1To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 21 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon , 21 May 1791. Sends English papers. From talks with De Pinto and others, peace more expected to prevail than formerly. But newly arrived vessels from north bring nothing definite. By direct accounts from Paris at end of April, he finds tumults have subsided, Lafayette again in command of national guard, and his popularity and triumph complete despite English prophecies. The mischievous...
2To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 3 Oct. 1793 . Having announced in his last their arrival here with the hope of sailing to Alicante with the Portuguese fleet, they have been detained and probably will not leave in less than five or six days. The Portuguese fleet passed through the straits the day before yesterday, part of it coming into this harbor and part falling eastward of the Rock, before taking advantage of...
3To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 28 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
While I am detained for the sailing of the vessel in which I am to go to Lisbon; I cannot do better, in my judgment, than to give you such farther facts, occurrences, or reports of the day, as may be in any degree interesting, in America, when compared with other accounts: though those I may have the honor to give should not be of much importance in themselves.—In my communications, I have...
4To George Washington from David Humphreys, 23 July 1792 (Washington Papers)
(Secret & confidential) My dear Sir. Lisbon July 23d 1792 I take the liberty of writing to you again, after a considerable interval, to assure you there can be none in my sentiments of affection & gratitude to you. At the same time, I enclose a Manuscript “Poem, on the National Industry of the U.S.,” which, after you shall have done with it, if it should be so fortunate as to meet your...
5To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 24th. of Janry. I left Madrid, and arrived here this day. I remained a week beyond the time I had prescribed myself, in order that Mr. Carmichael might have an opportunity of confering fully with the Compte de Florida Blanca, after the King’s return from hunting at Aranjuez. We were, however, disappointed in the expectation of sounding that Minister; for at the time when Mr. Carmichael...
6To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 1 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 1 Feb. 1792 . Since his last letter of 1 Jan. he has received TJ’s of 29 Nov. He has left the letters for William Carmichael at the Spanish ambassador’s hotel. He has discontinued the Gazettes of Paris and Leyden but still receives the London Chronicle . He encloses the Gazette of Lisbon and has sent for that of Madrid. The enclosed dispatches from Thomas Barclay show the state of...
7To George Washington from David Humphreys, 3 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
Private. My dear Sir, Mafra [Portugal] May 3d 1791. I write this short letter for the sole purpose of thanking you for nominating & appointing me Minister Resident at this Court. The language of affection & gratitude is brief. It is with a sensibility not expressed in words, that all the instances of your friendship & particularly the kind expressions in the close of your letter of March 16th,...
8To George Washington from David Humphreys, 16 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
Although it is impossible for a stranger, in merely travelling through a country & remaining only a few weeks in its capital, to give a complete account of the state of affairs & system of policy in it; yet he may have opportunities of collecting some informations which will be perhaps entertaining, if not useful, to Persons in public life at a distance. Under this idea, in consequence of your...
9To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 14 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
After a passage of five weeks, the four first of which were very tempestuous, I arrived in the Channel. In order to save time, and slip into London with the less probability of being noticed, I procured a boat from the shore to land me at Dover. From that place I took my passage in the Mail Coach, and arrived here at 6 O’Clock this morning. Having delivered the Dispatches to Mr. Johnson, and...
10To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 23 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
My last public letter to you was dated Janry. 7th. and acknowledged the receipt of yours of Novr. 6th. Since that time, I have received your previous Dispatch in date July 12th, by way of Madeira. By these it appears that all my letters, except No. 52. had come to hand. Should that have finally miscarried, I will send a copy that the series may be complete. The Papers transmitted herewith...
11To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 26 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
After a very favorable passage, we landed at this Garrison on Sunday last; and the next day proceeded with all the dispatch and diligence in our power to unpack the different articles of public property left here by the late Mr. Thos. Barclay, and to select such as might be proper for the object you propose. We have not as yet made such progress as to enable me to give you the result. I have...
12To George Washington from David Humphreys, 30 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
Captain Burnham, who will have the honour of delivering this letter, was commander of the first American Ship captured by the Algerines in Octr last. He has lately been ransomed for 4000 Dollars paid by himself, through the medium of the Dutch Admiral, who concluded the Treaty of Peace between Holland & Algiers. Captain Burnham will be able to give you a good deal of information on Algerine...
