31To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 13 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
I send you a letter of Short’s for perusal, & one of Edgar Patterson asking what is already I presume provided for. One of General Armstrong which I do not well understand because I do not recollect the particular letter which came by Haley. I presume the counsel he refers to is to take possession of the Floridas. This letter of June 15. is written after the cession by Carlos to Bonaparte of...
32To James Madison from Frederick Jacob Wichelhausen, 18 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 July 1803, Bremen . Wrote last on 12 June of the occupation of Hanover by French troops. Feared that “on the shores of the Elbe, it might … come to bloody actions,” due to the Hanoverian troops’ having refused to “lay down their arms” when the king of England did not ratify the Convention of Suhlingen. “However upon repeated remonstrances made to them of their resistance being fruitless,...
33To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 22 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the 9th. Inst. arrived at algiers The us. Ship President and Schooner Enterprize. I have recd. your letter of the 21st. of may and the Cloth and Linnen. The money the Commodore did not land as I had Considerd. nothing Could be done in makeing a Cash payment, untill the arrival of the washington with Stores, when the regency —in Eating of the Sheep might be induced to Eat allso some of the...
34To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
Capt: Nathl. Harvey of the Ship Eliza of Baltimore Joseph Street & others owners died here on the 7 Novr. last & not having prior to his decease appointed any one to take charge of his effects I esteemed it to be my duty to attend thereto agreeably to the Law of the UStates in such cases. I herewith transmit my accounts with said Estate that you may take Steps as the Law provides for...
35To James Madison from James Monroe, 13 September 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to Send you a copy of my note to Mr. Fox and of his answer respecting the misconduct of Captain Whitby at the port of New York in April last. You will find by it that that officer was removed from the command of the Leander by an order from the Admiralty of the 22d. of June, and that he is to be brought home to be tried by a Court Martial on that charge. I have lately...
36To James Madison from Charles Holt, 3 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
Last Sunday evening, in great haste, I happened to direct a letter, on the subject of printing the Laws of the United States in Connecticut, to Mr. Gallatin, instead of you. Gen. Stanton, a member from Rhode Island, bore this letter, and probably will have delivered it to the Secretary of the Treasury, as requested. I have therefore written a note to Mr. Gallatin to explain the mistake, and...
37To James Madison from William Jarvis, 24 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 June 1804, Lisbon. “I was honored a few days since with your favour of the 8th. of March past. The information alluded to was from a Captain, who acquainted me as a positive fact, that the Collector of the Port from which he sailed, would not allow him to take British Seamen and told him that after the first of September the Government had instructed the Collectors not to clear our Vessels...
Ca. 24 October 1804. Informs JM that by the same day’s mail he is sending the description and plan of a new machine for making gunpowder in the fastest and most economical way. Hopes that JM’s zeal for the arts and the goodwill he has always shown DuPont and his father will cause him to view with pleasure a discovery interesting as a useful manufacture and important to DuPont’s success. Is now...
39To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 14 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 12th. Ultimo (covering copies of the orders of the Secretary’s of War & of the Navy relative to the deserters which had been forcibly taken from the District of Baton Rouge) has been received; & in reply to a late letter from Governor Grand Pré, in which he expressed a Solicitude, to learn the orders of the President, relative to that transaction , I did on the 11th....
40To James Madison from John Gavino, 4 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 April 1803, Gibraltar. No. 117 [118]. Has received no letters from JM since his last, no. 117 [17 Mar. 1803] . “Consul Simpson … sent me the inclosed Dispatch for you; and at Same time Thos: Beck, and David Ervin, two american Seamen saved in June last from the Schooner Betsy of Norfolk which was Wreckd on the Southern Coast of Barbary, and the Empr. of Morrocco since redeemed from the Arabs...
41To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 7 September 1803 (Madison Papers)
Among the papers transmitted, by this post you will notice a copy of an award against the United States made by the Commors. under the 7 art: of the British treaty. The appropriation made for the payment of such demands having expired with the year 1800, there is at present no fund applicable to its discharge, and so I told Mr. Wood, the holder; at the same time suggesting that Congress would...
42To James Madison from Joseph Pitcairn, 26 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 January 1802, Hamburg. Wrote on 2 Dec. acknowledging receipt of JM’s 1 Aug. circular letter “together with those for the Consuls in this neighbourhood which have been forwarded to them.” Has written U.S. minister at Paris about accounts for 1802; encloses those for 1801. Has drawn on JM for $600.72 to cover expenses, which are heaviest during the winter. Also encloses list of U.S. ships...
43To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 3 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Alexander J. Dallas. 3 June 1806. “It gives me great pleasure, to comply with the request of the friends of Mr. Maurice Rogers, in stating to you, that he is a gentleman of commercial talents, amiable manners, and approved integrity. The merchants of our City are desirous to procure for him, an appointment as the Agent of the United States, at St. Iago de Cuba. I believe that the...
