1To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 29 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to enclose for your signature the Blank Commissions and Warrants herewith. With great respect, &c. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ).
2To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 4 April 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Benjamin W. Crowninshield. 4 April 1815, Navy Department. “Permit me to request that you will annex your signature to the blank Commissions herewith, and cause them to be returned to this Department.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). 1 p. Crowninshield sent similar requests for signatures of blank commissions or warrants to JM on 10 Apr., 25 Apr., 11 Nov., and 17 Nov. 1815 (ibid.).
§ From Benjamin W. Crowninshield. 22 January 1815, Navy Department. “I have the honour to enclose for your Signature, the blank Warrants herewith.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). 1 p.
4To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 9 March 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Benjamin W. Crowninshield. 9 March 1815, Navy Department. “I have the honor to enclose for your signature the Commissions herewith.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). 1 p. The enclosed commissions were probably for appointments that JM submitted to the Senate in a message dated 14 Dec. 1815 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United...
¶ From Benjamin W. Crowninshield. Letter not found. 25 March 1815, Navy Department. Abstracted in John Heise Autographs Catalogue no. 2460 (n.d.), item 102.
§ From Benjamin W. Crowninshield. 29 March 1815, Navy Department. “The enclosed papers are respectfully submitted for your decision.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). 1 p.
§ From Benjamin W. Crowninshield. 17 March 1815, Navy Department. “The enclosed letter is respectfully submitted for your consideration and decision.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). 1 p.
8To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 23 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
By yesterdays mail, I sent you copies of a corrispondence, which had taken place between the Coms of the Navy Board, & myself, which I thought extraordinary, because, I did not perceive what was the object of it, unless it was, to control the Dept., for I had consulted some one of them, upon every measure that was necessary, in my opinion, to ask their advise, & we was harmonising very...
§ From Benjamin W. Crowninshield. 11 December 1815, Navy Department. “I have the honor to enclose herewith a nomination to the Senate in behalf of John L. Storer of Portland, Maine, to be Navy Agent vice Samuel Storer deceased.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). 1 p. In a message dated 14 Dec. 1815 (1 p.; in John Payne Todd’s hand, over JM ’s signature), JM forwarded the nomination to the...
10Benjamin W. Crowninshield to Thomas Jefferson, 13 June 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with your request by letter of the 30 th January last, I now have the pleasure to inform you I have transmitted a Midshipman’s Warrant to M r Thomas M. Randolph , being one of the first issued since that date. I should be happy at the same time to order M r Randolph into service, but the present state of our Navy affords employment to a few only of our numerous Officers of this...
11To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 13 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Mr Coles your former Secy, arrived here yesterday, to proceed on his message to Russia. The Brig Prometheus, in which he is to go, was ready at Boston, & he probably has sailed this day, as the wind is fair. The enclosed letter from Mr Gardner of nantucket, a former member of Congress, shows that the ship Detained by the Spaniards at Valparaiso, has been set at liberty, does that supersede the...
12To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 27 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
Your esteemed favour has been rec’d, dated 18 Inst. I wrote you, Capt Stewart had declined the honor of a seat at the Navy Board, & requested that you would instruct me farther on that subject. 1st. As to the “precautionary force that ought to be continued in the medin.?” you observe it would be best to leave it with the Coms. there, they were instructed as to that point; but when we hear from...
13To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 25 February 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Benjamin W. Crowninshield. 25 February 1815, Navy Department. “The promotions and appointments designated on the papers herewith, marked A B & C, are required for the Naval Service and Marine Corps of the UStates.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosures ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ); enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B–A3). Letterbook copy 1 p. The...
14To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 26 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note, with the proceedings of the Court martial on Dr: Roberts. I have this day issued an order to convene a new Court to try him upon the former charges and such additional ones, as may be exhibited against him, which according to Capt. Sinclairs letter will tend to produce a different result. I have the honor to be with great respect Your...
15To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 17 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to transmit, for your consideration, a Copy of the orders to Commodore Decatur, for the government of his operations in the Squadron under his Command; and I have to request, that you will be pleased to suggest such alterations and additions as you may judge expedient. I have the honour to be, With great regard and respect, Sir, Your most Ob: Servant, RC and enclosure ( DLC...