13To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 1 July 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 1 July 1792. In compliance with TJ’s instructions of 15 Mch. 1791, he encloses a statement of his accounts with the United States to this date. Because he lacks vouchers, minor expenditures for the relief of American seamen here and postal charges paid for him in England by Johnson are not included in it. The statement also omits the 32,175 Dutch guilders he drew on the American...
14To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 21 May 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 21 May 1792 . The remoteness and tranquility of Portugal makes it both inadvisable and unnecessary for him to trouble TJ with reports about the general political and military situation in Europe resulting from the declaration of war by the King of France against the King of Hungary. “But there is one circumstance of considerable moment towards the success of the French cause, which is...
15To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 31 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The late unfrequency of opportunities of writing directly to America is the less to be regretted, as you will have received so much important information from other Countries of Europe, and as I could have given you so little from this. However the general tenor of commercial intelligence here is, that there will be a greater demand than was expected in several parts of this Continent for...
16To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 7 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you, under yesterday’s date, letters to be forwarded by four different conveyances, containing information that a Truce for twelve months was concluded between Portugal and Algiers; and that a Fleet of eight Algerine Cruizers had gone through the Streights into the Atlantic. I observed in a Postscript, that I should afterwards explain by whose instrumentality the Truce was made. I...
17To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 7 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, 7 June 1791 . Acknowledging TJ’s of 11 Apr. with dispatches for Carmichael. After trying in vain for some weeks to get a private conveyance, he “made interest” to have TJ’s former letter to Carmichael carried by the Portuguese from the office for foreign affairs. He expects to use same means to dispatch those now received, which will be sent as soon as possible. He will be pleased to be...
18To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 23 December 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The sudden departure of a Swedish ship for New York affords me an opportunity of conveying to you the Spanish and Portuguese Gazettes to this date. How long I shall continue to be able to forward them is uncertain, since a new order has been issued here within three days past on the subject of News-Papers. They are now for the first time prohibited from being read or admitted at Coffee and...
19To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 28 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
By some extraordinary delay, I received only a few days since, and by the same vessel which carries this letter, your Dispatch of the 13th of Decr: last. I immediately took the necessary steps for complying with your instructions, by writing to Mr. Carmichael on the subject and putting that letter into the care of the Spanish Ambassador’s Courier. I have already remarked to you, that, although...
20To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 17 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 17 Aug. 1791 . Spanish decree against foreigners mentioned in his of 6th he has now seen in house of British consul, with a great company present. Though expressed in general terms, it seems aimed at French. Retailers, barbers, surgeons, shoemakers, &c. already there must take oath of allegiance to carry on trade. They are mainly French. Several diplomats are said to have protested to...
21To George Washington from David Humphreys, 26 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
Finding an opportunity to Augusta, I could not excuse myself from giving you the progress of our negotiation since my last. On monday last (that is to say the day after the arrival of Genl Lincoln & myself) a deputation from all the Creeks of the Tuccasee, the Hallowing & the Tellasee Kings, waited upon us, to congratulate us on our arrival, to express in general terms their desire for peace,...
22To George Washington from David Humphreys, 27 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of writing to you yesterday, some things have happened, of which I conceive it expedient to give information by this conveyance. On the evening of the 25th McGillivray omitted to comply with his positive promise to write to us or come over the river, in order to explain the objections of the Chiefs to the Project of the Treaty which we had proposed to them, and to propose...
23To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 17 June 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 17 June 1792. Since his letter to TJ of 21 May he has received TJ’s dispatch of 9 Apr. and forwarded those for Barclay and Carmichael. The country’s political placidity has been upset by some recent disturbances. Several hundred ship carpenters at the royal dock and the “rabble” in this city marched to Queluz to seek redress of grievances from the government. After the army prevented...
24To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 25 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed Papers from No. 1. to No. 6. inclusive may serve to shew the proceedings I conceived myself authorised in taking, with respect to American flour and grain. The crisis is as favorable for obtaining a liberal policy as perhaps ever can be expected; and I have endeavoured to avail myself of it in as delicate and efficacious a manner as I was able. Some names of great authority, I...
25To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 7 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 7 Jan. 1793 . He has received TJ’s letter of 6 Nov. 1792, with postscript of the 7th, acknowledging receipt of his letters numbered 54 to 59. He presumes TJ meant to acknowledge receipt of numbers 44 to 59 or else the miscarriage of so many of his letters would not have gone unnoticed. “The last public Dispatch I had the honour to receive, previous to that which I now acknowledge, was...
