1From John Adams to William Eustis, 18 March 1810 (Adams Papers)
I am very much obliged to you for your kind Letter of the tenth of this Month and the very curious Intelligence in it. The Powers of Chicanery that are evoked to drown it, prove that it is thought important. Perhaps it may be, but I have not a Sight Clear enough to perceive it. Where would be the Difference between Mr Jackson and his Successor, if both should be useless. There may be some: if...
2From John Adams to William Eustis, 27 January 1812 (Adams Papers)
Permit me to introduce to you Mr. Richard Cranch Norton, a young Gentleman of liberal Education at our old Alma Mater. His name will inform you of his genuine puritanical blood. He is a nephew of your neighbor Chief Justice Cranch. He has a brother whose name is Edward Norton and both of them Sons of a Learned Divine of Weymouth, whose Orthodoxy can be surely no impeachment of his Patriotism....
3From John Adams to William Eustis, 18 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
Give me leave to enclose to you a Letter from a Gentleman whom I knew in former Life but have not lately seen. I knew his Grand Father, his Father, his Uncle and his Brothers and himself all of genuine old New England Blood You probably know personally more of him than I do. If it should be consistent with the public good in the Presidents opinion and yours I should hear with pleasure of his...
4From John Adams to William Eustis, 15 July 1812 (Adams Papers)
On the 27th of Jany I had the honor to recommend to you a young Gentleman for an Ensigns commission in the army. My success on that occasion emboldens me to adventure once more, I say success, because I hear a very pleasing account of the conduct of the Ensign—of the esteem & confidence of his superior officers, & his success in the recruiting service. Old New England blood you know is very...
5From Abigail Smith Adams to William Eustis, 5 August 1812 (Adams Papers)
I address you upon a subject of much delicacy and which from circumstances which must be well known to you makes me diffident in presenting to your view the oldest Revolutiary Feild officer now Living. I presume I need not name to you his former Services, nor the loss of property which his Family sustaind by the Enemy, nor the wounds he received in the Service, or those qualification, which so...
6From James Madison to William Eustis, 17 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your favor of the 11th. inst. on the subject of Mr. Savage, & inclosing a letter to you from him. If Mr. Savage refers, as is presumed, to a claim of compensation for his services, beyond the commission allowed him, it is not understood that any law is in force which would justify the Executive in yielding to this claim. The interposition of Congress alone, can therefore...
7From James Madison to William Eustis, 17 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 November 1803, Department of State. Encloses “an account of the Naval Force of Morocco, as far as is known, exclusive of the two frigates captured by the Vessels of war of the United States.” “A Ship of 30 Guns and 150 Men. / Two gallies built last year. / Another galley was getting ready at Tatuam [Tetuán] in August, and the Governor of Tangier at that date expressed his intention of...
8From James Madison to William Eustis, 1 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To William Eustis. 1 November 1805. “Will you permit me to inclose for your consideration, a commission whch may be recommended by the advantage of local conveniency? It will not be put on record untill your decision shall warrant, which it will be agreeable to receive as soon as it may be reasonably expected.” RC (offered for sale by James D. Julia, Inc., Fairfield, Maine, 4–5 Feb. 2010,...
9From James Madison to William Eustis, 7 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed commission will inform you that I have taken the liberty to nominate you to fill the Office of Secretary of War, vacated by the resignation of General Dearborn, and that the Senate have compleated the appointment. I transmit the Commission with a hope that I shall have the pleasure of learning that your Country will have the benefit of your services in that important station. I...
10Robert Williams to William Eustis, 12 May 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 May 1809, Boston. Asks the secretary of war to intercede with JM on behalf of William Stanwood, who has been arrested “for allowing goods to be landed from his Vessell prior to entry at the Custom House.” This was Stanwood’s first voyage as master of a ship, and he was not only inexperienced but also sick “in body and Mind, being just on the recovery from the Yallow feaver.” Clemency from...
11From James Madison to William Eustis, 30 August 1809 (Madison Papers)
Several considerations appearing to render it expedient that the Commander in Chief, now with the Army in the Territory of Orleans, should be at the Seat of Government, as soon as the prerequisites to his setting out, will permit, you will please to transmit him instructions to that effect. Should the correspondence between the Navy Dept. and Capt: Porter, not have been otherwise communicated...
12From James Madison to William Eustis, 17 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 17 July 1810. Acknowledged in Eustis to JM, 29 July 1810 . Inquires about orders given to U.S. Army troops marching to Pittsburgh.
