the Commodore Dale appeared before Tripoli the 26. that the Bashaw proposed a truce, but that his proposition was rejected. By the Danish Commodore I learn that the Raguse Brig, Ben Venuto, Captain Gio. Jercovich, which I dispatched express to the United States on the twentieth of April last, was in Malta late...
7To James Madison from William Eaton, 4 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 October 1801, “ On board the Philada., road of Tunis. ” Comments that although the U.S. squadron has not had all the success it seemed to promise, it has done much good by preventing “any of our citizens falling into chains” and showing the Tripolitans “a very flattering specimen of the harvest they may reap” in a war with the U.S. Tripolitan admiral and crew would certainly have been taken...
8To James Madison from William Eaton, 4 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose herewith a convention concluded by me on the part of the United States, with Hamet Bashaw. We have been detained here twelve days by reason of delinquency in our commissary Department. The camp moves tomorrow morning for Derne. I have the honor to be with perfect respect, Sir, your Mo Obedt servt. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Tripoli, vol. 2, filed at end of...
9To James Madison from William Eaton, 20 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the 17th. instant Commodore Dale, in the President, arrived with the Sloop Enterprize; and the day following Captain Bainbridge, in the Essex, having under his convoy from Gibralter the Ship Grand Turk, and the brig Hope from Baltimore. The Ships of war have taken in fresh water and provisions and will proceed on their destination this evening; to facilitate which measure I have been so...
10To James Madison from William Eaton, 26 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed copy of a letter to Commodore Morris conveys an unequivocal expression of the kind of respect this Bey entertains for the flag of the United States, as well as of his intentions. The project of a peace between this regency & Portugal, I am informed, is considerably advanced. The negociation is said to be carried on through the intervention of the french government. It is certain...
11To James Madison from William Eaton, 17 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 November 1801, Tunis. Reports that the Philadelphia left Tunis for Gibraltar on 4 Oct., since when he has heard nothing of the squadron. Notes that the George Washington and the Peace and Plenty arrived in Algiers on 5 Oct. and “have been some days expected here; but the winds have been contrary.” Encloses copy of letter from Nissen [not found]. Seeks official decision on whether he may...
12To James Madison from William Eaton, 27 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Eaton. 27 November 1805, Washington City. “Permit me to request that my unsettled acounts, long since submitted for decision, may be reviewed; compared with facts; and admitted or rejected. In case I should again be obliged to apply to Congress, I believe it would now be no difficult matter to convince that body that, if my arrangements, out of which some of the most...
13To James Madison from William Eaton, 13 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 December 1802, Tunis. [The body of the dispatch is nearly identical to Eaton to JM, 13 Dec. 1801 . ] Adds in a postscript, “N. B. Inclosures A. B. & C. need no explanation.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, Tunis, vol. 2, pt. 1). RC 8 pp. Docketed by Wagner. For enclosures, see n. 2. PJM-SS Robert J. Brugger et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Secretary of State Series (4 vols. to...
14To James Madison from William Eaton, 25 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 February 1804. “As I have it in contemplation to publish the statement and document submitted to the committee of claims, accompanying my petition, I request you will be pleased to give it your perusal and signify to me whether it contains any thing improper to be laid before the public. “The solicitude I feel to be relieved from the state of suspense and accumulation of expenses which I...
15To James Madison from William Eaton, 19 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
The master of the imperial vessel, caputred off Ma lta by order of Commodore Morris in January last, was by his order brought to Gibraltar and there left. Such of said master’s effects found onboard the prize, as were not left in sequestration with his vessel at Malta, are brought forward to the United States in the Chesapeak as also the personal effects of his mate; viz. their chests and...
16To James Madison from William Eaton, 6 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 March 1801, Tunis. No. 34. Reports British pressure on bey has forced Tunis to expel French diplomats. Notes resulting change in plans for American charter vessel Anna Maria . Believes British-French hostilities and disruption of French Mediterranean trade offer opportunity for American shipping to replace French in Indian trade. Quotes from earlier statements of bey supporting improved...
17To James Madison from William Eaton, 4 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 May 1802, Tunis. Reports that on 2 May “it was announced to the Bey that an American frigate had captured four Coasting Vessels belonging to his Subjects, bound to Tripoli.… Immediate restitution of Vessels and cargoes were demanded by the Bey. Yesterday and to day have been consumed in discussion on the subject.” To the bey’s argument of “the principle of free bottoms free goods ,” Eaton...
