751From James Madison to Peter Muhlenberg and David Gelston, 20 July 1805 (Madison Papers)
I request that hereafter you will cause to be endorsed on the packets of Gazettes intended for the Ministers in Europe the words “ not to be put in a Post office, ” taking care as often as practicable & necessary to arrange with those who take charge of them the means of otherwise conveying them to their destination after the arrival of the Vessel. Whenever the Vessel is bound to a port where...
752From James Madison to the House of Representatives, 19 January 1805 (Madison Papers)
In obedience to an order of the House of Representatives, of the 31st December 1804, directing the Secretary of State to lay before that House “a return of the number of American seamen, who have been impressed or detained on Board the Ships of War of any foreign nation, stating the names of the persons impressed; the name of the Ship or vessel by which they were impressed, the nation to which...
753From James Madison to Daniel Clark, 6 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 6 July 1803 . Acknowledged in Clark to JM, 12 Aug. 1803 . Announces the purchase of the Louisiana Territory.
754From James Madison to Dolley Madison, 28 October 1805 (Madison Papers)
I reached the end of my journey on Saturday Evening; without accident and in good health. I found your friends here all well. Payne arrived about an hour after I did. I inclose a letter from him, with several others. During my halt at Baltimore, I made two efforts to see Bishop Carroll, but without success. Genl. Smith had not returned to Town from his Country Seat. I could do nothing...
755From James Madison to Henry Hill, 6 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
With your commission as Consul, to reside at St. Salvador, in the Brazils, and the usual printed Instructions, you will herewith receive a letter from the President to the Prince Regent. As it is thought proper, that you should, under the peculiar Circumstances of that Country and Government, apply in person for your Exequatur, you will have at the same time an opportunity of presenting this...
756From James Madison to DeWitt Clinton, 23 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 13th. has been duly recd. As it seems to partake as much of a private as public character, I take the liberty of answering it in the former. Should an answer in the latter be desired for any particular reasons, it shall be added. As the U. States are not bound by Treaty in any case to give up deserting seamen whether from public or private ships, and no such general...
757Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 30 October 1806] (Madison Papers)
See Act 2 May 1792 —Repealed See do. 28 Feby. 1795—s. 1. Militia may be used to repel invasions ———— to suppress an insurrection against a State, on the application of the Legislature, or, if it cannot be convened, of the Executive of the State s. 2. They may be employed to suppress insurrections against the U. S. (the Act of 2 May above mentioned made a certificate of a Judge of the U.S....
758From James Madison to John Graham, 17 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of May 10 was received during the absence of the President as well as myself from the seat of Government; and since our return the preparations for the meeting of Congress, have prevented an earlier acknowledgment of it. In communicating to you the Presidents acceptance of your resignation, I have the pleasure to inform you, that you hold the same place in his favorable opinion, as...
759From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 24 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed paper will put you in possession of a complaint just received from Mr. Foronda. He has been informed, by authority from the President, that it would be transmitted to you, who would make the proper enquiries and take the proper steps in the case. It may be well for you to be apprized that Mr. Folch is not known to this Department in the character ascribed to him. It does not...
760From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
With the other papers herewith inclosed is an answer to Mr. Erskine’s letter of the 1st. instant. I have thought it proper not to forward it without previously submitting it to your perusal and corrections. Sepr. 19 The mail for the 1st. time has arrived this morning. The rider now here, who carried up the first says he did not call because he did not know that I was at home as he went, and...
761From James Madison to Thomas Blount, 12 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with the request stated in your letter of the 5th. instant, I have the honor to communicate the several documents, numbered from 1 to 6, relative to aggressions committed by foreign armed vessels within the ports and waters of the United States; also document No. 7, relating to the outrage committed by the British ship of War Leopard on the American Frigate Chesapeake. To the...
762From James Madison to Jacob Crowninshield, 3 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Jacob Crowninshield. 3 July 1805, Department of State. “I have the honor to inform you, in answer to your letter of the 25 ult. [not found] that no information respecting the service of the monition in the case of the Hector, Smith, or any subsequent proceeding respecting it, exists in this Department. Mr. Wm. Lyman, as the Agent for such claims in London, will have it in his power to...