16To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 28 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
The within letter, is from Capt Charles Stewart of the navy, & contains his answer, to your offer to him, of a seat at the navy Board; he declines accepting it. To whom will you be pleased to offer it now? Decatur may be home soon from the medn.; I doubt some, if it would suit his activity; there is Capts Evans & Sinclair, the first is at NY, the latter gentleman has been ordered to the...
17To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 19 April 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to enclose, herewith, Nominations for the promotions and appointments required by the Naval Service of the United States. I have the honour to be, &c. Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). JM forwarded the nominations, listing forty-nine names, in two messages to the Senate on 20 Apr. 1816 ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations,...
18To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 1 March 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Benjamin W. Crowninshield. 1 March 1815, Navy Department. “I have the honor to request that you will please to nominate William Lewis, now a Lieutenant, to be a master commandant in the Navy of the U States. ” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ); enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B–A3). Letterbook copy 1 p. The enclosure (1 p.), prepared in the Navy...
19Benjamin W. Crowninshield to Thomas Jefferson, 9 February 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honoured by your letter of the 30 th ultimo , in behalf of M r Thomas M. Randolph , who is desirous of engaging in the Naval Service of the United States. The application is filed and recorded, and his Appointment will be attended to, with deference to your request in his favour, so soon as a Resignation, or what may be considered a vacancy, shall permit. I appreciate, with grateful...
20To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 27 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to transmit, herewith Nominations to the Senate of the United States of the Revd. Nathaniel Andrews and the Revd. John Ireland, to be Chaplains; and Ashton Y. Humphreys, to be a Purser in the Navy of the United States. I have the honour to be, &c. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). JM forwarded the nominations to the Senate on 29 Jan. 1817 ( Senate Exec. Proceedings...
21To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 16 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to enclose to you herewith, the Kingston Gazette of the 4th: instant; also an Extract from a letter received by to-day’s mail, from Captain Woolsey, the Commanding Naval Officer at Sackett’s Harbour. I have the honour to be, with the highest respect, Sir, Your most Obedt: Servt. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). Crowninshield probably forwarded the 4 May 1816 issue of the...
22To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 25 January 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to transmit to you the Copy of a map drawn by Capt. Arthur Sinclair, the original of which is filed with the archives of this Department. I am very respectfully your ob. Servt Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). The enclosed copy may have been of a map of Presque Isle Bay that Sinclair enclosed in his 6 May 1814 letter to William Jones ( DNA : RG 45, Captains’ Letters),...
23To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 10 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I submit to your consideration the enclosed letter from Com: Decatur. The anxiety he expresses to proceed on the expedition against the algerines, appears to be very general, through the commercial Community. It is evident that the change of affairs in Europe, has induced the British Government, to withdraw their troops from Canada, from Castine, & Nova-Scotia. The operations against Algiers...
24To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 7 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
A visit to Dartmouth university to meet the Trustees, has prevented me from answering your favour of Augt. the 20th. The Frigate Congress is undergoing repairs, her state was worse than it was apprehended, but having commenced it was necessary to proceed with her repairs: she will be ready, in all probability, in 3 weeks. The instructions, with Mr Monroe, dispatches to Comr chauncey have gone...
25To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 23 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
The within dispatches were recd from the Medn. yesterday by the John Adams, and as Mr. Monroe is to be absent until Tue[s]day, I have taken the liberty to enclose his also. The Dey seems disposed to quarrel, but with the force there & to be there, I think he would be prevented from doing us any mischief. The part the Spaniards have pursued as relates to the Brig, is very reprehensible. A fast...
26To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 2 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
Your communication of Sept. 23, covering one from Col Jesup, relating to spanish affairs, was rec’d by this days mail; I Know not what to think of such folly. To protect us, our ships of war could cruise off N orleans, in the Bay of Mexico & round Cape Florida. To attack spain, thro her colonies, ship of war would be of infinite service to aid in landing men, & to protect an expedition against...
