31To James Madison from John Dawson, 18 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed to you by Capn. Barney, who believes, and I believe with him, that he has been treated very ill by the post office department. As that will, I expect, soon fall under your superintendence, I recommend him to you, as a person worthy any encouragement which you can afford him. Yrs, RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM. See Barney to JM, 27 Apr. 1801 . John Dawson (1762–1814) was an old...
32To James Madison from William Kirkpatrick, 18 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1801, Málaga. Transmits copies of his last three letters. Encloses copy of [3 Jan.] letter received from Cathcart indicating Tripoli may attempt to injure U.S. Mediterranean trade. Six U.S. seamen he claimed from French commissary have been delivered to him and will be placed on board American vessels bound for U.S. Has given clothes to some. Minister at Madrid has not succeeded in...
33To James Madison from John Mathieu, 18 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1801, Naples. Encloses statement on U.S. ships in port between 1 July and 31 Dec. 1800 and one for port of Messina [not found] from consular agent there. King of Naples has obtained thirty-day truce through mediation of Russia; objective was to exclude British from the ports of the Two Sicilies. A French commissary is in Naples to see that armistice is fulfilled. The king’s minister...
34To James Madison from James C. Mountflorence, 18 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1801, Paris. Reports that the Prize Council has not tried any captured U.S. vessels for several months; he is assured that no trial will occur until after exchange of ratifications. Six U.S. vessels arriving in Málaga have been placed under rigorous quarantine. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Paris, vol. 1). 1 p.; addressed to Marshall; docketed by Wagner as received 12 June. Partly in code;...
35To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 18 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1801, Lisbon. Relays news from England of George III’s illness and Prussian hostility against Great Britain. Observes that Portuguese now are less hopeful of receiving British aid either in peace negotiations or military preparations. Portugal “seems abandd. to its fate, like Leghorn, Naples &c.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Portugal, vol. 5). 1 p.; marked private; docketed by Wagner as...
36To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 18 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1801, Bristol. Transmits copy of his 17 Dec. dispatch (since which he has received no letters); encloses accounts of imports and exports by American vessels during six-month period ending 31 Dec. 1800, newspapers, and a price list of London commodities. Food costs continue to rise. Shortage is now critical, and continued war will interfere with supplies from European continent....
37To James Madison from Thomas Bee, 19 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Two days ago I was honoured with a Letter from the late Secretary of State, inclosing me a Commission as Chief Judge for the fifth Circuit Court of the United States. As I feel myself unable to undergo the fatigue of the long Journies necessary to the performance of the duties of that Office, and as I apprehand I can render as Essential service to my Country by continuing in the Station of...
38To James Madison from James Yard, 19 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I hope you do me the Justice to believe that I participate cordially in the general satisfaction occasioned by your Appointment to an office of high Trust & Importance. It is however probable that I Should have been less forward in expressing to you this Sentiment, were I not urged by Motives of Friendship to Dr. Stevens to make an early Communication to you on his Subject. In doing this I...
39To James Madison from Stephen Girard, 19 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 March 1801, Philadelphia. Reports his ship Good Friends will soon sail for Ile de France. Offers to forward packages or dispatches. Requests passports for four persons returning home after being detained because of nonintercourse laws. Letterbook copy ( PPGi : Girard Papers). 1 p.
40To James Madison from Robert Ritchie, 19 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 March 1801, Port Républicain. Reports that armed barge from British frigate Circe entered Jacmel harbor and cut moorings of brig Fair American of Philadelphia. Captain and vessel were presumably carried off to Jamaica. Has obtained vessel’s register and will forward copy to U.S. agent at Kingston. Has written to acquaint Toussaint with circumstances and expects him to send complaint to...
41To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 20 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
It is a pleasant circumstance for me, that when I do address you in writing for the first time in my life, I am to fullfil the agreable task of congratulating you on your appointement to one of the first dignities of the Republique. If talents & [ illegible ] the depositaries of the public authority can insure the happiness of the Common Wealth, America can not, but have the luckiest fate....
42To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 20 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 March 1801, Bordeaux. Encloses correspondence of his agent M. Pelletreau at Rochefort on sailors tried and sentenced there to twenty-four years in chains; adds copies of protests and his letter to naval minister on the subject and reply. Unlike ships of other nations, American vessels neither come to consular office on arrival, deposit ship’s papers there, nor report clearance on departure....
43To James Madison from Meriwether Jones, ca. 20 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 20 March 1801, Richmond. Mentioned in Jones to Levi Lincoln, 25 Mar. 1801 (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1801–9). Requests that contract for public printing be awarded to the Examiner . Explains why Mr. Davis should not continue to benefit from this emolument. Concludes that if JM thinks the change impolitic, Jones will be content.
44To James Madison from John Dawson, 21 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I regret that we did not meet before my sailing, which I expect will be on tomorrow. My trip will, I hope, prove usefull to my country, and advantageous and agreeable to myself. I shall return early in the fall, and expect that it will not be attempted in the district to take an advantage of my absence, or shoud it be that the attempt will be resisted by my friends. My wishes are to obtain...
45To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 21 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 March 1801, Berlin. No. 186. Reports continuing British embargo on Swedish shipping is likely to close Elbe and Weser to British vessels. Relays hearsay that among British seamen detained in Russian ports there are some Americans as well. Has pressed Russian minister to free such persons; recounts minister’s reluctance and his suggestions that U.S. appoint a consul in Russia and recall...
