101To James Madison from Robert Ritchie, 1 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
General Toussaint having sent to me a Pamphlet containing a detail of the measures adopted for taking possession of the Spanish Part of this Island, to which is annexed the attendant correspondence. I take the liberty of enclosing it to you. I am Sir with great respect your ob Hble. Servt. The preceding is the full transcription of a document that was previously abstracted in The Papers of...
102To James Madison from Charles Peale Polk, 2 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
In addressing to you the subject of the following letter, I hope that the presumption may not be thought too great. The established philanthropy of your Character, but especially the Honor of your friendly deportment towards me, have encouraged the Undertaking. It is known to you, Sir, the languid State of the fine Arts in this Country, particularly that of Painting; and it has been my...
103To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 3 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have this evening a letter from Mr. Beckley in which he communicates to me the information, that the office of Supervisor of the Revenue of Pennsa. will probably be assigned to General Muhlenberg. There are I believe two offices in this state which will neat more than that—each I mean will. But from long observation and experience you may rely on my information, that to execute both of them...
104To James Madison from Winthrop Sargent, 3 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 April 1801, Mississippi Territory. Acting with permission earlier received from the Adams administration and in the belief that ratification of the French treaty afforded an opportunity for a leave of absence, Sargent proposes to visit the Atlantic states. Expresses hope that on his arrival he might meet with JM and the president. Mentions the discredit enemies have cast on his reputation...
105To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 4 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
Knowing the attachment to freedom and humanity, which mark your character I feel a solicitude to bring into your view the Situation of the people of Ireland in the United States. You will not understand that I recommend any measures in regard to them or their unhappy country. But, if any in Authority here have forgotten our engagements of 1775, if they have denied them the proferred rights of...
106To James Madison from Carter Bassett Harrison, 4 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
This will be presented by Mr Alexdr Kerr a friend of Mine who is disposed to fill some federal office that may be vacant in the town of Alexandria I have been for some time acquainted with Mr Kerr I have ever found him a Gentn of Capacity, integrity & the man of business these requisites added to his republican Character may fit him for any appointment that the President may think proper to...
107To James Madison from James Maury, 4 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had the Honor of presenting you a price current on the 11th past. In this is one also for the present month. I am concerned to observe to you that the annexed vessels have lately been seized in this port for having on board parcels of tobacco with the view of smuggling. Four of them have been restored, two of which paid a fine to the seizing officers. The others remain under seizure, & I...
108To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 4 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 April 1801, Berlin. No. 188. Reports Danish occupation of Hamburg on 20 Mar. and Prussian plans to seize territories belonging to Hamburg. Conveys news, just received, of Czar Paul’s sudden death. “What its effect will be upon the politics of Europe it would for the present moment be presumptuous to conjecture.” Notes that Prussians have received British reply to Count von Haugwitz’s message...
109To James Madison from Laurence Muse, 4 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 April 1801, Tappahannock. Has heard rumor that the supervisor and inspectors in Virginia are to be replaced. Muse wishes to be considered for the position now held by W. F. Gaines, presuming he may retain his present post as well. Refers to his service as collector of customs at Tappahannock since 1794. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1801–9). 3 pp.; docketed by Wagner as received 17 Apr.
110To James Madison from Cyrus Griffin, 5 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1801. Indisposition prevented his going to Richmond when JM was last there. Encloses a medal as token of friendship and “high consideration,” knowing JM has a collection of them. RC ( DLC ). 1 p.; in Stuart Griffin’s hand (see Cyrus Griffin to JM, 29 July 1801 ); docketed by JM. Cyrus Griffin served with JM in the Continental Congress in 1780 and was a district court judge in Virginia,...
111To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 5 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1801, Algiers. Reports prime minister’s reminder earlier in the day that the U.S. is nearly three years behind in annuities; recounts his own assurances that scheduling shifts, problems of procurement, and the like account for the delays. Notes that “This looks Squally.” Adds on 11 Apr. that dey ordered him to ask U.S. for 500 barrels of gunpowder and 4,000 rounds of ball ammunition...
112To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 5 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
This morning at 8 A M the Prime minister of Algiers Sint a Choux to me to inform me that The americans was in arrears in their annuities near ly three years that what has been Sint lately is Very trifling and that the dey is not well pleased at this neglect or detention. I answered “That in our last Settlement we arranged the annuities for 2 years and nine Months. That one year was considered...
113To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 6 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 April 1801, The Hague. No. 129. Reports that a general embargo was laid on ports on 30 Mar. but taken off U.S. ships 2 Apr. after his protest. Encloses copies of notes on this matter. (No notification had been given to foreign ministers of the action.) Believes embargo was in reaction to appearance of British fleet off the Meuse and was directed almost exclusively against American trade. On...
