801From James Madison to James Monroe, 16 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
In a private letter by Mr. Baring I gave you a detail of what had passed here on the subject of etiquete . I had hoped that no farther jars would have ensued as I still hope that the good sense of the British government respecting the right of the government here to fix its rules of intercourse and the sentiments and manners of the country to which they ought to be adapted will give the proper...
802From James Madison to Elbridge Gerry, 17 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 6th. instant inclosing a letter for Consul Lee which will be forwarded as you desire. The copies of Talleyrands correspondence are returned to you under the same cover with this. As the Department of State is possessed of the originals, I see no objection to your retaining them. It gives me pleasure to find that the proceedings of the administration continue to...
803From James Madison to William Lattimore, 17 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 February 1804, Department of State. “I have just received the enclosed memorial from the Merchants of New Orleans with a request to place it in the hands of one of the Members of Congress. Though I have learnt that a law has been passed upon the subject matter of the memorial, I have nevertheless thought it proper to be committed to your attention.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol....
804From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 20 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have received your letter of the 17th. of January, with two from yourself and Genl. Wilkinson of the 16th. & 17th. January and the other papers inclosed. The arrival of the French Troops and passengers is a circumstance to be regretted on several accounts. The steps taken and contemplated in consequence of it are approved by the President, and it is hoped will lead to a...
805From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 20 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
It being understood that Morales means to settle himself at New Orleans, and that his temper and his treasures, his connections and his views, may render him a mischievous member of the society, his removal to some other part of the United States, where he would be unimportant and harmless, would be agreeable to the President. Perhaps it may be in your power to bring this about, without...
806From James Madison to Mr. Steinmetz, 24 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 February 1804. Described as “enclosing certain documents” (DNA: RG 59, Notes to Foreign Ministers and Consuls, vol. 1, index).
807From James Madison to John Cotton Smith, 27 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 23d. inclosing Mr. Eaton’s petition with sundry documents respecting the subject of it. The inclosed copies of two letters from this Department to the Auditor of the Treasury, and of those to which they are answers will manifest the course which the three items of his claim now in question have heretofore taken in the Executive Offices. It...
808From James Madison to James A. Buchanan, 27 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 February 1804, Department of State. “Your letter of the 15th. inst. has been duly received together with the papers it enclosed, respecting the capture of the Brig Lear and the proceedings exercised against her at Antigua. Should the event of a condemnation take place, it will be advisable for you to appeal to England, since the doctrine of the blockade of Martinique is [ sic ] announced by...
809From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 29 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
Mr Fitzsimons of Philadelphia, on behalf of those interested in the ship New Jersey has requested me to recommend their case to your attention. This vessel was condemned in the course of the late war by an Agent of France residing at the City of St Domingo and it is the expectation of the applicants by obtaining a revocation of the condemnation to qualify their claim for adjustment by the...
810From James Madison to Thomas M. Willing and Thomas W. Francis, 1 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 14th. ult. requesting that the bonds you exicuted as sureties for Mr. Cathcart as Consul of the United States at Tripoli, and for Mr. Wollaston as their Consul at Genoa may be cancelled. The Offices of both those Gentlemen have ceased: Mr. Cathcart has rendered his public accounts from time to time but they are not settled, tho’ no doubt is entertained that...
811From James Madison to Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 1 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have laid before the President your letter of the 23d Ult, in which the United States are called upon, in the name of His Catholic Majesty, to control the commerce of their Citizens, in provisions of every sort, with Negroes of St Domingo, in rebellion against the French Republic; with an intimation that in this demand His Catholic Majesty will be supported by some of the first powers of...
812From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 1 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 March 1804, Department of State. “On the receipt of the proceeds arising from the sale of the guns and other articles lately made thro.’ Messrs. Pettit and Bayard, you will be pleased to account with and pay over what may remain, after deducting the expenses, to the Treasury.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p. This is a clerk’s error for “gums” (see Coxe to JM, 3 Feb. 1804 ,...
813From James Madison to Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, [3] March 1804 (Madison Papers)
It gives me pleasure to find by your letter of the 1st instant, that you did not intend by any thing in that of Feby 23d to detract from the rights of the United States, or to be regarded as an Organ in any degree of the views of other Nations towards them. In justice nevertheless to the observations contained in mine of the first instant, I cannot admit that they did not result from the...
