31To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 4 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
The death of Mr Keith Spence, late navy agent at New Orleans, having been duly notified to this Department, the public interests require that an immediate appointment be made to that vacancy; and as in that distant agency it is peculiarly necessary that the officer should possess a thorough knowledge of the business which will be confided to him, I beg leave to recommend, to be nominated to...
32To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 1 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 December 1809, Navy Department. Encloses report on condition of “Vessels of Warr & Gun Boats,” distinguishing between those commissioned before the navy act of 31 Jan. 1809 and “the Number fitted out under that Act.” Also appends reports on expenditures authorized by the act of 3 Mar. regulating the treasury, war, and navy departments. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages);...
33To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 25 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing you yesterday, since which, some reflection on the late accounts received from England inducing me to beleive that, under the present aspect of Affairs, you would think it inexpedient to diminish any of our preparations for defence, I have ventured to suspend, untill your sentiments can be known, the Orders which, conformably to the determination made at our last...
34To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 24 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
Expecting that the recent accounts from England will occasion you to return shortly to this place, and that in that event, you may wish to have the Heads of the Departments present, I beg leave to mention that I shall postpone my departure for Carolina untill I am favored with a knowledge of your determination on this subject. Although extremely anxious to return to my domestic comforts, no...
35To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 14 May 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 May 1809. Covering letter from Secretary Hamilton accompanies a memorandum on the condition of ships of the line and gunboats. Of the fourteen commissioned ships, all but three “are ready for service at a moment’s warning; & the frigates United States & Essex & corvette Jno. Adams are very nearly ready.” All of the gunboats except those stationed in New Orleans “have been placed in a State...
36To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 22 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of your communication under date of the 7th. instt, accompanied by a Commission appointing me Secretary of the Navy, and present you my sincere thanks for this distinguished proof of your confidence. If the apprehensions which I feel that I may fall short of your expectations and my own wishes were allowed to influence my determination, I would be induced...