51To James Madison from William Irvine, 23 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I most sincerely & heartily congratulate you, on the late success in the Election of President, and appointments to office in consequence; not that I think yours has been sought, or is even agreeable to you, but in as much as you are willing to lend your aid and give some of your time to the public service, so soon as circumstances would render them acceptable. Many of us, you & I among the...
52To James Madison from Ralph Bowie, 24 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Perhaps it may be necessary to offer some apology for the liberty I take in now addressing you. It is not to congratulate you on your appointment to an office of high importance to the dignity and happiness of this Country, for I know the Office is honor’d, and I beleive the Interest of our Country will be eminently promoted by your acceptance of it; nor is it directly nor indirectly to ask...
53To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 24 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
One of my neighbours when I lived in this place, Mr. Du Ponceau is about to publish a collection of state papers calculated to illustrate some important points of public law. One of them which he shewed me appeared to be so important that I begd a copy, which I might send to Washington. I have the pleasure to inclose it. You will observe it expressly mentions wheat, meat &ca. not to be...
54To James Madison from Anthony New, 24 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
After congratulating you on the event of our Election of the President, and your appointment under him, permit me to introduce to your attention, the bearer Mr. Henry C. Coleman, who wishes to be employed in some office under the Government. I have had the pleasure of a long and intimate acquaintance with Mr. Coleman, and can assure you that he is a Gentleman of irreproachable character, and...
55To James Madison from William Ross, 24 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Trusting you will pardon the Liberty taken, and be disposed to render that Justice which my peculiar hard case may appear to require, I beg leave most respectfully to state, that I have been for some time past honor’d with the printing of the Laws enacted by the Congress of the United States; and that on the removal of the government, I undertook a Journey from Philadelphia to this place, and...
56To James Madison from David Humphreys, 24 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 March 1801, Madrid. No. 269. Believes recent royal order stipulating that “every recaptured vessel should remain in totality to the profit of the Recaptors” has been revoked “in consequence of my Protest.” Conveys correspondence with Spanish government concerning South Carolina . Council of war has not yet tried the case. Reports king’s renewed confidence in his adviser, the “Prince of...
57To James Madison from William Savage, 24 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 March 1801, Kingston, Jamaica. Transmits copy of last dispatch, which State Department has not acknowledged. Reports that Lord Hugh Seymour in recent letters assures Savage that persons represented to him as impressed American seamen will be freed if they answer the descriptions given. Names one seaman sought but not located in Seymour’s command and lists six others who have been set free....
58From James Madison to Isaac Hite, 25 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of by which we learn that we cannot have the pleasure of your & my sister’s company, in paying the last tribute of our affection & duty, to our deceased parent. It was indeed rather wished than expected, that such a journey would be practicable at this season, & under other existing circumstances. The funeral is to take place on saturday next, and a sermon is to be...
59To James Madison from Samuel Dexter, 25 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
The President of the United States has decided to appoint William Davies Collector of Norfolk—to be superintendant of the Light Houses and other Establishments, which are provided within the State of Virginia for the protection of navigation. I have therefore to request, that you will cause the necessary Commission to be issued & transmitted to this Office. I have the honour to be very...
60To James Madison from Edward Livingston, 25 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 March 1801, New York. Introduces and commends to JM’s attention his friend Josef Yznardy, who “has some title to the favor & I think claims on the justice of our government.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
61From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 25 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 25 March 1801. Mentioned in Randolph to JM, 29 June 1801 . Asks Randolph a series of legal questions concerning settlement of father’s estate.
62To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 26 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I am still here. Three refusals of the Naval Secretaryship have been re[c]ieved, and I am afraid of recieving a 4th. this evening from mr. Jones of Phila. In that case Genl. Smith has agreed to take it pro tempore, so as to give me time; and I hope the moment it is in either his or Jones’s hands, to get away; but this may be yet three four or five days. Lincoln is doing the duties of your...
63To James Madison from Rufus King, 26 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Tho’ the King has recovered, he does not yet hold a Court, nor is it understood that he attends to any but the most pressing and indispensable business. The chief of the new Ministers are in their places, and all of them will be so in the course of a few days. The Duke of Portland remains in the Home Department: Mr. Addington, the late Speaker, is at the Head of the Treasury, Lord St. Vincent...