763From James Madison to James Leander Cathcart, 7 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To James Leander Cathcart. 7 July 1806, Department of State. “I have received your letter of the 1st. of July, and have caused four thousand dollars to be remitted to you at Boston, for which you will apply at the Branch Bank. The whole two thousand dollars allotted for the Prime Minister may be laid out by you in purchases of presents. I hope your wishes will be speedily gratified, as the...
764From James Madison to David Humphreys, 5 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
The President has received the letter you addressed to him on the 1st. Inst. As the constitution of the United States has left with Congress the exclusive authority to permit the acceptance of presents from foreign Governments by persons holding Offices under the United States, the President has thought it most proper that the ornaments addressed to Mrs. Humphreys by the Queen of Spain should...
765From James Madison to Isaac Hite, 15 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have not heard from you since you left Orange but conclude that you will now be found at home. The delays to which I have been subjected, determine me at length to abandon my visit, till the first of August. I hope I shall then be more fortunate in the oppy. of meeting you. The accts. from Europe are down to the 6th. of May. The preparations for war were not then relaxed and the prevailing [...
766From James Madison to Rufus King, 29 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 March 1804, Washington. “On the receipt of yours of I put it into the hands of Mr. Gallatin, in order to obtain the information which it asks. Mr. Gallatin tells me that he will make the proper enquiry, and write you the result himself.” Refers King to Gallatin’s letter. RC ( NHi : Rufus King Papers). 1 p.; docketed by King as received 4 Apr. An attached note reads: “R. King’s Accounts with...
767From 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...
768From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 25 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday afternoon your two favors of the 19th. & 23. I will write to Claibourne & Granger on the subject of the post estabt. thro’ the territory held by Spain and claimed by us. I previously however submit it to your determination whether it may not be best, besides the proposed negociation with Casa Calvo which he may reject, to provide for a simple passage of the mail witht. a post...
769To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
incapable of giving a valid consent to their alienation in others belong to persons who may refer altogether to alienate, or demand a compensation far beyond the liberal justice allowable in such cases. From these causes the defence of our sea board, so necessary to be pressed during the present season, will in various ports be defeated, unless a remedy can be applied. With a view to this I...
770From James Madison to Joseph Jones, 18 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 18 April 1804. Acknowledged in Jones to JM, 26 June 1804 . Concerns Monroe’s financial affairs.
771To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 31 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just recd. by the Bearer the inclosed letter. As I understand that the writer Mr. V. and Mr. Dunbar, are both of them acquainted with the established course in such cases, I fulfill their expectations as well as keep within the rule of propriety, in merely saying that I believe both to be men of respectable characters; and consequently not excluded from the ordinary indulgence grantable...
772From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 14 October 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 October 1802, Department of State. Requests that a warrant for $600 be issued to Seth Pease from appropriations for Barbary affairs, he being the holder of a bill of exchange drawn on JM by John Gavino for advances made to James Simpson, with the amount to be charged against Simpson. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p.
773From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
You must be already acquainted with many of the circumstances respecting the purchase made in France by General Ira Allen of a quantity of Arms and field pieces which on their passage to the United States were captured towards the close of the year 1796 by the British Ship of War Audacious. General Allen having requested a recommendation of his interest to your patronage, I the more readily...
774From James Madison to Charles Pinckney, 13 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 June 1802, Department of State, Washington. Introduces the bearer, William Cooke, who has a claim against Spain “which he is going to Madrid to prosecute—and it will of course be patronized and urged by you as far as may be proper.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, IM , vol. 6). 1 p. This letter evidently was never delivered, for Cooke did not sail for Madrid until 1803 (see JM to Pinckney,...
775From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 27 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
The Treaty lately concluded between the American and British Commisioners being in a situation to admit of deliberation on its several articles, it is thought highly advisable to avail the Executive of such observations on those relating to commerce and Navigation as your intelligence and experience on those subjects will enable you to afford. You will render an acceptable service therefore by...
776From James Madison to Levett Harris, 15 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Levett Harris. 15 April 1806, Department of State. “I herewith inclose a letter from the President to the Emperor Alexander, in which occasion is taken to suggest the use that may be made of a pacification in Europe to provide for the future security of neutral rights. I inclose also a copy of a letter which has been written to Genl Armstrong with a view to promote the same object through...