26To George Washington from David Humphreys, 21 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
I am confident it will not escape your recollection, that no Person of your acquaintance, has been more sparing or cautious in introducing Strangers or Others to your protection & good offices. But in the present instance, I feel myself justified in recommending to your particular notice & favor, the Chevalier de Freire, Minister Resident for Her Most Faithful Majesty to the United States. His...
27To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 12 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The postponement of the sailing of the Vessel by which I wrote on the 6th instant affords me an opportunity of continuing my Correspondence to this day. Since I had the honor of addressing you last, a Packet has arrived from England in five days passage, and yesterday the ordinary Post came in with the Mails from different parts of the Continent. The summary of Intelligence received through...
28To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 31 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, 31 Mch. 1791. He received packet last night from Mr. Bulkeley and information of a vessel departing for Alexandria in a few days, hence he sends this by a servant to Lisbon. Having accounts from America as late as 10 Feb. and not being advised by “the Department of foreign affairs” of receipt of any of his letters, he fears their detention or miscarriage. He gives their dates to show it...
29To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 19 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I came on shore yesterday evening, and hearing a vessel is to sail for England before the Packet, I write with the design of sending this letter by that conveyance. We made the passage from Gravesend to the Rock of Lisbon in a fortnight, during which time we had favorable winds and fine weather, for the season.—The forms to be passed through in entering the vessel, and the impediments I shall...
30To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 15 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 15 Aug. 1793 . Expecting no other opportunity to occur for some time, he forwards the gazettes. Although this is the campaign season, he has nothing remarkable to communicate. No packet has arrived since his last letter, he has heard nothing of Captain Cutting, and the Moorish princesses have sailed for Tangier under convoy of a warship. The Portuguese troops mentioned in his 20 July...
31To George Washington from David Humphreys, 12 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
(Secret) My dear Sir Lisbon May 12th 1791 Lest my letters to the Secretary of State on the subject of the Persons executing the Duties of the Consulate here, should have been so inexplicit as to leave your mind in doubt respecting the merits or pretensions of those persons, I take the liberty to add a few facts; not because I feel myself interested in the decision, but because I wish to remove...
32To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 4 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 4 Dec. 1791 . He sends a duplicate receipt from Barclay for the 32,175 current guilders “destined for the services with which he is charged at Morocco,” the first copy of the receipt having been transmitted in his letter of 22 Nov.—Before sailing from Gibraltar last Wednesday Barclay received a letter from Francisco Chiappe in Morocco and “forwarded the Original to the Office of...
33To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 1 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 1 July 1793 . In compliance with the instruction in TJ’s letter of 15 Mch. 1791 he encloses a state of his accounts with the United States and vouchers for the past year. He was surprised to learn a few days ago that Mace and Lucas, the British consuls in Barbary mentioned in his 8 Feb. letter, were still at Gibraltar. Both seemed anxious to avoid delay, and Mace especially assured him...
34To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 23 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 23 Dec. 1791 . He takes advantage of this opportunity by Capt. Stobo to advise TJ that in his letters of 22 Nov. and 4 Dec. he enclosed receipts from Thomas Barclay for 32,175 current guilders for Barclay’s Moroccan mission. He has been attentive to the request in TJ’s 11 Apr. letter for information about Brazil, though his efforts have been constrained by the Portuguese government’s...
35To George Washington from David Humphreys, 28 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
I am taking occasion by a water conveyance to inform you, that we are thus far on our way to New York. But my principal object is to mention the political intelligence which we obtained in North Carolina. The prevailing opinion in that State (so far as we could ascertain it from repeated enquiries) is, that the Constitution will be adopted. However, many of those who are opposed to it think...
36To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 8 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Although I was well acquainted with your reluctance to come into the office you hold, having seen the letters which passed on the subject; yet I cannot avoid being much distressed by your determination to quit it so soon. I entertained hopes that a desire to assist the President in the execution of his important office, together with some other motives resulting from a consciousness of your...
37To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 28 October 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 28 Oct. 1791 . He calls TJ’s attention to the following extracts from a 22 Aug. 1791 letter from Captain [Richard] O’Bryen in Algiers to a commercial house here. Washington has drawn Congress’ attention to their plight, but the American captives in Algiers are still in slavery and have no assurance of regaining their freedom. Nevertheless he is confident that Congress will instruct...
38David Humphreys to John Jay, 8 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
I am commanded by the President of the United States of America to send to you some Papers which have just come to him, and which are of a nature highly interesting to the Community. His object is to avail himself of your opinion, relative to the measures which should be adopted in consequence of this Communication. I have the honor to be with perfect respect &c. N.B. the above letter was from...
