51To James Madison from Rufus King, 7 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 April 1802, London. No. 61. Text of definitive treaty was published in the Moniteur of 26 Mar. In general it “seems to adhere pretty closely to the Preliminaries: in such Articles as have undergone a modification, it is not obvious that the alteration is favourable to the views of this Country. Malta … will be liable to the influence of France.” Unless there is a separate article explaining...
52To James Madison from Rufus King, 14 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
A Government Messenger arrived at Twelve o’Clock to-day in forty hours from Paris, with a dispatch from Lord Whitworth, saying that he had received his Passports, and should leave Paris immediately after the Messenger on Thursday Evening. General Andreossy will therefore leave London to night, and the two Ambassadors will probably pass each other on Monday between Dover and Calais. Thus the...
53To James Madison from Rufus King, 18 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
Since I left London I have received your letter accompanying the instructions & authority concerning the settlement of our Boundary with Great Britain —and in consequence thereof have written to Mr Gore, desiring him to communicate to Lord Hawkesbury that powers have been sent to me for this purpose, and to request his Lordship to put the business in such a train as to be settled upon my...
54To James Madison from Rufus King, 30 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 April 1802, London. No. 63. Reports ratification of definitive treaty and the proclamation of peace “with the accustomed formalities.” British begin to reduce army and navy, and the “warrants and orders to impress Seamen have been recalled.” Lenox has closed his agency and delivered his papers to Erving, as a special office for the relief of American seamen is now unnecessary. Sweden has...
55To James Madison from Rufus King, 15 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have before mentioned to you that the cession of Louisiana (of which it seems to me we can have no doubt, notwithstanding what may be said to amuse us) was not once a topic of Enquiry or discussion in the negotiation of the Preliminaries: and for the same reason that it was not heard of on that occasion Lord Hawksbury has recently informed me that it had not been, and would not be mentioned...
56To James Madison from Rufus King, 3 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 July 1801, London. No. 23. Reports Parliament “prorogued,” ministry negotiations with France apparently stalled, and British relations with Baltic countries improving. Notes arrival at Suez of British forces from India, increasing likelihood that French will evacuate Egypt. Believes Portuguese have agreed to a “hard and humiliating” peace. Conveys latest word on British regard for American...
57To James Madison from Rufus King, 23 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 October 1801, London. No. 41. Conveys copies of his letter to the judge of the High Court of Admiralty and the reply relating to the conduct of the collector at the port of Plymouth. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 9); letterbook copy and copies of enclosures ( NHi : Rufus King Papers, vol. 54). RC 1 p.; marked duplicate; in a clerk’s hand, signed by King; docketed...
58To James Madison from Rufus King, 5 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 February 1802, London. No. 51. Reports receipt of JM’s 10 Dec. instructions and the resulting conversations with Lord Hawkesbury on the state of American trade with British dominions in peacetime. Encloses copy of a paper he sent to Hawkesbury on the subject. Acknowledges receipt on 4 Feb. of duplicate of JM’s 22 Dec. letter , “which has enabled me to be more explicit than I otherwise should...
59To James Madison from Rufus King, 29 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 March 1802, London. No. 60. Annexes a copy of Lord Hawkesbury’s note announcing the signing of the definitive treaty. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 10); letterbook copy and copy of enclosure ( NHi : Rufus King Papers, vol. 55). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by King; docketed by Brent. Cover postmarked New York, 22 May. Hawkesbury’s 29 Mar. note, copied on the...
60To James Madison from Rufus King, 10 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 August 1802, London. No. 75. Reports on a conference with Lord Hawkesbury on trade and navigation in the West Indies and the Maryland bank stock. Hawkesbury said that measures would be taken to transfer the bank stock to the Crown. Although he indicated that there were other claims besides Maryland’s, Hawkesbury seemed to think that after the stock was transferred “there would be no...
61To James Madison from Rufus King, 31 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 December 1802, London. Acknowledges JM’s letter and expresses thanks for the early reply as well as for the “like communication” sent to King’s agent in New York. “As I expect the vessel coming to me from America, will be here, and ready for me & my family to embark by the 10. of April, I am making the requisite preparations and hope I may not be disappointed in receiving my Letters of...
62To James Madison from Rufus King, 16 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1803, London. No. 84. “Couriers last evening arrived at the french Ambassadors from Paris, and at the same Time a Messenger from Lord Whitworth: they left Paris after the communication of the Kings Message to Parliament of the 8th. instant had been received there. General Andreossi and the Dutch Ambassador both told me to day that for the purpose of taking away the pretext for War (as...
