2751To James Madison from John George Jackson, 21 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your several obliging favors enclosing the interesting foreign & domestic news to which the whole attention of this nation seems to be directed. As yet after a careful perusal of them I have found nothing indicative of the ultimate consequence with which the times are pregnant, for whither I look to the Theatre on which the armies of Napoleon and Alexander are struggling, to...
2752To James Madison from Obed and Aaron Mitchell, 4 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1802, Nantucket. “We the Subscribers being owners of the ship Minerva Sailed from this place on a whaling voyage to the Brazils & Woolwick [Walvis] Bay in 7th Mo 1799, upon her return with a full load of oil … the 5th of 10th Mo 1800 was captured by a French Privateer of 12 Guns.” The vessel was ordered to Guadeloupe, but on 14 Oct. it was retaken by the British ship Gaite and “ordered...
2753To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 23 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 23 August 1805, “County of Acadia Sixty Miles from New Orleans.” “In the course of my Journey I have found the Citizens much desturbed by a report of the retrocession to Spain of the Country west of the Mississippi. I have possitively asserted, that the Report was groundless; but it had acquired such general currency, that many good disposed Citizens cannot be...
2754To James Madison from John Graham, 23 August 1808 (Madison Papers)
I recieved the Night before the last a Packet from you in which I found your Letter of the 19th. Inst. As the Gentlemen in Mr. Gallatin’s Office did not feel themselves competent to issue the orders necessary & proper in the Case of Genl. Turreau’s vessels, I yesterday transmitted to Mr Gallatin, an Extract from your Letter to me on that Subject; and today I have written a Note to Genl....
2755To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 18 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
I here transmit in course the last numbers of the Leyden Gazette. Altho’ many months have passed since the preliminaries of peace were signed between F. E we are yet waiting for the final arrangment of this important buisness; which leaves us in a State of suspense painfull to the mind & extremely prejudicial to the general Interests of Commerce. Some persons are of opinion that we are not yet...
2756To James Madison from John Mitchell, 25 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 June 1803, Le Havre . Since he closed his letter of this date, the ship George has landed and reports having been boarded by British frigates in the Channel and having been “treated perfectly Polite by all the Captains.” The captain of the brig Peggy complains of the treatment he received from the captain of the British frigate Ranger , “who took three men from Him all of whom appear on the...
2757To James Madison from Robert Brent, 17 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
Mrs. Barry now of New York, a Lady of the most amiable Character, has met with severe afflections since she left this City, in the Death of her Husband and her Daughter. Her only remaining one is pronounced to be in a decline. Her Husband, before his Death, had been recommended to take a Voyage to Madeira, for the benefit of his own and his Daughters Health, and had actually made a contract, I...
2758To James Madison from William Lee, 21 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 21 August 1806, Bordeaux. “I have the honor to transmit you herewith a duplicate of my returns of American vessels which have entered and cleared at this port from the 1st. of January to the 30th of June [not found]. “Since my last respects of the 30th of last month the public mind has been kept in continual agitation by the negotiations that are now going on in Paris; at...
2759To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 14 October 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Carlos Martínez de Yrujo. 14 October 1805, Philadelphia. Has the honor to send JM the attached copy of a letter just received from the governor of Puerto Rico, to the effect that the American brigantine Neptune, which was supposed to have been captured by a French or Spanish cruiser called Resource, Captain Janet, has not come to his port nor any of the others in his district. Asks JM...
2760To James Madison from Charles Pettit, 2 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 June 1804, Insurance Office of North America, Philadelphia. “I do myself the honour to transmit to you the inclosed extract of a letter from Paris, of the 12th. of February last, as it contains information which it appears to me ought to be made known to Government; and this mode of communication is preferred as being more likely to be acceptable than thro’ the channel of a Newspaper. And...
2761To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 October 1804, New Orleans. “Your Letter dated ‘Virginia August 28th.,’ reached me on the evening of the third instant. “A number of Spanish Officers are yet in Louisiana, and there is no doubt with me, but they encourage the Discontents which arise here. I shall take an early opportunity to intimate to the Marquis of Cassa Calvo, that the continuance of these Officers in our Territory, ‘so...
2762To James Madison from Robert Patton, 15 October 1808 (Madison Papers)
After having had three good tryals of the Grey horses, I mentioned in my former letter, & finding them to be good travelers, very gentle & well broke, I have ventured to purchase them for you. I have Sent them forward this morning by young Mr. Vanarsdale, the Son of the person from whom I purchased them. He has had great experience in driving. I would therefore advise you (unless you have a...