44To James Madison from Daniel Brent, 7 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
Mr Wagner not being yet returned from Bale., I do myself the Honor of forwarding to you such letters as I have thought might be interesting to you, and a large package of News-papers. Among the letters, you will find two from Genl Armstrong and the Copy of an answer to that of the oldest date, which I took the liberty of writing to him yesterday. I have just written to him again, acknowledging...
45To James Madison from H. Potter, 11 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am just informed that Mr. Francis X Martin has been named to the President as a proper character to fill a vacancy on the bench of the Orleans Territory, and am desired to commmunicate to Our Senators in Congress such knowledge as I Possess of his Character. He is a frenchman, as you know, but I think him a correct Lawyer & a man of honesty & integrity. His standing at the bar has been very...
46To James Madison from David Montagu Erskine, 22 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
I had the Honor of receiving your letter on the subject of some seamen Citizens of the U. S. stated to have been impressed by some of the ships of his Britannic Majesty’s Squadron at Halifax. I beg leave to inform you that I will immediately forward the Depositions concerning them to the Admiral of that station who I have no doubt will pay the proper attention to their Cases. With the Highest...
47To James Madison from Daniel Carroll Brent, 14 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
The mails of yesterday brought nothing for the office worth forwarding to you. Mr. Foster has observed to me on the subject of the supplies for the Columbine, (the Dispatch vessel at Norfolk) with a view to my communicating the Remark to you, that they scarcely ever victual one of their public vessels for a shorter period than four months at a time, and that the destination of the Columbine...
48To James Madison from Joseph Warner Rose, 14 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Joseph Warner Rose. 14 May 1806, Boston. “Having heard of an opportunity direct from this Port to the Island of Antigua which will Sail early the next month and being determined to avail myself of it, I beg leave to communicate it as you may have some orders for me. The Commission as commercial Agent which the President has confer’d on me directs me to render all the Assistance in my...
49To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 10 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Cn. Pichon returns the Secretary of State, with his best compliments, the inclosed papers which were communicated for Citizen Pichon’s examination. It is Cn. Pichon’s opinion that the cases of American captures by french West-india cruisers described in those papers, all, except the case No. 1. of the Brig Betzy of Norwich captured January 1797 and adjuged on the 14th come within the...
50To James Madison from James Simpson, 28 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour of addressing No. 59 to you the ninth of this Month in duplicate, by way of Gibraltar & Lisbon. The 18th. Inst. Passports for the Frigate Mirboka of 22 Guns and 100 Men, and on the 23d. for the Maimona of thirty Guns and One hundred and fifty Men, the former to sail from Larach and the latter from Salle on a Cruise, were demanded and of consequence granted by all the Consuls...
51To James Madison from DeWitt Clinton, 25 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
I inclose you a copy of an Affidavit of Thomas Cook relative to the outrage lately committed in this port. Our port is still blockaded by the Cambrian and Boston Frigates which continue stationed in the Bay about two miles this side of the Hook. The sloop of war Driver is cruizing just outside of the Bar and yesterday brought a vessel to which was coming into port. I have the honor to be &c RC...
52From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 7 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his affectionate salutations to mr Madison & sends him the inclosed which will explain itself. he hopes to see him & family at Monticello when most convenient to themselves; and observes for his information that the road through Shadwell is put into fine order, the right hand at issuing from the ford on this side to be greatly preferred to the left. the road by Milton is...
53To James Madison from Rufus King, 26 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 April 1801, London. No. 15. Received instructions several months ago to procure jewels as present for bey of Tunis and had estimated cost at £7,000 sterling. That part of presents consisting of silk and woolen cloth (valued at over £1,000) has been sent to Eaton by Maw-hood and Co. Jewelry is being prepared by Rundel and Bridges to be finished in June, about the same time as the guns and...
54To James Madison from Thomas Bulkeley, 1 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 August 1801, Lisbon. Encloses report [not found] on American trade with Portugal from 1 Jan. to 30 June and copies of letters received from U.S. consuls in Tangier and Tripoli on North African relations and the arrival of Commodore Dale’s squadron. He himself stands ready to offer squadron all possible assistance. Acknowledges receipt of triplicate of JM’s 21 May letter. States that the brig...
55To James Madison from Andrew Moore, 11 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am Requested by Mr Joseph Grigsby of Rockbridge Cy. Va. To offer his Services as Secretary in the Ilinoise Territory. Mr. Grigsby is a Very Respectable Character Has been for some years past A Representative in the State Legislature, A Good Clerk, Possesses Information & an Accuracy in doing Business fully equal (In my Opinion to the faithfull Discharge of the Trust. Should He obtain the...