63To James Madison from Rufus King, 10 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 September 1801, London. No. 34. Based on a slight acquaintance, has a favorable opinion of the author of the enclosed memoir, which may be of use to southerners. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 9); letterbook copy and English translation of enclosure ( NHi : Rufus King Papers, vol. 54). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by King; docketed by Wagner. Enclosure (8...
64To James Madison from Rufus King, 29 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
Some Time since Mr. Balan, the Prussian chargé d’affaires requested me to forward two Letters to Mr. Polaske and Mr. Schultze, the Prussian Consuls at Philadelphia and Baltimore, and at the same time desired me in the name of his Court to inform you that both these Officers had been dismissed. I suggested to him that as this Communication might become the ground of an Act of our Government,...
65To James Madison from Rufus King, 30 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
As well on account of the State of Affairs between England and France, as at the pressing desire of our minister at Paris, I prolonged my Residence in London from the 20th. of Ap. to the 19th. of may. By the charter party made in my behalf with the owner of the Ship engaged to bring me home, I was bound to pay £560. Sterling for my passage, to have my Effects on board, and be ready to embark...
66To James Madison from Rufus King, 30 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Since the date of my letter communicating Lord Hawkesbury’s sentiments respecting the Debts, I have seen and conversed with Mr. Addington, who told me, that he had called up the subject in the Cabinet as he had before assured me he would do, and that he had expressed his solicitude that it should be brought to a decision; adding, that as the question, from it’s nature and circumstances was not...
67To James Madison from Rufus King, 18 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 February 1802, London. No. 54. Encloses copy of bill proposed in Parliament by Vansittart concerning countervailing duties on American ships and cargoes. Expects that privy council will issue an order suspending countervailing duty on tobacco for six months as soon as bill passes. Commissioners under article 7 of Jay treaty have reassembled and are proceeding with business. RC and enclosure...
68To James Madison from Rufus King, 7 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 May 1802, London. No. 66. Asserts that a great principle of U.S. policy is “to maintain and perpetuate the union of our Country.” Expresses concern over the cession of Louisiana and the Floridas to France, because it is a measure calculated “to weaken and divide us.” Has reinforced verbal communications between British ministers and himself on this subject through a confidential letter to...
69To James Madison from Rufus King, 7 February 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 February 1803, London. No. 80. “Last Evening (Sunday) I received a Note from Mr. Bird informing me that his House would be obliged to stop payment this morning, and that the United States are Creditors for a considerable Sum. The former Consul, Mr. Williams, having casually informed me that he had lately accepted Bills for several thousand pounds payable to Bird Savage and Bird for the...
70To James Madison from Rufus King, 12 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 July 1801, London. No. 25. Relays details of peace negotiations between Britain and members of northern league. Lord Hawkesbury seeks a restoration of good will and amity, but Denmark declines to discuss principles of armed neutrality, while Prussia refuses to evacuate Hanover. Sweden remains hostile, and the British continue to “depend upon the success of the mission of Lord St. Helens”...
71To James Madison from Rufus King, 9 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
I lose no Time in sending you the important Message from the King that was last Evening delivered to the two houses of Parliament. Peace has not had the happy Effect of restoring harmony and confidence between England and France, and the Exposition of the Affairs of the latter which the first Consul lately delivered to the Legislature has not failed to produce its natural Effect upon this...
72To James Madison from Rufus King, 23 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your Letter of June 30. inclosing one to Mr. Williams which notifies him of his removal from Office. He assures me that his Accounts shall in a day or two be forwarded to the Department of the Treasury, and that the Balance of public money in his hands shall immediately be paid over agreeably to my directions to Messrs. Bird Savage & Bird. Should this Balance exceed the...
73To James Madison from Rufus King, 8 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 June 1801, London. No. 21. Reports George III sufficiently recovered from illness to tend to public business, but not “with his former assiduity.” Believes French position in Egypt increasingly precarious and British relations with northern powers improving. Suggests that Swedes and Danes willing to secure for the U.S. “by Treaty every limitation of the Right of Search, which England might...
74To James Madison from Rufus King, 28 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
In a Conference with Lord Hawkesbury on the 6th. instant, I explained to him the object of the extraordinary mission of Mr Monroe pursuant to the tenour of your Letter of the 29. of January; and I have the pleasure to inform you that his Lordship received the Communication in good part, suggested no doubt of our right to pursue separately and alone the objects we aim at, and appeared to be...
75To James Madison from Rufus King, 5 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 November 1801, London. Reports that war’s end has occasioned a review of the British diplomatic corps. Hears that Liston will be sent to Holland instead of returning to America. Jackson has been appointed minister plenipotentiary to France and will reside in Paris during the congress at Amiens. Once peace is concluded, Lord Whitworth, formerly in Russia, will go to Paris and Jackson to...