64To James Madison from Ebenezer Stevens, 26 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the 13th. Inst. I forwarded you Invoices & Bill Lading of a Cargo I have laden on board the Ship Grand Turk, by order of your late Predecessor, for account of the Tunisian Powers. The Ship is now ready to proceed on her Voyage, and is only waiting for the necessary Certificates and documents, to accompany the Invo. I beg leave to solicit your early attention in forwarding them, as the...
65To James Madison from Benjamin Stoddert, 26 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a list of the French Vessels, captured since the 1st Octr last, & brought into the ports of the United States. There are no documents in this office to shew whether these vessels have been condemned in our courts, or otherwise, except the Berceau, which has been condemned, sold, & purchased by the Public, & is now ordered to be restored, under the Treaty. I have...
66To James Madison from David Humphreys, 27 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Yesterday I received by way of St. Sebastian farther copies of your several Dispatches, dated the 2nd of August and the 8th and 23d of September last. My first proceedings on the contents of all of which having already been reported, I have only to observe that I shall continue to transmit to you my correspondence with His Catholic Majesty’s Ministers on these and other subjects of national...
67To James Madison from Thomas Bulkeley, 27 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 March 1801, Lisbon. Acknowledges receipt of State Department letters of 13 Sept. and 21 Nov.—the former regarding the capture of the brig Sea Nymph . Has learned that captors bribed mate to take false oath “declaring the Vessel & Cargo French property.” Later, mate made counterdeclaration, and the ship and cargo have been liberated. Meanwhile, Gavino has obtained court order in Gibraltar...
68To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 27 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 March 1801, Lisbon. Reports that recent packets from Britain contain no mention of a British plan to aid Portugal. Speculates on reasons for delays in French or Spanish invasion: French may hope Spanish will begin and bear brunt of it, or in the interval Portuguese cabinet may succeed in maneuvering British out of the country without provoking them. RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Portugal, vol. 5)....
69To James Madison from Ebenezer Stevens, 27 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 March 1801, New York. Acknowledges letter of 21 Mar. accompanying the papers of the ship Grand Turk . Has procured passports from British and Spanish consuls, which are delivered to the captain with packages for Eaton. The ship sails “this day.” Should passport from the French chargé arrive in time, he will deliver it. RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). 1 p.; erroneously docketed by Wagner as “27...
70To James Madison from William Tazewell, 27 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 March 1801, Williamsburg. Seeks final settlement of his pay due for service as a Paris-London messenger for envoy Elbridge Gerry in 1798. Encloses his account, which includes salary and expenses after the time of his capture by a French privateer. Pickering refused to settle the account, disallowing “my expenses of capture.” Took the matter to Congress, and a private act overcame the...
71To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 28 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 March 1801, Berlin. No. 187. Encloses copy of Spanish declaration of war on Portugal. Reports thirty-day truce between France and Naples, the terms of which include an embargo on British ships in port of Naples. Expects general European war against Britain. Notes that Nelson has sailed for Copenhagen, that a British refusal to lift embargo of Swedish and Danish ships effectively answers...
72To James Madison from John Gavino, 28 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 March 1801, Gibraltar. No. 61. Transmits copy of previous dispatch, no. 60. By last accounts, French squadron was at Toulon. Reports French naval battle with British frigate Febe . King of Naples has made peace with France and closed ports to British. Thirty Danish and Swedish vessels have been brought into Gibraltar. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Gibraltar, vol. 2). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as...
73To James Madison from Rufus King, 29 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
In confirmation of the rumours of the day, Carnot’s answer to Bailleul, published during the Exile of the former, states the Project which had been discussed in the Directory to obtain from Spain a cession of Louisiana and the Floridas. A reference to that performance, copies of which I at the time sent to the Department of State, will shew the manner in which it was expected to obtain the...
74To James Madison from John Knapp, 29 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I congratulate you on an event terminating so fortunately for the Republican cause, by the Election of Mr. Jefferson. Permit me to solicit your friendship & support to the attainment of a situation under his Administration, such as my Ability & Integrity will enable me to discharge. I hope there is no assumption of Vanity, when I say, my long services in public life & various Public Offices of...
75To James Madison from Anthony Haswell, 30 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
For many years past I have edited and printed a public paper in this town, on the proceeds of which I have brought up a large, and expensive family, having been greatly afflicted with sickness. The unhappy political divisions which for some years past have afflicted our country, have been peculiarly injurious to me—the state business has been taken from me: the advertising for the public...