814From James Madison to Aaron Burr, [ca. 5 March] 1804 (Madison Papers)
The voyage referred to by Mr. Vanderkemp was undertaken and conducted by individuals, in whose hands the journal and other papers, which he desires to peruse, must remain. Mr. Barrill of Boston had a concern in the voyage and may be therefore resorted to in order to trace their place of Deposit. With very high respect, I have the honor to remain, Dr Sir your most obed. servt. RC (owned by...
815From James Madison to James Monroe, 5 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
Since my last of Feby. 14th I have received yours of November 16. The accounts of some jar between you and the British administration, republished from the English newspapers had begun to excite here considerable attention, and comments of different kinds from different quarters. As we knew that neither your disposition, nor instructions could lead to any unfriendly or unnecessary discussions...
816From James Madison to James Monroe, 8 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
Since my last which went by duplicates, & will therefore I hope have been recd. yours of Novr. 25. which like this is private, has come to hand. Your public letter accompanying it, is answered publickly by this opportunity. It is very agreeable to find the British Ministers so candidly acknowledging the justice of our general conduct towards their nation and the fairness particularly of our...
817From James Madison to the Senate, 8 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State to whom was referred by a Resolution of the Senate of the 25th. of January last, the petition of Moses Young, to consider the merits of the same, has the honor to make the following report. It appears that Mr. Young was appointed Consul of the United States at Madrid on the 11th. of April 1798, having been previously, (Viz, about the month of October preceding) by Mr....
818From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 11 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 March 1804, Department of State. Asks that a warrant for $200 “be issued in favor of Peleg Wadsworth … to satisfy a Bill for that sum drawn by Mrs. Rebecca Arundel, mother of Richard OBrien…, to be paid out of the fund applicable to the salaries of the Consuls of the U. States with the Barbary Powers, and to be charged to Richard OBrien.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p.
819From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 12 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 31st. of January has come to hand. The information it conveyed respecting the importation of Negroes was communicated to Congress together with the letter it enclosed from Mr. Leonard. The doubts which have arisen respecting the Ship from St. Domingo have relation, as far as yet appears, to two points—1st. whether the passengers ought to be permitted to come up to New...
820From James Madison to Levi Lincoln, 13 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 March 1804, Department of State. Asks “whether the accompanying certificates will warrant a change of the name of the grantee of the within patent as required in the enclosed letter?” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p.
821From James Madison to Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 19 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
Your letters of the 7th. and 17th. inst. complaining of the 11th. Section in an Act of Congress entitled “an Act for laying and Collecting Duties &c[”] have been laid before the President. On the Subject of the authority given by Congress in this Section to the President to establish a Revenue District comprehending certain Waters, Bays and Inlets connected with the Gulph of Mexico, it will be...
822From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 23 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
In my letter of the 31st of January expressive of the wishes of the President in relation to such modifications of the late Convention with France as might impart its benefits more equally and—justly among the claimants, it was omitted to suggest an arrangement for the immediate relief of such of them as are in that Country and might suffer from the disappointment and delay consequent upon the...
823From James Madison to James Simons, 23 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
The Chargé D’Affaires of France has represented to me that the armed Vessels of his Nation have been sometimes subjected to indelicate and unfounded scrutinies by the Officers of the Customs at Charleston, and particularly refers to a recent instance wherein just offence was given, as he alleges, to a public Vessel of the French Republic by such a proceeding. As he has not suggested this in...
824From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 24 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 March 1804. “I inclose a communication from Mr Merry, which the P. wishes to go to you, & from you to such member & with such suggestions as may be proper; rather than make it the subject of a Message under present circumstances.” RC ( DLC : Joseph H. Nicholson Papers). 1 p.; marked “ private ”; misdated 1803 by JM. Addressee not indicated; identified as Gallatin on the basis of Gallatin to...
825From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 26 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 March 1804, Department of State. “I have the honor to enclose, for your information, a copy of a letter, which I am about to transmit to Mr. Livingston at Paris; and to request that the remittance therein mentioned of eighteen thousand five hundred and fifty five dollars and fifty four Cents, may be made out of the appropriation for carrying the Treaty and Conventions with France into...
