31From James Madison to Congress, 9 December 1813 (Madison Papers)
The tendency of our commercial and navigation laws in their present state, to favor the Enemy and thereby prolong the war, is more and more developed by experience. Supplies of the most essential kinds find their way, not only to British ports and British armies at a distance, but the armies in our neighbourhood, with which our own are contending, derive from our ports and outlets, a...
32From James Madison to Congress, 20 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
Confidential There being sufficient ground to infer, that it is the purpose of the Enemy to combine with the Blockade of our Ports, special licences to neutral vessels, or to British vessels in neutral disguises, whereby they may draw from our Country the precise kind and quantity of Exports essential to their wants, whilst its general commerce remains obstructed; keeping in view also the...
33From James Madison to Congress, 25 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
Fellow Citizens of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives. At an early day after the close of the last Session of Congress, an offer was formally communicated from His Imperial Majesty, The Emperor of Russia, of his mediation, as the common friend of the United States and Great Britain, for the purpose of facilitating a peace between them. The high character of the Emperor Alexander,...
34From James Madison to Congress, 1 March 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 March 1813. “I lay before Congress a Report of the Secretary of the Treasury, containing a statement of proceedings under the ‘Act to regulate the laying out and making a road from Cumberland in the State of Maryland to the State of Ohio.’” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages, 12A-E4). Each...
35From James Madison to Congress, 24 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress copies of a Proclamation of the British Lieutenant Governor of the Island of Bermuda, which has appeared under circumstances leaving no doubt of its authenticity. It recites a British order in Council of the 26 of October last, providing for the supply of the British West Indies and other Colonial possessions, by a trade under special licences; and is accompanied by a...
36From James Madison to Congress, 22 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress a letter with accompanying documents from Captain Bainbridge, now commanding the United States Frigate “The Constitution,” reporting his capture and destruction of the British Frigate “The Java.” The circumstances and the issue of this combat, afford another example of the professional skill and heroic spirit, which prevail in our naval service. The signal display of...
37From James Madison to Congress, 22 January 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 January 1813. Transmits “copies of a correspondence between John Mitchell, agent for American Prisoners of War at Halifax, and the British Admiral commanding at that station.” Also transmits “copies of a letter from commodore Rodgers to the Secretary of the Navy.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E2). First RC...
38From James Madison to Congress, 11 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
I transmit to Congress copies of a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, from Captain Decatur of the Frigate “United States,” reporting his combat and capture of the British Frigate, Macedonian. Too much praise cannot be bestowed on that officer and his companions on board, for the consummate skill and conspicuous valour, by which this Trophy has been added to the naval arms of the United...
39Draft of a Message to Congress, [ca. 8 December] 1812 (Madison Papers)
Considering that the U. S have a just claim on Spain for indemnities to a large amt. the justice of which has been admitted & for the satisfaction of which the Spanish possessions on the S Borders of the U. S. were brought into negociation; that these possessions, under the existing Circumstances of the Spanish Monarchy are every day liable to be occupied by the Enemy of the U. S. whence that...
40From James Madison to Congress, 18 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 November 1812. “I transmit … copies of a communication from Mr. Russell to the Secretary of State. It is connected with the correspondence accompanying my Message of the 12th instant, but had not at that date been received.” RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E2). First RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles,...
41From James Madison to Congress, 17 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 November 1812. Transmits “copies of a letter from the Consul General of the United States to Algeirs, stating the circumstances preceding and attending his departure from that Regency.” RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E2). First RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosure, see n. 1. JM...
42From James Madison to Congress, 12 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 November 1812. “For the further information of Congress relative to the pacific advances made on the part of this Government, to that of Great Britain, and the manner in which they have been met by the latter, I transmit the sequel of the communications on that subject received from the late chargé d’affaires at London.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages,...
43From James Madison to Congress, 6 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 November 1812. Transmits “copies of the correspondencies [ sic ] between the Department of War and the Governors of Massachusetts and Connecticut, refered to in my Message of the fourth instant.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E2). First RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosures (34...
44From James Madison to Congress, 5 November 1812 (Madison Papers)
The Bill entitled, “An Act supplementary to the Acts heretofore passed on the subject of an uniform rule of naturalization” which passed the two Houses at the last Session of Congress, having appeared to me liable to abuse by Aliens having no real purpose of effectuating a naturalization, and therefore not been signed; and having been presented at an hour too near the close of the Session to...
