1251From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Herewith are the papers recd. from Mr. Hughs. He seems to have been no wise sparing of diplomatic politeness to the Spanish Govr. You will of course express the satisfaction afforded by the successful execution of his commission in reference to our Captive Citizens with an approbation of the interest taken in behalf of the English & French Captives; and forward the documents to Mr. Erving,...
1252From James Madison to José Francisco Corrêa da Serra, 15 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just received your favor of the 10th. inst: Altho’ I hope the return of your health will have enabled you to leave Philada. I will not suppress an assurance of the pleasure with which I shall receive your promised visit. The sentiments both national and personal which you express on occasion of the appointment which makes you a link between our two Countries, coincide too much with my...
1253From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 15 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your several letters of the 5. 7. 8. & 11th. Your Statement in the case of Mr. Hassler, was sanctioned & sent to the Treasy; as was the proposed purchase of a Custom-House at Boston. Be so good as to have issued a Commission for Mr. Plumer, as Loan Officer for N.H. The recommendations of Mr. Wentworth are very weighty; but being local, justify the preference of Mr. P. who is...
1254From James Madison to James Monroe, 15 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I rcd. from Mr. Graham during your trip to Loudon the inclosed letter from Mr. Bagot. The subject of it is delicate. The first remark is that it belongs to Congress, not to the Ex. unless provided for by conventional arrangement explanatory or supplemental. The 2d. remark is that it has the aspect of equity, and may have been countenanced by the conversations of our Minister at London. 3d. But...
1255From James Madison to Jean Guillaume Hyde de Neuville, 17 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 12th. overrates the hospitality for which your visit afforded me, the agreeable opportunity: if otherwise, it would have been overpaid by the sentiments which it has led you to express. It is very gratifying to be assured from such a source, that not only your monarch, inheriting the virtues of a brother, whose generous policy was allied to the early fortunes of our Country,...
1256From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I return the letter from Mr. Wirt, and the letter & paper from Mr. Mitchell. You cannot do better than pursue the result of your consultation with Mr. Rush on the subject. He is acquainted with what passed between me & Judge Tucker & Mr. Wirt. It seems proper that Mr. Mitchell be instructed to send if he be permitted the persons under his care, to the U.S. We are bound by respect to the laws,...
1257From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 18 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the inclosing Mr. Hasslers letter on the subject of the Observatory. I had previously recd. one from Col: Lane, informing me of the selection made by Mr. H. for its site. Altho’ I had no doubt of the fitness of any spot preferred by Mr. H. taken in the abstract, it occurred that as the whole square would be required, the expence to the public might be very...
1258From James Madison to James Monroe, 19 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 16. & 17. I return the letter of M. De Kantzow. Our expectation of letters from Mr. Russel, or of his speedy return, will justify our delay in taking up the subject, and will be a proper answer to it. It will be well not to encourage too much the idea of a treaty; first because, it is not very probable that Sweeden will admit her Colonies to be included, as a part of...
1259From James Madison to Richard Rush, 20 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
As I have taken the liberty of throwing on your attention the business of fixing on a Site for an Observatory at Washington, I pass the inclosed to Mr. Dallas thro’ your hands. You will see that the turn which the subject is likely to take, will relieve you from further trouble with respect to it. I have recd. your favor of . We regret that we shall not have the pleasure of seeing you, and we...
1260From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 21 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 16th. inclosing the propositions of Mr. Hassler, the Report of the Collector of Philada. and the letter from Mr Irving. The importance of the object, and the peculiar fitness of Mr. Hassler for it, prescribe an acquiescence in his terms. Will it not be better to throw his paper into the form of instructions and explanations accompanying his appointment, than to let it...
1261From James Madison to James Monroe, 21 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 21st. (a mistaken date). I hope Mr. Bagot, if willing to arrange in any mode, a reciprocity on the Lakes, will immediately issue instructions to discontinue augmentations or preparations of force on the B. side. The state of things on our side, will correspond without instructions; but a communication to the proper officers, of what may be the British intentions...
1262From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I must ask the favor of you & Mr. Rush to attend to the subject of the letter from Mr. Munroe & the one inclosed in it. As the building proposed is to be on public ground, for pub: use, & eventually to be purchased, with rent in the mean time, paid, by the public, the Ex: sanction merits enquiry & consideration. There is always some risk of error, in yieding [ sic ] to sudden impulses,...
