2701From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 5 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you the pamphlet of the author of War in disguise of it’s first half the topics & the treatment of them are very common place. but from page 118. to 130. it is most interesting to all nations, and especially to us. convinced that a militia of all ages promiscuously are entirely useless for distant service, and that we never shall be safe until we have a selected corps for a year’s...
2702To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 12 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I very much regret the accident, which retarded the dispatches from France. Upon the enquiry I made, after the receipt of your favor of the 4th. it appeared that they had been detained in the Georgetown Post office, from the monday on which they should have been forwarded to the succeeding friday, by the mistake of the Postmaster. All the letters and packets I made up for the mail on the...
2703To James Madison from Aaron Vail, 23 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 June 1803, Lorient . Acknowledges receipt “yesterday” of a commission as “commercial agent at this port and neighbouring ones.” Will pay “strict attention” to JM’s circulars of 1 Aug. 1801 and 9 Apr. 1803, as well as to his “general instructions” to U.S. consuls. Has also received a copy of the laws enacted by the first session of the Seventh Congress; wishes to receive a copy of those...
2704To James Madison from James Monroe, 3 October 1804 (Madison Papers)
Some days after Lord Harrowby returned from Weymouth I received from him a note of the 26th. ult. expressing his regret that he had been so engaged since his return, that he had not been able to see me, and, that he could not even then fix a time for the purpose. His note concluded with an invitation to dinner on the 29. at his house in the country. On an attentive consideration of the note...
2705To James Madison from Thomas Auldjo, 26 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to write you 1st. March last by the S hip Charles to New York. I now embrace the opportunity of a Ship I have loaden for Philadelphia, to send you a few of our latest newspapers which will shew the State of things in this Country better than I can describe it. Trade is very much at a Stand, but notwithstanding that, the people at present in power seem determined to persevere in...
2706To James Madison from Robert W. Fox, 20 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert W. Fox. 20 January 1806, Falmouth. “Since my last respects of the Decemr there have been detained the two following Vessels, the Oliver Woolcott Captn Richards from North Amboy with Sugars bound to Amsterdam, carried into the Mountsbay, and the Lucy Captn Peckham from Baltimore with a Cargo of Sugar, Coffee &ca bound to Nantes put into this port—on the arrival of the latter...
2707To James Madison from Thomas Law, 15 July 1804 (Madison Papers)
As the present Administration takes every opportunity to promote the happiness of those around them, I am induced to submit to your perusal imaginary Speeches to the Indians now here which I wrote on Saturday for my amusement, but which (as my mind tells me I ought not to suppress them) I now trouble you with. Mr Dunn a very sensible Irish Gentleman who visited the Indians informed me, that...
2708To James Madison from Samuel Latham Mitchill, 28 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
This is the third day of our Election; and the polls must be all closed this Evening. The opposition have made a very strong effort against us. They have spared no pains to ensure success to their Cause. Their hopes were grounded originally less on their own Numbers, than on a division which they beleived to exist among the republicans. Unfortunately, from causes which you well know, there was...
2709To James Madison from Richard Claiborne, 6 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Richard Claiborne. 6 March 1806, New Orleans. “In virtue of a Resolution of the City Council, certain improvements have been made to the Streets—and it was directed, that the expense attending the same should be defrayed by the respective Owners of Lots. The street in front of the Government House has been improved as directed by the City Council; and I am this day presented with an...
2710To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 16 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of the 11th of May with its inclosures. I can give you no better proof of my own solicitude to prevent any violation of the neutral rights of the United States, than the circumstance of my having about six weeks ago reminded His Majesty’s Consul at Norfolk of the rule established by the American Government as to the interval required...
2711To James Madison from William Lee, 26 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 26 June 1806, Bordeaux. “If it is not thought incompatible with the public service, I shall feel obliged if you will have the goodness to obtain leave for me of the President, to visit the United States, the next fall. Should this permission be granted me, I will with your approbation name either Mr John Appleton of Calais, Mr Anderson of montpellier, or Mr. F. Rotch a very...
2712To James Madison from Philip Mazzei, 30 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 August 1804, Pisa. Notes that JM will receive this letter from Giuseppe Timpanari Vigano, to whom Mazzei has also given a letter for the president that contains a succinct and informed narration of Timpanari’s vicissitudes. Though certain that Jefferson would have JM read it, has suggested it to him. Ardently desires that JM know the nature of them before having to deal with Timpanari. Asks...
2713To James Madison from Harry Toulmin, 20 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
I feel myself much indebted to you for your favour of October the 7th and for the intimation which you are pleased to give that the offer of my services in making enquiries relative to the country lately acquired by the United States could not fail of being acceptable. Much discordancy of sentiment I find prevails on the course which ought to be taken relative to the purchased territory: but I...