76To James Madison from David Howell, 30 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I seem to be under the necessity of availing myself of our former acquaintance, in any measure, to answer the expectations of the writer of the enclosed paper No. 1. His character & connexion with me are known to yourself & to the President. His abilities, integrity & diligence in his office are not called in question. I have enclosed his original Letter in proof that his faculties yet remain...
77To James Madison from Nathaniel Irwin, 31 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I condole with you on the death of your honoured father, whose politeness & attention I do not forget. Such are the changes in this world, that with the same breath, I congratulate you on your accession (I will not say elevation ) to the Office of Secy of State. On this occasion I would remind you, that “you were once my friend.” Do not be alarmed. I am not going to ask your influence with the...
78To James Madison from John Minor, 31 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1801, Fredericksburg. Recommends Henry Coleman of Caroline County for a federal office. Expresses surprise that Thomas Newton has not kept him informed concerning the order for cigars but believes the Norfolk merchant seeks the “best possible for us.” RC ( DLC ). 2 pp.; docketed by JM.
79To James Madison from Robert Montgomery, 31 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1801, Alicante. Gives résumé of his 8 Mar. dispatch. Has placed all U.S. vessels in surrounding waters on alert. Transmits letters just received from U.S. minister at Madrid. Spain has ordered a tax upon all “Commercial People,” including resident U.S. citizens (nearly $4,000 for himself). Has protested to minister of state, quoting seventh article of treaty. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD ,...
80To James Madison from Moses Robinson, 31 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1801, Bennington, Vermont. Offers congratulations on election and JM’s appointment. Recommends Anthony Haswell to publish U.S. laws in Vermont in place of Samuel Williams of Rutland, who has opposed Republican sentiments. Recounts Haswell’s tribulations under the Alien and Sedition acts. Suggests misconduct in post office has interfered with delivery of newspapers from Philadelphia...
81To James Madison from Benjamin Thompson, 31 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1801 “ Christa. Bridge State of Delaware .” Recollects past association with JM; complains of ill fortune and losses “as a Canadian Refugee.” Despite unsuccessful request for consular post during Washington’s administration, renews his application for a position. Believes few Americans possess knowledge of the French language and customs superior to his. RC ( DLC ). 2 pp.; docketed by...
82To James Madison from Israel Whelen, 31 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1801, Philadelphia. Encloses a copy of the charter party for the Grand Turk . Stevens has drawn on him for $6,556.60. Requests that he be remitted that sum. The insurance is carried by the owner at 5 percent. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Purveyor’s Office, Philadelphia). RC 1 p. Enclosure 3 pp.
83To James Madison from Edward Livingston, April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I regret very much that I had not the pleasure of seeing you before I left the Seat of Government. On taking a final leave of that body in which I began my political noviciate with the advantage of your friendship & advice it would have been interesting to review the changes it has undergone since that period with one Whose liesure & observation have enabled him to mark their causes and...
84To James Madison from Francis Brooke, 1 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1801, Fredericksburg. Recommends Henry Coleman to JM as a person worthy of a clerkship. Coleman has letters of introduction from John Taylor of Caroline and others, so the sole reason for an extra testimonial is the applicant’s “Solicitation and the liberality of your Character.” RC ( ViU ). 1 p.; docketed by JM.
85To James Madison from Robert Ritchie, 1 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1801, Port Républicain. Encloses copy of a pamphlet from Toussaint on measures for taking possession of Spanish part of the island, with attendant correspondence. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cap Haitien, vol. 3). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 2 May. Enclosures not found. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
86To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 1 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1801, Lisbon. Relays reports that Spanish and French are soon to make peace with Portugal, demanding that Portuguese exclude British ships of war and prizes from their ports and pay reparations. Presumes that on these terms peace will result. Notes some of the considerations that prompted Naples to seek an accommodation with France. RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Portugal, vol. 5). 1 p.;...
87To James Madison from Charles Peale Polk, 2 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
In addressing to you the subject of the following letter, I hope that the presumption may not be thought too great. The established philanthropy of your Character, but especially the Honor of your friendly deportment towards me, have encouraged the Undertaking. It is known to you, Sir, the languid State of the fine Arts in this Country, particularly that of Painting; and it has been my...
88To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 3 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have this evening a letter from Mr. Beckley in which he communicates to me the information, that the office of Supervisor of the Revenue of Pennsa. will probably be assigned to General Muhlenberg. There are I believe two offices in this state which will neat more than that—each I mean will. But from long observation and experience you may rely on my information, that to execute both of them...