1263Pardon for Gaude Petit, alias Frederick, 24 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that at a late Court of the United States for the District of Louisiana, Gaude Petit, Alias Frederick, was indicted for Piracy, where upon he was found guilty by the Jury, and condemned by the Court; and whereas it has been represented to me, that this is the first criminal offence with which the said Gaude Petit alias Frederick has ever been charged in...
1264From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 26 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the and return the N. York Memorial inclosed in it. Interpositions for relief in such cases are of a delicate nature when proceeding from the Legislative the most competent authority. When claimed from the Executive, they are peculiarly delicate. The only ground on which the latter can proceed, seems to be that of increasing the security of the revenue, by suspending a...
1265From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 24th. Mr. Coles leaves me this moment on his way to Washington. There will certainly be an advantage in sending him in a pub: vessel; and I am glad it can be done with so little expence. If the Congs: will Suffice for the pacific, it will be better than to send the Guerriere, which may possibly be wanted for other service. You have not yet alluded to my...
1266From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 27 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 23d. inclosing a letter from Mr. Baker, with the draft of an answer; and a letter from Wm. Js. Sears of Bermuda. The subject of Mr. Bakers letter, regularly belongs to the Dept. of State: But whether addressed to the Treasury Dept: or to that, ought to have proceeded from the Minister, & not from the Consul otherwise than thro’ the Minister. From courtesy, which as...
1267Pardon and Remission for Moses Thorndike, [27 July 1816] (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been made to appear to me that a certain Moses Thorndike, of the District of Maine, was, at a District Court of the United States, held at Portland in the said District, in May last, duly convicted of the offence of aiding and abetting in the year 1814, certain prisoners of War, subjects of Great Britain, in making their escape from the custody of the Marshal; and thereupon the...
1268From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
The 2 letters of Mr. De Neuville present topics which are not agreeable. The one demanding the recall of Mr. Lee will be sufficiently answered by his actual return to the U.S. and an intimation that without any particular examination of the charge agst. him, this Govt. could not fail to respect the wishes of M. C. M. in such a case. The other letter complaining of the toast of the Post Master...
1269From James Madison to Daniel Parker, [ca. 31 July 1816] (Madison Papers)
The proposed order for the 1st. of Augst. is approved. It being desireable that the testimony called for by Gen: Gaines, be procured in all the extent practicable, It may be proper to apprize Gen: Smith of the destination of Genl. Ripley, and to order his attendance with that of Capt: Ship if the service in that quarter will permit. MS ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers). Undated; addressee not...
1270From James Madison to John Graham, [ca. 1 August 1816] (Madison Papers)
I return the papers sent with yours of the 29th: except the letter from E. Lewis, which goes to the Treasy. Dept. If Mr. B. has no more power than to receive proposals, I sd. have supposed his object in an interview wd. have been simply to ask for them, with an assurance of the General disposition of his Govts. to receive them favorably, and that the uncertainty or misconception occasioned by...
1271From James Madison to James Monroe, 3 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yours of July 31. and return the answer to Mr. B. with one or two alterations, the chief of which is an extension of the arrangement to Lake Champlain. An entire prohibition of armed vessels there where there is much smuggling from Canada, might not be convenient to us; nor would it be reciprocal, considering the manner in which the waters of that Lake are divided between the...
1272From James Madison to George Graham, 4 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I return the letters from Govr. C. &c &c—and from Mr. McKee. If the line between the Cherokees, or rather the U.S. & the Osages, can be ascertained by a resurvey at a moderate & authorized expence, it will be a proper measure in every view. It will be advantageous also, that the boundary of the Cherokees on the South side of the Arkansaw be defined. Shd. the Cherokees be displaced from the...
1273From James Madison to James Monroe, 4 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday the 2 letters from Onis herewith returned, and today copies of the papers transmitted by Mr. Crowninshield, which as the originals are in the Dept. I retain. The law of Nations, and our position in relation to the contest between Spain & Spanish America, will of course govern the reply to these representations. The remarks of Judge Story as to the fisheries are valuable, and...
1274From James Madison to John Graham, 5 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I return the letter from Mr. Bagot. It manifests a good disposition on his part, and on that of the Commander in cheif in Canada. But it appears by communications to the War Dept. from one of our own sources, that the hostile purposes of the Indians in question, are the effect, of instigations from British Traders. I have desired Mr. G. Graham to lay these communications before the Dept of...
