51From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 22 February 1803 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor to report to the President of the United States, upon the note of the Minister of his Danish Majesty, Dated on the 9th. inst, as follows. That it appears that the Danish Brigantine Henrich, Capt. Peter Scheele, sailing from Hamburg, loaded with an assorted Cargo, and bound to Cape Francois, was captured on the 3d. of Octr. 1799 by a French Privateer, and on...
52From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
The answers from the Govr. & Intendant at N. Orleans to the Spanish Ministers letter were recd. by him yesterday. The Intendant himself states that he had taken his measures, merely on his own judgmnt., without orders from his Govt. and in opposition to the judgment of the Govr: but it appears that his determination had not been changed by the first interposition of Yrujo. As his second letter...
53From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 14 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
You will find in the gazette of this morning the letter from d’Yrujo, which he wished to be printed, and which will I hope do good. Pichon has also written a strong letter to the Govr. of Louisiana, summoning him on his responsibility, to see that the Cession of that province to France be not affected, nor the amicable relations of the Republic to the U. States, be endangered, by a...
54From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 17 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
In the inclosed Intelligencer you will find the letter from Pichon to the Govr. of Louisiana. Having been written without reference to its publication, it is less carefully fitted than Yrujo’s for the contemplated impression; and in connection with that presents some points for sophistical comments, which are made rather more, than less salient by the reflections of the Editor. The letter will...
55From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
A letter from Hulings of Feby. 15. says that at that date the Intendant had not revoked the interruption of the deposit; but had from regard to the wants of the Colony, opened the market to flour & other provisions brought down the Mississippi; the articles being subject to a duty of 6 perCt. if consumed there, and to the usual export duty, (I believe 12 perCt) if sent as an indulgence in...
56Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [14 April] 1803 (Madison Papers)
1t. Quer. if the laws give any authority at present beyond the limits of the U. S? 2 “This Mission having reference to the Commerce”—may repell, more than the expression used, the criticism of illicit principal objects of the measure. 3 “including the fish” 4. if practicable he might note occasionally the variations of the Needle. RC ( DLC : Jefferson Papers). Undated. Docketed by Jefferson,...
57From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 26 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
Having recieved some days ago, but not in time for the last mail, the inclosed petition, I have thought it proper to forward with it a pardon, that in case it should be extended to the party, delay might be avoided. I know nothing more of the convict or of the merits of the petition than are to be gathered from the petition itself and the letter from W. Jones. It is signed, I observe by...
58From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
My arrival here was delayed till monday evening last; first by the completion of the business depending at Washington, and then by the breaking down of my carriage just after I had set out which detained me three days. I found at the post office your letter covering the pardon for miller, which was forwarded by the ensuing mail, with the intimation to Wagner which you wished. Yesterday I had...
59From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd yours of the 13. covering the papers from Govr. Mercer. The act of Maryland is I believe in the Office of State, having been sent thither by the Govr. after his return to Annapolis. The object of it in requiring the sanction of the President to the measures of the Ex. of the State, was I believe to prevent an interference with national measures, as well as to be a check in...
60From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 16th. with the accompanying papers. The communications &c. recd. since my last are enclosed. The letters from Paris are important, but I do not see in them the wish of the F. Govt. to retract the bargain with our Ministers, so much as an anxiety to secure its execution agst. the intrusions of G. B. and to feel thro’ their pulse, whether we were or were likely to be in...
61From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 18. with inclosures has been recd. I must write to Wagner for Livingston’s Cypher, before I can return the letter from him. I have with me Monroe’s Cypher only. The letters sent you by last mail from those Ministers probably contain the information in cyphered passages of the letter in my hands. The subject of Duane’s letter being somewhat delicate & important, under several...
62From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 28 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your two favors, one of the 24th. instant the other covering the letters from Mr. Gallatin, & Barnes now returned. I had thought it might be best not to answer Thornton’s letter because in some parts his manner did not deserve it, because he speaks with out the known sentiments of his Govt. and because the Minister of higher grade expected, will be likely to give a more eligible...
63From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 September 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have recd the letters sent me by the last mail under two covers, and return those belonging to your own files. I inclose herewith also the communications last recd from the office of State. I can not without losing the present opportunity make comments on any of them. A few only invite them. Yours with respectful attacht. Docr. Wallace in whose behalf the letters from Mr. Brent & Mr Thomson...
