1To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 30 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
Having devoted unremittedly more than thirty years of my life to public service, in various situations, in all of which, I feel a consciousness of having done my duty according to my best judgment and understanding; and being now about to withdraw from the Office of the Secretary of the Navy with which you honored me, permit me to ask you whether, in your opinion, there has been any thing in...
2To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 21 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
On the subject of the Resolution of the honorable the House of Representatives, of the 16th: instant, I have the honor to state: That in pursuance of the Resolution of congress of the 3rd March 1805, a gold medal, emblematical of the attacks on the town batteries & naval force of Tripoli, by the squadron under commre. Preble’s command, was presented to commre. Preble—in the manner stated in...
3To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, [ca. 20 October] 1812 (Madison Papers)
All the public vessels, worthy of repair, have been put in requisition—& the following are now in actual service, frigate President Constitution United States Congress Essex Ship— John Adams " Wasp " Hornet Brig Siren " Argus " Vixen "
4To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 11 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
With much diffidence I submit the enclosed to you, which I would have done sooner if I had been allowed any time even to think on the subject. My mind tells me that the sketch is imperfect, and I must confess that I have never, in my life, approached a case so awfully intricate and perplexing as is this of Genl. W.’[s] Trial. If in the view I offer I shall contribute any aid to you on this...
5To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 16 October 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to submit to Your consideration the paper herewith marked A. which is a statement of navy appropriations up to the 15. instant inclusively. By this paper, You will perceive, Sir, that the aggregate unexpended balance on that day, was $785.491.13.: but that of the appropriation for “repairs of vessels” there was only, on hand $1532..8.—& only $508.36. of the Appropriation for...
6To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 17 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of now transmitting to you the proceedings of the Court of Enquiry in the case of Commodore Rodgers, the result of which abundantly justifies the confidence you have been pleased to repose in the correctness of the Commodore’s statement of facts. You will observe that amongst the many officers who gave testimony before the Court, the Surgeons and Purser were not included, for...
7To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 11 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed was presented me this morning by Mr. Smith, the gentleman in whose behalf it was written. He stated that he had been waiting here for three weeks expecting your arrival, on which, he intended to deliver it, but as he was informed that the period of it was uncertain he had been advised by his friends to offer it to me. He stated to me, most positively, that he knew the contents and...
8To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 9 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
Sickness in my family which has occupied much of my time for some days past has prevented my forwarding, at an earlier moment, the enclosed copy of a letter from Capt. Porter for your information. As Capt Porter’s operations are sanctioned by the orders which, some months since, in obedience to your instructions I issued to the Commanders of our Vessels of war, I shall inform him that his...
9To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 4 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed I have just now received, and altho’ it contains nothing specifically important, yet having connection with our foreign relations I think it not amiss to forward it to you. I think that, combining this arrival with the certainty of the departure of Sir Joseph Yorke with his squadron from England, something interesting must very soon be developed. I have the satisfaction to inform...
10To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 3 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
The John Adams arrived at Boston on the 28th. ult., and my Son reached this place with his dispatches on yesterday; and as I do not consider him as having entirely fulfilled his duty untill he shall have delivered them to you, I have desired him to proceed with them by this days Mail. The informality of his not carrying them to Mr. Monroe, in the first instance, will be accounted for and...