1151From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I return the Petition of Getz, which being without other proof than his own oath, might justly require a resort to the District Atty or &c &c. If however on consultation with the Treasy. Dept. a pardon be deemed proper, let one be made out. The communications from Brent at Madrid were returned several days ago. They are not without good sense, but betray a conscious deficiency of weight of...
1152From James Madison to James Monroe, 14 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
Altho the inclosed letter is anonymous, the idea it suggests, of requiring an admission of our Cotton in a half man⟨u⟩factured State at least by nations whose luxuries fully manufa⟨c⟩tured, are admitted into the U.S. is not unworthy of attention. The general idea I believe has not escaped, in the instructions to Mr. Gallatin & Mr. Pinkney. But it may be well to enforce it and particularly in...
1153Remission for William Stevens, 14 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
Whereas at a Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Massachusetts, begun and held at Boston, in the said District, in the month of March, in the year, one thousand, eight hundred & fourteen, William Stevens, of the said District, was sentenced to pay a considerable sum of money to the United States, for a violation of the Laws of the United States, in assisting to land a parcel...
1154From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 16 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I return your communications of the 12th. inst. with my approbation of what you propose in relation to the Cumberland Road. Perplexing as this business is, it will become more so I fear, if Mr. Shriver should withdraw from it. He has, notwithstanding the impatience of some, more of the public confidence than will probably be enjoyed by a successor. And if a distrust of the Agent be added to...
1155From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I just receive yours of the 13th. The instruction to Capt: Lewis, to make an effort, en passant, in behalf of Duplessis was too strongly called for to be witheld. The opportunity may and it is presumed, will be used for other salutary purposes, Lewis being well acquainted with St. Domingo, and of our interests in relation to it. The advantages promised by Austin’s association with Holmes in...
1156Memorandum to James Monroe, [ca. 20 June 1816] (Madison Papers)
It is presumed that Dr. Judson is sufficiently respectable to be commended for his benevolent & patriotic views; and to be informed that they will be facilitated by suitable instructions to the port officers. These will be given by the Treasury & Navy Depts. on a communication of this memorandum, by the Secy. of State. If the Secy. of State does not view Dr. J. & his plan in the light here...
1157From James Madison to William Harris Crawford, 21 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I return the letter of Genl: Gaines with the papers connected with it. It is to be hoped & much to be wished that a resort to the extreme measures contemplated may not be necessary: and it may be better that they shd. result from military discretion guided by imperious emergencies, than be prescribed by the Executive, without the sanction of the authority more competent to such decisions. In...
1158From James Madison to Myndert M. Dox, 21 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your two letters of the 16th. & 19. & return the respectable ones inclosed for my perusal in the latter. If the Post: M. Genl. shd. not have left instructions or authy. to those acting in the Dept: it will be necessary to communicate to him in his absence the arrangt. on which you wish a decision FC ( DLC ). Addressed by JM to “Mr M. Dox Esqr.” The letters have not been found,...
1159From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
Yours of 21–22d. is just recd. You may authorize Mr H. de Neuville, to communicate with you previous to his formal recognition. Roth intimated that he wd. probably visit me here with his credentials. If he desires it, or you think it eligible, let him know that I will receive him with pleasure. The bias of his own mind, if ascertained, may decide the question. Mine has none. The Letters of...
1160From James Madison to James Monroe, 25 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have received from Mr Graham the Communications to you from Algiers, which being copies I do not return. The course before us is obvious. The ground taken in the last instructions must be adhered to. The Dey must distinctly understand, that altho’ we prefer peace we are prepared for War; and will make no change in the late treaty, nor concession of any sort to avoid it. It appears from Shaws...
1161Remission and Pardon for Thomas Bean, [25 June 1816] (Madison Papers)
Whereas at a late Circuit Court of the United States for the County of Washington, in the District of Columbia, Thomas Bean, of the said County, was convicted of a Criminal offence, in stealing, whereupon he was sentenced by the Court to be whipped with five lashes and to pay a fine of one dollar; and whereas it is represented to me that the said Thomas Bean is unable to pay the fine, and it...
1162Remission and Pardon for George J. Julien, [25 June 1816] (Madison Papers)
Whereas at the late Circuit Court of the United States for the County of Washington, in the District of Columbia, George J. Julien, of the said County, pleaded guilty, to a charge against him for larceny, in the said Court, whereupon he was sentenced by the Court to be publickly whipped & to pay a fine of five Dollars to the United States: and whereas it is represented to me that the said...