114To James Madison from John Dickinson, 7 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
Accept my heartiest Congratulations on thy advancement to the secretary’s office. My Mind has for several Years been deeply distressed, by the artificial Storm that has agitated this Land. The late Changes open a cheerful Prospect to those who love their Country; and one of the most pleasing Circumstances is thy holding thy present station. I am too old, and, I believe Myself too independent...
115To James Madison from John Page, 7 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I return you my best Thanks for your Friendly Answer to my Letter. I heartily condole with you on the Death of your Father, a Circumstance but lately made known to me: and lament the bad State of your Health. But I sincerely hope that you will be soon restored to perfect Health, and that no Circumstance may occur to interrupt you in the Exercise of the Office, in which every Friend of yours...
116To James Madison from Timothy Pickering, 7 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
When in Philadelphia, last winter, Mr. James Yard of that city, reminded me of an assurance given to Edward Stevens Esqr. Consul General for St. Domingo, that he should be indemnified for becoming bail for Mr. Bunel, the Agent of General Toussaint . The facts were these. After General Toussaint took upon himself the administration of the Government of St. Domingo, being desirous of renewing...
117To James Madison from Hans Rudolph Saabye, 7 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 April 1801, Copenhagen. Transmits duplicate of his dispatch of 16 Feb. Recounts deterioration of Anglo-Danish relations. After a British fleet of fifty-eight ships appeared in the Kattegat, a truce vessel arrived on 20 Mar. with dispatches for British chargé. Englishman demanded recognition as British minister; the Danes declined as long as the embargo on Danish ships continued. When the...
118To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 7 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 April 1801, Lisbon. Conveys news of British blockade of Toulon and discusses different accounts of Abercromby’s expedition. Reports that Portuguese church patriarch had published a vehement attack on Spanish and called for defense of the country before government realized no British aid would be available to it; the statement now has been suppressed. Portuguese prefer to negotiate peace with...
119To James Madison from Hans Rudolph Saabye, 7 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I send you enclosed Duplicate of my last letter of 16 Febr. Since which very important events have happend. An English fleet consisting of 58 Ships of the line, frigats and smaller armed Vessels having appeared in the Cattegat, between de Koll and Elsinear, there arrived the 20 March a frigate under flag of Truce with dispatches for the English chargé d’affaires Mr. Drummond, who after having...
120To James Madison from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 8 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 April 1801, Marseilles Forwards two packets of dispatches from U.S. consul at Tunis by the Anna Maria of New York. Enclosed statement explains motives that led to opening of one of the packets and precautions taken to keep its contents secret. Has received Cathcart’s 21 Feb. circular letter directing consuls in the Mediterranean to detain all American merchant vessels unless under convoy....
121To James Madison from Frederick Jacob Wichelhausen, 8 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 April 1801, Bremen. Acknowledges receipt of Marshall’s 4 Jan. letter. Danish troops have taken possession of Hamburg, Lübeck, and nearby territories to obstruct British communications with continent. On 7 Apr., Bremen senate received letter from Prussian cabinet informing them of the necessity for Prussian troops to march through city to occupy Elbe, Weser, and Ems rivers; some soldiers will...
122To James Madison from Stephen Cathalan, 8 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour of Inclosing you two Packetts of Dispatches I have received from the american Consul at Tunis, by the American Ship Anna Maria Capn. Geo. C. Coffin of New York, arived in this Road from Tunis. I beg your Refference to the here Inclosed Verbal , I have made on the motives, which obliged one of these Packetts to be opened, & for the Precautions I have taken to prevent it’s...
123To James Madison from Frederick Jacob Wichelhausen, 8 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have some time since had the Honor of receiving your esteemed favor of the 4th. Janr., by which I was happy to observe, that my conduct in the affair of F. Schaefer met with entire approbation. A Body of danish Troops having taken Possession of Hamburg & Lubeck & their Territorys, in Consequence of the Intention the northern Powers have to obstruct the Communication of Great Britain with the...
124To James Madison from John Strode, 9 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
As Our beloved president past this place the last time on His Way to Montecello, He gave me reason to believe it was probable that You wd. about the time He returnd go this Rout on Your way to the Seat of Government also? If so, pray be good enough Once more to make my hble. house Your Stage; I hope the Amiable Lady will be With You & that it will be convenient to Rest here and in the...
125To James Madison from Andrew Moore, 9 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 April 1801, Rockbridge. “I find that a report prevails here—That the Marshall appointed for this district is not Commission.d In Consequence of Which Mr John Alexander of this place has applied to me To Mention him through you to the President. I have Mentiond Shields as an applicant for the same Appointment—and feel a Reluctance in Mentioning a Second. A Candid Statement However of the...