56To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 31 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 31 March 1806, Amsterdam. “I have lately received from the Department of State two Copies of a Pamphlet entitled, ‘An Examination of the British Doctrine which Subjects to Capture a neutral trade not open in time of peace’ and I have perused with much interest this monument of deep research & critical investigation of the principles of the Laws of nations & their...
57To James Madison from John Morton, 4 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 June 1801, Georgetown. Explains reasons for his consent to diversionary trip the U.S. vessel Warren took from Havana to Veracruz. Its replacement ship for Cuban duty, Ganges , was en route to the station. No French vessels had been seen off Cuban coast for several months, nor were they expected. It was common knowledge in Havana that a considerable amount of American property was detained at...
58To James Madison from Charles Pinckney and James Monroe, 1 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
We had the pleasure to write to you by Mr. Gorham on the 2nd. of Feby. and to transmit a copy of our first note to Mr. Cevallos, and of the Project which we presented him for the adjustment of all differences between the U. States and Spain, as also of his answer to it, which we had then just received. We now forward the sequel of the correspondence, by which it appears that we are as distant...
59From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 9 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The road through Ravensworth is rendered absolutely impassable for a four wheeled carriage by a single change made lately by one of the mr Fitzhughs in his plantation. you must not therefore attempt it, but go on to Fairfax C.H. & there turn off to Songster’s. Bull run is now passed at an excellent ford, and the hills by a great deal of work have been made quite good. the road between Elkrun...
60To James Madison from Thomas Newton Jr., 26 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 April 1804, Norfolk. “I take the liberty of enclosing to you Mr. Marrast’s Certificate of Cit[iz]enship—his wish is to obtain from you a protection such as is usually granted. Permit me to ask the favor of you to return Mr. Marrast’s Certificate if not contrary to form.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). 1 p.; docketed by Brent, with his notation: “Passport for John Marrast.”
61To James Madison from Charles Peale Polk, 18 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 July 1802, “near the Old Bridge,” Washington. “I take the liberty of writing a few lines soliciting your Patronage to procure a Clerkship, as Copyist, in the Office of the Treasurer .… I am told that the duties are extremely easy, and can be performed by a Common Capacity.… I have long depended on Your humanity for being placed in a Situation more permanent than Painting for my Support.” RC...
62To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 24 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have just now heard of an opportunity from Havre. I am doubtful whether my letter will arrive in time for it. I therefore confine myself to inform you that Genl Bernadotte is named Minister to the United States in the place of Otto who will be employed here. Genl Bernadotte is brother in law to joseph Bonaparte & is a very respectable man & has the character of a decided Republican. I have...
63To James Madison from Hugh Lennox, 15 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Hugh Lennox. 15 May 1806, Kingston. “I have to inform you of my safe arrival here on the evening of the 10th. Inst. I took an early opportunity on the 13th to pay my respects to Admiral Dacres Commanding on this Station, and was received with marked attention, next day the 14th I opened my office of Agency in this City as you will sea advertized in the daily courant herewith. “As yet I...
64To James Madison from Ebenezer Stevens, 10 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 July 1801, New York. Reminds JM that the Peace and Plenty is loaded and prepared to sail for Tunis. Awaits return of papers sent to State Department 24 June. “This Shipment nearly completes the Stores demanded by the Tunisian powers.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). 1 p.
65To James Madison from Robert C. Gardiner, 2 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
On the 6th. of April Ult: I had the honor to answer a Circular dated the 26th. of August 1802, containing your Instructions, respecting the expenditures of public money, for the relief of distressed Seamen abroad; the Sum stipulated by Congress being inadequate to their support in this Country, I begg’d to be advised, how I should act in supporting those in future, who may apply for...
66To James Madison from C. F. Bagge (Abstract), 12 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
12 April 1805, Salem, North Carolina . “Although I have not the pleasure of being personally acquainted with you I take the liberty to adress you on the following subject, by yesterdays Mail I received a letter from a Mrs. Elizabeth Rea living in Columbia Southcarolina whose Husband a certain Mr. Alexander Rea was the bearer of the Votes for President & Vicepresident of the unitedstates from...
67To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 28 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
I send you my account for the last three months. The only charge of consequence is for the Post Office which is to me a very disagreeable one because they will give no Voucher. I have applied to them repeatedly & they always say they never do. While almost every American who has friends or Business in Madrid incloses his letters & packets under cover to me & particularly while large Bundles of...
68To James Madison from Frederick Degen, 6 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you herewith a list of the American Vessels arrived at this Port from the month of December last to all June, and beg leave to observe that two more came in about a fortnight ago, which being still in quarantine are not comprized and will of course be included in the next List. One of these the Brig Fitz William Capn. Goldsbury of Boston, coming from Leghorn to...