64From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 September 1803 (Madison Papers)
I recd. last night the inclosed letter from Yrujo. Mr. Wagner informs me that a copy was sent directly to you by the same mail, but as a further security for your receivg. the communication without delay, I take advantage of the present oppy. of forwarding the original. It is a curious circumstance that near three months after the sale of Louisiana, the French ambasr. should have given the...
65Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 1 October] 1803 (Madison Papers)
✓ (0) for “before” is suggested “without” the former seeming to imply that after the suspension, an assignt. had been made. ✓ (1) after or for “friendly” insert “proper” omit “without difficulty or delay.” There was perhaps somewhat of both, and it may become expedient to say so to Spain. (2.) [“]The enlightened mind of the first Consul of France saw in its true point of view the importance of...
66From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [5 November] 1803 (Madison Papers)
The Louisiana documents did not come from Mr. Gallatin till a day or two ago. I have this morning delivered 38 revised pages, which will go to the press, a few of which have been some time in the ty⟨pes⟩. There will be abt. ⅓ or ½ as many more. No time will be lost. The bulk of the work will apologize to the House for the delay. RC ( DLC : Jefferson Papers). Undated; date assigned here on the...
67From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 2 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
Agreeably to a Resolution of the Senate, passed on the 22d of last month, requesting the President of the United States to cause to be laid before them such information as may have been received, relative to the violation of the flag of the United States, or to the Impressment of any seamen in the service of the United States, by the Agents of any foreign Nation, I do myself the Honor to...
68From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [4 December] 1803 (Madison Papers)
A few alterations are suggested on the supposition that it may be best to present the transaction, as a disavowal of war & a conformation [ sic ] of peace, rather than as a pacification which might involve the necessary idea of Treaty. I take for granted that Mr Smith will have an oppy. of expressing his opinion as to the graduation of praise to the Officers. As so many names are mentioned, &...
69From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1804, Washington. “[I] Inclose the Commission for Kirby according to your parting request; also three others for Indian Comssrs. in blank, which you will be so good as to return. The last communications from N. Orleans are also inclosed. They are in several respects interesting. “We have recd nothing from abroad since you left us, and every thing here remains as at that date.” RC ( DLC...
70From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
I recd. last night the inclosed letters from Mr Livingston, which afford another proof that the French Government, however deficient it may be in other attributes is an enlightened one. It would be better no doubt if our objects could be attained by our own means only, but friendly interpositions of other Govts. in such a case ought not only to be accepted but to be acknowledged with respect &...
71From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 April 1804, Washington. “Inclosed herewith are the letters last recd from Mr. Pinkney, with some communications from the Mediterranean, and from the Comissrs. under the 7th. art: of the British Treaty. The capture by Capt: Preble was in some respects very apropos; but is there not danger that it may give umbrage to the Grand Seignor?” Adds in a postscript: “Not knowing the address of...
72From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 9th. with its inclosures has been duly recd. and will be duly attended to. The inclosed communications from Mr. Merry are as satisfactory as they are important. On the return of them, it will be proper I presume to acknowledge the impression made by the promptitude of the interposition, and the evidence it affords of a disposition to cherish the amicable relations &c. of the...
73From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 19 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
The Mail of last evening brought me your favor of the 15th. with the papers sent back with it. I shall forbear using your Blank for an exequatur till I can again confer with Mr. Pichon who is at Baltimore. The sending on the intercepted presents to the Porte would certainly be a handsome & politic expression of respect for the Grand Seignor, who otherwise may be thrown by his displeasure into...
74Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, 20 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 April 1804, Department of State. “Dr. S. went in the year 1799 to St. Domingo under a Consular appointment, with additional services to be performed of a nature not consular. For expences incurred in this Mission he claims reimbursement, on the ground of a promise from the Executive, on the faith of which he undertook the Mission. 1. Is the claim legally allowable, particularly from the...
75From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 April 1804 (Madison Papers)
I reced. this morning your favor of the 17th. instant. Among the papers inclosed from N. Orleans is a copy of the Charter issued by Govr. Claibourne. From the date it appears to be prior to the Act of Congress, and not to be nullified thereby, unless the Act of Congress have a repealing effect. How far this may be the case, how far the authority of the Govr. may have been sufficient to grant...
76Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [14 June] 1804 (Madison Papers)
£50 paid to John Chisholm Extract from Mr. King’s explanatory remarks “It will be recollected that Chisholm was confederated with Blount and others in a project to invade the Floridas from the Territories of the United States —that he went to England with letters from the B. Minister Mr. Liston, introducing him and his project to the English Ministry. Mr. King obtained from Chisholm a full...