2714From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 12 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Nathaniel Ewing of Pensylvania to be Reciever of public monies at Vincennes. RC ( ViU ); addressed: “The Secretary of State”; written on verso of an address sheet in John Barnes’s hand: “The President, of the United States.” PoC ( DLC ). Notation in SJL : “Ewing.” Nathaniel Ewing had been recommended to Gallatin by John Badollet, the recently appointed register of the land office at Vincennes...
2715To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 20 December 1802 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure of Writing you from Leghorn announcing to you my arrival in Italy. Since this I have been in Florence & Pisa & am now in Rome. Knowing your sincere friendship for me I venture again to inclose you a letter I have Written to my Daughter sketching my Tour thus far, & I send it to You, Open, requesting you when You have read it to seal the letter it is in directed to my friends...
2716To James Madison from John Francis Mercer, 20 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 June 1801, West River, Maryland. Recommends Anne Arundel County resident John Groves for clerkship. “This business is peculiarly disagreable to me … but when called on by any Citizen of the County I live in, I deem it in some measure a duty, to give them every advantage in my power that I think they merit.” RC ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison Papers). 1 p. Mercer, a native of Stafford...
2717To James Madison from John Mitchell, 9 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of addressing you some time since, When I solicited you to recomend Me as a proper Person to act as Commercial Agent for this Port, And I believe my friend Mr. Monroe also wrote you to same purport. Not hearing of any Appointment being Made since Mr Dobel declind comeing here—I solicited Mr Livingston to nominate Me that the Place should not be without an Official Agent, Which...
2718To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 May 1804, New Orleans. “I received on this morning the enclosed letter from Captain Turner, the Commandant Civil and Military of the District of Nachitoches on the Red River, and immediately returned an Answer of which the paper, marked A, is a copy. “In my letter to you of the 10h. instant, I mentioned that, the Marquis of Casa Calvo, Governor Salcedo, and the Intendant, Moralis, were...
2719To James Madison from William Jarvis, 3 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 August 1802, Lisbon. Reports that he arrived on 1 Aug. and wrote the enclosed letter to the minister of foreign affairs the next day. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 6 May , which he received on his arrival; will “pay particular attention to the several claims against this Government for the Vessels siezed in the Brazils.” Notes that the quarantine “laid last winter” has been taken off. Has just...
2720To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 23 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I learn by the public papers, and I have as yet received no other intelligence, that an English Ship bound from the West Indies has been brought into one of the Eastern ports, the French prisoners on board having risen upon the crew and compelled them to come to the United States. If this Ship is a Cartel or flag of truce, carrying prisoners to France, I have to request that you will issue the...
2721To James Madison from Anthony Terry, 22 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour of writing you the 5th. instant. Edward Preble Esqre. Commodore of the U. S. Squadron in the Mediterranean has been so obliging as to communicate to me the pleasing news of the differences being settled between the U. S. & the Emperor of Morocco, on which I most sincerely congratulate you, assuring you that said news has caused a great pleasure amongst all our Citizens here....
2722To James Madison from John Armstrong, 21 January 1806 (Madison Papers)
My last letter was dated on the 22d. of December. In that I stated the opening of a new negociation between France & Austria, and the most probable conjectures formed here with regard to the result. These you will now find realized by the treaty of Presburg concluded on the 26th. December and submitted to the senate on the 14th. instant. You will have heard that Rear Admiral L’Allemand on his...
2723To James Madison from William Tazewell, 27 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 March 1801, Williamsburg. Seeks final settlement of his pay due for service as a Paris-London messenger for envoy Elbridge Gerry in 1798. Encloses his account, which includes salary and expenses after the time of his capture by a French privateer. Pickering refused to settle the account, disallowing “my expenses of capture.” Took the matter to Congress, and a private act overcame the...
2724To James Madison from Joseph Bartlett, 21 October 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 October 1802, Cambridge. Regrets calling JM’s attention from official duties to a private letter but feels confident that the writings of “an undignified citizen” will be read with candor and attention. Knows JM must be “crouded with applications” both from personal acquaintances and from those who know his political character. “Stern necessity frequently commands what delicacy in other...
2725To James Madison from David Moffett, 16 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 May 1801, Philadelphia. Recites facts establishing his citizenship and ownership of the Fair American , which was anchored off Jacmel when seized by “armed men from the British Frigate Circe.” British took ship as a prize to Jamaica, and case will come before Vice-Admiralty Court there in June. Captain of Fair American has returned to Philadelphia. Asks for government aid “in Obtaining...
