31To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 8 August 1816 (Madison Papers)
A convention of representatives from the Banks of New-York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, decided yesterday, that they would reccommend to their Constituents, the resumption of specie payments on the 1st. of July next. A Committee called upon me to communicate the decision. I remonstrated against so distant a day, and stated that there were two periods, designated by the measures of the...
32To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 19 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letters of the 14: and 16t instant. It is evident, from the nearer view, which I have been able to take of military men, that your first selection of General Officers is as good as can be made. They are besides, the six General Officers, who have been distinguished by the thanks of Congress. General Ripley still harps upon the Court of Inquiry, and I have not succeeded in...
33To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 28 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 13h. instant, relative to the distressed Seamen in New-York. I had previously put the business upon the footing, which you recommend; and informed the Mayor, that seamen in the public service would find relief from the Naval commander at the New-York station; that seamen belonging to Privateers, or merchant vessels, might easily find employment; but that, in...
34To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 18 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letters from Mr. Adams shew the impracticability of selling the Stock in Europe, within the limits which were prescribed. It is indispensable, however, to provide for the reimbursement of the heavy advances of Mess: Barings in London, and for the advance of Messr. Willincks in Amsterdam. It is time, also, to make arrangements for paying the dividends on the Louisiana stock in...
35To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 31 July 1815 (Madison Papers)
The business of Fort Washington is a bad one. The inclosed papers will shew, that there is no plan, no responsibility, no honesty. I do not mean to inculpate Major L’Enfant, on the score of honesty; but his strange course of conduct is embarrassing in the extreme, and will render it impossible to give any explanation to Congress. If you approve of my report on the subject, be so good as to...
36To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 1 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I enclose a rough sketch of a letter to Genl Jackson. The nature of the subject, and the character of the man, have made it difficult to address him. After several essays, I have thought it best to take him at his word, that he acted from necessity; and to distinguish the law of necessity from the law of the land. Be so good as to favor me with instructions and amendments. The Neptune arrived...
37To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 1 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I send, for your consideration, Govr. Plumer’s reccommendation of his Son, to succeed Mr. Gardner, whose resignation of the Loan Office in New-Hampshire, was forwarded a few days ago. Mr. Smith, the Marshal of New-York, is dead, and you will, I presume, be harrassed with applications for the Office. I am, Dr Sir, most respectfully & faithfully, Yr. obed Serv. RC ( CSmH ). For Plumer’s...
38To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, [ca. 17 July 1816] (Madison Papers)
I inclose Mr. Hassler’s letter, respecting a site for the Observatory. The reccommendation of the ground selected, is very strong; but it requires consideration, whether the authority is sufficient, for purchasing that portion of it, which does not belong to the public? The appropriation is adequate, regarding it as an incident to the survey of the coast. I have requested from Mr. Munroe and...
39To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 20 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter from General Jackson shows that Fort Bowyer has been restored, without difficulty; but that the negroes taken near New Orleans are retained. There are no accounts from Niagara. I have sent by this mail the new Army Register, the general orders for effecting the organization of the peace establishment, and copies of my letters to Generals Jackson and Brown. These, together...
40To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 19 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
Since writing to you yesterday, I have received the inclosed letter from Mr. Baring, which will give you a distinct view of our situation with the Bankers in London. Every Mail brings me additional accounts of the rise in exchange, and, indeed, of the extreme difficulty of procuring good Bills. The importance of reinstating our credit, by payment of the advances, which have been so handsomely...
41To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 20 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to say, that the business respecting Genl. Ripley is arranged; and I hope it will be to your satisfaction. I inclose copies of the letters, which have passed between us. The selection of General Officers being compleat, I will announce it; and if Genl. Brown arrives today, or tomorrow, I think the general plan of organization may be sent for your consideration on Monday....
42To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 11 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I inclose the draft of a letter to the General officers, on the execution of the Act of the 3d. of March 1815, with a copy of the Act. You will see by a Memorandum from Mr. Monroe, that he thinks the peace establishment is to be composed of 10,000 men, exclusive of Officers. Genl. Scott agrees in that opinion; and I shall be very glad to adopt it, with your approbation. I shall write to you...
43To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 18 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have just received your favor of the 15t. instant, and, conforming to it, I shall cease to act in the Treasury, after the dispatch of tomorrow’s mail. The kind expressions of your letter, make a deep and lasting impression. I shall resort to the testimonials of your approbation and confidence, for consolation, whenever the past reminds me of any sacrafice to be lamented; or the future shall...
44To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 11 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have received your favor of the 4. instant; and shall alter the Circular on the currency, in the way which you suggest. The receipt of several additional reccommendations for the Loan Office in New-Hampshire, induces me to suspend an application for the Commission in favor of Mr. Plumer, until you have seen the doccuments now sent. I do not anticipate, however, a change in your instructions....
45To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 11 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
On my return from New-York, I received your favor of the 2d. instant, and the copy of Mr. Crawford’s letter on the question of brevet rank. I can add nothing, by way of information on public points, to the last communication of the talk of our Commissioners. Mr. Gallatin has, probably, written to you at large, on all that relates to the mission. As to his future pursuits, he has left me...
