101To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 18 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 May 1801, Philadelphia. Discusses his wish for restitution of $15,000 that his predecessor, Létombe, left in U.S. when he lost his diplomatic recognition. Notes that Clement Biddle had deposited that amount in U.S. treasury and that apparently the treasury secretary intends to apply it to the cost of aiding French refugees from Saint-Domingue in 1793. Objects to that plan, which only...
102To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 17 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 May 1801, Philadelphia. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 12 May and enclosed papers. Had anticipated president’s directions regarding the French ship La Sémillante when writing its commander and the French vice-commissary in Norfolk, so that these orders will be promptly obeyed. Plans to write all French commissaries in various ports to ensure that they respect the rights and prerogatives of...
103To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 7 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 May 1801, Georgetown. Asks that the U.S. government take responsibility for French prisoners until Pichon can have them returned to France or its colonies. Most of them are now in Frederick or in New York and should be put on board the Berceau , which is being fitted out at Boston owing to the generous arrangements of the American government. Requests the federal government to have all at...
104To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 7 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 May 1801, Georgetown. Requests exequatur from the president for the two commissions attached. Hopes to see JM the following day and to converse with him about two matters, one simple, the other confidential. The first regards the departure of La Sémillante , which ought to sail as soon as dispatches arrive. The second is the rank with which Lear will be sent to the colony of Saint-Domingue....