51To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 1 January 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 1 Jan. 1792 . Nothing remarkable has occurred since his last letter of 24 Dec.—A storm from the north hovers over France and the expectation here is that a blow will soon be struck. The emigrants are indefatigable and the Duke of Luxembourg has left here for Madrid. Russia and Sweden have given the friends of the constitution in France many months to prepare for war. But France is...
52To 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...
53To 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...
54To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had, Sir, many conversations with Mr. Carmichael on the subject of your letter to him. If it had arrived early in summer, he thinks we might have obtained all our wishes. Then the critical state of affairs induced the Comte de Florida Blanca to throw out those general assertions that we should have no reason to complain of the conduct of this court with respect to the Mississippi, which...
55To 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...
56To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 6 Mch. 1792 . A Spanish courier has just brought news that the Compte de Florida Blanca is out of office and the Compte d’Aranda has been appointed his successor. He does not know what other changes have occurred or what caused them, but he believes these changes are favorable for the U.S. with respect to navigation of the Mississippi. “I have often heard Mr. Carmichael say,’that, if...
57To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 16 October 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 16 Oct. 1791. Since his last letter of 1 Oct. he has received TJ’s dispatches of 23 Aug. He is grateful for the American publications TJ sent him and will forward those intended for William Carmichael.—He is impressed by “the mild Government and prosperous state of Portugal.” Since his arrival in the country there has been only one execution, and that involved a fratricide. Otherwise...
58To 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...
59To 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...
60To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 30 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 30 Mch. 1792 . He encloses a copy of a letter from Captain O’Bryen showing that Mrs. Duncan’s son was never a prisoner in Algiers. Yesterday he wrote a letter about the captives in Algiers to William Carmichael.—The Queen moved to the palace at Quelux eight days ago. She continues to improve, according to an official report of the Secretary of State for foreign affairs, and her...
61To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 8 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, 8 Apr. 1791 . In France uncommon agitation produced by journey of king’s aunts to Rome. Great tumults in Paris. Repairing of Chateau de Vincennes, effort of mob to destroy it, and resultant confrontation with the national guard. Another dangerous affair at the Tuileries, involving misunderstanding between Lafayette and the mayor. “The Marquis is said to have acquired additional...
62To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 18 December 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
It was not until the 3d of this Month that I was able to obtain my Passports and have every thing in readiness to leave Lisbon; nor until yesterday to arrive here, although I travelled constantly from daylight to dark, making only one stop of about an hour in the middle of the day. After much difficulty, delay and vexation the papers are delivered safely to their Address. I shall not write any...
63To George Washington from David Humphreys, 13 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
Seventeen Miles east of Camden [S.C.] My dear Genl Octr 13th 1789. Having been led to believe that this route was the shortest & best, we left Augusta this day week; and having now an opportunity by Charles Town, I write (in conformity to the intimation you was pleased to give) for the purpose of keeping you advised of our progress. From the Savannah at Augusta to the Congaree at Friday’s...
64To 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...
65To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 31 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 31 Aug. 1791 . The enclosed papers reveal that the report of Louis XVI’s rejection of the French constitution, mentioned in his last letter, is premature. The Gazettes from France that arrived tardily yesterday were probably delayed in Spain. The Gazettes of Leyden forwarded with this letter were delivered by sea to save postal expenses. The two English packets that arrived here late...
66To 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...
67To John Adams from David Humphreys, 8 July 1790 (Adams Papers)
On Saturday next, the President proposes to go, with M rs Washington and his family, to view the remains of the old fortifications near Kingsbridge. He has understood from M rs Washington that M rs Adams was desirous of gratifying her curiosity on the same subject. If you should find it convenient to make the ride, with M rs Adams and your family, he will be happy in the pleasure of all your...
68To 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...
69To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 25 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, 25 July 1791 . A packet from Falmouth brings no news of sailing of British fleet or peace in the north. Fawkener, British envoy at Petersburg, momentarily expected at London with conclusive news, which public judgment thinks will be peace. Yet bounty for seamen extended to end of July. All accounts indicate the Empress stands by her original demands, and the fresh rupture between...
70To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, Portugal, 3 May 1791 . Acknowledging receipt by express from Bulkeley of TJ’s of 15 Mch.—As minister, “I can only rely on my own zeal and the candour of those … concerned in administring the Government of my Country: and … it is a peculiar felicity that my communications are to be made through an Office entrusted to a Person from whose Instruction and Indulgence, I know, I have every...
71To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 6 Aug. 1791 . He has just received TJ’s of 23 June, with gazettes for himself and dispatches for Carmichael. He has received TJ’s of 11 Apr., but not that of 13 May.—TJ will learn from French papers, sent herewith, what they know about the late “tumult in Paris.” Private accounts indicate the affair was much exaggerated. “The actual Period of the Revolution is however critical,” and...
72David Humphreys to John Adams, 8 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
On Saturday next, the President proposes to go, with Mrs Washington and his family, to view the remains of the the old fortifications near Kingsbridge. He has understood from Mrs Washington that Mrs Adams was desirous of gratifying her curiosity on the same subject. If you should find it convenient to make the ride, with Mrs Adams and your family, he will be happy in the pleasure of all your...
