To James Madison from James Monroe, 2 December 1816
From James Monroe
Decr. 2. 16.
I saw Mr de Neuville to day and explaind the cause, why, the article was not sent to the press. He was satisfied. I had mistaken his motive, in suggesting to me, his intention in writing another note. It was not, to press former demands or, relinquish them, but, leaving things where they were, to conciliate. If he writes any thing he will shew it to me, before making it official, as I have promisd to shew to him my answer.
I have sent the note to the press, & expect it will appear to morrow.1
He was much gratified to find the portrait off Louis 18th in the dining room with that of Genl Washington, & says that he has already mentiond it in a letter to his government.
J.M.
RC (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers). Docketed by JM.
1. The 3 Dec. 1816 Daily National Intelligencer printed a notice as follows: “We understand that the Minister of France has, since his arrival in this city, been favorably received by the President. Whatever difference of opinion there may have been on a delicate subject intimately connected with our institutions, respecting which it is difficult for foreign governments to form correct opinions, we cannot doubt, after the friendly explanations which it is understood have taken place, that just sentiments will be entertained respecting them, and that no interruption will occur in the amicable relations existing between the United States and His Most Christian Majesty.” The “delicate subject” was Jean Guillaume Hyde de Neuville’s demand, in July 1816, for the recall of William Lee, and the removal of Baltimore postmaster John S. Skinner for remarks de Neuville regarded as insulting to Louis XVIII (see JM to James Monroe, 29 July 1816, and n. 1).