1To George Washington from David Humphreys, 1 January 1797 (Washington Papers)
I would not trouble you with an acknowledgment of your friendly letter which I received by the hand of Captn O’Brien, because I could only repeat my sensibility of your kindness & my unalterable attachment to you. I wished not therefore to consume your time in reading a letter which contained only what you knew before. At present, the season of annual festivity seems to encourage me in...
2To George Washington from David Humphreys, 8 April 1795 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to explain myself on a part of the plan for the management of the Algerine business, on which I had not an opportunity of doing it in conversation. My idea is that Mr Donaldson should not commence any negociation whatsoever at Algiers, or even appear in a public character (but merely as the bearer of a letter & under sanction of a Flag) unless he shall receive secret & confidential...
3To 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...
4To 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...
5To 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...
6To 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...
7To 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...
8To George Washington from David Humphreys, 3 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Swedish vessel which was to have sailed with my last letters three days ago, has been unexpectedly detained until this time, I therefore take the liberty of addressing you again, principally with the object of recommending Mr James Simpson of Gibralter to be appointed Consul of the U.S. for that Port. This I am the rather induced to do, because I think a Consul at that Place highly...
9To George Washington from David Humphreys, 31 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
(Secret & Confidential) My Dear Sir. Lisbon Janry 31st 1794 Immediately after my return from Spain, I asked an audience of Mr Pinto the Secretary of State for foreign affairs for the purpose of learning decisively, whether the Truce between Portugal & Algiers was likely to be improved into a Peace, or not. Yesterday I waited upon him, and, with as much delicacy as I was master of endeavoured...
10To George Washington from David Humphreys, 23 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
(Secret & confidential) My dear Sir. Alicant [Spain] Novr 23d 1793. By my letter of the 19th to the Secry of State, & particularly by that of this date to him (of which I forward Duplicates) you will find that the Dey of Algiers has refused to grant a Passport for me to come to Algiers. All hopes of any accomodation by negotiation for the present are therefore at an end. To use the Dey’s own...
11To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 8 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have already forwarded for you five copies of Dispatches, to inform you, that a Truce for twelve Months was concluded between Portugal and Algiers; and that a fleet of Algerine Cruizers had gone through the Streights into the Atlantic, on Saturday night last. They were reported to me by an officer of a Portuguese frigate who spoke with them, to consist of eight sail; I believe, however,...
12To 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...
13To 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...
14To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
A dispatch boat has just arrived from Algiers, which brings authentic intelligence, that a Truce for 12 months is concluded between Portugal and that Regency. In consequence of which eight Algerine cruizers, viz. four frigates, one brig and three Xebeques, have just passed through the Streights, into the Atlantic. Our vessels will now be exposed to the most eminent hazard of capture, as it was...
15To 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...
16To 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...
17To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 17 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
We are now under way with a fair breeze, to go over the bar, in company with the vessel which will carry this letter. Since my letter of yesterday we have nothing new, except an account from Spain (which is depended upon) that the Spanish Camp near Perpignan commanded by Genl. Ricardos, has been surprised by the French, and that the Spaniards have lost three thousand men in the affair. The...
18To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 16 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
We are this moment embarking, and I would not take my departure without just informing you of it. The wind prevented, or we should have sailed yesterday, as I had proposed. It is even now uncertain whether we shall be able to get over the bar to-day. The Portuguese Troops destined for Spain are beginning to embark this day, and will sail about the 20th. instant. Yesterday a Packet arrived from...
19To George Washington from David Humphreys, 13 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
The consolation I derive from your good & friendly letter of the 23d of March compensates a great deal for the cruel chagrine I feel for so long an absence from every thing my heart holds most dear. It is particularly a cordial for many uneasy sensations I feel at the present moment, respecting the interesting affair in which I am engaging. It was somewhat of a curious circumstance that I...
20To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 13 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
We have chartered a Swedish vessel at the rate of 340 Millrees per Month for two Months certain, and as much longer as we shall have occasion for it. This was the only expedient left for us, and the best terms we could make, and at all events will prove œconomical in case of our success at the place of destination. We shall have our Money, Passport, and every thing provided, and I hope we...
21To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
In addressing a letter to you the day before yesterday, and announcing the arrival of Captn. Cutting, I promised to write to you again by an opportunity which would occur in a few days. Determining there would be no sufficient compensation for the delay of going by Madrid, my hope was that you would have been informed, at this time, of our having at least secured a passage to Gibralter. This...
22To 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...
23To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 25 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 25 Aug. 1793 . He avails himself of the unanticipated sailing of a vessel for the United States to note that he has received, by the packet arrived since his last letter, a letter from the bankers of the United States in Amsterdam stating that they had TJ’s orders to hold at his disposal the residue of ƒ117,600 from the fund of ƒ123,750 they had received last year for Pinckney’s...
24To 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...
25To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 4 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 4 Aug. 1793 . Three vessels arrived here a few days ago from St. Michael with distinguished Moors, whom he visited with Church and Dohrman to offer assistance after receiving an account of them, via the American captain of one of these ships, in a letter from Thomas Hickling, acting consul at St. Michael, whose Portuguese patent he encloses. The Moors consisted of two widows of the old...
26To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 20 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last, which was dated the first of July, I have had the honour to receive yours of the 26th. of April, covering the Presidents Proclamation of the 22nd. of the same Month, and other communications on the subject of it. Hitherto hostilities have not taken place between this Country and France. Should they commence (which is not very improbable) I shall take care to comply with your...
27To 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...