76To James Madison from Rufus King, 20 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
The Court of Appeals having reversed several decrees of Condemnation pronounced in the Vice-Admiralty Court of Bermuda, Monitions were as usual issued against the Captors, and Instructions sent with them to our Agent at Bermuda to apply for and return the names of the Captors Sureties in order that process might, if necessary, be obtained against them likewise. Upon application for this...
77To James Madison from Rufus King, 3 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 May 1802, London. No. 64. Reviews arrangement made with Bird, Savage, and Bird for the disbursement of public money in Great Britain and describes measures he adopted for securing money recovered in prize cases. All money recovered from captors or British government is deposited in the Bank of England, credited to him in his official capacity, and paid out to claimants after deducting costs...
78To James Madison from Rufus King, 24 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 August 1801, London. No. 32. Was pleased to receive president’s sanction of his plans to press negotiations respecting article 6 of the Jay treaty as stated in his dispatch no. 6. Was informed during an interview with Lord Hawkesbury the day after receiving sanction that the cabinet thought £1.5 million was proper compensation for abolition of the article but would accept sum offered...
79To James Madison from Rufus King, 17 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 October 1801, London. No. 39. Encloses copies of correspondence with the Prussian chargé d’affaires and a letter about the complaints against the British frigate Diane . RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 9); letterbook copy and copies of enclosures ( NHi : Rufus King Papers, vol. 54). RC 1 p.; marked duplicate; in a clerk’s hand; docketed by Wagner as received 14...
80To James Madison from Rufus King, 10 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
The unexpected occupation of Hamburgh by the Danes, and the Treaty between France and Naples have nearly completed the exclusion of the Ships of England from the Ports of the Continent: if the King of Prussia take possession of Hanover, as it is believed he will do, the Ems and the Weser will in like manner be closed; and as Portugal is unable to resist the measures employed against her, the...
81To James Madison from Rufus King, 5 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 August 1802, London. No. 74. Requests that the president accept his resignation and permit him to return home. Had originally intended to serve no more than four years, but the war and subsequent negotiations kept him in Great Britain for six. Believing there is “nothing very material remaining to be discussed, in which I can flatter myself with being able to render any important Service,”...
82To James Madison from Rufus King, 21 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 April 1801, London. No. 13. Transmits, by way of Samuel Sitgreaves, copies of his correspondence with Lord Hawkesbury. Believes a settlement of the debts owed to British merchants would have been already concluded had former ministry remained in office. Under Secretary Hammond has told him that he wished question of debts settled on terms mentioned in King’s dispatch no. 6. Addington has...
83To James Madison from Rufus King, 12 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
We have almost daily rumours of new difficulties which are to defeat the conclusion of a definitive Treaty of Peace; but like most of the speculations of the Idlers and News-hunters of a great City, they are found to be unworthy of credit. There is reason to believe the business of the definitive Treaty is going on in a conciliatory way; and as soon as the variety of inferiour points brought...
84To James Madison from Rufus King, 15 October 1805 (Madison Papers)
You will probably recollect that soon after my return from England I communicated to you the Extract of a Letter that I had received and which related to an object respecting which we cannot be in different. For some time past I have heard nothing further on the Subject: A few days since however I received a Letter from the same Person, dated London Aug. 8. the following Extract of which I...
85To James Madison from Rufus King, 19 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Though Captain Pellew of the English Frigate Cleopatra was recalled, as I sometime ago informed you, Admiral Parker, who commands on the Halifax Station, and whose conduct has in other instances been exceptionable in not restraining the plundering spirit of the Officers under his Command, permitted him to proceed to the West Indies instead of returning to England. For this disobedience, joined...
86To James Madison from Rufus King, 21 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 July 1802, London. Explains an item in his contingent account relating to the publication of Robinson’s admiralty reports. Decisions of British prize courts are not published by the government. Observes that although it is a “pretty general opinion” that Great Britain “administers the Law of Nations in matters of prize with great rigour, Englishmen have uniformly asserted that these...
87To James Madison from Rufus King, 17 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 May 1802, London. No. 67. Reports strong support for the definitive treaty in Parliament despite Lord Grenville’s speech against it. Will send a copy of the debates as soon as published. Encloses a copy of the convention and additional articles between Great Britain and Russia, together with the acts of accession of Denmark and Sweden. The article concerning trade with the colonies and Lord...
88To James Madison from Rufus King, 23 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
I yesterday recd. by the foreign mail the enclosed letter from Leghorn. As I have no information relative to the extraordinary project of the Consul at Tunis, except what is contained in this Despatch, I can form no very precise notion of the Propriety of the means by wh. Peace is expected to be restored with Tripoli. Whether the president has in any shape authorised the measures wh. are in...