126To James Madison from William Eaton, 10 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
The dispatches herewith inclosed from the Consul of the United States at Tripoli seem to me of so much consequence to the safety and interests of our maritime and commercial citizens, and, in the event, to the revenue of the government, that I not only feel myself justifiable but constrained by duty to use extraordinary means to communicate them to the department of State: I have therefore...
127To James Madison from Rufus King, 10 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
The unexpected occupation of Hamburgh by the Danes, and the Treaty between France and Naples have nearly completed the exclusion of the Ships of England from the Ports of the Continent: if the King of Prussia take possession of Hanover, as it is believed he will do, the Ems and the Weser will in like manner be closed; and as Portugal is unable to resist the measures employed against her, the...
128To James Madison from David Lenox, 10 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
Since my Letter of the 15th. January which was accompanied with Abstract of my Applications for the discharge of Seamen for the Quarter ending the 31st. Decemr. last, I am honored with yours of the 17th. December & 28th. of January, enclosing Documents in the cases of eleven Seamen whose situations are as against their names expressed on the other side hereof. In McDonalds case on a former...
129To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 April 1801, Amsterdam. Transmits continuation of Leiden Gazette . Reports local belief that relations between Great Britain and northern powers will be adjusted in a short time, though expectations of general peace are not as strong. In postscript, announces news of death of Czar Paul of Russia; succeeded by Alexander I. Reports rumor that British fleet was repulsed in attack on Copenhagen...
130To James Madison from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 10 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 April 1801, Marseilles Transmits copy of his 8 Apr. letter, sent to Barnet to forward. Also transmits, through Mountflorence, another packet from Tunis. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Marseilles, vol. 1). 2 pp.; docketed by Wagner. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
131To James Madison from David Humphreys, 10 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 April 1801, Madrid. No. 271. Notes that Treaty of Lunéville permits France “to act with its accustomed celerity against Portugal,” but none of the troops supposedly intended for invasion of that country have appeared in Spain. Reports inability to decode message from Mountflorence using key provided by State Department; relays part of letter pertaining to French plans in event exchange of...
132To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 10 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 April 1801, The Hague. No. 130. Transmits paper telling of British naval operations off Copenhagen. Reports that the death of Czar Paul has raised hopes for end of European hostilities. Believes Grand Duke Alexander, now succeeded to throne, is an “enlightened steady man.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Netherlands, vol. 4). 2 pp.
133To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I send you a continuation of the Leyden Gazette to this date. It is here generally believed that the affairs between England & the North of Europe will be adjusted in a short time—while the Expectations of a general peace do not seem to have equal currency. In all due respect Sir Yr ob Hle. Sert. P. S. We just received the important news of the death of the Emperor Paul of Rus sia...
134To James Madison from Stephen Cathalan, 10 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour of annexing a copy of my Last Respects of the 8th. Inst.; that Letter with the therein mentioned, dispatches, I have Sent to Consul Isaac Cox Barnett Esqr. at Bordeaux, with direction of forwarding the Same to Snt. Sebastian or any other ports on the Western Coast of Spain, where may be american Vessels ready to Sail for the united States, & Should he be Certain that the war...
135To James Madison from Simon Forrester, 11 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to send you some particulars of two Vessels the British Captured from me, which Captors distressed me and my Family very much, with submission I request you to lay the matter before the President of the United States, if you think proper. The first of these Vessels was the Brigt Sukey Nathaniel Brown Master, sailed from Salem August 30t 1800 Bound for La Guira, was taken on the 13t...
136To James Madison from the Right Reverend James Madison, 11 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have too entire a Confidence in the Purity of those Views which will direct the Measures of the Executive of the U. S.—to permit me to express a Wish, often to be heard. On the contrary, such is my Conviction of the Wisdom & Patriotism of our worthy President, that Nothing but the Apprehension of a particular Case, in which I feel the greatest Interest, could have induced me to solicit your...
137To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 11 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1801, Berlin. No. 189. Reports no particulars are available on death of Czar Paul, whose eldest son Alexander has assumed throne. Notes that Alexander reappoints Count Vorontsov in London. Conveys word that Prussian troops have occupied Hanover and Danish forces have taken Lübeck. Outlines damage and casualties Danes suffered in Nelson’s attack 2 Apr. at Copenhagen. RC ( DNA : RG 59,...
138To James Madison from Joseph Pitcairn, 11 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1801, Hamburg. His last dispatch informed the State Department of his bills for clothing and other relief offered distressed American seamen, and he enclosed two copies of account and two lists of ships arrived from July to December 1800. Recounts politics of northern Europe. Great Britain was to be compelled by limiting its trade and losing Hanover to acknowledge principles of armed...