826From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 28 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose a copy of the memorial of Jeremiah Lawrence and others, complaining of the capture by the French of three vessels belonging to them. It appears that they were engaged in Whaling on the coast of St Domingo, and that tho’ they had nothing on board but the necessary stores and the proceeds of their industry in the voyage, they were seized in a place called Sam Bay at...
827From 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...
828From James Madison to Anthony Merry, 29 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 March 1804, Department of State. “I have had the Honour to receive your Letter of the 23rd. inst. enclosing a Copy of a Memorial stating certain Inconveniences to which its Subscribers, who are British Subjects, have represented themselves as being exposed by the Operation of an Act of Congress. In the Act passed on the 27th inst. of which a Copy is now enclosed, I flatter myself you will...
829From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 30 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1804, Department of State. Asks that a warrant be issued for $2,100 to cover two bills drawn by W. C. C. Claiborne on JM, one of 24 Jan. and the other of 14 Feb. 1804. The warrant is to be paid out of funds “for the expences of the civil Government of Louisiana” and charged to Claiborne. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p.; printed in Carter, Territorial Papers, Orleans...
830Circular Letter to the Justices of the Supreme Court, 30 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1804, Department of State. “By the direction of the President of the United States I have the honor to transmit to you a copy of an instrument whereby he has allotted the Circuits in consequence of the appointment of the Honble William Johnson to fill the Vacancy on the Bench of the Supreme Court occasioned by the resignation of the Honble Alfred Moore.” RC ( MHi : Robert Treat Paine...
831From James Madison to Robert Smith, 30 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1804, Department of State. “The Minister of His Majesty, the Emperor of Germany, at Madrid, having represented to Mr. Pinkney, that irregularities have taken place, with respect to the Imperial Polacre Paula, Capt. Radich, captured last year by the Naval Squadron of the U. States and carried to Malta, I request you to be pleased to furnish me with the report of the officers concerned...
832From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 31 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
Since my acknowledgment of yours of Octr. 20. & 31. I have received those of 2, 15 & 23d. November and 11th. December. In mine of January 31. I informed you that Louisiana had been Transferred by the French Commissioner to our Commissioners on the 20th. of December, that nothing had officially passed on the occasion concerning the boundaries of the ceded Territory; but that Mr Laussat had...
833From James Madison to Jonathan Steele, 31 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1804, Department of State. Encloses Steele’s commission as U.S. attorney for the New Hampshire District. RC (owned by American Museum of Historical Documents, Las Vegas, Nev., 1988). 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM.
834From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 2 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have received your Letters of the 4th, 6th, and 13th February and that of yourself and General Wilkinson dated on the 7th, and 14 Feby. enclosed you will receive two copies of an Act of Congress passed on the 26th Ultimo erecting Louisiana into two Seperate Governments and continuing the present temporary Government until the 1st October next. The disturbance at the assembly...
835From James Madison to William Davies, 5 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1804, Department of State. “I return the deposition received from you some time ago, charging one Spinks as a Citizen of the United States with engaging himself as an Officer on board a British Lettre of Marque. It would be adviseable that you should transmit it to the District Attorney, and on Spinks return advise him of it, in order that if the facts will warrant it a prosecution may...
836From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1804, Washington. “[I] Inclose the Commission for Kirby according to your parting request; also three others for Indian Comssrs. in blank, which you will be so good as to return. The last communications from N. Orleans are also inclosed. They are in several respects interesting. “We have recd nothing from abroad since you left us, and every thing here remains as at that date.” RC ( DLC...
837From James Madison to Robert Smith, 6 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
Mr. James L. Cathcart, who is now at Leghorn, informs me, by letter of the 15th. of December last that he had given a credit of three thousand dollars or more to the Danish Consul at Tripoli, to enable him to relieve the wants of the Officers and crew of the Frigate Philadelphia. He also informs me that he is preparing two suits of Clothes for each individual of that crew. Mr. Lear, the Consul...
838From James Madison to Benjamin Dearborn, 6 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 April 1804, Department of State. “I have received your letter of the 7th. ult. [not found] but cannot encourage you to expect any interposition of the Executive which may avail you to recover the amount of the property plu[n]dered at Cape Francois from the house of Mr. Benard whose Administrator you are. With the present ruling powers of the Island we have no political connection or...
