51To James Madison from George W. Erving, 20 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to write to you on the 29th. October by original & duplicates via Barcelona. In that letter I mentioned rather particularly the state of affairs between France & Portugal, concluding that there existed very little probability of an amicable adjustment of them: All the subsequent proceedings have tended to confirm that belief; yet it would appear that the Court of Lisbon still...
52To James Madison from George W. Erving, 31 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
The very rapid advances of the french armies towards Madrid, & other points of the interior, in consequence of the most Extraordinary & unlooked for successes, having determined the supreme Junta on the 1st. Inst. immediately to transfer the seat of government to Badajos in Estremadura; which determination was on the same day communicated to the foreign ministers; I had not time to conclude my...
53To James Madison from George W. Erving, 6 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
I think it my duty to make you particularly acquainted with the proceedings of the Commissioners under the 7th. Article of the British Treaty respecting one of the appointments in connection with the Board, with which the President has been pleased to honor me, & that the business may be more fully before you, I have annexed to this the several letters & extracts from No. 1 to 6 inclusive. By...
54To James Madison from George W. Erving, 13 July 1806 (Madison Papers)
As your instructions were that the correspondence respecting D’Yrujo shoud be laid before this government without comment, I was a little doubtful whether or not you woud approve of any answer being given to such observations as it might Excite on the part of Mr Cevallos; but under the impressions mentioned in my public letter, it seemed upon the whole that some reply shoud be made; this I...
55To James Madison from George W. Erving, 21 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From George W. Erving. 21 January 1806, Madrid. No. 4. “I had the honor to receive on the 14th, Inst. your letter of November 1st., 1805, in which you are pleased to instruct me as to the line of conduct to be observed with this Court, & find with great satisfaction that the language which I have held here upon all occasions, as well to individuals as in my public communications with the...
56To James Madison from George W. Erving, 21 February 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 February 1803, London. No. 15. “All the Consuls have not yet transmitted their Accounts for the last half-year, that of Mr. Fox for the reasons stated in a former letter cannot yet be compleated; and as we have now no Fund for settling the ballances which may be due, I have thought it best to refer them over to the next half year, and no longer to delay sending my Consular, and Seaman...
57To James Madison from George W. Erving, 21 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From George W. Erving. 21 November 1805, Madrid. “ Private No. 2.” “Having heard thro a variety of channels, (not officially) that the British still continue their depredations, & as it is to be apprehended that their late successes will neither add to the wisdom of their policy, or to their love of justice, presuming therefore that Mr. Monroe will find it necessary to continue amongst them,...
58To James Madison from George W. Erving (Abstract), 8 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
8 June 1805, London . No. 32. “I have just recieved a letter from Mr Monroe of May 3d. It is not very particular, but I see with concern Enough in it to convince me that he is not in the way of very speedily returning to his station here. Mr Bowdoin write[s] to me (Ap. 9th) of his intentions to Embark on the 10th May, & mentions that you had not heard from Mr Monroe since he was in Holland. I...
59To James Madison from George W. Erving, 18 January 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment received your obliging letter of Novr. 3d & hasten to return my best acknowledgements for your Early and very friendly attention to mine of Sep. 1st and at the ⟨s⟩ame time to Express to you my grateful sense of the favorable sentiments with which the President ⟨h⟩as been pleased to view my observations upon the Subjects therein mentioned. I shall pursue the course which you...
60To James Madison from George W. Erving (Abstract), 27 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
27 April 1805, London . No. 57. “I have the honor herewith to transmit Copy of a note which I received from Lord Mulgrave on the 25th: Instant notifying the Blockade of Cadiz and St. Lucar, and of my reply to the same.” RC , two copies, and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, CD , London, vol. 9). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Erving; marked “ Duplicate ”; docketed by Wagner, with his note:...
61To James Madison from George W. Erving, 29 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From George W. Erving. 29 November 1805, Madrid, “At Night.” “Private No. 4.” “I have a moment before the post goes out to communicate to you the very important telegraphick news which has just been received here in private letters from Paris.” [Below Erving’s signature is a note:] “Blle Generale. au 16 & 17 devant Vienne les françois [ sic ] victorieux le 18 & 19 les franç⟨a⟩;is entrerent...
62To James Madison from George W. Erving, 7 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
In my public letter (No 28) I took the liberty of observing that tho’ a great deal has been done by the late laws & regulations to purify the ownership of Vessels, yet something further might be done to advantage: The comptrollers remark of Sep. 10 forwarded with your circular of Oct. 1. does away all doubts as to the description of persons who are Entitled to receive by purchase abroad “...