77From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 4 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
I inclose such of the communications from the office of State recd. since my arrival at home, as are worth your perusal. The letters from Mr. Livingston with the documents attached to them, being in the press copies are scarcely legible in many passages, and in some not to be made out at all. His secretary is not only lazy but disrespectful in not revising the copies and filling up the...
78From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
I know not what to make of the inclosed letter. The purport of it clashes with every calculation founded in probability; and yet it is impossible to disregard altogether the reliance which Col. Monroe seems to place on what he writes. We shall be better able to judge on seeing the details and the authority for them which he promises. 5 inches of rain have fallen since sunday morning. Two of...
79From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 13 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have now to acknowledge your two letters of the 3 & 7th. instant, with their inclosures; & to forward the communications from the office of State recd. since my last. Before I left Washington a circular letter was prepared & the requisite provisional steps taken for giving effect to the proposed amendment as soon as the ratification of Tennissee should be notified. As that has come to me...
80From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 14 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
I submit to your perusal the inclosed letter as the most ready mode of explaining the wish of Bishop Madison with respect to Mr. Mansfield. If you can furnish me with any information proper for an answer, you will oblige me by so doing. It is not improbable that the Bishop may take Monticello in his way as he proceeds westward. In this case you will be saved the trouble otherwise imposed. Yrs...
81From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is a letter of late date from Mr Monroe and the originals of those heretofore recd. from Mr Livingston in press copies. Mr. L. now admits that the debts will exceed 20,000,000 livrs. How he calculates 2 Millions of interest as the effect of the delay which is less in every view than a year, or how he can charge the delay on the U. S. when he admits that the French Govt forbears to...
82From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday your two favors of the 15 & 16th. Among those now inclosed is a renewal of Pichon’s complaints which strengthens your observations in the close of yours of the last date. He is well founded in the view he takes of the abuse made by the British ships of their connection with the Harbour of N. Y. He exacts too much however in requiring our effective “ surveillance ” over the...
83From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. yours of the 18th. with the papers to which it refers. It was neither sealed, nor inclosed in the larger packet. The accounts from the Mediterranean, as you will find are on the whole favorable. The explanations of Lear, & the reinforcement under Baron, will probably overcome the repugnance of the Bey of Tunis to transact business with the Consul General, on account of his...
84From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 25 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yesterday afternoon your two favors of the 19th. & 23. I will write to Claibourne & Granger on the subject of the post estabt. thro’ the territory held by Spain and claimed by us. I previously however submit it to your determination whether it may not be best, besides the proposed negociation with Casa Calvo which he may reject, to provide for a simple passage of the mail witht. a post...
85From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 28 August 1804 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed communications from Pinkney threaten some unexpected difficulties at Madrid. In the conduct of the Spanish Govt. we see pretty clearly the passions of Yrujo, and the policy of reserving matter for negociating restrictions of Louisiana. It may be presumed that the posture of things there will hasten the departure of Monroe from London. Pinkney had not recd. the explanation of the...
86From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 8 September 1804 (Madison Papers)
I recd yesterday yours of the 6th. with a return of the letters from Appleton and Savage. Under the same cover with this are sundry communications, some of them very interesting. They need not be returned till I can receive them at Monticello, which I expect will happen early in the ensuing week. Should the inclosed letter to Mr. Pichon be such as you entirely approve, I beg the favor that it...
87From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 22 September 1804 (Madison Papers)
I inclose the letter alluded to in my last from Mr. Merry to Mr. Wagner; also a letter from Barney & one from L. Harris. I have authorized Mr. W. to forward any more information relating to Barney’s claims, to Mr Skipwith, reminding him that no further interposition could be made, unless you should so decide. A patronage of individual claims, besides its interference with the functions of the...
88From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 2 October 1804 (Madison Papers)
I return to the Dept. of State the inclosed papers (excepting the private letter from Mr. L ) thro’ your hands that you may peruse such of them as may deserve that attention. According to my recollection, the explanation of the Act of Congs. so offensive to Spain, was communicated to Yrujo. As it is possible that I may be mistaken, it may be worth while to enquire into the fact; and if the...
89Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [15 October] 1804 (Madison Papers)
Perhaps the language may be a little more effectually guarded agst. the idea of making a sort of Stipulation the title to the appointment. All that can be effected is to strengthen his good dispositions, by his knowing that they were calculated on as a proof of his general merit, & by his committing himself for a perseverence in those dispositions, by conversations and declarations on the...
90Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [23 October] 1804 (Madison Papers)
The first enacting clause will be ineffectual, because vessels will clear for one place, when really bound to another. A principle therefore will be conceded of which advantage may hereafter be taken, without any security that will be satisfactory to complaining nations. The only adequation [ sic ] provision would be to take bond for delivery of the Cargo elsewhere that [ sic ] at the...
91Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [25 October] 1804 (Madison Papers)
(a) and which have been encreased by peculiar circumstances in the W. Indn Seas; yet in the more distant channels at least of our trade, b. The act authorizes &c provisionally at least—a port &c without the limits of the U. S. The words in ( ) may be left out. c— (on the part of Spain) d. (proper to suspend) will according better with the case—as the 6th art. is also made a ground of...
92Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [1 January] 1805 (Madison Papers)
⟨Mr.⟩ Levy Mr. Pinkney Judge Livingston Duvall. Granger. Rodney. J.T. Mason Dallas RC ( DLC : Jefferson Papers). Undated; date assigned here on the basis of Jefferson’s docket: “Departmt. State. recd. Jan. 1. 05. / Atty Genls.” Jefferson had asked members of his cabinet to suggest possible candidates to replace Levi Lincoln as attorney general (see Henry Dearborn to Jefferson, 2 Jan. 1805,...
93From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 31 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 January 1805, Department of State. “The Secretary of State, to whom the President of the United States has been pleased to refer the Resolution of the Senate of the 28th. instant, requesting that there may be laid before the Senate such documents and papers, or other information, as the President should judge proper relative to complaints against arming the Merchant Ships or Vessels of the...
94Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 8 February 1805] (Madison Papers)
+ insert “thro’ the transactions of a portion of our Citizens whose intelligence & arrangements best shi[e]ld them agst the abuses, as well as inconveniences incident to the collection” Religion—substitute “as religious exercises, could therefore be neither controuled nor prescribed by us. They have accordingly been left as the Constitution found them, under the direction & discipline...
95Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 21 February 1805] (Madison Papers)
Is the fact certain that the amt. of the internal taxes not objectionable in their nature would not have paid the Collectors? What is the amendment alluded to as necessary to a repartition of liberated revenues amg. the States in time of peace? page 3—“in any view” may be better than “in any event” that phrase having but just preceeded. Instead of “acts of religious exercise suited to it...
96From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 17 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
I inclose two letters from Monroe recd. since your departure. The intermediate ones referred to, of the 16 & 18 of Decr. are not yet recd. I inclose also a Letter of Decr. 24. from Armstrong; who I am pleased to find understands the language in which the honorable & honest policy of this Country ought to be expressed. You will find that I obey the wish of Govr. Claiborne in taxing you with a...
97From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
I recd. on monday evening your favor of Mar. 23. with the return of Armstrong’s & Monroe’s letters first sent you. I cannot entirely despair that Spain notwithstanding the support given by France to her claim to W. F. may yield to our propo<s>ed arrangement, partly from its intrinsic value to her, partly from an apprehension of the interference of G.B; and that this latter consider [ sic ]...
98From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 1 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
I find by a letter just recd. from Mr. Tomkins that he declines the appointment lately given him, so that it will be necessary for you to think of another successor to Judge Hobart. Writing at present without having the letter by me I can not inclose it. A decree of Genl. Ferrand commanding at St. Domingo dated the 5th. of Feby. has just been forwarded from N. York, which transcends every...
99From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 5 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 1st. instant has been recd with the letters of Jarvis Monroe & Pinkney. I had a conversation yesterday with Turreau on the subject of Ferrands decree. He was perfectly rational and accomodating, expressed a wish to receive without delay a note from me on the subject, and promised to interpose as requested. He regretted that Logan’s motion to prohibit the trade with St. Domingo,...
100From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 22 July 1805 (Madison Papers)
By this Mail you will receive the letters last received from Mr. Erving. No others have come to hand from any quarter worth troubling you with. Mr. Gallatin left Washington the day I believe you did. I am still detained here by the situation of Mrs. M’s complaint. The Doctr. does not claim less than seven or 8 days from this time, at least, in order to render the journey safe; and her recovery...