28To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 20 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was of the 19th. of May. Since which time no vessel has sailed from this Port for the U.S. I have anxiously expected Captain Cutting by every Packet from England, and particularly by that which arrived the day before yesterday. But there is no intelligence of him. Had he fortunately arrived at this instant, we might have obtained a Swedish or Danish vessel for our purpose. Those...
29To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 29 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour of writing to you on the 19th by Capt. Orne, who was bound to Salem. In that letter I acquainted you with my having received yours of the 30th. of March, and that I should endeavour to make all the preparations in my power for the accomplishment of its object. No intelligence is received as yet of Captn. Cutting: nor is any vessel yet found that would be likely to answer the...
30To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 19 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received on the 9th. instant the letter which you did me the honour to write to me on the 30th. of March. Although two Packets have arrived from England since that letter came to hand, I have received no news of Captn. Cutting. In the mean time, I pray you will assure the President on my part, that I am making preparations for proceeding in the proposed business, in order that there may...
31To George Washington from David Humphreys, 5 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
(Secret & confidential) My dear Sir. Lisbon May 5th 1793 I wrote to the Secretary of State on the 29th Ulto by way of Boston. In that Dispatch, I mentioned having seen a letter of the 20th of March from Captn Obryen, on Algerine affairs. I now take the liberty of enclosing the copy of a letter from him to a Gentleman in this city, for your information. I pretend to make no comments upon it, as...
32To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 29 April 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 29 Apr. 1793 . He has received no direct intelligence from America since his last dispatch. The birth of a daughter to the Princess of Brazil this morning will require the diplomatic corps to attend court for ten successive days beginning tomorrow and lead to the suspension of all business for some days so that the Portuguese can celebrate the arrival of this eagerly awaited successor...
33To George Washington from David Humphreys, 4 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
(Secret & confidential) My dear Sir. Lisbon April 4th 1793. Since I had the honour of addressing you on the 24th Ultimo, I have seen two letters from Captn Obrian (the last of the 12th of February) to the Messrs Bulkeleys of this Town. In these he mentions, “that a Peace had been made by the instrumentality of Spain, between Prussia & Algiers for One hundred & forty thousand Mexico Dollars:...
34To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 4 April 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 4 Apr. 1793 . Since his letter of 24 Mch. he has repeated his application to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs about “the hardship of refusing our vessels laden with wheat, after requesting Franquia , to proceed to their destination.” He has succeeded in this instance, as his letter to the Secretary and its enclosures indicate, and will continue to be unremitting in his...
35To George Washington from David Humphreys, 24 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
(Secret & confidential) My dear Sir. Lisbon March 24th 1793. I took the liberty of addressing a letter to you from Gibralter on the 8th of last month, which I hope will have come safe to your hand. I mentioned therein that my design in writing was only to suggest two hints, the first whether you would wish to make use of Mr Church in the Morocco business, as he was soon expected at Lisbon? The...
36To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 24 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour to transmit a Copy of the Official Answer of the Secretary of State for foreign Affairs, respecting the two Subjects on which I had applied to him. A Translation is also annexed. As the Papers containing the circumstances relative to this business will be before you, I will not trespass on your time by offering comments. I even forbear to remark on the policy of State that...
37To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 19 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 19 Mch. 1793 . He acknowledges TJ’s dispatch of 2 Jan., accompanied by others for Carmichael and Short which the Spanish ambassador will forward, and by plans of the Federal City which will be disposed of as requested. In his No. 60 he reported that Portugal will probably grant no monopoly in wheat to Naples, and in No. 65 he described his efforts to expand American commerce here. His...
38To George Washington from David Humphreys, 8 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
(Private & confidential) My dear Sir. Gibralter Feby 8th 1793. An easterly wind having suddenly sprung up, I am obliged to leave this in an hour for the Port of Lagos, (not very distant from Lisbon) or run the risque of being detained here several weeks, or even perhaps Months. For information, I beg leave to refer you to my two last public letters, of equal date, to the Secretary State. My...
39To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 8 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 8 Feb. 1793 . His letter No. 64, a duplicate of which went by a second conveyance, described Barclay’s sudden death and the reasons he felt it necessary to come here to take care of the public property. Upon his arrival last Sunday he found the packages Barclay had brought from Lisbon safely in the hands of the Russian consul, James Simpson, who promptly told all he could about them...
40To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 8 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 8 Feb. 1793 . The fortuitous arrival here of the British consuls for Morocco, Algiers, and Tripoli and the French consul for Morocco has enabled him to obtain valuable information about Barbary affairs. Mr. Matra, the British consul for Morocco, has been summoned to Tangier to consult with Messrs. Mace and Lucas, who are enroute from England to Algiers and Tripoli. He says that the...
41To 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...
42To 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...
43To 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...
44To 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...
45To 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...
46To 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...
47To 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...
48To 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...
49To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 9 September 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 9 Sep. 1792. Since his last of 12 Aug. TJ has undoubtedly learned of the bloodshed in Paris, the provisional suspension of the King of France, the convocation of a new national convention on the 20th of this month, and the retreat of Poland to the old government. The Queen’s condition has worsened after Dr. Willis’s departure and the Princess of Brazil is believed to be pregnant. A...
50To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 12 August 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 12 Aug. 1792 . He transmitted his accounts for the year past with his letter of 1 July. Since then no significant foreign news has arrived, but he expects to hear soon of the invasion of France and the Russian invasion of Poland. Now that Dr. Willis has returned to England, he will be able to learn little from “the interior of the Palace,” except from the Duke of Lafões, who is weary...