2763To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 13 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour of transmitting to you the copy of a letter, which His Majesty’s Consul at Norfolk has received from Captain Douglas relative to the affair of the French Ship Anne of Bordeaux, and I lay it before you without extenuation, because although he expresses himself with some warmth on the improper language made use of by the French Consul at Norfolk, and which neither the occasion...
2764To James Madison from James Taylor, 13 October 1806 (Madison Papers)
Your friendly letter of the 20th. of april in answer to the one I had the honour to address to you at the time I forwarded the strawberry vine & cutings came duly to hand. I assure you I shall think my self amply paid for the trouble of forwarding them if they should flourish & you should deem them worthy of your acceptance. It gave me great pleasure to hare [ sic ] by my friend Genl Sandford...
2765To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 31 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 December 1801, Lancaster. Since writing the enclosed, has given the map to Duane who will deliver it. Examination of it will require reference to the manuscript sent the president. RC ( NHi : Gallatin Papers). 1 p. Cover marked by Ellicott: “Captn. William Duane.” Ellicott to JM, 29 Dec. 1801 . See Ellicott to JM, 24 Nov. 1801 , and n. 1.
2766To James Madison from George W. Erving, 17 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
My last unofficial letter was dated on the 9 April: You will doubtless observe that what I th erein mentioned respecting the abdication of Charles, h is indisposition to Reign, & his character in general, d oes not comport with the facts stated in the accompanying official letter, & the documents which are th erewith inclosed. I can only say that I know no thing now which alters my first...
2767To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 17 November 1804 (Madison Papers)
Circumstances have prevented my availing myself of your kindness, in permitting me to retire: before this. The peculiar State of our money transactions, the critical Situation of Europe & of our own affairs with Spain, made me think it Essential to remain here till my place could be Supplied, & the rather as Mr Graham the only man in whom I had Sufficient confidence to leave our business with,...
2768To James Madison from Hubbard Taylor, 10 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
Com’dore Richard Taylor, is the bearer of the votes of the Electors of this State. They were unanimous; Genl. Walter lamented much at his not being able to attend. His Vote was concurrent, with those properly given I can assure you there is great uninimity in this State as to the Embargo, and the approbation of the measures of the Administration, and will readily support such measures as may...
2769To James Madison from Rufus King, 30 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
The question of Peace or War is still undecided; and as France plays for Time, and England (in which there is a public opinion) for a good Case to lay before the Nation, the negotiation may be spun out still longer; tho’ it continues to be said, as has been said for the last fortnight, that the next Messenger would enable the Ministry to bring it to a close. The objection of the British...
2770To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 February 1802, Amsterdam. States that he has decided to send his wife “to the Country for her health the ensuing season”; therefore, he will not return with her to the U.S. as suggested in his recent letters. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1 p. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
2771To James Madison from Hodijah Baylies, 31 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 August 1804, Collector’s Office, District of Dighton. “Enclosed is the deposition of Preserved Read, master of the Sloop Polly of Somerset in this District, which arrived here on the 25th. inst. from Turks Islands. “On his outward bound passage from this port for Turks Islands, he was plundered by a French Privateer. He could obtain no information of the name of the privateer or of the...
2772To James Madison from John Gavino, 14 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 September 1801, Gibraltar. No. 71. Encloses duplicates of his 8 Aug. letters to Barron and commends Barron’s blockade of Tripolitan cruisers, which has caused fresh desertions from their crews. Tripolitan vessels have struck sails and are in the mole with only about twenty seamen left. The Tripolitan admiral and eight others have sailed as passengers to Malta. At Cathcart’s request, encloses...
2773To James Madison from Samuel Coleman, 27 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
I am honored with your letters of the 31st. May and 24h. instant. The wine mentioned in the first is on the ground floor of the Capitol and of course in as cool a situation as can be procured for it. No opportunity within my knowledge has offered for a conveyance of it to George Town; nor have I been able as yet to dispose of it here. The contents of the second will be duly attended to, and...
2774To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 3 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
I recd. last night or rather this morning yours of yesterday, and return the remarks of Genl. S. inclosed in it. They strengthen the opinion as to the extent of his information on certain important Subjects, and the vigor of his understanding. The late scraps of intelligence from England put together make it probable that something towards an arrangement had taken place early in July, and...
2775To James Madison from Edward Preble, 3 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
I am honored with your favor of the 26th December last the contents of which to me was highly flattering, and be assured that my first and most ardent wish is, that I may continue to merit the approbation and confidence of my Country. I take the liberty of enclosing for your perusal a letter and memorandum which I presented to General Acton, Prime Minister of the Neapolitan Government...