777From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 17 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
I inclose two letters from Monroe recd. since your departure. The intermediate ones referred to, of the 16 & 18 of Decr. are not yet recd. I inclose also a Letter of Decr. 24. from Armstrong; who I am pleased to find understands the language in which the honorable & honest policy of this Country ought to be expressed. You will find that I obey the wish of Govr. Claiborne in taxing you with a...
778To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Finding on my return from a little ride, that the post was here without my having recd a key to the mail, I thought it best to have a link of the chain taken off, rather than take the alternative. Hence the mail goes open; but I am enabled to send the letters addressed to me for your perusal. There are letters from Erving but old & not worth forwarding, In fact I take all of them to be...
779From James Madison to Robert Smith, 29 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
It being thought proper that $30,000 should be transmitted to the Consul at algiers, by the ship General Greene, I request that you will please to give the proper instructions to Lt. Chauncy to receive that sum from the orders of the secretary of the Treasury, and deliver it at algiers to the American Consul there, with a further instruction to receive the money back from the Consul, if not...
780From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 10 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 January 1805, Department of State. “I request you to be pleased to issue a warrant for two hundred dollars in favor of Moses Young in virtue of the enclosed draft in his favor drawn by Rebecca Arundel, whose power from Richard OBrien to receive this sum annually from his salary is lodged in the Treasury.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p.
781From James Madison to Isaac Winston, 29 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have been favored with yours of the 18th. but not in time to be acknowledged by the mail of last week. I am not in immediate want of Carriage horses, but probably shall in the course of a year or so. I had contemplated a further use of the pair I have, untill I could provide a large & handsome pair to take their place, and untill I could find in my resources a convenient surplus beyond the...
782From James Madison to Buckner Thruston (Abstract), 10 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
10 June 1805, Department of State . “A new commission constituting you a Judge of the Territory of Orleans was necessary under the act of Congress, passed at the last Session, by which the form of Government of the Territory was modified: this has been forwarded to New Orleans. As however it has been rumoured, that the office would not meet your acceptance, and in that case it will be...
783From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 26 April 1802 (Madison Papers)
We have the Honor to enclose a copy of an Agreement enter’d into between the Commissioners of the United States and those of Georgia, in pursuance of the Act entitled “An Act supplemental to the Act entitled ’An Act for an amicable settlement of Limits, with the State of Georgia; and authorizing The Establishment of a Government in the Mississippi Territory. [’”] The nature & Importance of the...
784From James Madison to George Hay, 5 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
The commission for the Marshall of Virginia District was forwarded to his address in Amelia County. A duplicate will be enclosed to you by this days mail, which I beg the favor of you to transmit to him should he be elsewhere than in Amelia. I am &c. DNA : RG 59—DL—Domestic Letters.
785To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The vessel for the Bey of Tunis is a small one purchased by Capt: Preble in the Mediterranean. The first cost can not be ascertained in the absence of the Upper Clerks of the Navy Dept. It is supposed not to have exceeded a very few thousand dollars. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
786From James Madison to Samuel Smith, 15 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
A search has been made for the paper alluded to in your letter of the 13th. instant, which is just received, and it is not to be found in this Office. Indeed, it is not recollected that such a paper was left here by Genl. Smith. I am &c. DNA : RG 59—DL—Domestic Letters.
787From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 11 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
I recd. from the hand of Col. Livingston your favor of Novr. 23. His return having been unexpectedly sudden, I could not conveniently then acknowledge it, and in the hope that I might be enabled by procrastination to communicate some thing or other sufficiently interesting on our public affairs, I have arrived at a very late date, and without the advantage of making any amends for it. We have...
788From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 29 May 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 22. & the subsequent one covering a newspaper. I inclose the several documents requested in the first, and have run over the observations referred to in the last. The British Govt. by some of their orders have certainly violated the rights of neutrals under the law of Nations. They deny this however; contending that their orders relax their own rights in favor of...