1163Remission for John Muse, [25 June 1816] (Madison Papers)
Whereas at a Circuit Court of the United States for the County of Washington, in the District of Columbia, John Muse, of the said County, was convicted of a misdemeanor, in keeping a disorderly House, whereupon he was sentenced by the Court to pay a fine of five dollars to the United States, and to be imprisoned until the said fine, and the costs of the prosecution against him, should be first...
1164From James Madison to Richard Rush, 26 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
¶ To Richard Rush. Letter not found. 26 June 1816. Acknowledged in Rush to JM , 29 June 1816 , wherein he states, relating to a legal matter described by William Wirt: “I have thrown a few remarks upon the enclosed sheet, to be read as an addendum to Mr. Wirt’s letter […]. This I have done in compliance with the request contained in your favor of the 26th instant.” Cover with JM ’s free frank...
1165From James Madison to Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 27 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 25th. and return the letter from Mr. Kerr, who I presume is the former Senator from the State of Ohio. Not being acquainted with all the circumstances, which would throw light on the subject, among which is “the unfortunate circumstance mentioned in the Envelope,” not accompanying your letter, I cannot appreciate properly, the representation made to you. It is due to...
1166Remission for Joseph Butler, [28 June 1816] (Madison Papers)
Whereas at a Circuit Court of the United States for the County of Washington, in the District of Columbia, Joseph, alias Joe, Butler, of the said County, was convicted of Theft, whereupon he was sentenced by the said Court to be publickly whipped, to pay a fine of Ten Dollars, and to remain in Jail until the fine, and the costs of Prosecution should be paid: and whereas it is represented to me...
1167From James Madison to William Harris Crawford, 29 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I return the draught of instructions to the Commissioners for treating with the Chicasaw Indians. Not being aided by a map, I am not sure that I understand distinctly all your demarkations. I take for granted they are correct, unless it be otherwise in the reference to the portion of the Chicasaw lands lying within the State of Tennessee. You will be able to decide on re-examining that part of...
1168From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just red. yours of the 27th. As there is a concurrence in the opinion expresed in my last, as to the course to be taken with Algiers, little need be added on that subject. It ought evidently to be marked with decision & frankness, and with as much conciliation as will consist with these essentials. As the promise of Decatur was gratuitous; as it was followed by a delivery, to the...
1169From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 30 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
I return the papers inclosed in yours of the 27th. Concurring in the opinion of the Comptroller founded on his statement of the Case of the Schooner Mary, Stiles, I do not think a pardon proper. I am not sure that it would be correct to decide the question of a remission under the Act of Congs. which I believe submits it exclusively to the Treasury Dept. The case may therefore lie over for...
1170From James Madison to James Monroe, 2 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 29th. Ult: and return the letters from Mr. Adams & the communications from Mr. Harris. The step taken by the Emperor is an extraordinary one; Being produded [ sic ] by no pretended misconduct in the Amn. functionary, it is levelled at the relations between the two Countries, and would justify more than it is the disposition of this, to do on the occasion. Without...
1171From James Madison to St. George Tucker, 3 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 28th. Ult: and have forwarded to Mr. Wirt the papers accompanying it. The case to which they relate will, I presume, bring into view the political character of the people of Buennos Ayres touched in the Correspondence between the Secy. of State and Mr. Onis and the provisions of the Statute agst. expeditions from the U.S. agst. powers in amity with them. As Mr. Wirt...
1172From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 4 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have received yours of the 29th of June, with the several papers sent with it. Under the difficult circumstances of the currency, and the obligation to attempt a remedy or at least an alleviation of them, the place you have in view is entitled to a fair experiment. You do right however in reserving a discretion to judge of the sufficientcy of accessions by the State Banks. Should there be a...
1173From James Madison to William Harris Crawford, 6 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
The limited prosecution of the plan of Lt. Gadsden, which you suggest may be proper. A general system of works on which the permanent security of N.O. is to depend, and which will probably call for a million of dollars, ought not to be hastily adopted at a moment as little threatening as the present. The observations of the young Engineer indicate good sense; but it may well be supposed that...
1174From James Madison to Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 6 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yours of——. I regret that you could not gratify my hopes of the pleasure of a visit before your departure for Salem. Should your return to Washington afford an oppy. before the date of mine, perhaps the loss may be repaired. On our landing from the Boat of the Washington, I ask’d the favor of you to offer on my account some pecuniary present to the Rowers. I did not fail to give...
1175From James Madison to Edward Coles, 7 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Circumstances have arisen which make it expedient to forward communications to St. Petersburg by a special hand. Would the trip be agreeable to you? You probably know the allowance usual on such occasions. It is I believe $6 a day; the outward & return passage provided by the public; the expences on shore borne by the party himself. Unless a direct opportunity can be promptly found; it is...
