31To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 16 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 October 1803, Havana . Sends this by the ship Thomas Russell of Boston. Informs JM that “a small French Privateer Pilot Boat Schooner, fitted out in Santo Domingo, with her Prize, an English Brig bound from Jamaica, with a Cargo of Rum and Sugar, have Just entered the Port, and were ordered to depart the Port immediately,” but by the governor’s authority “they were permitted to enter the...
32To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 16 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
The Ship Thomas Russell of Boston, being about to get under way for Philadelphia, I embrace the opportunity to say that, a small French Privateer Pilot Boat Schooner, fitted out in Santo Domingo, with her Prize, an English Brig bound from Jamaica, with a Cargo of Rum and Sugar, have Just entered the Port, and were ordered to depart the Port immediately. However on the application o f the...
33To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 29 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 October 1803, Havana . Encloses his accounts to 30 Sept. and a list of American ships entering and departing Havana “since the last Law placing some power in the hands of American Agents in Foreign Ports, Came to hand.” Encloses also “a Monthly return of vessels purchased in this Port, by, and for account of” U.S. citizens. These “in time of War are always most liable to suspician and...
34To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 29 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed you have my accounts up to the last Day o f September, together with a return of the American vessels th at have entered and departed the Port of Havana, since the last Law placing some power in the hands of American Agents in Foreign Ports, Came to hand. Also a Monthly return of vessels purchased in this Port, by, and for account of Citizens of the United States; which in time of War...
35To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 4 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 November 1803, Havana. Since his 29 Oct. dispatch, “another French Privateer has entered this Port with her Prize, a small Jamaica Schr.,” supposedly bound for Saint-Domingue with provisions and arms. “They were refused admittance on their appearance off the Port” but were given leave the following day to enter and reprovision. “I presume they will act with her as they have and intend to act...
36To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 10 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 November 1803, Havana. Reports the capture since his last [4 Nov.] of the schooner Harriot of Charleston, Joseph Hunt, master and owner, by the French privateer Eugénie , Jacques Hermand, commander. The Harriot was sent into Havana. Gray has satisfied the French commissary and the Spanish government “that she was realy and truly an American vessel, got her released; and given her such...
37To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 19 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 November 1803. Acknowledges JM’s letters of 26 Aug. [1802] and 6 and 9 Apr. 1803 . “As to Fosters claim, I do not know on what grounds Government can take it up—as that affair hath always been enveloped in so much mystery, as to put it out of my power, to make my self acquainted with the merits of his case: However I will procure such papers as may be attainable, and forward them to your...
38To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 28 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 November 1803, Havana. Encloses a duplicate of his last letter of 19 Nov. A Spanish government schooner arrived from Cap Français but brought no news except what was already known, “to wit: that they were there in great distress for every thing.” “Mr Longchamp, the New French Commissary took charge of his Department this day, and Mr Vermanet will depart in a few days with his family for the...
39To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 5 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed you have a return of vessels purchased at this city for and on account of Citizens of the United States, for the Month of November last past. The French General, his officers and Troops mentioned in my last, have been refused admitance into the Island; and vessels have been embargo’d at Batabano to carry them back to Santo Domingo; and Provisions sent to support them during the...
40To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 20 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 December 1803, Havana. “The Schooner Tarter of Baltimore, Nichs. W Easton Master bound to St. Jago de Cuba and a market, has been captured by the French Privateer Fortune commanded by Jai Matheiu, sent for St. Jago de Cuba and recaptured by a Spanish Brig (Guarda Coaster) belonging to this Port. “This Brig I am informed has carried her into Cumberland Harbour, to the Northward of St. Jago...
41To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 2 January 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 January 1804, Havana. Encloses his account up to 31 Dec. 1803 “and returns in as particular a manner as it [is] in my power to render in this Port, where an Agent has so many difficulties to contend with—who is not acknowledged.” “I find that there are several vessels in Port for sale, consequently I shall not be under the necessity of drawing upon your Department for the small balance due...
42To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 11 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
It was my intention to have wrote you fully on the subject of the depredations Committed in these seas, by Mr. James D. Barry of your City, but am now prevented, in consequence of his sudden departure in a Vessel touched off the Port in Distress—however I will obtain the necessary Documents relative to those depredations, and forward the same by the Brig Republican of Baltimore, now loading...
43To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 28 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 April 1804, Havana. Had intended to forward by Baron von Humboldt, who is returning from South America by way of the U.S., “some Documents relative to the Prizes lately brought into this Port, by the French cruizers or Pirates; but as they can not be procured until next week I forward to you enclosed herewith two Decrees lately obtained against the Restante and Musketoe Privateers and the...
44To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 8 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 May 1804, Havana. “Finding the Louisiana of Baltimore getting under way on the moment of receiving the Aurora of tomorrow, I hasten to forward it to you enclosed herewith—together with a Decree of the second Instant [not found], relative to Foreign Consuls, Agents and Commissaries: intended for the French commissary here; as the Governor and heads of Departments here, are now more friendly...
45To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 25 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 July 1804, Havana. “Since my letter of yesterday [not found] in which I stated the situation of our Commerce at this place, I have obtained a copy of the Royal Order therein mentioned—a copy of which I now send enclosed herewith [not found]; and have also enclosed a copy thereof per the Agenora, via Boston. “This will go under the care of Captain Castel, Aid to the commander in chief at...