1275From James Madison to Daniel Parker, [post–5 August 1816] (Madison Papers)
The high standing of Genl. Gaines strengthens his title to all the testimony he calls for, as far as it be attainable. Measures may be taken by the War Dept. for the attendance of the Witnesses named, subject to the conditions of practicability in point of time & distance, and to the demands of the public service in the judgment of military commanders. The probable duration of the Court...
1276From James Madison to John Graham, 6 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the 3d. and return without delay the several letters inclosed in it. The apprehensions of Mr. Shaler, are instigated at least, by the recent occurrence, if true, at Oran, and its probable effect on the relations of G.B. & Algiers. Mr. Adams’s idea of making his Country, the sole Champion of Xndum against the Barbarians, is very heroic; but is not in perfect harmony...
1277From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 7 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Col: McCobb has just handed me yours of the 3d. inst. The recommendations of him for the vacant office he seeks, appear to be decisive. I have referred him however to you for a communication of the result. That there may be no unncessary [ sic ] delay, I write by the present oppy. to the Dept. of State, to forward to you immediately a blank commission to you, if there be one on hand already...
1278From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 10 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 6th. inst: I have approved the contemplated purchase of a Custom House in N.Y. as I do your proposed instructions to the Bank Commissioners, on the subject of preparatory arrangements. It is to be hoped that Judge Hall will have taken the course you allude to. Should he have failed even to ascertain the offers to subscribe within the prescribed period, the delay may...
1279From James Madison to John Graham, 11 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I return the letter of Mr. Poinsett with the Spanish documents inclosed in it. They coincide with other disclosures of the policy of G. B. at a certain period at least, in favor of Spain, and agst. the U. S. I add to these inclosures two letters from Buennos Ayr⟨es⟩ of which the Mr. Thomson named by you was the bearer. Your communication of them to Mr. Monroe, will enable him to hold the usual...
1280From James Madison to James Monroe, 12 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yours of the written on your return to the City. It may be best to taper off with Sweeden by appointing a Scy. of L. to be Chargè on the departure of Russell and the reasons you give favor that of Hughes; whose wishes rather than understanding seem to have listened to your remarks on the subject. It must be kept in mind however, that in Case Mr. R. shd. chuse to prolong his...
1281Respite for George Adams and Randall Tarrier, 12 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been made to appear to me, that a certain George Adams and Randall Tarrier, were, at a Circuit Court of the United States, lately held for the County of Washington in the District of Columbia, duly convicted of the crime of High Way Robery and thereupon Judgment of death was rendered against them, the said George Adams and Randall Tarrier, by the said Court, to be executed upon...
1282From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have yours of the 12th. intended for the 11th. inst. I have no map by which I can judge of the comparative values of the 2 offers of Mr Bagot as to the fisheries. There will be some delicacy in referring the arrangement to Mr. A. who prefers a decision here, and will say that we having better means of procuring the necessary information we ought not to put the task & responsibility on him....
1283From James Madison to James Monroe, 15 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 14. sd. be 13th. has just come to hand. Wishing to read more attentively than the circumstances of the moment permit, the communications from Mr. Harris, I do not return them by the present mail. Shd. the affair of the Russian Consul not be terminated before the arrival of Mr. Coles, the full explanations he carries, can not fail I think to dissipate the impressions of the...
1284From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, [post–17 August 1816] (Madison Papers)
If Mr. Dallas, taking into view with this the other circumstances of the case known to him, thinks relief ought to be granted, he will send the papers to the Dept of State with an intimation that a pardon be forwarded for my signature. RC ( DNA : RG 59, Petitions for Pardon and Related Briefs). Undated; conjectured date assigned based on a 17 Aug. 1816 note to James Monroe written by Dallas on...
1285From 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...
1286Remission for Jerusha Blackman, 20 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that at a District Court of the United States for the District of Massachusetts, held at Boston in the month of March last, Judgment was rendered against Jerusha Blackman, of the town of Dorchester, in the said District, for a violation of the revenue laws of the United States, in selling spirituous liquors without a license for so doing, whereupon a fine...
1287From James Madison to the Dey of Algiers, 21 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter bearing date the 24th of April last. You represent that the two vessels of War captured by the American squadron were not restored according to the promises of its Commander Decatur; and inferring that this failure violated the Treaty of peace, you propose as an alternative a renewal of the former Treaty made many years ago, or a withdrawal of our Consul from...