2776To James Madison from William Cooke, 6 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 October 1804, New York. “Unbounded gratitude, and esteem for you, and affection for the Government, calls on me, to state to you, a Fact , that has come to my knowledge in a way that I dare not Commit to Writing, but of the Correctness of which you need entertain no doubt. “This Fact, is that there is brewing a most Formidable, and Treasonable Conspiricy against Louisiana. Similar to the...
2777To James Madison from Daniel Clark, 12 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 March 1803, New Orleans. “I have learned from the Secretary of the Province Dn Andres Lopez Armesto that the Letters received by the Schooner Cordelia from Monsr. Pichon contained a very strong recommendation to place matters respecting the Deposit on the former footing, but no alteration will be made, till advices are received from Court, as it is always the Custom here when any measure is...
2778To James Madison from John Montgomery, 29 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
You were so polite as to say you would inclose any letters from Me to Mr. Pinkney with the public dispatches. I embrace your kind offer, And herewith forward an Answer to him to a letter of the 14th Sept. Ulto: which thro delinquency in some of the Post offices I did not receive till yesterday. I take the liberty of communicating to you the following extract from this letter "The Approaching...
2779To James Madison from James Simpson, 21 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Simpson. 21 January 1806, Tangier. No. 105. “I had the honour of addressing you No 104 on the 26th. last Month with information on occurrences in this Country up to that time. I should have told you that in November Denmark paid Muley Soliman twenty five thousand dollars, corresponding with their Stipulation for 1803; thus two years are in Arrear. “Sweden has hitherto made her...
2780To James Madison from David Howell, 30 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I seem to be under the necessity of availing myself of our former acquaintance, in any measure, to answer the expectations of the writer of the enclosed paper No. 1. His character & connexion with me are known to yourself & to the President. His abilities, integrity & diligence in his office are not called in question. I have enclosed his original Letter in proof that his faculties yet remain...
2781To James Madison from Rufus King, 1 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 May 1803, London. No. 95. Reports that according to the certificate of the accountant general of the Court of Chancery, the fund claimed by the state of Maryland consists of bank stock, 5 percent stock, and cash amounting to £187,567 12 d . sterling. Suits in chancery were instituted “many years back” against Russell and other fund trustees by Chase as agent for Maryland, by Barclay and...
2782To James Madison from William Jarvis, 8 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jarvis. 8 March 1806, Lisbon. “I had the pleasure to address you a private letter the 5 Ultimo by the Brig Maria, Captn Thomas Carew, for Alexandria, and took the liberty, by the same conveyance to send some trifles which I hope she did me the honor to receive. “I am exceedingly chagrined at the present posture of our affairs. The change of Ministry in England will no doubt be...
2783To James Madison from James Houston, 10 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 April 1804, Philadelphia. “Agreeable to Acts of Congress for Securing coppy rights of Books &c. I Send you the inclosed pamphlet My expectation are to make Some money for the purpose contempelated and then to have A Lottery by Some Lagislative body And have a fund to reward those who make New discouverys in Medcen that would be of general good to the people at large you may give it a...
2784To James Madison from Daniel Clark, 22 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 June 1802, New Orleans. Informs JM of the state of affairs in Louisiana “in compliance with your direction, to point out such objects as would require the interference of our Government, with this of Spain, to ascertain our rights, and procure redress, and at the same time to have your instructions to regulate my own conduct.” Notes that JM is already aware of “the disagreable predicament...
2785To James Madison from William Haslett Smith, 25 April 1806 (Madison Papers)
Through your polite Attention to my Letter of the 20th. Instant I have received the Treasurers Dft, in our Bank at Sight, for the amount of the Dft. inclosed you, for Acceptance. I have also to acknowledge a remittance of One Hundred and Twenty Dollrs. from Alexr. Sheppard. As you will observe the Check is drawn in your favor, and payable to your order. I am necessitated to return it for your...
2786To James Madison from Benjamin Rush, 23 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to revive a friendship, Once very dear to me, by addressing you upon a Subject highly interesting to the United States. The Commerce of our Country has suffered greatly by our Absurd Quarantine laws in the different States. These laws which admit the contagious nature of Our american yellow fever, have produced a reaction in the Governments of Europe which has rendered our Commerce...
2787To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo (Abstract), 24 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
24 March 1805, Philadelphia . Having given permission to Juan Bautista Bernabeu, Spanish consul in Baltimore, to travel to Spain, Yrujo has named Fausto de Foronda, vice-consul at Philadelphia, to deal with matters that might occur in Baltimore during Bernabeu’s absence. Yrujo tells JM this for his information so that he might grant the appropriate exequatur should he judge it necessary. RC (...