63To James Madison from George W. Erving, 27 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Young, charged with my last dispatch, dated 14th. to 23rd. Inst., left this on the morning of the th., with an order from this Government for the discharge of a ny vessel which he might select amongst those detained at Algeciras under the "blockade" decrees. That dispatch con tained a copy of my note to the Minister of State of Ma y. 5th., (No. 6.) and I mentioned that his Highness the...
64To James Madison from George W. Erving, 30 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
My last unofficial letter of any consequence wa s No. 24. (11th August). I have not any thing very particular now to add, but learning that a very fast-sailing ve ssel is about to depart from St. Sebastians, I cannot pr ætermit Such an opportunity of writing to you. I n the letter above referred to I communicated certain d ispositions of the Prince arising out of the actual position of...
65To James Madison from George W. Erving, 21 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
By my letter of March 17 (No. 25) I had the honor to submit to you copies of certain correspondence with the Spanish Minister of State, upon some late cases of condemnation by the inferior prize courts; and upon the general conduct of these tribunals. The notes of 4th. & 13th. March therewith transmitted, produced from Mr. Cevallos one, (dated 15 of the same) in which he has attempted to...
66To James Madison from George W. Erving, 25 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor to receive the Triplicate of your letter of April 27th. Respecting the Claim of George Hunter of Philadelphia for the Capture of his Vessel the Mary Ann—Kuhn Master, and in compliance with your directions immediately proceeded to enquire into the State of it and as to the Probabilities of success from a revival of the Proceedings. It appears that the Appeal was duly...
67To James Madison from George W. Erving, 17 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
My last unofficial letter was dated on the 9 April: You will doubtless observe that what I th erein mentioned respecting the abdication of Charles, h is indisposition to Reign, & his character in general, d oes not comport with the facts stated in the accompanying official letter, & the documents which are th erewith inclosed. I can only say that I know no thing now which alters my first...
68To James Madison from George W. Erving, 5 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 September 1804, London. NO. 44. “I had the honor to receive your letter of July 3d . acknowledging the receipt of mine dated Januy: 28h: containing the result of my application on behalf of Alexander Mc:Elwee; In pursuance of your direction I again made application to the Admiralty on the 10th: Augt., Copy of which and of their Lordship’s reply of Augt. 13th., and also of their further...
69To James Madison from George W. Erving, 9 February 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 February 1803, London. No. 14. Reports that since his 7 Feb. dispatch he has received from Bird, Savage, and Bird “a minit of the balances due upon our several accounts,” which shows that he had distributed among the proctors all moneys appropriated to claims and had nearly balanced the spoliation account on 31 Dec. Since then he has paid £261 16 s . 7 d . into that account. “Upon the...
70To James Madison from George W. Erving, 28 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From George W. Erving. 28 July 1806, Madrid. No. 10. “Tho I do not generally receive private information without some distrust, yet when I have it thro channels which I cannot suspect of any sinister view in giving it, & it appears to be of any importance, or to have any bearing upon our affairs; I deem it my duty to communicate it. What I have said respecting the war with Portugal in the...
71To James Madison from George W. Erving, 25 October 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From George W. Erving. 25 October 1805, “Escurial.” “I have the honor to inform you that I arrived at Madrid on the 23d Instt: finding that Mr. Pinckney had left it on the 22d with an intention of returning to the United States by way of Lisbon & that he woud stop at the Escurial to take an audience of leave, I proceeded immediately to this place: Mr Pinckney had expected to meet me here on...
72To James Madison from George W. Erving, 10 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
In my last dispatch (No. 42, March 25th.), I mentiond that on the arrival of the french troops here it was conjectured his Majesty’s purpose of coming to Madrid would be deferred; but that he had nevertheless adhered to it, & arrived, according to his appointment, on the morning of the 24th. March. In this, as indeed in all his subsequent measures, he has been well counselled; had he not...
73To James Madison from George W. Erving, 16 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 May 1803, London . No. 15. “ Private .” Presumes King, who is still in London, has kept JM informed of the state of negotiations between France and Great Britain. War now appears inevitable. Andréossy left London “at 5 o clock this Morning,” and Whitworth is at Boulogne on his way to London. “An Embargo is laid, letters of marque are preparing, & all the orders & movements of the government...
74To James Madison from George W. Erving (Abstract), 20 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
20 April 1805, London . No. 52. “I have the honor herewith to transmit— “1st. An Affidavit made by George Pitman late a mariner on board the vessel ‘Harry & Jane’ belonging to Joseph Young of Portland Massachusetts relating to the engagement of said vessel in the Slave carrying trade prohibited by law. “2d my certificate that the Master of said vessel has not complied with the law in...
75To James Madison from George W. Erving, 13 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your public letter of April 22d to the Contents of which I pay immediate attention, & shall prepare & forward the statements which you require without loss of time. Mr Monroe has informed you of all which relates to the visit of Mr Livingston to this country: His communications upon public affairs in this quarter are so frequent & full, that as there is no difference...