39To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 25 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The Russian Minister at this Court has received an authentic account from the Minister of his Nation at Vienna of the naval victory gained by the fleet of the Empress over that of the Porte. Of the latter the Admiral’s ship was destroyed, two smaller ships taken, and the rest very much shattered and obliged to fly. The English affect to say this event will protract the war, by making the...
40To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 11 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 11 Feb. 1792 . Since his last of 1 Feb. it has become a matter of public knowledge here that the Queen has been “so afflicted with disease of body and disorder of mind as to render her totally incompetent to the discharge of the ordinary functions of government.” She returned from Salvaterra to Lisbon a little over a week ago and the diplomatic corps attended at the palace the next day...
41To George Washington from David Humphreys, 28 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
By every opportunity which has occurred, I have endeavoured to keep you informed of the great events taking place in Europe, through the medium of my correspondence with the Secretary of State. While affairs have been growing every day more & more interesting and critical, I have had many conversations with the public Agents of Denmark & Sweden (who alone seem to be disposed to oppose...
42To George Washington from David Humphreys, 30 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
(Secret & confidential) My dear Sir. Lisbon June 30th 1794. Before this shall arrive, you will probably have received information from Mr Pinckney, that a new Treaty has some time since been concluded in London, between G. Britain & Portugal. I knew that such a measure was attempted a year ago by the British Minister here, without effect. The above-mentioned Treaty, negociated by Lord...
43To John Jay from David Humphreys, 7 January 1790 (Jay Papers)
In consequence of the conversation which I had the honor to hold with you a few days ago, & of having reported the substance of it to the President; I now take the liberty to acquaint you, that he will meet the two Houses of Congress tomorrow morning at 11 OClock, in the Senate Chamber. I know it is his only wish that you should act on the subject of our conversation, in the manner which shall...
44To George Washington from David Humphreys, 7 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
(secret & confidential) My dear Sir. Gibralter Octr 7th 1793. By my letters of yesterday & to-day to the Secretary of State, you will learn that the Algerines have concluded a Truce with the Portuguese; and that the Algerine fleet has gone into the Atlantic. I think they would not have passed the Streights with all their force, without having much better Pilots than usual. In dreading the...
45To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 1 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 1 July 1791 . Enclosing his account, as requested in TJ’s of 15 Mch. He wrote Willink, Van Staphorst & Hubbard to ask if they had received orders to pay him the sums stated in that letter, but has had no reply and has not drawn the whole due him, not needing remainder until furniture ordered from England arrives. He has not been able to state amount of postage with precision, but it is...
46To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 1 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 28th. of last Month a Packet arrived from Falmouth; in which Captn. Cutting came passenger, and delivered to me your several letters of the 21st., 22nd. of March and 12th. of April, together with the official and other Papers accompanying them. Of those of a private nature I notice the Contents, and will comply with your intimations. As to the public Dispatches, I entreat the Executive...
47To George Washington from David Humphreys, 23 January 1793 (Washington Papers)
By my Dispatch of this date to the Secretary of State, you will perceive what measures I have thought it necessary to adopt respecting the subsistence of our Captives in Algiers; as also the reasons why I have judged it highly expedient to go myself to Gibralter to find and take care of the public property which must have been left there by the late Mr Barclay. I hope that these proceedings...
48To George Washington from David Humphreys, 3 February 1795 (Washington Papers)
I seize the earliest moment to inform you of my safe arrival here (after a most disagreeable passage of sixty one days) on the very urgent & important business, stated in my three last letters from Lisbon (Nrs 149, 150 & 151) to the Secretary of State. I hope the Originals will have reached him; or, if they should have miscarried, that the Copies (which I forwarded at Sea, on the 28th of...
49To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 18 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 18 Mch. 1792. He has just read the following intelligence about Morocco in a letter from a respectable person at Gibraltar. Last month the armies of Muley Yezid and Muley Ischem fought in battle and both brothers died as a result of the clash. A third brother, Muley Slema, who is said to be more inclined to peace with all nations than either of his brothers, has supposedly been...
50To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 May 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 3 May. 1792 . The Swedish agent to the Portuguese court confirms the death of the King of Sweden. “It appears that four Persons of some rank had drawn lots for the execution of the plot against the King’s life. The Person on whom the task devolved, together with two of the others are apprehended. The fourth committed suicide by poison. It is said many of the officers of Artillery were...