69To James Madison from William Jarvis, 15 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 March 1803, Lisbon. Notes that his previous letter was sent by the Eunice to Alexandria and enclosed copies of his correspondence with Almeida, the last semiannual list, Lisbon and Belém port charges, and his account. Since part of the charges in the account are probably not provided for by law, submits them entirely to the government’s discretion. Received “this day” a duplicate of JM’s 14...
70To James Madison from Charles Pinckney and James Monroe, 25 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
The subject in which we have been engaged, is so fully before you in our publick communications, that there remains only one point for us to make any remarks on to you in a private one; that is, what will be best for our government to do in the present unexpected and disagreable business. We do presume that it will be impossible to leave it in its present state. The injuries which our people...
71To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William C. C. Claiborne. 24 January 1806, New Orleans. “I have the honor to enclose you a Copy of a statement made me on Oath, by Stephen a free black man; I do not credit it in whole; I however, have no doubt, but that the free people of Color have been tampered with, and that some of them are devoted to the spanish Interest. “Mr. Morales is yet in this City, and should I not an [ sic...
72To James Madison from Edward Jones, 10 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
I take the earliest Opportunity to inform you of the arrival of the French Squadron at this Port on the 6th inst. with 4 or 5000 troops, and that peaceable possession was taken of this Town and the neighbouring Forts the Same Evening. Genl. Richpanse with most of the Squadron has gone down to Basseterre, where it is beleived Resistance will be made by the Blacks. An Embargo was laid...
73To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 29 October 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Carlos Martínez de Yrujo. 29 October 1805, “Near Philadelphia.” Because some Spanish privateers have detained several ships that seemed to be American and taken them to Spanish ports, the United States minister in Madrid has made several complaints on the subject; the ministry of state having informed the ministry of marine about them, some of the said vessels have been set at liberty...
74To James Madison from William Eaton, 9 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
The letter accompanying this of 22d. a 27th. ult. went off for Gibraltar on the day of its date by an English merchantman which, having sprung a leak at sea, returned into port. That from the department of State of May 10th. I had the honor to receive 30th. It was enjoined on me to forward my account by the return of the squadron: but it must be long since known to the Government that no ship...
75To James Madison from James Sullivan, 12 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
Colonel Harris of Portsmouth in New Hampshire, is passing through this town to Washington. He wishes to procure your attention; and beleives that a letter from me will do some thing towards it. His business he will explain; it grows out of the Embargo. You may rely upon any thing he says on any subject. Could there be any favour in business, of this kind, from personal, political, or party...
76To James Madison from James Monroe, 11 December 1805 (Madison Papers)
The delicate state of health which my family has enjoyed of late, attributable as is supposed in a great measure to the atmosphere of London induced me to come here last week. A letter from Lord Mulgrave, which I received just before I left town, having revived the expectation that I should hear from him on the subject of my former ones; I thought it proper to apprize him of my proposed...
77To James Madison from Fontaine Maury, 10 January 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 January 1804, New York. Requests a letter of introduction to Governor Claiborne “in favor of Mr Hugh Pollock of this place who is about to settle at New Orleans.” “Mr Pollock has been a Merchant of much respectability here for some years, he married the only Daughter of Mr Joseph Anthony late of Philada. and from a long acquaintance with him I have no hesitation in saying he is quite the...
78To James Madison from John Mitchell, June 1803 (Madison Papers)
My last of the 23d. May informed you of the Sailing of Mr. Hughes ⅌ the Experiment for N York with dispatches from our Minister at Paris. The Present will be handed you ⅌ Mr. Jay Who is Charged with Copy of the Treaty of Which Mr. Huges was Bearer of the Original and which I hope may Arrive after a short passage. The only inteligence I can Communicate is that the Entrance of this port is...
79To James Madison from John Steele, [19 July] 1802 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to put into your hands the enclosed letter from General Davie recommending Mr. Barnet and Mr. Montflorence to the notice of Government. As I am not at all acquainted with the former, and but slightly with the latter, I wish to be understood as not offering an opinion concerning the pretensions of either: Indeed I would not have put you to the trouble of even reading the letter but...
80To James Madison from Francois de Navoni, 6 May 1807 (Madison Papers)
Je me suis trés respecteusement fait un devoir d’avancer á Monsieur divers Depeches, le dernier datè le 10. Avril passé remis par Capne. Piterson dans les quelles je n’ai pas manqué de lui reppresenter le plus convenable, et de la maniére que j’ai procuré de me distinguer vis-avis de Monsieur le Commodor de Campbelle qu’il partit trés sattisfait, et content comm’aussi touts les Officiers et...