46To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 1 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
A severe indisposition has confined me to my bed for three days. I am sufficiently recovered, however, to decide upon beginning my journey this afternoon, or tomorrow morning. I have left every thing here in order; and I shall continue, with great pleasure, to transact the business of the Department, until you are ready to release me. You will, of course, give me notice of a day, on which I am...
47To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 13 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
Genl. Brown has not yet arrived; but the other Generals have been at work, as pioniers, to prepare the way for an immediate report, as soon as he appears. I am assured, that the selection will be impartial, and such as must command the approbation of the Army, and the confidence of the nation. I do not fail, however, to attend to the course pursued in making it. Indeed, such is the jealousy...
48To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 2 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
The restoration of Bonaparte is confirmed, as all the newspapers will tell you. The effect upon Europe will be general and important; but it is difficult to form a satisfactory conjecture of the result. The abdication included both France and Italy, will both Crowns be resumed? Bonaparte consented to the restoration of Ferdinand, will he retract, or will he support, that incorrigible tyrant?...
49To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 15 July 1815 (Madison Papers)
Major O’Connor’s curious paper is certainly very ill calculated to promote his views. After way-laying me at my lodgings, at the Treasury &c for a month, he wrote me a letter on Saturday night, which I delivered to Mr. Graham, with a request that it might be sent under a cover to you. On Sunday morning, I told the Major that I had done so; but that I was satisfied you would not take the...
50To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 12 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
The Acting Secretary of War has the honor to submit to the President of the United States, the following report: That the Act of Congress entitled “An Act fixing the military peace establishment of the United States,” passed on the 3d. of March 1815, provided that after the Corps constituting the peace establishment was formed and completed, the Supernumerary officers noncommissioned officers,...
51To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, [12 June 1816] (Madison Papers)
The Cumberland road progresses (in ways other?) than I expected. The report is that Mr. Shriver will be tempted to relinquish his charge for employment under a Company in Maryland. It will be difficult to supply his place, though his slow march has been censured. Col. Williams estimates his services at too high a price; and there are other reasons for confining his share in the work to a...
52To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 21 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have just received your letter, expressing a wish that Colonel Croghan’s resignation should be accepted; but the Army Register has been actually printed, including his name, for the reason which I assigned in my last letter. I think, however, you will not regret the occurrence when you observe that Major Taylor must have been promoted to a higher rank in order to take Colonel Croghan’s...
53To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 11 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
When the report first reached me, that Mr. Sheldon was going to Europe, I felt some solicitude, that he should not go, before the Treasurer’s accounts were stated and settled; and I released him from all the other duties of the office, that he might attend exclusively to that object. I certainly felt no objection, generally, to his departure, as his health really required some relaxation from...
54To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 5 July 1816 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to submit to the President, a copy of his letter to the Auditor of the Treasury, respecting the settlement of Mr. Hassler’s accounts, which will require the President’s approbation. RC ( CSmH ). Enclosure not found.
55To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 3 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I now send to you a report of the Board of General Officers upon the organization of the peace establishment, and the selection of Officers; and, also, a report for a General Staff. The latter will certainly require legislative sanction, before it can be adopted to the whole extent. It seems to be indispensable, that an Officer performing the duties of Adjutant General, should be attached to...
56To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 12 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have received your favor of the 8: instant. Having heard from Messrs. Gallatin & Clay the contents of the Commercial Treaty, as well as their opinion upon the necessity of a special call of the Senate to ratify it, I was prepared to express to Mr. Rush, in compliance with your request, a decision against the call. Your letter anticipates the principal reasons of the decision. I will only...
57To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 23 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
In marshalling the appropriations, with a view to provide for subsistence and pay, during the current year, as well as to diminish the amount of debt, I think I can advantageously borrow into wag[e]s from the Ordonance Department: 1. By taking from the unexpended appropriation about the sum of Dollars; and 2d. by selling a quantity of Gun-powder, for which we have no use, actual, or...
58To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 13 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
I send a report on the organization of the peace establishment for your consideration. The first General Order proposed, is, also, sent; the second General Order will conform, with some slight exceptions to the Report of the Board; and the remaining two General orders will be in substance what the report states. I will forward them to you, as fast as I can put them into form; but if you...
59To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 26 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
The communications from the Departments of State and the Navy, will give you a great deal of interesting intelligence. The Algerine business requires decision; and yet, in the affair of the Brig, you have a delicate case to act upon. The Dey has always considered the restitution of the prizes, as a part of the negotiation; and though we considered the promise as merely gratuitous, it was a...
60To James Madison from Alexander J. Dallas, 14 May 1815 (Madison Papers)
On reflection, I have thought it right to recommend some additions and alterations in the plan submitted to you for organizing the army. 1. To transport the troops from place to place before they are formed into brigades will require more assistance in the quartermaster’s department. I propose, therefore, retaining provisionally, Samuel Brown (the general’s brother), deputy...