139To James Madison from William Savage, 11 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1801, Kingston, Jamaica. Acknowledges letter of 28 Jan. and notes that nine days ago he submitted the six proofs of citizenship therein to Lord Seymour, from whom he has no reply. Speculates on reasons for delay. Comments on burden of office and suggests a just compensation might be $1,500 per year, drawn quarterly, with another $200 per annum for office expenses. Reports that since...
140To James Madison from Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard, 11 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1801, Amsterdam. Firm has advanced fl. 79,805.11.8. Holland currency to pay State Department accounts and has received fl. 22,000 remittance. The money advanced was mainly used to pay salaries of Adams and Murray. The “large amount lately received from the Treasury, proves that Bills on Amsterdam had grown more plenty and were obtainable in the months of January and February.” RC (...
141To James Madison from Joseph Pitcairn, 11 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have long been deprived of your respected favours. My last informed of my bills for the clothing and other relief to distressed American Seamen; I likewise forwarded you two Copies of the account; and two lists of the Ships carrying our flag which had arrived from 1 July 1800. @ 31 Dcr. all which have I hope safely reached you and been approoved. The Politics of the North of Europe have been...
142To James Madison from William Savage, 11 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the first Instant I had the honor to recive your letter of the 28th. January with the proofs of Six American Seamen imprest onboard the Several British Ships on this Station which I transmitted the next day to Lord H Seymour, from whom I have had no reply, as s ever al of the vessels they are represented to have been onboard are of this Station its probable his Lordship may not think it...
143To James Madison from Rufus King, 12 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 April 1801, London. No. 10. Encloses copies of correspondence with Lord Hawkesbury about seizure of American vessels carrying articles of Spanish origin to Spanish colonies. Decree from Vice-Admiralty Court at Nassau regarding the case of the Leopard is the first document precise enough to use as grounds for a remonstrance. Suggests that these copies be published in American newspapers as...
144To James Madison from Henry Hammond, 13 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 April 1801, Cap Français. Complains of declining health and requests the president’s permission to return at once to the U.S. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cap Haitien, vol. 3). 2 pp.; docketed by Jefferson: “resigns Consulship Cape François.” A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
145To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 13 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 April 1801, The Hague. Relates details of Danish losses at Copenhagen. Reports rumors that Alexander of Russia is seeking peace with British. Notes that Dutch embargo continues to exempt American vessels. Asks JM to forward enclosed letter from John Quincy Adams to his father. RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Netherlands, vol. 4). 2 pp.; marked private; postmarked Philadelphia, 29 May; docketed by...
146To James Madison from Henry Hammond, 13 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
Whilst my health enabled me to perform the duties of my office, my whole attention was given thereto; Yet how far my feble abilities have kept pace with the views of my Government, or the Interest of my fellow Citizens I will not pretend to Say, but I can with truth aver, that in every instance where I have Supposed that the views of the former or the Interest of the latter, could be promoted,...
147To James Madison from David Humphreys, 14 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I think I cannot display too much eagerness in communicating to you, by different conveyances, the news this moment received by me from Algiers. I hasten then to transmit copies of Consul O’Brien’s letters to the 6th instant, which came to me thro the Department of the first Minister of State of His Catholic Majesty. From the last of these letters you will learn, that the Bey of Tripoli,...
148To James Madison from Rufus King, 14 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 April 1801, London. No. 11. Last mail from Hamburg brought news that British fleet has taken its station off Copenhagen. British property in Hamburg and Altona has been sequestered. Prussian troops have marched into and occupied Hanover. A courier has arrived from St. Petersburg with news of death of Czar Paul and accession of Alexander; he is reported to bear dispatches for British...
149To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 14 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 April 1801, Lisbon. No. 46. Encloses copy of correspondence with Portuguese government concerning the “outrage” committed by some of the crew of British frigate [ Diane ] in the port of Lisbon. Plans to transmit copy of protest to Rufus King. Speculates that Portuguese patriarch’s pastoral (copy enclosed), an unofficial call to arms, was meant to be a test of public opinion and notes the...
150To James Madison from John Gavino, 15 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 April 1801, Gibraltar. No. 62. Transmits copy of his dispatch no. 61 and encloses copies of 2 Jan. letter from Cathcart to O’Brien and O’Brien’s 21 Jan. and 8 Feb. letters to Gavino. Reports arrival of convoy from Great Britain. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Gibraltar, vol. 2). RC 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 15 June. Enclosures are: Cathcart to O’Brien and Eaton, 2 Jan....