18To Thomas Jefferson from William Eaton, 24 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
E.— will go forward in the first frigate to the Mediterranean. After an interview with the Commodore , will proceed, in one of the small vessels, to Derne to aid the motions of the legitimate Bashaw of Tripoli in order to bring him in the rear of the enemy—Thence to Naples and negociate a convention as the President shall direct—Then be at the rendezvous, on the arrival of a re-enforcement, to...
19To James Madison from William Eaton, 1807 (Madison Papers)
I received at the post office in Washington, when passing through that city, a letter from Hamet Bashaw accompanying one addressed to the (rather intended for) Government of the United States, which he begs me to favor, and which I have the honor herewith to enclose. The translation I have made may be incorrect, as I had not the aid of a dictionary and as I have long been out of practice in...
20To James Madison from William Eaton, 9 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 August 1802, Tunis. Encloses copies of letters from chargé d’affaires at Tripoli and Captain Morris. These letters “serve to corroborate an opinion I have steadily entertained, and repeatedly stated to our commanders, of the necessity of having small vessels of war off and on this coast.” Points out that “there is no article in our treaty with this Bey which prohibits the sale of enemy...
21To James Madison from William Eaton, 10 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
The ship having carried away her foretopmast put in here yesterday to refit. By the operations of this squadron it is quite percievable that Govt. have very much mistaken the character of these Barbary States. Offices of humanity are by them construed as the effects of cowardice, moderation is diffidence, and civility a duty to their character as a superior race of being. The Dane appeared...
22To James Madison from William Eaton, 19 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 June 1803, Washington . Questions whether the case of the master of the imperial vessel captured off Malta “January last” and left at Gibraltar may not “involve questions which will affect the honor and the interest of the United States.” The master’s effects, and those of his mate, were brought to the U.S. in the Chesapeake , yet “it is acceded that Tripoli was not blockaded at the time of...
23To James Madison from William Eaton, 19 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 August 1801, Tunis. Has a letter from Tripoli reporting that Dale appeared there on 26 July and rejected pasha’s proposed truce. Has learned also that Captain Jercovich was at Malta retailing merchandise in late June, thereby failing to abide by charter terms and forfeiting right to freight. Hopes this information will arrive in time to prevent captain from securing full freight. Encloses...
24To James Madison from William Eaton, 10 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 September 1801, “ On board the United States Ship President, road of Tunis. ” Reports that President is in port for repair of fore-topmast. Believes the U.S. government has “very much mistaken the character of these Barbary States,” whose rulers regard courtesy as cowardice, moderation as diffidence, and civility as submission. States that the kindness of a Danish commander to his enemy the...
25To James Madison from William Eaton, 7 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
Though the inclosure of this date needs no comment I cannot forbear remarking that it exhibits a melancholly proof of the truth of my apprehensions and of the necessity of more energy. I should be more in detail; but this goes off immediately viâ Leghorn, and I have not yet possessed myself of whole facts. The slaves will be marched to this city tomorrow, and probably hence by land to Tripoli....
26To James Madison from William Eaton, 22 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
The reflection herewith enclosed was not intended to be communicated: it being but an occurrence of ideas which occupied my mind on the passage from Tunis to Algiers, and which I noted by way of memorandum. On Mr. OBrien’s coming on board, he seemed somewhat surprised at seeing me. I stated to him, as correctly as possible in a few words, the cause and manner of my leaving Tunis. He said it...
27To James Madison from William Eaton, 4 April 1802 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to refer you to inclosures A. B. C. D. & E. for information of my measures here from the 12th. to 24th. March. The Gloria departed for Malta 26. ultimo and arrived 31t, happily fell in with Captain McNeill off that port and recieved his approbation and concurrence, see his letters to me and Instructions to Captain Bounds, inclosures H. & I. Capn. McNeill immediately shaped his...
28To James Madison from William Eaton, 22 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
Information from Tripoli up to 9th. Jan. states that no captures had been made. The Bashaw is sending away his corsaires to different ports in the Morea for fear of an assault from the Americans. Discontentment in his interior has arisen to insurrection. Famine distresses his capital, and he is destitute of resources. He has actually made overtures of reconciliation to his brother in Tunis. I...