1176From James Madison to James Monroe, 8 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Mr. De Neuville arrived here on Saturday and sets out this morning on his return. I inclose his letter of Credence with a note of the date of its delivery. Be so good as to have an answer to the K. of the Netherlands sent to me for signature. That to the K. of Wertemburg is returned. Friendly respects The inclosed letters [ sic ] from I. B. may be worth attention in estimating and comparing...
1177From James Madison to Richard Rush, 10 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 29. Ult: with the remarks on Mr. Wirt’s letter came duly to hand. The latter were communicated to Mr. W., with an intimation, that if he had any further observations to make on the subject, they might go in the first instance to the Treasury Dept. It is more than probable that your view of the subject will be satisfactory. I inclose for your perusal a letter from Judge...
1178From James Madison to James Monroe, 11 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 7th. and return the communications from Mr. Adams. The arrangement of the fisheries is a delicate subject, as it relates to the public sensibility; to its intrinsic merits; and to the peculiar importance attached to it by respectable names. It will be better to do nothing, than to surrender the point of right, or to accept what may be of small value, with an actual...
1179From James Madison to Samuel Lane, 12 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday yours of the 5th. Having full confidence in the judgment of Mr. Hassler, I take for granted that the scite chosen by him for an Observatory is well adapted to it. In comparing it however with others, it is necessary to attend to the difference in the degree of fitness, and in the cost of ground and of conveniency to the public. Mr. Munroe Superintendant of the City will...
1180From James Madison to Thomas Munroe, [12 July 1816] (Madison Papers)
Mr. H. Who is to survey the Coasts, has selected for the scite of an Observy. a square north of the Captl. including the House formerly Gen: Washington; an entire square being necessary for the purpose. In comparing this scite with others, it will be necessary to know the cost to the pub: of the ground, as well as to take into view the inconvenecy of alienating from all other uses, the square...
1181From James Madison to Richard Rush, 12 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Col: Lane informs me that Mr. Hassler has selected for the scite of an Observatory which will have relation to the survey of the Coasts, the square North of the Capitol, which includes the spot on which the House formerly Gen. Washington’s stood; and that Mr. H. considers it necessary that the entire square should be exclusively appropriated to the object. I can have no doubt of the intrinsic...
1182From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Herewith are the papers recd. from Mr. Hughs. He seems to have been no wise sparing of diplomatic politeness to the Spanish Govr. You will of course express the satisfaction afforded by the successful execution of his commission in reference to our Captive Citizens with an approbation of the interest taken in behalf of the English & French Captives; and forward the documents to Mr. Erving,...
1183From James Madison to José Francisco Corrêa da Serra, 15 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just received your favor of the 10th. inst: Altho’ I hope the return of your health will have enabled you to leave Philada. I will not suppress an assurance of the pleasure with which I shall receive your promised visit. The sentiments both national and personal which you express on occasion of the appointment which makes you a link between our two Countries, coincide too much with my...
1184From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 15 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your several letters of the 5. 7. 8. & 11th. Your Statement in the case of Mr. Hassler, was sanctioned & sent to the Treasy; as was the proposed purchase of a Custom-House at Boston. Be so good as to have issued a Commission for Mr. Plumer, as Loan Officer for N.H. The recommendations of Mr. Wentworth are very weighty; but being local, justify the preference of Mr. P. who is...
1185From James Madison to James Monroe, 15 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I rcd. from Mr. Graham during your trip to Loudon the inclosed letter from Mr. Bagot. The subject of it is delicate. The first remark is that it belongs to Congress, not to the Ex. unless provided for by conventional arrangement explanatory or supplemental. The 2d. remark is that it has the aspect of equity, and may have been countenanced by the conversations of our Minister at London. 3d. But...
1186From James Madison to Jean Guillaume Hyde de Neuville, 17 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 12th. overrates the hospitality for which your visit afforded me, the agreeable opportunity: if otherwise, it would have been overpaid by the sentiments which it has led you to express. It is very gratifying to be assured from such a source, that not only your monarch, inheriting the virtues of a brother, whose generous policy was allied to the early fortunes of our Country,...
1187From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I return the letter from Mr. Wirt, and the letter & paper from Mr. Mitchell. You cannot do better than pursue the result of your consultation with Mr. Rush on the subject. He is acquainted with what passed between me & Judge Tucker & Mr. Wirt. It seems proper that Mr. Mitchell be instructed to send if he be permitted the persons under his care, to the U.S. We are bound by respect to the laws,...