27To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 14 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have this day rece’d the enclosed letter from Come. Chauncey, declining the offer of a seat at the Navy Board, this I regret, as a better man could not be procured from among the officers of the navy, who shall now have the offer? shall it be Sinclair, or Angus? your opinion was, if my memory serves right, for reasons you then gave, that Come Sinclair was to be preffered, especially as he...
28To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 28 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
At the special request of my political friends, & the permission of my family, I have prevail’d on myself to accept your very honorable appointment of Secretary of the Navy of the U States; if you have not named any other person for that office to the Honl. Senate, in consequence of my letter of 26th. Inst. I will come on to washington in a week at farthest; this reconsideration I hope you...
29To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 21 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I would respectfully submit to your consideration the Enclosed papers, with a view to have your sanction to dismiss the man from the U.S. Naval Service. His character & qualifications are unfavourably spoken of by Captain Porter & others. I am very respectfully Sir Your Obedt Servt. RC ( DLC ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). RC in a clerk’s hand, signed by Crowninshield; docketed by JM...
30To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 30 January 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to submit for your consideration the enclosed letters, the importance of which requires some decision as to the payments & expenditures for the Lake Service. I am Very respectfully Sir Your Ob: Servt. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). The enclosures may have included a 15 Jan. 1815 letter to Crowninshield from Lake Ontario shipbuilding contractors Adam and Noah Brown,...
31To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 31 January 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Benjamin W. Crowninshield. 31 January 1815, Navy Department. “I have the honour to submit, for your approbation & correction, a system of Regulations for the Flotilla Service of the U S. “It is desirable that the Flotilla Command should be decided in order to avoid the collision which may arise between the officers of the Navy & the Captains in the Flotilla Service.” Letterbook copy (...
32To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 23 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to enclose, for your consideration, sundry Copies of letters which have passed between this Department and the Commissioners of the Navy Board. These pretensions will produce unpleasant consequences to the Service; and I request you will be pleased to say, if the Board, which was created to assist the Department, shall control the Secretary, or the Secretary shall control the...
33To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 22 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to enclose, herewith nominations for the promotions required by the Naval Service of the United States; as also a nomination of the Revd. Cheever Felch, for confirmation as Chaplain in the Navy, in which station he performed duty during the whole of the late War. I have the honour to be, &c. Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). In two...
34To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 13 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose herewith a letter from Commodore Decatur, and a nomination to the Senate in his behalf to be a Commissioner of the Navy Board. I have the honor to be &c Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of second enclosure ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ); second enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A1). Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of second enclosure. JM...
35To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 23 March 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to you, a Copy of the Statement & account of the Builders of the Ships at Sacketts Harbour, and submit the subject for your consideration—as the vessels are left unfinished it may perhaps be as well to cover them with Sheds of rough Boards to preserve them. The mode of settlement of the account and contract will be of importance to adjust equitably for all parties,...
36To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 7 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to state for your consideration, that there remains of the sum of four hundred thousand dollars limited by Law for the extent of the purchase of the fleet captured on Lake Champlain, a balance of about sixty five thousand dollars over the amount actually paid to the Captors, which balance, if you should approve, may be applied to the purchase of the Prize Ship Cyane, to be drawn...
37To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 18 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I respectfully submit for your consideration the subject of building the Steam frigate at Baltimore, which since the Peace has been entirely suspended. The amount of $150.000. originally subscribed for this object, by the Citizens of Baltimore, is to be reimbursed to them in United States’ Stock, upon the terms that the first loan shall obtain after the period. The actual expenditure for...
38To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 16 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
your esteemed favor found me at Salem & with much regret & chagrin, that I had not paid you the visit that I promised you, & from which I expected so much pleasure, and I assure you that I have not abandoned the expectation; but at some other period mean to have the honor. The gratuity which was paid by me to the Boatmen of Come Chauncys Barge, was on your account, as you wished it ; the...
39To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 23 February 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to transmit, herewith, Nominations to the Senate of the United States, on behalf of Charles R. Broome, to be a first Lieutenant; Erastus Loomis, Robert M. Desha, John S. Page, Henry E. Dix, and Augustus A. Nicholson, to be second Lieutenants in the Marine Corps. I have the honour to be, &c. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). JM forwarded the recommendations to the Senate...