89To James Madison from Rufus King, 12 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 April 1801, London. No. 10. Encloses copies of correspondence with Lord Hawkesbury about seizure of American vessels carrying articles of Spanish origin to Spanish colonies. Decree from Vice-Admiralty Court at Nassau regarding the case of the Leopard is the first document precise enough to use as grounds for a remonstrance. Suggests that these copies be published in American newspapers as...
90To James Madison from Rufus King, 15 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have lately received a letter from Genl. Allen enclosing one to me from the Department of State, respecting his cause depending in the Court of Appeals. Without adverting to what passed in the early Stages of this Suit, it is proper that I should mention my having introduced the General to Messrs. Bird Savage & Bird, for the purpose of his engaging them to become his Bail, for the value of...
91To James Madison from Rufus King, 20 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
In addition to my Official Letter of this date it may be satisfactory to you to know, if more money shall be demanded, that I shall refuse of course, and claim the execution of the Convention: if a commutation of the 7. Article be asked for, I shall decline entering into any discussion for that purpose; for the twofold reason that I have no powers, and if I had I should decline, the claims...
92To James Madison from Rufus King, 9 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 April 1803, London. No. 90. “The question of peace or War may at this moment be decided. Lord Hawkesburys Note in reply to the refusal of France to admit of any discussion respecting Malta is dated the 3rd. and was dispatched on the 4th. instant.” The note expresses the king’s regret that the French government had declined giving the satisfaction and explanation he demanded and had...
93To James Madison from Rufus King, 9 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 October 1801, London. No. 38. Reports the approval of the peace preliminaries at Paris and outlines their terms. France regains Martinique and the rest of its foreign possessions. Spain and Holland likewise regain their colonies, excepting Ceylon and Trinidad. Malta will be restored to the Order [of St. John] and Egypt to the Turk. Since Menou had probably surrendered before the date of the...
94To James Madison from Rufus King, 5 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 May 1802, London. No. 65. Reports that bill imposing duties on imports, exports, and ship tonnage passed House of Commons and will undoubtedly become law. Bill revives most provisions of the Convoy Act but raises duties on imports by one-fifth and reduces duties on goods exported to America by one-half. Because of increased quantity and superior quality of American cotton, it was proposed to...
95To James Madison from Rufus King, 14 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 April 1801, London. No. 11. Last mail from Hamburg brought news that British fleet has taken its station off Copenhagen. British property in Hamburg and Altona has been sequestered. Prussian troops have marched into and occupied Hanover. A courier has arrived from St. Petersburg with news of death of Czar Paul and accession of Alexander; he is reported to bear dispatches for British...
96To James Madison from Rufus King, 13 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 February 1802, London. Reports that no one defends the unequal operation of the discriminating duties against U.S. commerce. All prefer abolition to revision; and no one supports the proposal to transfer the countervailing duties from imports from, to exports to, the U.S., as it is against British policy to impose duties on their manufactures except in unusual circumstances and the sum of...
97To James Madison from Rufus King, 25 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 April 1801, London. No. 14. Notes that British fleet bound for Denmark passed under Swedish guns that held their fire. Reports Nelson’s exploits at Copenhagen. Believes British government dissatisfied with armistice because Danes have not left armed league. There is much speculation concerning the character and views of new Russian czar, whom British hope to detach from the league. Issue in...
98To James Madison from Rufus King, 9 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
As your Letters to me concerning Mr. Ervings appointments do not explicitly state the Presidents intentions in respect to his being employed as an Assessor to the Commission under the seventh article of our Treaty with this Country, I desired him to send to the Board an Extract of his Instructions which define his Duties and which would be Sufficient to shew the Presidents expectation on this...
99To James Madison from Rufus King, 25 November 1805 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour to write to you on the 15. of last month, since when I have received by General Miranda who has arrived here, a letter from Mr. N. Vansittart⟨,⟩; a member of the British parliament, and who was likewise a member of the late Administration of Mr. Addington. Mr. Vansittart being a man of distinguished Probity, and in a situation to understand fully the subject on which he...
100To James Madison from Rufus King, 23 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 April 1803, London. No. 92. Refers to his dispatch no. 87 [25 Mar. 1803] , which mentioned the difficulty that had arisen regarding the proceedings of the commissioners under article 7 of the Jay treaty. “Several Conferences have since taken place between me and Lord Hawkesbury, but the Impediment is not yet removed. At my first meeting with Lord Hawkesbury, after the communication he had...