76To James Madison from George W. Erving, 1 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
Various complaints as to the conduct of the Consular office at this place have from time to time within these 18 months past been transmitted to me; but as far as I have examined into these, I have not found sufficient matter to authorize my taking any such harsh measure against Mr. Yznardi, as Seems to have been Expected from me by those who have made them: nor did I think it necessary for me...
77To James Madison from George W. Erving, 26 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 June 1803, London . No. 20. Loses no time in forwarding a copy of “a decree issued by the French government on the 20th instant,” which he has “just received from Paris.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, CD , London, vol. 8). RC 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 29 Aug. The enclosure was a copy of Napoleon’s 1 Messidor an XI (20 June 1803) decree forbidding the importation of goods into...
78To James Madison from George W. Erving, 6 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 March 1802, London. Private No. 8. Has reported in an accompanying letter “all that has passed upon the subject of my appointment.” Is “perfectly satisfied” with the situation; has full schedule of responsibilities without assessorship. But “upon the score of Emolument—here is certainly a very great deduction without any proportionable deduction of business.” Notes Pinkney’s assertion that...
79To James Madison from George W. Erving, 10 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
My last dispatch informed you of those extraordinary military operations in this Country, which compelled king Joseph to abandon Madrid, & with the remains of the french armies, to retreat towards the frontiers: Considerable reinforcements having about the same time entered Spain by way of Navarre, his Majesty judged fit to make a stand at Burgos, & there for a time he established his court:...
80To James Madison from George W. Erving, 9 September 1806 (Madison Papers)
My last unofficial letter was dated at St Ildenfonso Augt. 28th. The present situation of European affairs is so extremely critical, & accidentally our interests are so peculiarly implicated in them, that it seems to me, even with my little means, that I cannot write to you too often; tho it is probable that you receive Every occurrence of importance much Earlier from other quarters, &...
81To James Madison from George W. Erving, 28 October 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From George W. Erving. 28 October 1805, Madrid. “ Private No 1. ” “I wrote to you officially from the Escurial on the 25th Inst by Mr Pinckney, who left that place on his way home on the 26th., merely to inform you of my arrival & introduction; Mr Pinckney had Expected me, but a ship being at Lisbon on the point of departure, he feared that if he delayed his journey thither he might lose his...
82To James Madison from George W. Erving, 13 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From George W. Erving. 13 August 1806, Madrid. No. 12. “A Courier arrived here last night to the French charge d’affaires who brings news to the 5th Inst: Contrary to all reasonable Expectation the peace between England & France is arranged. Telegraphick news had reached Paris from Calais that Lord Lauderdale had landed who is sent on the part of Great Britain to sign the preliminaries.”...
83To James Madison from George W. Erving, 18 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your letter of July 22nd. directing my attention to the claim of Mr. John R. Livingston, upon the seizure of his ship "Grampus" by the Spanish Governor at Conception Bay; This case is at present laying by appeal before the Council of Indies; I shall not fail in any thing which may be in my power to assist its progress & to produce a favorable result. But I am...
84To James Madison from George W. Erving, 25 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 May 1804, London. No. 34. “I have the honor herewith to transmit a List [not found] of the Ships which have entered this Port and of which the Masters have deposited their Papers in this Office pursuant to the Act of Congress of February 28th. 1803 since the operation of that Act commenced here to the 31st. of December 1803.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , London, vol. 9). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner...
85To James Madison from George W. Erving, 7 February 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have to communicate to you the very disagreeable intelligence that Messrs: Bird Savage & Bird our Bankers in this City have to-day been obliged to stop payment. I had fortunately nearly balanced the “Spoliation” Account with them on the 31st: December, & had divided amongst the proctors the whole of the fund destined for their payment. My Consular & Seaman Agency Account not having been yet...
86To James Madison from George W. Erving, 20 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 October 1801, London. Asks JM to read accompanying letter to Gallatin [not found]; hopes he “will not suppose private Emolument to have been my principal inducement to the proposition which it contains.” Discusses current low income from consular fees, which will be even lower after peace; British notaries maneuver to deprive consuls of fees on stock transfers, which are numerous. Observes...
87To James Madison from George W. Erving, 19 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
My letters to you respecting late Events here viz No 41 Postscripts 18th 21st & 22nd. No 42. March 25. No 43 April 10. Private No 32. March 15. No 33 April No. 34. April 12th King Ferdinand has advanced from Burgos to on the 18th and that he will go further. information that the Emperor did not reach till the 14th. Beauharnois appears disposed to linger here as long suffer him on the 1st order...
88To James Madison from George W. Erving, 10 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From George W. Erving. 10 July 1805, London. No. 62. “My letter No 59 (May 18th.) transmitted by original & duplicate, acknowledged the receipt of yours dated March 19th. addressed to Mr. Purviance, and directing him to make a proposition to this government for paying in London, instead of at Washington, the third instalment becoming due to it from the United States, under the late...