2788To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 1 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 February 1804, Leghorn. No. 2. Enclosed his accounts with the U.S. up to 31 Dec. 1803 with his 28 Jan. 1804 letter . “At present I send you a copy of a negotiation with Mr: Anthony Dugan for bills upon you for 5000 dollars at 5 ⅌C: discount on the ammount receiv’d which makes a considerable difference between the terms of this negotiation & that for 20,000 dollars negotiated by Messrs. Degen...
2789To James Madison from Joseph Carleton, 16 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 May 1804, Office of Discount and Deposit, Washington. “The Letter which you did me the honor to write me on the 24th. Ultimo respecting certain funds in the hands of Mr. George W: Erving in London, having with your concurrence been referred to the Bank of the United States; the Board have been favored in course with an answer from that Party, empowering them to take immediate order for...
2790To James Madison from Rufus King, 5 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 August 1802, London. Suggests that if the president consents to his return to the U.S., the same public ship could bring his successor and return King home. Realizes it is unlikely a frigate from the Mediterranean would be convenient, since “coming from that Quarter she might be liable to perform Quarantine which would occasion a long detention, as well as great Expense.” Requests to be...
2791To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 24 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 July 1801, Philadelphia. Encloses letters and papers from Spain addressed to U.S. secretary of state, forwarded to him by Governor Beckwith of Bermuda, together with a copy of Beckwith’s covering note, which explains that they “having been opened at sea found their way to me in their present condition.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, NFL , Great Britain, vol. 2). RC 1 p.; docketed by...
2792To James Madison from Vincent Gray (Abstract), 4 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
4 May 1805, Havana . “Before this reaches you, you will have received information of the unheard of Violence committed on my person and office by the officers of this Government; without the Slightest ground for so doing. However I shall at present forbear making any remarks on Such proceedings so degrading to my nation and so injurious to my self and the American commerce to this place; and...
2793To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 17 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 March 1804, Washington. Complained on 7 Mar. of the violation of the sovereignty of Charles IV by Section 11 of the Mobile Act and asked not only for satisfaction for the insult but also for the revocation of the cited section as injurious to the rights of Spain. As the time is now approaching when Congress, which alone can annul the cited section, will depart, and sufficient time has...
2794To James Madison from William Lee, 26 September 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 September 1802, Bordeaux. Lists vessels with the number of seamen discharged from them since his 10 Aug. dispatch, “making sixty nine seamen to whom may be added forty six strollers whose names are registered in the office as coming from different ports of the Republic which together with the seventy three I had in charge at the date of my last amounts to one hundred and Eighty Eight men...
2795To James Madison from Moses Robinson, 31 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1801, Bennington, Vermont. Offers congratulations on election and JM’s appointment. Recommends Anthony Haswell to publish U.S. laws in Vermont in place of Samuel Williams of Rutland, who has opposed Republican sentiments. Recounts Haswell’s tribulations under the Alien and Sedition acts. Suggests misconduct in post office has interfered with delivery of newspapers from Philadelphia...
2796To James Madison from William Jarvis, 25 October 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 October 1802, Lisbon. Last wrote on 15 Oct. enclosing a copy of a 30 Sept. letter from Gavino and his own 14 Oct. note to the Portuguese government. Encloses Portuguese reply. “I am very sorry it was not given in season to enable us generally to profit by the explanation, but I am inclined to think that the delay was intended to prevent large orders being given & large quantities being...
2797To James Madison from Israel Whelen, 18 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 May 1801, Philadelphia. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 13 May regarding George Washington cargo for Algiers; reports that timber, gunpowder, nails, and spikes are still to be procured. Pledges to do all in his power to hasten ship’s departure. RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Purveyor’s Office, Philadelphia). RC
2798To James Madison from Frederick Jacob Wichelhausen, 7 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave of referring you to my last respects of the 2nd. July, wherewith I had the honor of transmitting you the semi-annual report of 1802. Since that time nothing has occurred at this city, which in my opinion deserved an immediate communication to the US. Under the 1st. December I have been favored again, with a circular letter from your Department, signed by M. Dan: Brent, under date...
2799To James Madison from Henry Dearborn, [ca. 12 April] 1804 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed is a copy of a letter from the President of the United States, which he requested me to communicate to you and the other gentlemen. I am Sir with the highest esteem your Huml. Servt. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). RC undated; date assigned on the basis of replies to Jefferson’s letter from Dearborn, Gallatin, and Smith dating from 14 to 16 Apr. ( DLC : Jefferson Papers);...
2800To James Madison from William Cranch, 7 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
Understanding that Mr. Alexander Moore is an applicant for the office of Register of Wills for the County of Alexandria, vacant by the resignation of his father, and that he has in fact discharged the duties of that office for some time past to general satisfaction, I take the liberty of suggesting the convenience and propriety of appointing him to fill this vacancy. As far as I am acquainted...