1From James Madison to Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 22 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
You will be furnished from the Department of State with copies of the translation of the letter from the Dey of Algiers, and of the answer to it; with the letter of the Secretary of State to Mr. Shaler, and the instructions to him & Commodore Chauncey as Commissioners to accomodate matters with the Dey. As their negotiations may issue in a commencement of hostilities on the part of Algiers, it...
2From James Madison to Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 20 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 13th. The information given by Mr. Gardner’s letter inclosed in it, is agreeable. It may nevertheless be advisable to continue the equipment of the Congs. for the Pacific Ocean. You will keep us apprized of the progress, and of the time as nearly as it can be fixed, when she will be ready to sail. Capt: Morris will be a very fit Commander; and it is not proposed...
3From 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...
4From 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...
5From James Madison to Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 18 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 11th. I hope you will soon learn the decision of Capt: Stewart, that in the event of his refusal we may be turning our thoughts elsewhere. The peace with Algiers offers two points for decision. 1. What precautionary force ought to be continued in the Mediterranean. It will be best to leave this to the judgment of the naval Commander there. 2 What ought to be done...
6From James Madison to Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 27 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 14th. inclosing the letter of Com: Chauncy declining a seat at the navy Board. Notwithstanding the merits which may distinguish the two officers you name, and the consideration particularly favoring the appointment of Sinclair, I think it will be most eligible on the whole not to pass by Capt: Steuart. You may therefore direct the Commission to be sent to him; or...
7From James Madison to Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 12 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have given to the questions growing out of your letter and communications of the 23rd. of May., and others from the Commissioners of the Navy Board, the consideration due to them. The following remarks convey the result of it. The Law which establishes the Board, containing provisions entirely new, and rendering the Constitution of the Navy Department, more complicated, at the same time that...
8From James Madison to Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 27 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your two letters of the 23 & 24. instant inclosing the correspondence with the Navy Board. This institution being without a precedent in our political System, and the definitions of the act of Congress not being as precise and as full as under other circumstances they might have been made, some difference in the construction of particular passages might well happen. But I had not...
¶ To Benjamin W. Crowninshield. Letter not found. 20 May 1815. Extract printed in Stan. V Henkels Catalogue No. 1379 (1925), item 4.
10From James Madison to Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 12 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 10th. inclosing one from Come Decatur of the 5th. now returned. My last has anticipated & provided for the object of the latter. I cannot conveniently consult the laws for the increase of the Navy. If the practice of the Dept. and the Opinion of the Atty. General, admit the purchase of the Prize Ship Cyane The purchase of such a vessel on the terms probable will...