29To James Madison from William Eaton, 28 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 April 1801, Tunis. No. 36. Announces arrival of Anna Maria at Marseilles 5 Apr. Although he has no special instructions, has proposed a commercial convention with bey to eliminate exceptionable articles in existing treaty. Reports that Benvenuto , carrying Tripolitan dispatches, sailed for U.S. 20 Apr. Since then he has seen in O’Brien-Cathcart correspondence a copy of a letter from dey of...
30To James Madison from William Eaton, 4 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 September 1801, “ On Board the Philadelphia, road of Tunis .” Reports that U.S. naval presence in the Mediterranean has defeated the objective of Tripoli by preventing the capture of Americans and has given Tripolitans an example of what they may expect if they go to war with Americans. Notes that Tripolitan admiral and his ships would have been captured had he not taken refuge with the...
31To James Madison from William Eaton, 18 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
In addition to what I wrote Mr. King Copy herewith, I have only to add here that on arriving at Tunis, I find Sidi Mahomet Bashaw yielding to his brother’s instances and on the point of departing for Derne a Province of Tripoli, the Government of which is promised him, for which purpose he begged my Passport. I not only refused it but told him very candidly, that if he departed we must...
32To James Madison from William Eaton, 22 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 February 1802, Leghorn. Has received information from Tripoli to 9 Jan. that there had been no captures of American vessels. The pasha is dispatching his corsairs to different ports in the Morea to avoid American attack. Reports that discontent in the interior of Tripoli has “arisen to insurrection” and that the capital suffers famine. The pasha has “made overtures of reconciliation to his...
33To Thomas Jefferson from William Eaton, 26 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
By Geo. Dysson Esq. late Navy Agent of the UStates at Syracuse, I am assured that Tobias Lear did privately stipulate with Joseph Bashaw of Tripoli an article, which he signed, that the family of Hamet Bashaw should not be surrendered, as by public treaty engaged, until after the expiration of four years—It is impossible to suppose that information of this dishonorable duplicity and fraud...
34To James Madison from William Eaton, 25 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the eleventh instant War was declared in form by the Bashaw of Tripoli against the United States of America. A few days before this event took place the Commodore’s Ship was dressed with the flags of all Nations: that of the United States was hoisted forward; in the place of prize flags, under the Neapolitan. This Commodore who (is) a British Renegade—Morad Rais , Alias, Peter Lisle . We...
35To James Madison from William Eaton, 5 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 September 1801, “ On board the Grand Turk, Road of Tunis. ” Encloses documents on current situation and future prospects of U.S. with regard to Tripoli. Mentions planned project between former pasha of Tripoli [Ahmad Qaramanli], now in exile at Tunis, and himself for land attack on Tripoli. Reigning pasha’s subjects are ripe for revolt; believes bey of Tunis would support project. Suggests...
36To James Madison from William Eaton, 27 February 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Eaton. 27 February 1806, Washington. “I am constrained to reiterate my solicitation of Nov. 27th. that some decision may be had on my accounts submitted for settlement; or, if a settlement should still be thought not within executive discretion, that I may have this decision under your authority in season to revive my claim before Congress the present session. I am extremely...
37To James Madison from William Eaton, 19 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 October 1801, Tunis. Announces that Tunis has broken its truce with Portugal and on 16 Oct. sent six corsairs and sixteen hundred men there, a measure further proving that “these regencies are in dispair of some game.” Maintains that the U.S. will have to defend itself against Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli unless it leaves Tripoli “an awful monument of the danger of provoking our vengeance.…...
38To James Madison from William Eaton, 17 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
Since my letter of 19. ult. nothing interesting has occurred here. The Philada. left this the 4. ult. for Gibr. which is the last notice I have had of any of our squadron. The Geo. Washingn. with the Peace and Plenty arrived at Algiers 5. ult: They have been some days expected here; but the winds have been contrary, and are still so. Copy of letter (inclosure A.) from Mr. Nissen, merits, it...
39To James Madison from William Eaton, 18 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
Contrary winds having detained the brig until this evening gives me an occasion to add for the information of Government, an extract of a letter which this moment passes through my hands from Mr. OBrien to Mr. Cathcart dated Algiers 5. inst., wherein the former acknowledges the receipt of the following communications from the latter— Viz— His letter circular dated January 3d. 1801 Ditto to...