13From James Madison to William Eustis, 20 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 16th. answering one from Genl. Wilkinson of the 14th. of which a copy was inclosed. Your objections to his request seem to evince the irregularity of it. Nor do I perceive its importance to his object. As the examination of the Officers, if present, being ex. parte, wd. of course be without cross examinations, their testimony may be taken where they are, with...
14From James Madison to William Eustis, 10 August 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. from the War office a copy of the letter of July 12. from Lt. Colo. Sparkes, the original of which addressed to you, had been forwarded. The present Mail allows me but a moment, to say that the request to have the garrison at Fort Stoddart reinforced, seems to be amply justified by the circumstances on which it is founded; at the same time that it accords with other...
15From James Madison to William Eustis, 16 August 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 16 August 1810. Acknowledged in Eustis to JM, 26 Aug. 1810 . Inquires about the authorship of a disrespectful note and forwards a letter from George Colbert.
16From James Madison to William Eustis, 30 August 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 19th. A long letter, now with the Dept. of State, from Judge Toulmin, confirms the reality of a projected expedition from his neighborhood agst. Mobille; which he considered however as suspended, if not abandoned. The inclosed copies of letters from Govr. Holmes, & Secretary Robinson, will give you the latest information of what is passing on the other side of...
17From James Madison to William Eustis, 7 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 26. That of the 19th. Ult. has been already acknowledged. Having written to Washington for the precedents in the case of calling out the Militia, & employing the regular force, to execute the Act of 1794. agst. unauthorized enterprizes on foreign nations, I have recd. a copy of Genl. Dearborns letter to Govr Greenup, now inclosed. In your absence from the Office,...
18From James Madison to William Eustis, 24 August 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 21. with the letters from Govr. Harrison, and herewith return the latter. As the exhibition properly managed, of an imposing force on the Northern frontier beyond the Ohio, may in several views, be of critical importance at the present juncture, I concur in your opinion of the measure and of the expediency of applying Boyd’s Regiment in aid of it. The late caution to...
19From James Madison to William Eustis, 8 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 2d. was duly recd. The course which the B. Govt. pursues, particularly in sending a Squadron to our Coasts, with such menacing indications, calls for our vigilance in every respect; and incidents may ensue, which would make a stronger claim on the services of the Members of the Ct. Mart: at Frederick town, than is made by the Object of that Court. It is so desirable...
20From James Madison to William Eustis, 15 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 11th. inclosing a letter from Mr. Jones acting as Judge Advocate at Frederick Town. As the case of Genl. Wilkinson is in possession of the Court Martial, who will judge of the extent of their own jurisdiction, as well as decide on the merits of the questions within it, no instructions seem to be requisite, in the present stage of the proceeding; unless it be in...
21From James Madison to William Eustis, 21 September 1811 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 21 September 1811. Acknowledged in Eustis to JM, 25 Sept. 1811 . Gives instructions relating to the attendance of officers at the court-martial of James Wilkinson.
22Peter Gansevoort to William Eustis, 5 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
It is intimated here, that the two senior Officers of the Light Artillery are soon to be appointed, and that in all probability, they will be selected from the line of the Army. I am not authorized to make any application in favor of Major Porter and indeed he is totally ignorant of this Letter, but as I discover great anxiety in him for promotion, particularly in the Artillery, I think it...
23From James Madison to William Eustis, [ca. 14 September 1809] (Madison Papers)
If this should find you in Boston, will you be so good as to make the proper payment for me, to the Editor of the Patriot, who has sent me his paper hitherto, and which I wish to be continued. Mr. Jackson, it seems does not think proper to open himself, untill he shall have presented his credentials & been formally recd. nor does he show any solicitude to hasten this preliminary. Presuming...
24From James Madison to William Eustis, 5 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
The death of Mr. Mifflin has produced the inclosed applications for the vacancy in the deputy commissiarte [ sic ] held by him. It is probable they will meet others addressed to yourself. If Irvin is to reside or be chiefly in Philada. it does not appear very essential that the office should be filled immediately, if at all. You can judge best. Mr. Coxe has again been brought to my attention;...
25From James Madison to William Eustis, 6 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have thought it proper to request the return of the inclosed letters; some of which, though stating facts, & shewing the public sentiment, and on that account worth perusing, contain what ought to consign them to the fire, rather than to the public archives. The more I hear of the alarm produced in the Western Country by Hull’s disaster, and of the incoherent efforts on foot to cure the...