1288From 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...
1289From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, [ca. 22 August 1816] (Madison Papers)
The translation of the Dey of Algiers’ letter, after a curious display of Oriental Bombast, presents the alternative of re-establishing the Old Treaty, instead of the late one as annulled by our breach of it, or a withdrawal of our Consul which means a commencement of war by him. The answer concludes with the declaration that as peace is better than war, war is better than tribute. Letters...
1290From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 25 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Since the rect. of your several letters relating to the Treasury proposition, and the decision of Bank Deputies at Philadelphia, my thoughts have been duly turned to the important and perplexing subject. Altho’ there may be no propriety in recalling the proposition, it seems now certain that it will fail of its effect. Should the Banks not represented at Philada. come into the measure, the...
1291From James Madison to Richard Cutts, 27 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have re⟨c⟩d. yours of the . I am very glad that the loan has been useful to you. I shall not have a necessary call for it till I return to the City. You are therefore welcome to any further advantage to which you may be able to turn it. Inclosed are drafts on Mr. Maury of Liverpool for a ballance in his hands. Be so good as to have the bills filled up &c. and disposed of, putting the...
1292From James Madison to James Monroe, 28 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Among the inclosures is a very extry letter from Mr De Neuville. It was brought by his private Secretary from whom I thought it better for several reasons to receive it, than to let him proceed with it to your House. As its contents were neither known nor guessed, it was possible that they might call for an attention which my knowlege of them might hasten, and it was desirable for you that you...
1293From James Madison to Henry Clay, 30 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Dallas seems to have made up his mind to retire early in October from the Department in his hands; and the event may draw after it a vacancy in the War Department. Will you permit me to avail our Country of your services in the latter? It will be convenient to know your determination, as soon as you have formed it; and it will be particularly gratifying, if it assent to my request. Accept...
1294From James Madison to John Graham, 30 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Spanish Documents inclosed; with the letter from McCall, were sent to me by Mr. Dallas: They are curious and interesting. Mr. Dallas is apprized that they would be communicated to the Dept. of State. As he is or soon will be in Washington, you will be able to know from him whether he chuses that they shd. remain there. If his choice be to repossess them you will return them, taking copies...
1295From James Madison to William Harris Crawford, 31 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure of duly receiving your letter written from Georgia, and have written one to Mr. Clay founded on its acquiescence in the arrangment tendered to you. I am truly concerned at the view you give of the situation into which the unfortunate measure of Congress has thrown Dr Bibb; and should consider myself as befriending one of the best of men and most enlightened of patriots, if I...
1296From James Madison to William Jones, 31 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 25th. inst: inclosing a newspaper of the 20th. in which is stated the purport of a letter grossly calumniating the present naval officer of Philada. and alleged to have been addressed to me by Lt. Col: **** at the time of filling the vacancy occasioned by the death of his predecessor. My recollection is so imperfect on this subject that it does not authorize me...
1297From James Madison to Samuel Lane, 31 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your two letters of the 22 & 29. inst. Mr. Rush being now with me and about to return to Washington I have communicated to him the ideas occurring to me on the subjects of them, and by him they will be made known to the Secretaries of the Departments who may be in the City. To these gentlemen I wish you to make whatever statements and explanations you may find expedient relative...
1298From James Madison to William Harris Crawford, 4 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
Previous to the rect. of yours of the 30th. aug. I had in acknowleging that written from Georgia, said what occurred on the subject of Dr. Bibb. I can add nothing now but a suggestion for consideration how far the Creek Agency could with propriety be offered to him. I am aware at the same time of the great probability that it would not be accepted, and of the possibility that the offer even...
1299From James Madison to Miles King, 5 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
I recd. tho’ not at an early day your frien[d]ly letter of the 29th, June last. The letters & communications addressed to me on religious subjects, have been so numerous and of characters so various, that it has been an established rule to decline all correspondence on them. Your reflection will I doubt not do justice to this rule. You may be assured that I do it fully to the pious motives...
1300From James Madison to Alexander J. Dallas, 6 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
I return the answers of the Banks to the Treasury proposition. Some of them, I observe, are sore at the idea of their yielding to the temptation of gain, in prolonging the refusal to resume specie payments. The best mode of repelling the suspicion would be to dispose of their public stock, and thus reduce their dividends. Whilst they refuse to co-operate with the Treasury, that circumstance...