89To James Madison from George W. Erving, 24 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From George W. Erving. 24 August 1805, London . No. 64. “Immediately after Mr Monroes return to this place on the 23d. July I was preparing to depart for Madrid when Mr Bowdoin arrived from St Andero. You are already fully acquainted with the motives which induced him to quit Spain; I doubt not but that the measure will produce a good effect upon the disposition of the Spanish government, &...
90To James Madison from George W. Erving, 14 October 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From George W. Erving. 14 October 1806, Madrid. No. 16. “I had the honor to write to you last by original & duplicate on the 6th Inst. In that letter I mentioned the departure of Lord St Vincents from Lisbon in consequence of an arrangement made at Paris between the Portuguese & French governments; I mentioned also that this arrangemt had not appeared to have relaxed the military...
91To James Madison from George W. Erving, 17 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 November 1804, London. No. 46. “In my last of October 2d. I reported the ship Louisiana—Daniel Edes Junr. as having been employed in the Slave carrying trade prohibited by law; the circumstances therein mentioned have since been confirmed to me by the evidence of four men who have been discharged from her; these men are Allen Paterson John Cosey, Godfrey Trim and John Keller. I herewith...
92To James Madison from George W. Erving, 1 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 January 1805, London. No. 47. “I have the honor to transmit to you a List [not found] of the Vessels which have entered at this Port from the 1st. of July to 31st. December 1804 with other particulars respecting the same.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , London, vol. 9). 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Erving; marked “Duplicate”; docketed by Wagner as received in Erving’s 8 Feb. 1805 dispatch (ibid.).
93To James Madison from George W. Erving, 20 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 November 1801, London. No. 5. Encloses copy [not found] of admiralty proceedings on the New Adventure , [Ebenezer] Shearman master, should JM wish to use it as a basis for prosecution of the owners. Invoice listed value of cargo as $15,000. Condemnation is expected. Recounts report of proposal made to Rufus King to claim the property for the U.S., which would have led to recovery and...
94To James Madison from George W. Erving, 2 September 1806 (Madison Papers)
As I have been continually receiving from all the ports of Spain urgent representations respecting the extreme & indiscriminate rigor with which the Quarantine regulations are applied to all vessels of the United States, & statements of various abuses & irregularities on the part of the Officers exercising them; & having in several special cases applied for redress without effect; It seemed to...
95To James Madison from George W. Erving, 6 September 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 September 1802, American Consulate, London. No. 10. “I have just received from our Consul at Cadiz, a Circular letter of which the inclosed is a Copy; since my last of 29th. July upon this subject no other authentic information has been received here.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, CD , London, vol. 8). RC 1 p. Enclosure (1 p.) is another copy of Richard O’Brien’s circular letter, 26 June...
96To Thomas Jefferson from George W. Erving, 10 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honor’d by your letter containing a catalogue of books to be procured for the use of congress, & your instructions as to the œconomy & details of the purchase; & from the Treasurer of the United States I have at the same time received a remittance for this purpose of 226£. 14s. 9d Stg in a Bill payable at 60–days sight, which has been duly accepted; I shall give all possible...
97To James Madison from George W. Erving, 10 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
My last unofficial letter was of July 17th., written after the report that a peace was signed had reached this: That report proved to be well founded, and on the 3d. Inst. I transmitted an Extraordinary gazette containing the articles. The alterations which this Event may produce in the relations between France and Spain must be interesting to you: you will not probably annex much importance,...
98To James Madison from George W. Erving, 3 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
I sent I left Madrid it the gala days of the as is sooner if . My public letter acquainted you the state of affairs between France & Portugal. It was serious stated when Mr De Beauharnois re cd a courier (the 30th. at Night) announcing to him that the Emperor had declared war against the Prince Regent, ordered his legation to quit Pa ris in 24 hours: on the 31st. Count D’Ega the Po rtuguese...
99To James Madison from George W. Erving, 8 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your (private) Letter of Ap. 4. 1803. Mr King has finally left this without availing himself of the priviledge which it Seems the President intended that he shoud exercise. In fact I have reason to think that Mr Gore himself had been made sensible of the impropriety of his acting as chargé des affairs & that he declined the offer of Mr King to appoint him:...
100To James Madison from George W. Erving, 8 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
With my dispatch No. 34. (of October 29th.) I had the honor of transmitting to you copies of sundry offices passed between Mr. Cevallos & myself, upon such occurrences here as seemed chiefly to merit your attention; the last of which, in point of date, was my note of October 23rd. upon the case of the "Rebecca, Nimmo"; one which from the commencement of it, has been marked by proceedings of...