2726To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 April 1804, New Orleans. “The Patroles on last night arrested twelve or fifteen Spanish Soldiers and Sailors who were lurking about the City, probably with a design of deserting and they were on this morning delivered to a Spanish officer. “The greater part of the Spanish forces have this moment taken their departure for Pensacola; they were embarked on board of a Ship, and their numbers...
2727To James Madison from Joseph Forman, 20 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 December 1802, Baltimore. “The situation of my Family … added to the great derangements made in Commercial Matters by the Peace—renders my Return to Europe very injurious to them & my own affairs.” Resigns his consular position at Rotterdam to which he was appointed “some time since.” Recommends Lawson Alexander, who “has since my Departure been acting as Agent for the Consulate.” “He is a...
2728To James Madison from Frederick Jacob Wichelhausen, 13 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to acquit myself of my duty, in congratulating you, upon your appointment to the honourable charge of Secretary of State, of the United States of America, and which I do with so much the more Satisfaction, our new worthy President having fixed his choice, upon a Man, who has already for a long time so laudably employed his abilities in the service of his Country; I do at the same...
2729To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 May 1804, New Orleans. “On this morning, I received the enclosed letter from the Commandant of the District of Ouachitas and returned the answer of which the paper marked B is a copy. “You will have discovered, that some time had elapsed after the delivery of Louisiana to the United States, before the posts of Nachitoches and Ouachitas were taken possession of by our troops; This delay...
2730To James Madison from Smith Thompson and Others, 4 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
We have observed by the public prints, that the President of the United States, has pursuant to a late Act of Congress, appointed three setts of Commissioners of Bankruptcy for this State; two in the City of New York and one in the City of Albany. The distance between these two Cities is one hundred and sixty miles—and in the intermediate Country, on both sides of the river Hudson, are a...
2731To James Madison from Louis-Marie Turreau de Garambouville, 4 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
J’ai pensé qu’en exprimant Le motif qui me dicte cette Lettre, vous en Excuseriez ment L’objet. Je Sais qu’il est Etranger a nos raports habituels, mais je sais aussi qu’il Importe au Gouvernement federal que les privileges attachés a La personne des Ministres accredités près de Luy, Soient Respectés, et qu’on ne puisse pas y porter atteinte Sans blesser Sa Justice et son pouvoir tutelaire....
2732To James Madison from Peter Kuhn Jr., 10 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Peter Kuhn Jr. 10 August 1805, Genoa . “My last respects were of the 16th Ulto as per Copy annexed, and have now the honor of confirming them in every particular. Since then nothing very material has occurred in this quarter worth your notice except the arrest of two French Engineers at Venice, which occasioned much alarm in the political sphere, especially as the German Agents here...
2733To James Madison from Audley Laurens Osborne (Abstract), 3 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
3 May 1805, Salisbury, North Carolina. “If the most correct motives did not guide me, I should hesitate in taking the freedom of troubleing you in the business of a stranger to you personally. I have inclosed to you the copy of a letter to the President of the United States, for fear, that through accident the Original which I have sent him may miscarry. You will highly oblige me by delivering...
2734To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 4 January 1806, “Near New Orleans.” “Having, for the most part, effected the objects which occasioned my visit to the Atachapas and Apalousas, I am now on my return, and will be at my Post early on Tomorrow. My Private Secretary, who has met me on this Evening, communicated the substance of several important dispatches from you, which were received during my...
2735To James Madison from Daniel Clark, 15 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 March 1804, Bayou Sara, Mississippi Territory. “I have been favored this day with your Letter of the 10th. ulto. and am thankful for your kindness in forwarding its inclosure. “I feel much obliged by your mention of my Services. They were due and were willingly rendered, for I flattered myself that the Inhabitants of Louisiana would be rendered happy by the change. If they have become...
2736To James Madison from Thomas Auldjo, 27 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to inform you that the United States Ship of War the Wasp having Conveyed & landed Mr. Purviance at Portsmouth is now in this road in her way to the Westward as soon as the wind will permit. My best assistance has, & shall be afforded to this Ship while She remains here. The account of American Ships detained by British Cruizers & sent into this District, has been correctly...
2737To James Madison from Samuel Cabot, 9 April 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have this day reced from the Board of Commrs. acting in London under the 7th article of the British treaty an order, dated 15 Feb: 1802, directing me to hold myself in readiness as soon as possible to resume the duty of Estimating losses & assessing damages, as heretofore. This notice was accompanied by a letter from the american Commrs. expressing their desire that I shou’d speedily return...
2738To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 27 September 1805, Concordia . “In consequence of a letter, I received on last Evening from Mr. Graham, of which the enclosed is a Copy, I shall set out on this Morning for New Orleans. “I cannot conjecture the unpleasant Rumors alluded to by Mr. Graham; but I persuade myself they will not prove of serious importance. I am indeed illy fitted for a Journey; my...