46To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 14 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 January 1805, Havana. “Enclosed you have my returns up to the 31st. of December, marked from A. to U. inclusive, as promised in my letter of the 7th. Instant [not found]. In making these returns, I have endeavoured to comply with instructions, as far as lay within my power, or as circumstances would permit. After the last day of March, you will observe that I changed the form of Return...
47To James Madison from Vincent Gray (Abstract), 2 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
2 February 1805, Havana . “In my last of the 14 Ult: I informed you of the laying on at this Port of a General Embargo, coasters excepted. On the 28h. Ult: a British half squadron appeared off the Port and on the 29h. it was discovered that they brought too, & boarded every vessel passing: and on the 30th. it was known that she had several Spanish Merchantmen in tow—having valueble. cargoes on...
48To James Madison from Vincent Gray (Abstract), 6 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
6 February 1805, Havana . “I wrote you on the Second Instant to which I will refer you. The Embargo on American Vessels was raised this day, and all those ready for Sea about Sixteen in number will depart immediately. “The British ships in port, have been taken possession of, haul’d up to the Dock, and what British property found in the hands of the Merchants of this City, Embargoed by the...
49To James Madison from Vincent Gray (Abstract), 11 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
11 February 1805, Havana . “The Mail in 41 Days from Cadiz arrived yesterday morn’g via Porto Rico. “It brings accots of the Blockade of Cadiz and permission for Spanish vessels to arm and to Capture all British vessels. All British property here, has been seized & detained. “The Council will meet this forenoon for the purpose of opening the Port of Havana and St. Jago de Cuba, for the...
50To James Madison from Vincent Gray (Abstract), 12 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
12 February 1805, Havana . “I now have it in my power to enclose to you (in the Aurora of tomorrow) the Declaration of War by His Catholic Majesty, agt. the King of great Britain and Subjects; as mentioned in my note of yesterday. The British half Squadron still off the port, and Some times in cannon Shot of the Moro. “Last Evening a Signal was made at the Moro Castle, for an American Ship to...
51To 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...
52To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 17 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Vincent Gray. 17 September 1805, Havana . “This goes from an out port, in Consiquence of there being an embargo at this place for the purpose of dispatching a Frigate to Pan⟨s⟩;ecola with Troops. “I have not ascertained the exact number of Troops on board, but I know that they have taken all the Spare Troops (Regulars) out of the city, and they say, that the militia is now to do duty....
53To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 24 September 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Vincent Gray. 24 September 1806, Havana. “It is with great pleasure I have it in my power to Say to you, That, on the nineteenth Instant, my enemy, Sedano, the cheif Assessor or Judge of the Intendency of this Island, and the Enemy of every Citizen of the United States, had to surrender up his seal of office, to his successor; who was on that day received and acknowledged in his stead....
54To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 29 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have only time by a Vessel now under way, to enclose you two papers which has this moment appeared, Contain’g information brought by the Sr. Justo, who sails this Even’g again for VeraCruz. Any other information of importance which may transpire, shall be forwarded. The Bells are Ringing Peals of Joy, & the Churches wear the appearance of a joyful Festival. I have the Honor to be Sir, very...
55To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 29 October 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have only time by a Vessel bound to Norfolk to enclose you the Aurora of the 26 & 29: Instant, Containing Important and Interesting information The Vice Roy is a prisoner at Vera Cruz in the Castle of Sn. Juan de Olua, and with his Sons will be shipped for Spain. I will write you by a Vessel to Sail from hence for Phila. in about 5 Days and enclose you other papers, with Such information as...
56To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 11 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed you have the extra Aurora of last night, which may contain information interesting. Another Pilot Boat was to sail from Cadiz seven days after the Emprendidor left S. Lucar, and if a good passage, may bring important information. If I can procure a file of papers by her, they shall be forwarded by the first Vessel sailing for any port of the UStates, to the Southward of Rhode Island....
57To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 18 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
Finding that I can no longer be useful to my Countrymen visiting this Port, entitled to my Services, without endangering my Personal liberty: and finding myself daily and hourly called upon and pressed to make Protests and grant Certificates for vessels in distress, and Certificates of property, which I believe to be doubtful; and finding also that this Government have actually refused to...
58To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 29 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
Several vessels hav’g arrived here from Spain bringing Late and important advices relative to the affairs of that Country I embrace the present opportunity to enclose you the paper of last Even’g, as I could not get a file to forward to you. Several Importt. Documents have been received here from Madrid, and one in particularly from Dn. Pedro Cevallos, giving a particular account of the whole...
59To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 10 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
A vessel having Stopped here on her voyage from New-orleans to the UStates, affords me an opportunity to enclose to you herewith three Aurora’s, which you will find interesting; Particularly those containg. information from the City of S: Domingo. This Expedition will destroy a nest of Pirates more dangerous and infamous than Algiers, or any other Port or place on the Barbary Coast. From the...
60To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 15 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed you have the Aurora of the day, also the advise of the 11th. Instant. In the advice you will see a letter of the Captain General of Cadiz to the Consulado of that City, which has had considerable weight here with the planters and others, in Governing them in their opinion as to the demand made by the Merchants of this City to exclude Foreigners from participating in its Commerce. I am...