89To James Madison from Winthrop Sargent, 3 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 April 1801, Mississippi Territory. Acting with permission earlier received from the Adams administration and in the belief that ratification of the French treaty afforded an opportunity for a leave of absence, Sargent proposes to visit the Atlantic states. Expresses hope that on his arrival he might meet with JM and the president. Mentions the discredit enemies have cast on his reputation...
90To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 4 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
Knowing the attachment to freedom and humanity, which mark your character I feel a solicitude to bring into your view the Situation of the people of Ireland in the United States. You will not understand that I recommend any measures in regard to them or their unhappy country. But, if any in Authority here have forgotten our engagements of 1775, if they have denied them the proferred rights of...
91To James Madison from Carter Bassett Harrison, 4 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
This will be presented by Mr Alexdr Kerr a friend of Mine who is disposed to fill some federal office that may be vacant in the town of Alexandria I have been for some time acquainted with Mr Kerr I have ever found him a Gentn of Capacity, integrity & the man of business these requisites added to his republican Character may fit him for any appointment that the President may think proper to...
92To James Madison from James Maury, 4 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had the Honor of presenting you a price current on the 11th past. In this is one also for the present month. I am concerned to observe to you that the annexed vessels have lately been seized in this port for having on board parcels of tobacco with the view of smuggling. Four of them have been restored, two of which paid a fine to the seizing officers. The others remain under seizure, & I...
93To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 4 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 April 1801, Berlin. No. 188. Reports Danish occupation of Hamburg on 20 Mar. and Prussian plans to seize territories belonging to Hamburg. Conveys news, just received, of Czar Paul’s sudden death. “What its effect will be upon the politics of Europe it would for the present moment be presumptuous to conjecture.” Notes that Prussians have received British reply to Count von Haugwitz’s message...
94To James Madison from Laurence Muse, 4 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 April 1801, Tappahannock. Has heard rumor that the supervisor and inspectors in Virginia are to be replaced. Muse wishes to be considered for the position now held by W. F. Gaines, presuming he may retain his present post as well. Refers to his service as collector of customs at Tappahannock since 1794. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1801–9). 3 pp.; docketed by Wagner as received 17 Apr.
95To James Madison from Cyrus Griffin, 5 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1801. Indisposition prevented his going to Richmond when JM was last there. Encloses a medal as token of friendship and “high consideration,” knowing JM has a collection of them. RC ( DLC ). 1 p.; in Stuart Griffin’s hand (see Cyrus Griffin to JM, 29 July 1801 ); docketed by JM. Cyrus Griffin served with JM in the Continental Congress in 1780 and was a district court judge in Virginia,...
96To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 5 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1801, Algiers. Reports prime minister’s reminder earlier in the day that the U.S. is nearly three years behind in annuities; recounts his own assurances that scheduling shifts, problems of procurement, and the like account for the delays. Notes that “This looks Squally.” Adds on 11 Apr. that dey ordered him to ask U.S. for 500 barrels of gunpowder and 4,000 rounds of ball ammunition...
97To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 6 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 April 1801, The Hague. No. 129. Reports that a general embargo was laid on ports on 30 Mar. but taken off U.S. ships 2 Apr. after his protest. Encloses copies of notes on this matter. (No notification had been given to foreign ministers of the action.) Believes embargo was in reaction to appearance of British fleet off the Meuse and was directed almost exclusively against American trade. On...
98To James Madison from John Dickinson, 7 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
Accept my heartiest Congratulations on thy advancement to the secretary’s office. My Mind has for several Years been deeply distressed, by the artificial Storm that has agitated this Land. The late Changes open a cheerful Prospect to those who love their Country; and one of the most pleasing Circumstances is thy holding thy present station. I am too old, and, I believe Myself too independent...
99To James Madison from John Page, 7 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I return you my best Thanks for your Friendly Answer to my Letter. I heartily condole with you on the Death of your Father, a Circumstance but lately made known to me: and lament the bad State of your Health. But I sincerely hope that you will be soon restored to perfect Health, and that no Circumstance may occur to interrupt you in the Exercise of the Office, in which every Friend of yours...
100To James Madison from Timothy Pickering, 7 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
When in Philadelphia, last winter, Mr. James Yard of that city, reminded me of an assurance given to Edward Stevens Esqr. Consul General for St. Domingo, that he should be indemnified for becoming bail for Mr. Bunel, the Agent of General Toussaint . The facts were these. After General Toussaint took upon himself the administration of the Government of St. Domingo, being desirous of renewing...