46To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 21 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 March 1801, Tripoli. No. 5. Encloses accounts of disbursements and accounts current and copy of banker-merchant Leon Farfara’s record of monies paid pasha in lieu of overdue U.S. tribute. Denounces Farfara as “incorrigible” villain but notes that O’Brien trusts him. Relates his financial embarrassments, urges annual stipend of $2,000 for the consular post, and stresses the indignity he must...
47To James Madison from Arthur Campbell, 23 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
It is difficult to remain silent amidst the general exultation on the Election of the present Chief Magistrate of the Union; I mean the joy is general among the Farmers and Labourers of all Classes. Some Merchants and the monied interest with the Bigots and fanatics in religious matters, may have their fears. But the old Tories, and new Gallants of the Whore of England can never be won, even...
48To James Madison from David Humphreys, 23 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment received intelligence from a person worthy of credit, at the Royal Sitio of Aranjuez, to the following effect: Last night Lucien Bonaparte signed (and it is he himself who told me) the Treaty by which the Heriditary Prince of Parma (and not his father) is definitively named King of the Etruscans. This election of the Prince, the Son, instead of the Prince his father,...
49To James Madison from William Irvine, 23 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I most sincerely & heartily congratulate you, on the late success in the Election of President, and appointments to office in consequence; not that I think yours has been sought, or is even agreeable to you, but in as much as you are willing to lend your aid and give some of your time to the public service, so soon as circumstances would render them acceptable. Many of us, you & I among the...
50To James Madison from Ralph Bowie, 24 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Perhaps it may be necessary to offer some apology for the liberty I take in now addressing you. It is not to congratulate you on your appointment to an office of high importance to the dignity and happiness of this Country, for I know the Office is honor’d, and I beleive the Interest of our Country will be eminently promoted by your acceptance of it; nor is it directly nor indirectly to ask...
51To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 24 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
One of my neighbours when I lived in this place, Mr. Du Ponceau is about to publish a collection of state papers calculated to illustrate some important points of public law. One of them which he shewed me appeared to be so important that I begd a copy, which I might send to Washington. I have the pleasure to inclose it. You will observe it expressly mentions wheat, meat &ca. not to be...
52To James Madison from Anthony New, 24 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
After congratulating you on the event of our Election of the President, and your appointment under him, permit me to introduce to your attention, the bearer Mr. Henry C. Coleman, who wishes to be employed in some office under the Government. I have had the pleasure of a long and intimate acquaintance with Mr. Coleman, and can assure you that he is a Gentleman of irreproachable character, and...
53To James Madison from William Ross, 24 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Trusting you will pardon the Liberty taken, and be disposed to render that Justice which my peculiar hard case may appear to require, I beg leave most respectfully to state, that I have been for some time past honor’d with the printing of the Laws enacted by the Congress of the United States; and that on the removal of the government, I undertook a Journey from Philadelphia to this place, and...
54To James Madison from David Humphreys, 24 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 March 1801, Madrid. No. 269. Believes recent royal order stipulating that “every recaptured vessel should remain in totality to the profit of the Recaptors” has been revoked “in consequence of my Protest.” Conveys correspondence with Spanish government concerning South Carolina . Council of war has not yet tried the case. Reports king’s renewed confidence in his adviser, the “Prince of...
55To James Madison from William Savage, 24 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 March 1801, Kingston, Jamaica. Transmits copy of last dispatch, which State Department has not acknowledged. Reports that Lord Hugh Seymour in recent letters assures Savage that persons represented to him as impressed American seamen will be freed if they answer the descriptions given. Names one seaman sought but not located in Seymour’s command and lists six others who have been set free....
56To James Madison from Samuel Dexter, 25 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
The President of the United States has decided to appoint William Davies Collector of Norfolk—to be superintendant of the Light Houses and other Establishments, which are provided within the State of Virginia for the protection of navigation. I have therefore to request, that you will cause the necessary Commission to be issued & transmitted to this Office. I have the honour to be very...
57To James Madison from Edward Livingston, 25 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 March 1801, New York. Introduces and commends to JM’s attention his friend Josef Yznardy, who “has some title to the favor & I think claims on the justice of our government.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
58To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 26 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I am still here. Three refusals of the Naval Secretaryship have been re[c]ieved, and I am afraid of recieving a 4th. this evening from mr. Jones of Phila. In that case Genl. Smith has agreed to take it pro tempore, so as to give me time; and I hope the moment it is in either his or Jones’s hands, to get away; but this may be yet three four or five days. Lincoln is doing the duties of your...
59To James Madison from Rufus King, 26 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Tho’ the King has recovered, he does not yet hold a Court, nor is it understood that he attends to any but the most pressing and indispensable business. The chief of the new Ministers are in their places, and all of them will be so in the course of a few days. The Duke of Portland remains in the Home Department: Mr. Addington, the late Speaker, is at the Head of the Treasury, Lord St. Vincent...
60To James Madison from Ebenezer Stevens, 26 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the 13th. Inst. I forwarded you Invoices & Bill Lading of a Cargo I have laden on board the Ship Grand Turk, by order of your late Predecessor, for account of the Tunisian Powers. The Ship is now ready to proceed on her Voyage, and is only waiting for the necessary Certificates and documents, to accompany the Invo. I beg leave to solicit your early attention in forwarding them, as the...