2739To James Madison from Robert W. Fox, 8 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed be pleased to receive an account of American Vessels arrived in my district from the 1st. of January to the 30th. of June; many more have touched off this port for orders and immediately proceeded on their Voyage whose names I could not procure. Since my last respects Flour has fallen in France to 42 Livres ⅌ Barrel, and very little in demand; in Spain it is quoted at 9 à 11 hard...
2740To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 31 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
I return you the petition of Samuel Miller with the pardon signed. Mr. Kelty had spoke to me on this subject and told me that he and mr. Craunch should join in a recommendation. I wish mr. Wagner would obtain this before he delivers the pardon. I return also mr. King’s letter which has really important matter, especially what respects the Mare clausum, the abandonment of the colonial system, &...
2741To James Madison from George Henry Rose, 21 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Rose presents his Compliments to Mr. Madison and has the honor to make him his best acknowledgments, for his obliging attention to the subject of his Note of the 19th. instant. He will not fail to profit of the opportunity, which Mr. Madison has had the goodness to procure for him, of being presented to The President of The United States at an Audience of Leave this day at 12 o’Clock. Mr....
2742To James Madison from Josef Yznardy, 18 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 December 1801, Philadelphia. In reply to JM’s 10 Dec. letter , states that he ordered Terry to suspend Mullony’s consular functions and pay, having been so instructed when he settled his accounts in April. Provides details on the case of Capt. Andrew Pinck and the legal proceedings between him and Mullony, who had him arrested. Renews his request to have Dallas review the Israel case, as it...
2743To James Madison from Charles Jared Ingersoll, 26 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to forward by post with this letter a pamphlet my friends have encouraged me to publish on the foreign relations of the United States, of which I beg your acceptance and perusal. As it is the first effort of the kind of a very young man, I rely on your indulgence for the many errors & imperfections which your superior intimacy with the subject must enable you at a glance to...
2744To James Madison from Robert W. Fox, 1 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
I take the freedom to send thee annex’d a List of the American Shipping arrived at Plymouth the 6 Months ending the 31st. December. The List of those arrived at this port I have already Sent thee. The English Ship Mary, Thomas Temple Master, which has been so long detained in Quarantine at this port, in consequence of a very bad Fever onboard, is still in port; and I am informed the American...
2745To James Madison from William Kirkpatrick, 23 September 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 September 1803, Málaga . Encloses a duplicate of his last letter, dated 31 Aug. , as well as copies of the charges paid on American and Spanish vessels and a list of ship arrivals from 1 Jan. to 30 June 1803. The schooner Frederic , Capt. Charles H. Seymour, arrived in Málaga on 6 Sept. The ship’s papers indicate that it was captured by a French privateer and condemned at La Coruña by the...
2746To James Madison from Joseph Prentis, 5 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
My friend Mr. Basset has given me the inclosed Letter to Mr. Fox of the Navy Yard for the purpose of endeavouring to place under his Care the Son of my friend Mr. David Meade of Kentucky, to acquire the trade of Ship building. I have thought it most likely to ensure its safe transportation, by inclosing it to you, and requesting your attention to its delivery. Should an opportunity occur of...
2747To James Madison from John Mathieu, 8 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 February 1802, Naples. Refers JM to his letters of “last Month [not found] in answer to your orders via England of the 31st. May and 4th. August.” Encloses statement of U.S. vessels in port from 1 July to 31 Dec. 1801. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Naples, vol. 1). 1 p. Enclosure not found. Mathieu was probably referring to JM’s circular letters of 21 May ( PJM-SS Robert J. Brugger et al., eds.,...
2748To James Madison from William Willis, 18 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have Rec’d a letter from the secretary of the treasury; informing me, that my account was referred, to the accounting officers of the treasury, but that the allowing it depended on their having authority from you, Sir. I have therefore to request the favor of you Sir, to inform me whether it is agreeable to you to give directions for their allowing me those small accounts. It seems the...
2749To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 19 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
Resolved, That from and after the 1 day of June next, the Act laying an Embargo in the Ports and Harbours of the U. S. as well as all Acts Supplementary thereto, or to Enforce the Same, be repealed. Resolved, That from and after the Same first day of June next, It Shall be lawful for the Owners of the Ships and Vessels of the U. S. to Arm the Same, and for the President of the U. S. to grant...
2750To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 11 August 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 6th. inst. and enclose an answer for Mr. Wigginton. Mr. Lee’s statement accompanies it. If Mr. W. be innocent, it is necessary to suppose that his assurance to the latter was founded on a fraud of which he was made the dupe himself, and that his privity in the corrupt agreement, by drafting it, is falsly testified by Erving and the broker. Mr. Lee on a former...