40Benjamin W. Crowninshield to James Monroe, 25 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
It has taken me more time than I was aware of obtain any information respecting the Fisheries; the Paper marked (a) is from our Friend Judge Story and the information or facts from a Marblehead practical Man, and may be I think fully relied upon but you should look at a good chart to understand it. The Paper marked B. is from Mr Bentley and rather shews what value we and other Nations have put...
41To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 30 December 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to transmit, herewith, Nominations to the Senate of the United States, on behalf of Shubael Butterfield, Thomas G. Chase, Robert Lyman, William Brown, Edwin B. Newton, John H. Duncan, Elijah I. Weed, and Augustus de Rumford, to be second Lieutenants in the Marin⟨e⟩ Corps. Very respectfully, I have the honour to be, &c Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). JM forwarded the...
42To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 8 February 1815 (Madison Papers)
Will you be pleased to name the Ships mentioned in the enclosed letter from Como. Chauncey, vizt. two to mount 100 Guns each, and one frigate of 44 Guns. I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your obedt: Servt: RC ( DLC ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). RC docketed by JM . For enclosure, see n. 1. Crowninshield evidently enclosed Capt. Isaac Chauncey’s letter to him of 29 Jan. 1815,...
43To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 29 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to submit for your consideration and opinion the enclosed papers relative to the fleet captured on Lake champlain. The Signers of the valuation were from the necessity of circumstances, all officers of our Navy, and may be considered directly interested in the transaction. Nevertheless I am of opinion, that if the objections be not too absolute against the valuation, and the mode,...
44To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 1 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th ultimo. A consultation has been held with Colonel Monroe and the other Secretaries, who concur with me in opinion, that the U.S. Naval Force, now within the Streights of Gibraltar, is amply sufficient to protect us against the Dey of Algiers, or, if requisite, to chastise his injustice. Instructions will, therefore, be...
45To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 26 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
Your polite & friendly communication of the 15 Int. has been duly rec’d, wherein you state that your thoughts have been turned to me as a proper person for Secretary of the Navy Department; for this expression of your kind & frankly avowed opinion of my fitness for the office, be pleased to accept the thanks of a grateful heart, & be assured, if I could, consistant with the duties I owe my...
46To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 1 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I submit to your consideration the enclosed Copy of a letter to commodore Decatur, written with the advice and consent of Messrs: Monroe & Dallas—and I request your opinion and instructions upon the subject. I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your obedient Servt. RC and enclosure ( DLC ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). RC in a clerk’s hand; signature parenthetically inserted by JM...
47To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 28 January 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Benjamin W. Crowninshield. 28 January 1815, Navy Department. “The enclosed promotions are required in the Naval Service of the U States.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ); enclosure ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B–A3). Letterbook copy 1 p. The enclosure (1 p.) nominated Master Commandant James T. Leonard to be promoted to the...
48To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 11 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
I rece’d your letter a few days past, directing me to make an offer to Capt Stewart, of the navy, a seat at the navy Board, which has been done, but no answer returned from him, I believe he is at Pha. Mr. Homans transmitted to me Despatches from Come Decatur, dated 19 Je. & 5 July, & states, the original of the 5 July was sent to you; by which it appears that, the Commissioners, have made a...
49To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 7 December 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Benjamin W. Crowninshield. 7 December 1815, Navy Department. “I have the honor to enclose herewith, Lists of the Promotions & appointments made in the Navy & marine Corps of the United States, during the late Recess of Congress.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosures ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). Letterbook copy 1 p. The letterbook copy of enclosures (2 pp.) includes a list of two...
50To James Madison from Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 16 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have duly considered the subject of a letter from the Governor of Virginia, enclosing the Resolutions of the Legislature of that Commonwealth, which you were pleased to refer to the Navy Department. Availing myself of the experience and professional knowledge of the Commissioners of the Navy Board, I have requested their opinion upon the subject, which so fully accords with my own, that I...