839From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 7 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Matthew Cary of Philadelphia has offered to sell to government 400 complete copies of the laws of the United States at one dollar per volume in sheets and thirty one cents in addition for binding. This price appears to be high, and I must therefore request you to cause enquiry to be made whether among the other booksellers they could be furnished for less. If they can and Mr. Cary will...
840From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 7 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
Since the occupation of New Orleans by the United States, some occurrences have taken place, which their trivial nature would have consigned to oblivian had they not been magnified by the peculiar temper with which they have been viewed by Mr. Laussat. As this gentleman will no doubt communicate them to the French government, it seems proper that by your being given a short sketch of what has...
841From James Madison to William C. C. Claiborne, 9 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
Since my letter of the 2d: instant the last mail has brought several from you and General Wilkinson, which having been forwarded to the President I cannot refer to them by dates. Instead of the Passports for the inhabitants of Louisiana, the form of which you have enclosed, I request you to issue those which I now transmit. By the next mail I shall forward an additional number. You will be...
842From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
I recd. last night the inclosed letters from Mr Livingston, which afford another proof that the French Government, however deficient it may be in other attributes is an enlightened one. It would be better no doubt if our objects could be attained by our own means only, but friendly interpositions of other Govts. in such a case ought not only to be accepted but to be acknowledged with respect &...
843From James Madison to Charles Pinckney, 10 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
My last to you was of the 6th of February, since which I have received your several letters dated on the 24th of October the 10. 20 22. 24 November 12th Decr. 10 & 24 of January. The complaint made to you by the French ambassador respecting desertions to our public ships from the French, has been communicated to the Secretary of the Navy, who will cause the proper enquiries to be made and will...
844From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 11 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a copy of a letter I propose to write to Mr. Erving, Agent of Claims in London, and the draft of a notification to be published in the Newspapers, as therein expressed. The transfer of the monies received on account of the adventures of Masters and Seamen of captured Vessels, for which restitution has been decreed, from London to this City, in the manner explained,...
845From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 12 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 April 1804, Department of State. “I have the honor to inform you, that on the 23d. February last, by direction of the Board of Commissioners under the 7th. Art. of the British Treaty, who were then about to terminate their functions, the sum of £526.4.9, being the balance due the U:States for monies advanced on account of that board, was paid over to Mr. Monroe our Minister at London.”...
846From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 April 1804, Washington. “Inclosed herewith are the letters last recd from Mr. Pinkney, with some communications from the Mediterranean, and from the Comissrs. under the 7th. art: of the British Treaty. The capture by Capt: Preble was in some respects very apropos; but is there not danger that it may give umbrage to the Grand Seignor?” Adds in a postscript: “Not knowing the address of...
847From James Madison to Robert Smith, 12 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 April 1804, Department of State. “I have the honor to enclose a bill drawn upon me by Mr. Cathcart for five thousand two hundred & fifty dollars, which, from the accompanying letter of advice, appears to be intended to cover expenditures on account of the Navy Department. I shall refer the holder of the Bill to you for payment.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p. See...
848From James Madison to Thomas FitzSimons, 13 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
Your letter addressed to the Department of State enquiring whether Government mean to pursue any measures for the relief of the Officers and crew of the Frigate Philadelphia, and whether anything can be pointed out as proper to be done by the friends of the prisoners? has been received. I have preferred to make the answer private. The sympathy of the Executive for the condition of the captives...
849From James Madison to Richard Harrison, 14 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 April 1804, Department of State. “The Secretary of State presents his respects to the Auditor and encloses him a letter from Mr. Savage Agent of the U. States at Jamaica, with sundry documents explanitory of his accounts. The Secretary of State will thank the Auditor for an intimation of the result of these explanations in order that may be communicated to Mr. Savage as soon as convenient.”...
850From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. with its inclosures has been duly recd. and will be duly attended to. The inclosed communications from Mr. Merry are as satisfactory as they are important. On the return of them, it will be proper I presume to acknowledge the impression made by the promptitude of the interposition, and the evidence it affords of a disposition to cherish the amicable relations &c. of the...