26From James Madison to William Eustis, 8 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 5th. & return the letters accompanying it. Your last instruction to Wilkinson will I suppose have given him the idea which is for the present to regulate his policy towards the Spaniards. If it be true that a proclamation of neutrality issued at the Havanna, it is a proof that they will not court hostilities with us. In the mean time, the hostile use made of the...
27From James Madison to William Eustis, 10 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have but a moment to inclose you the letters from Govr: Scott & others. You will communicate to Mr. Monroe what has been done in that quarter. His presence will be useful in getting every thing into system & subordination. A failure in the mail does not allow me time to examine the Volunteer Act, with reference to a Majr. Genl’s Comission to Mr. Monroe. But I see no evil from risking the...
28From James Madison to William Eustis, 11 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 8th. has but just come to hand. I return the letters from Genl. D. I shall set out tomorrow morning for Washington & proceed by way of Fredg. expecting to reach Washington on Monday. Meantime will you resolve the arrangement recommended with respect to Connecticut Volunteers? Friendly respects RC ( PHi : Daniel Parker Papers).
29From James Madison to William Eustis, 4 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of yesterday, with the impressions which could not but result from your purpose of retiring from an office so nearly related to that which has been entrusted to me, in which your services have been co-eval with mine, and in which I have witnessed the zeal and constancy of your exertions for the public good, under difficulties peculiarly arduous & trying. In bearing...
30From James Madison to William Eustis, 1 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
Will you permit me to inclose for your consideration, a commission which may be recommended by the advantage of local conveniency? It will not be put on record untill your decision shall warrant, which it will be agreeable to receive as soon as it may be reasonably expected. Accept my best respects & regards Facsimile of RC (James D. Julia Auctioneers, Auction of 4–5 Feb. 2010, lot 2043;...
31From James Madison to William Eustis, 12 November 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have just been favored with yours of the 7th. instant. Whatever may be the weight of your observations, it would be difficult to act on the view they take of the subject, complicated as it necessarily is with some other views of it; passing by the incompetency of the Executive alone to consummate the arrangement suggested. I may not be able to do full justice to impressions, some of which at...
32From James Madison to William Eustis, 28 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
We have just recd an Envoy from the new Sovereign of the U. Netherlands, & wish to cultivate useful relations between the 2 Countries, by a prompt return of the Civility. Will you permit me to name you to the Senate, for the purpose of counterplacing him? It will be very convenient to receive an early answer, & if my wishes should be gratified, that you be ready for an early departure for your...
33From James Madison to William Eustis, 15 December 1814 (Madison Papers)
It has been in view for some time to counterplace Mr. Changuion by an Envoy Extraordinary & Minister Plenipotentiary to his Sovereign Prince; and I have had you in my thoughts for the service. I postponed however consulting you on the subject, on the calculation that it could be done at any time without inconvenient delay to the object. Circumstances now exist which render an immediate...
34From James Madison to William Eustis, 21 December 1814 (letter not found) (Madison Papers)
¶ To William Eustis. Letter not found. 21 December 1814. Acknowledged in Eustis to JM , 29 Dec. 1814 , as informing Eustis of his appointment as U.S. minister to the Netherlands and enclosing his commission.
35From James Madison to William Eustis, 3 April 1815 (Madison Papers)
I am just favored with yours of the 19h. Ulto. I need not say that I should have been particularly happy in seeing you before your departure for Europe, if circumstances had permitted. Having retired for a while to my farm, I am disappointed of the pleasure of even a substituted interview with Mr. Everett. The Secretary of State however whom I left at Washington, will have an opportunity, of...
36From James Madison to William Eustis, 12 May 1816 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. your two favors of Aug. 10. & Decr. 9th. 1815. but during so busy a season, that I have been obliged to postpone the acknowlegement of them, to the present date. The picture you give of the Dutch humiliation as exemplified in the tone of the Baron de Nagel, on the violation of the local sovereignty in the case of the seaman impressed, exceeds what I could have inferred from the...
37From James Madison to William Eustis, 20 August 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 13th. I am glad to learn that you are so well satisfied with the ⟨present⟩ state of the armories; and that an inconveniency to the U.S. can be relieved by so seasonable a measure as that of distributing arms to the States. It is particularly agreeable also that the important works for the defence of N.Y. are so near their completion. Will it not be well to institute...
38From James Madison to William Eustis, 8 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have yours of the 7th. The detention of the Indians as hostages is liable to the most serious objections. The most extreme case only would justify it. And the policy of the measure is liable to those you suggest, under that view of the subject. The opinion of Clarke at least might to [ illegible ] favor of it. Is that known? The capture of Fort Wayne is I hope a mistake for the loss of...