1188From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 18 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the inclosing Mr. Hasslers letter on the subject of the Observatory. I had previously recd. one from Col: Lane, informing me of the selection made by Mr. H. for its site. Altho’ I had no doubt of the fitness of any spot preferred by Mr. H. taken in the abstract, it occurred that as the whole square would be required, the expence to the public might be very...
1189From James Madison to James Monroe, 19 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 16. & 17. I return the letter of M. De Kantzow. Our expectation of letters from Mr. Russel, or of his speedy return, will justify our delay in taking up the subject, and will be a proper answer to it. It will be well not to encourage too much the idea of a treaty; first because, it is not very probable that Sweeden will admit her Colonies to be included, as a part of...
1190From James Madison to Richard Rush, 20 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
As I have taken the liberty of throwing on your attention the business of fixing on a Site for an Observatory at Washington, I pass the inclosed to Mr. Dallas thro’ your hands. You will see that the turn which the subject is likely to take, will relieve you from further trouble with respect to it. I have recd. your favor of . We regret that we shall not have the pleasure of seeing you, and we...
1191From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 21 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 16th. inclosing the propositions of Mr. Hassler, the Report of the Collector of Philada. and the letter from Mr Irving. The importance of the object, and the peculiar fitness of Mr. Hassler for it, prescribe an acquiescence in his terms. Will it not be better to throw his paper into the form of instructions and explanations accompanying his appointment, than to let it...
1192From James Madison to James Monroe, 21 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 21st. (a mistaken date). I hope Mr. Bagot, if willing to arrange in any mode, a reciprocity on the Lakes, will immediately issue instructions to discontinue augmentations or preparations of force on the B. side. The state of things on our side, will correspond without instructions; but a communication to the proper officers, of what may be the British intentions...
1193From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I must ask the favor of you & Mr. Rush to attend to the subject of the letter from Mr. Munroe & the one inclosed in it. As the building proposed is to be on public ground, for pub: use, & eventually to be purchased, with rent in the mean time, paid, by the public, the Ex: sanction merits enquiry & consideration. There is always some risk of error, in yieding [ sic ] to sudden impulses,...
1194Pardon for Gaude Petit, alias Frederick, 24 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that at a late Court of the United States for the District of Louisiana, Gaude Petit, Alias Frederick, was indicted for Piracy, where upon he was found guilty by the Jury, and condemned by the Court; and whereas it has been represented to me, that this is the first criminal offence with which the said Gaude Petit alias Frederick has ever been charged in...
1195From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 26 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the and return the N. York Memorial inclosed in it. Interpositions for relief in such cases are of a delicate nature when proceeding from the Legislative the most competent authority. When claimed from the Executive, they are peculiarly delicate. The only ground on which the latter can proceed, seems to be that of increasing the security of the revenue, by suspending a...
1196From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 24th. Mr. Coles leaves me this moment on his way to Washington. There will certainly be an advantage in sending him in a pub: vessel; and I am glad it can be done with so little expence. If the Congs: will Suffice for the pacific, it will be better than to send the Guerriere, which may possibly be wanted for other service. You have not yet alluded to my...
1197From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 27 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 23d. inclosing a letter from Mr. Baker, with the draft of an answer; and a letter from Wm. Js. Sears of Bermuda. The subject of Mr. Bakers letter, regularly belongs to the Dept. of State: But whether addressed to the Treasury Dept: or to that, ought to have proceeded from the Minister, & not from the Consul otherwise than thro’ the Minister. From courtesy, which as...
1198Pardon and Remission for Moses Thorndike, [27 July 1816] (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been made to appear to me that a certain Moses Thorndike, of the District of Maine, was, at a District Court of the United States, held at Portland in the said District, in May last, duly convicted of the offence of aiding and abetting in the year 1814, certain prisoners of War, subjects of Great Britain, in making their escape from the custody of the Marshal; and thereupon the...
1199From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
The 2 letters of Mr. De Neuville present topics which are not agreeable. The one demanding the recall of Mr. Lee will be sufficiently answered by his actual return to the U.S. and an intimation that without any particular examination of the charge agst. him, this Govt. could not fail to respect the wishes of M. C. M. in such a case. The other letter complaining of the toast of the Post Master...
1200From James Madison to Daniel Parker, [ca. 31 July 1816] (Madison Papers)
The proposed order for the 1st. of Augst. is approved. It being desireable that the testimony called for by Gen: Gaines, be procured in all the extent practicable, It may be proper to apprize Gen: Smith of the destination of Genl. Ripley, and to order his attendance with that of Capt: Ship if the service in that quarter will permit. MS ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers). Undated; addressee not...