73To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 7 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The day before yesterday, when the Nuncio and the Diplomatic Corps were at my house, the former with some of the latter mentioned the existence of a private report, that the King of France had attempted to make his escape and that he had been arrested near Strasbourg. Yesterday, I dined with the Duke of Alafoñes, where the same rumour was repeated. Last night, at the Royal Academy, I met with...
74To George Washington from David Humphreys, 30 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
(Secret) My Dear General Lisbon Nov 30th 1790. I have forwarded to Mr Jefferson for your information the continuation of my Proceedings until the present time. You will be pleased to observe by my letter to him of this date, that the Court of Lisbon, having, from a desire of opening an official intercourse with the U.S., made the first advances by appointing a Minister Resident to repair...
75To 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...
76To 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...
77To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I do not wait to become fully acquainted with the commercial intercourse which subsists between the United States and Portugal, before I resume the subject mentioned in my letter of the 19th of Novr. last, so far as relates to the manner in which our trade has been managed here, since the year 1783. Immediately after the war, upon the arrival of the first vessels from America, there appeared...
78To 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...
79To 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...
80To 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:...
81To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 2 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The vessel, in which I have engaged my passage, attempted to go down the river at the time appointed: but contrary winds have prevented, so that she cannot before this evening reach Gravesend. For which place I shall proceed immediately by land. I have the honor to enclose a Paper containing a translation of the Correspondence between the King of France and his Ministers, consequent to the...
82To 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...
83To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 20 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
In my first letter, I mentioned such circumstances of a political nature, relating to several of the principal Powers of Europe, as had then come to my knowledge. The facts, according to subsequent informations, were pretty justly stated. Leaving you to deduce such conclusions as your better judgment shall enable you to form, I proceed now to give you the sequel of intelligence which has...
84To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 7 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, 7 June 1791 . Knowing extreme jealousy of Spanish government and rigid regulations of this respecting all kinds of books, he almost despairs of being able to get those named in TJ’s private letter. Even if he had received it at Madrid, he could not have brought the books with him. But he will “revolve the matter in different views; and consult … my acquaintances” on means to effect it....
85To 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...
86To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 15 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have employed my time here in communicating according to instructions the sentiments of the President on the navigation of the Missisipi, and other important points. Mr. Carmichael’s ideas are just; his exertions will be powerful and unremitting to obtain the accomplishment of our desires before his departure from this country: the task will now be difficult, if not impracticable, from the...
87To 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...
88To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 23 September 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 23 Sep 1791 . Despite Thomas Barclay’s arrival in Oporto, he still has not received the letters Barclay brought from America for him.—Two British packets and a cutter from England with dispatches for Mr. Walpole have arrived since his letter of the 10th instant. Peace has been concluded between the Emperor and the Porte, and peace will soon follow between the Empress and the Porte,...
89To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 22 November 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 22 Nov. 1791 . Since his last letter of 28 Oct. he has received certain information that the Dey of Algiers has declared war on Sweden. A Swedish ship which was loading here for a Mediterranean voyage has consequently been unloaded.—Public business “is often done slowly in this Country.” He had to write four or five notes or memoires and wait more than three months before he finally...
90To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 18 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 18 Aug. 1791 . He writes chiefly to send duplicate of resolution of States General concerning tea.—Spanish decree respecting strangers so vague three different constructions said to have been given by Spanish ministry. Recently several foreign mechanics have applied to him about going to America and possibility of success there. On threshing harvest in Portugal, wheat crop is much...
91To 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...
92To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 30 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mafra, Portugal. 30 Apr. 1791 . On 13th Samuel Harrison, at instance of Jacob Dohrman, sent messenger from Lisbon to inform Humphreys that Dominick Joyce, merchant of Philadelphia, had written his brother Edward Joyce on 25 Feb.: “A Minister is appointed to your Court; Colo. Humphreys is the person.” This and three others from Philadelphia received in extraordinary manner. An American...
93To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 29 April 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 29 Apr. 1792 . There have been no important political developments in this kingdom since his letter of 30 Mch. The Queen continues to recover gradually. The government pursues the same course and the country enjoys the same peace as before the regency. He now has a reliable source of intelligence about the palace, having formed an intimate acquaintance with Dr. Willis.—Since his last...
94To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 27 September 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 27 Sep. 1791 . Barclay arrived on the evening of the 23d instant and delivered TJ’s dispatches of 13 May, 13 July and 26 July. These letters were the first to inform him of Barclay’s mission to Morocco, a letter on this subject from Barclay in Philadelphia having failed to arrive.—On the 24th instant he gave the Compte de Rhode, the Prussian minister to Portugal, a letter for William...
95To 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,...
96To 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...
97To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 25 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 25 Mch. 1792 . He has just received confirmation from Gibraltar of the death of the Emperor of Morocco mentioned in his last letter. Thomas Barclay is pleased that he did not reach Morocco “before the change of Masters in that Country.”—The Queen’s health has greatly improved in the last week. Dr. Willis concluded that her physicians had treated her improperly and that she would have...
98To 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...
99To George Washington from David Humphreys, 31 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
(Secret) My dear General London Octr 31st 1790. Since my arrival here, on the 14th inst., I have written four letters to Mr Jefferson, by different conveyances, in which I have given him a detail of such political facts & reports as I supposed might be in any degree, interesting in America. As these communications will be submitted to your inspection, I forebear troubling you with any...
100To 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...