39From James Madison to William Eustis, [ca. 31] March 1817 (Madison Papers)
I cannot take my final leave of Washington, without calling to mind the epistolary debt remaining due to you. On consulting with Mr. Monroe some time ago, it was understood that your stay in Holland would be prolonged untill next fall, if not next Spring, by a joint negociation with the Govt. of the Netherlands, on the subject of a commercial Treaty. You will have received the communications...
40From James Madison to William Eustis, 25 January 1819 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 27 Ult: from Richmond was duly handed to me by Genl King. His stay with me was very short, having failed to reach this on the day he left Monticello, and being in a hurry to get to Washington by a particular time. I find by Mrs. Eustis’s letter to Mrs. M. that you had taken up your winter quarters in Wmsbg. Why did you not take a Western instead of an Eastern direction from...
41From James Madison to William Eustis, 6 July 1819 (Madison Papers)
I have delayed to thank you for your favors from Williamsburg & N York, till I should learn that a letter would find you at Boston. This I have just done. I am glad that your interview with Dr. Mason has authenticated a circumstance, which tho’ of a minute character, it is well eno’ should not be left in uncertainty. And I am very glad that you sought the conversation with Van Wert. The...
42From James Madison to William Eustis, 22 May 1823 (Madison Papers)
I recd. by the last mail your welcome favor of the 10th. instant. The newspapers had prepared me for the triumphant vote which restores a prodigal sister to the bosom of the republican family, and evinces a return of her grateful feelings for a revolutionary worthy. I congratulate you very sincerely on this event, with every wish that your administration may be as happy to yourself as I am...
43From James Madison to William Eustis, 14 June 1823 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 6th. inst: in which your pen has done justice to the elevated devotion to the public interest which it had to express. I had previously recd. under your blank cover, a printed copy of your Address to the Legislature. The coup de grace which the address gives to the factious ascendency so long forming a cloud over the State of Massachts. could not fail to...
44From Thomas Jefferson to William Eustis, 30 December 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson requests the favor of The Honble Doctr. Eustis’s company to dinner the day after tomorrow at half after three oclock— RC (facsimile in Washington Post , 8 Oct. 1961); in Meriwether Lewis’s hand. William Eustis (1753–1825), a native of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a graduate of Harvard College, was a surgeon during the Revolutionary War. Eustis held a seat in the lower house of...
45From Thomas Jefferson to William Eustis, 19 October 1803 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson requests the favour of Doctr. Eustis to dine with him on Friday the 21st. inst. at half after three, or at whatever later hour the house may rise. Oct. 19. 03 The favour of an answer is asked. RC ( MHi : Letters to William and Caroline Eustis); printed form, with blanks filled by TJ reproduced in italics; addressed by TJ: “The honble Doctr. Eustis.”
46From Thomas Jefferson to William Eustis, 1 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his friendly salutations to Doctr. Eustis and his thanks for the fish which he has been so kind as to send him. it is a very fine article, when it can be got of the good kind, which is rare & difficult to those not of the country where produced. RC (R. M. Smythe, New York City, 1995); addressed: “The honble Doctr. Eustis”; endorsed by Eustis. Not recorded in SJL .
47Thomas Jefferson to William Eustis, 6 October 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Sollicited by a poor man in an adjoining county who states his case in the inclosed letter, & truly, as far as I can learn, I take the liberty of putting it under cover to you, in the hope you will be so good as to put it into the hands of the proper clerk, that whatever is right may be done, &, if nothing can be done, that the clerk may certify the grounds, so as to inform the applicant & put...
48Thomas Jefferson to William Eustis, 30 May 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
In the action brought against me by E. Livingston on the subject of the batture , the counsel employed desire me without delay to furnish them with the grounds of defence that they may know what pleas to put in. to do this a communication of the papers in the several public offices, material to the case, is very essential. will you be so kind as to have selected such of those deposited in your...
49Thomas Jefferson to William Eustis, 25 January 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I reject a multitude of applications for recommendations to office, but now and then a case occurs which cannot be declined. the inclosed letter is from a friend of my youthful days, & one of our most worthy citizens. of the son I know little, but if like his father he should be a good man. the father seems to speak of him with the candor for which he is remarkeable. mr Duval having staid with...
50Thomas Jefferson to William Eustis, 9 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of forwarding to you the inclosed letter which proposes to place three young gentlemen on the list of candidates for military appointments in the new army to be raised. of them personally I know nothing. with their family I am well acquainted. it is among the very respectable ones of our state in point of character, standing & property. the writer of the inclosed letter is...