789From James Madison to Seth G. Macey, 11 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 January 1805, Department of State. “I have received your letter of the 3d. inst. [not found] & its inclosures respecting Patrick Cunningham. As it does not appear that he is a Citizen of the United States, it would not be conformable with usage, nor would any success be expected from the measure, to apply for his release, as an individual case. In the mean time the right of the British to...
790From James Madison to Thomas FitzSimons, 25 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your letter of the 21st. inst. The subject of the detentions of American property in south America has been long since committed to the attention of Mr. Pinckney, and was renewed in a general shape in the instructions given to Mr. Monroe and him on their appointment to negotiate with the court of Spain. It is not distinctly perceived in which form the claims for such...
791From James Madison to Rufus King, 2 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving in addition to your official communications brought by Mr. Dawson, your several private letters beginning on the 8th. Octr. & ending Novr. 5. The conduct of the British Ministry described in them has an appearance of tergiversation as disreputable as it is difficult to account for. It is possible that the change may have proceeded in part at least from the...
792From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 14 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
I submit to your perusal the inclosed letter as the most ready mode of explaining the wish of Bishop Madison with respect to Mr. Mansfield. If you can furnish me with any information proper for an answer, you will oblige me by so doing. It is not improbable that the Bishop may take Monticello in his way as he proceeds westward. In this case you will be saved the trouble otherwise imposed. Yrs...
793From James Madison to James Monroe, 28 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
Your dispatch of the 11th. of Sepr. has been duly received. Altho’ the tenor of the discussions which it recites does not exhibit on the part of the British Commissioners the readiness in yielding to the justice of our claims and to the energy of your statements, which might be wished, yet the general spirit of conciliation with which they profess and appear to have met you, cherishes a hope...
794From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 26 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
Having recieved some days ago, but not in time for the last mail, the inclosed petition, I have thought it proper to forward with it a pardon, that in case it should be extended to the party, delay might be avoided. I know nothing more of the convict or of the merits of the petition than are to be gathered from the petition itself and the letter from W. Jones. It is signed, I observe by...
795From James Madison to Samuel Smith, 30 October 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 27th. and inclose the letters as you request. My conversation with Captn: Barney was intentionally as general as I could make it. It had in view to satisfy him that requests such as his could not, according to a general & necessary rule, be complied with, to divert his conjectures from any particular source of the information recd. and to leave him under an...
796From James Madison to Isaac Green, 9 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To Isaac Green. 9 June 1806, Department of State. “I have received your letter of the 24th. Ult [not found], and return the ten dollar bank Note. It appears to me that the object you have in view may be best answered by procuring from the Attorney General of Vermont, a Certificate, that, by the laws of that State, no tax or imposition is laid upon legacies bequeathed to Aliens. On receiving...
797From James Madison to Charles Pinckney, 21 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since my letter of the 8th instant, the Marquis d’Yrujo has received answers to his letters to the Governor and Intendant of Louisiana in which it is stated by the latter, as well as the former officer, that the suspension of our deposit, was not the effect of any orders from the Spanish Government. No intimation however was given that the suspension would be removed in consequence of the...
798From James Madison to Alexander James Dallas (Abstract), 29 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
29 May 1805, Department of State . “I had the honor to lay your communication of the 13th. inst: [not found] before the President, who thinks it expedient that you take the proper steps to have the decision in the case of the Mercator brought before the Supreme Court of the U:States, in order that the proper decision may have the highest judicial sanction.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL ,...
799To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 14 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 12th. with the papers it refers to came duly to hand. Among the letters now forwarded is one from Turreau inclosing a copy of one to him from Mr. Gallatin. He appears to have drawn conclusions from his conference with Mr. G. not warranted by it. Mine with him merely referred him to Mr. G. I think it will be not amiss, as he has acted & incurred expence in the case, to sanction...
800From James Madison to Israel Whelen, 9 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 June 1801, Department of State. Since the naval agent at New York reports freight charges on plank and timber from there to Philadelphia will amount to as much as purchase price, the agent has received orders not to ship. Instructs Whelen to provide those articles from another source. RC ( NN ). 1 p.; in Wagner’s hand, signed by JM; addressed: “The Purveyor of the U. states / Philadelphia.”