40To James Madison from William Eaton, 12 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 December 1801, Tunis. Reports that the Peace and Plenty , convoyed by the George Washington , arrived 1 Dec. and has begun unloading cargo. Powder, though somewhat damaged, “passed with a bribe to the surveyor.” Is confident the rest of the cargo—which appears to be in good order—will be accepted because of his friendship with the governor of Porto Farina, who will receive it. Captain Wood...
41To James Madison from William Eaton, 26 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
“There seem to be some portentous meteors moving in latent orbits in our political hemisphere. On the 4th. instant passed this place Gen. Moreau, said to be on his way to Orleans. About 15 or 20 minutes before sun rise I was going to my store, when I observed a barge heave in sight by the point of the island which lies above the town. From their appearance I concluded they were standing for...
42To James Madison from William Eaton, 15 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 July 1801, Tunis. Gives account of his audience with bey where he protested the insult American consul Cathcart received during his voyage from Algiers to Leghorn. Bey rejected the protest, insisting Cathcart was a troublemaker, but the next day bey became conciliatory. Encloses letter of protest to bey. All is tranquil for the moment. Believes he has new evidence that the Algerine...
43To James Madison from William Eaton, 4 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
Although the expedition of the squadron into this sea has not had all the success which its first position here seemed to promise it has nevertheless effected much good. It has intirely defeated the object of the Tripoline expedition, prevented any of our citizens falling into chains, and given the Tripolines a very flattering speciment of the harvest they may reap and the honor they may aspire...
44To James Madison from William Eaton, 5 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
The inclosures which I have the honor herewith to forward will inform Government, as accurately as I have the means, of our actual position and future prospects in regard to Tripoli one circumstance only omitted, which is a project in concert between the rightful Bashaw of Tripoli, now in exile in Tunis, and myself to attack the usurper by land while our operations are going on by sea. These...
45To James Madison from William Eaton, 18 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1802, Tunis. Adds to what he wrote in the enclosed letter to Rufus King that on arriving in Tunis, he found Hamet Pasha “yielding to his brother’s instances and on the point of departing for Derne a Province of Tripoli, the Government of which is promised him.” Has refused Hamet’s request for a passport and “told him very candidly that if he departed we must consider him in the light...
46To James Madison from William Eaton, 9 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
The letter accompanying this of 22d. a 27th. ult. went off for Gibraltar on the day of its date by an English merchantman which, having sprung a leak at sea, returned into port. That from the department of State of May 10th. I had the honor to receive 30th. It was enjoined on me to forward my account by the return of the squadron: but it must be long since known to the Government that no ship...
47To James Madison from William Eaton, 12 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
The cause of the sudden change of treatment on the part of this Bey towards me in my representative character is just now discovered. About thirty days ago arrived here a chaux (messenger) from the Sublime Porte with a firman from the Grand Signor demanding immediate restitution of three Sardinian merchant vessels and cargoes, captured during the late war, by the Bey’s cruisers, while under...
48To James Madison from William Eaton, 5 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor herewith to inclose for the information of Government copies of letters A. & B. which I this instant received from our Chargé des affaires and Cap. Morris at Tripoli. The American frigate mentioned in the latter was the Constellation Cap. Murray, as I presume from the circumstance of the Boston having left Malta on the 11th. ult. for the U States, and as I have no information...
49To James Madison from William Eaton, 28 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the night of the eighteenth instant a fire broke out in the Bey’s Palace which in its progress consumed fifty thousand stands of small arms. The Second day following I recieved a message to wait on the Bey; but was at that moment confined to my bed with a billious fever so that it was not till this morning I have been able to go in my carriage to the Palace. The Bey’s object in calling on...
50To James Madison from William Eaton, 8 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 June 1802, Tunis. Complains that his plans regarding Hamet Pasha of Tripoli “have undergone very severe criticism by Captains S. Barron and Bainbridge; by them reprobated in a stile of most illiberal censure; and under their influence, rejected by Capn. Murray in an air of authority and reprimand.” Acknowledges his reporting that “ We are abandoned by our ships of war ” must have offended...