45Annual Message to Congress, 4 November 1812 (Madison Papers)
Fellow Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives On our present meeting, it is my first duty to invite your attention, to the providential favors which our Country has experienced, in the unusual degree of health dispensed to its inhabitants, and in the rich abundance with which the Earth has rewarded the labours bestowed on it. In the successful cultivation of other branches...
46From James Madison to Congress, 30 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
With a view, the better to adapt to the public service, the Volunteer force contemplated by the Act passed on the six [ sic ] day of February, I recommend to the consideration of Congress, the expediency of making the requisite provision for the officers thereof being commissioned by the authority of the United States. Considering the distribution of the military forces of the United States,...
47From James Madison to Congress, 22 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 June 1812. “I communicate to Congress copies of a letter to the Secretary of State from the chargé d’Affaires of the United States at London, and of a note to him from the British Secretary for foreign Affairs.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by...
48From James Madison to Congress, 16 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 June 1812. “I transmit, for the information of Congress, copies of a letter to the Secretary of State from the Charge de Affaires of the United States at London, accompanied by a letter from the latter to the British Minister of foreign affairs.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in...
49From James Madison to Congress, 15 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 June 1812. “I transmit for the information of Congress copies of letters which have passed between the Secretary of State and the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For...
50From James Madison to Congress, 11 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 June 1812. “I transmit for the information of Congress copies of letters which have passed between the Secretary of State and the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For...
51From James Madison to Congress, 8 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 June 1812. “I lay before Congress copies of letters which have passed between the Secretary of State and the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosures, see n. 1. JM...
52From James Madison to Congress, 4 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 June 1812. “I transmit, for the information of Congress, copies of a correspondence of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain, with the Secretary of State.” RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosures, see n. 1. JM forwarded copies...
53From James Madison to Congress, 1 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I communicate to Congress certain Documents, being a continuation of those heretofore laid before them, on the subject of our Affairs with Great Britain. Without going back beyond the renewal in 1803, of the war in which Great Britain is eng[a]ged, and omitting unrepaired wrongs of inferior magnitude; the conduct of her Government presents a series of acts, hostile to the United States, as an...
54Draft of a Message to Congress, [ca. 31 May] 1812 (Madison Papers)
Ever since the peace of Independence the B. G. instead of regarding the U. S. with the friendly eye which was required by justice magnaminity [ sic ] & true policy, has yielded to an embarassing mortification at their success & an unworthy jealousy of their commerce. Her delay to send an Ambass. Her monopolizing regulations of navigation, among the proofs. It was not however, untill the war in...
55From James Madison to Congress, 26 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
I communicate to Congress, for their information, copies and extracts from the correspondence of the Secretary of State, and the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at Paris. These Documents will place before Congress the actual posture of our relations with France. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings,...
56From James Madison to Congress, 20 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
Among the incidents to the unexampled increase and expanding interests of the American nation, under the fostering influence of free constitutions and just laws, has been a corresponding accumulation of duties in the several Departments of the Government: And this has been necessarily the greater, in consequence of the peculiar State of our foreign relations, and the connection of these with...
57From James Madison to Congress, 1 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
Considering it as expedient, under existing circumstances and prospects, that a General Embargo be laid on all vessels now in port or hereafter arriving, for the period of sixty days, I recommend the immediate passage of a law to that effect. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E2). In the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. On 2 Apr. Foster inquired of Monroe whether he should...
58From James Madison to Congress, 13 March 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 March 1812. Transmits a letter from the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Great Britain to the secretary of state. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 12A-E3). Each RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles, signed by JM. For enclosure (printed in ASP American State Papers: Documents, Legislative...
59From James Madison to Congress, 9 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
I lay before Congress copies of certain Documents, which remain in the Department of State. They prove that at a recent period, whilst the United States, notwithstanding the wrongs sustained by them, ceased not to observe the laws of peace and neutrality towards Great Britain; and in the midst of amicable professions and negociations on the part of the British Government, through its public...
60From James Madison to Congress, 3 March 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 March 1812. Transmits, at the request of the convention assembled in the Orleans Territory on 22 Nov. 1811, the proceedings of that body in pursuance of the “Act to enable the people of the Territory of Orleans to form a constitution and State Government and for the admission of the said State into the Union on an equal footing with the original States, and for other purposes.” RC ( DNA : RG...