1To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 28 June 1790 (Madison Papers)
Being informed that some Members of the House of Representatives are opposed to allowing any emoluments whatever to our Consuls resident in foreign Ports—I am led to request the exercise of your influence in support of such a gratuity as may not have a tendency to burthen the trading Interest—which consequence I think cannot arise from a small contribution chargeable on each Vessell according...
2To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 1 December 1790 (Madison Papers)
Expecting in a few days to embark for Hispaniola under a Consular Commission from the United States—I feel very desirous to have the Consular Bill now pending in Govt. matured & passed as early as other public Interests will permit; wishing not to have gone till it was finished I requested leave of Govt to tarry yet a while but the Secy of State informed me it was “peculiarly interesting to...
3To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 March 1801, Amsterdam. Transmits copies of Leiden Gazette . Reports that weight Great Britain will have in European balance of power is still undecided. France and Russia have important plans to be developed in a short time. Requests information on congressional action on memorial of consuls. In postscript, mentions Cathcart’s circular letter of 3 Jan. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol....
4To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to transmit you the Leyden Gazettes up to the present period which is one peculiarly interesting in the state of European Affairs. The aspect of those of G.B. is above all observed at this moment & it remains to be decided what weight she is hereafter to hold in the ballance of Europe. France & Russia have great important Plans or prospective ones which in a short time will...
5To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 April 1801, Amsterdam. Transmits continuation of Leiden Gazette . Reports local belief that relations between Great Britain and northern powers will be adjusted in a short time, though expectations of general peace are not as strong. In postscript, announces news of death of Czar Paul of Russia; succeeded by Alexander I. Reports rumor that British fleet was repulsed in attack on Copenhagen...
6To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I send you a continuation of the Leyden Gazette to this date. It is here generally believed that the affairs between England & the North of Europe will be adjusted in a short time—while the Expectations of a general peace do not seem to have equal currency. In all due respect Sir Yr ob Hle. Sert. P. S. We just received the important news of the death of the Emperor Paul of Rus sia...
7To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 5 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 May 1801, Amsterdam. Is disappointed to learn Congress rejected the memorial on behalf of U.S. consuls that he transmitted in fall of 1800. Fears request was misinterpreted, the point being that consular fees ought to be paid according to tonnage of American ships. No fixed salary was sought, and the request was never intended for stipulated fees “by way of Salary from the public Chest.” RC (...
8To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 5 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosing you the Leyden Gazette of this date I avail myself of the opportunity to express to you my regret at finding by the Gazettes of our Country, that the memorial which I had the honor to transmit your Predecessor last fall in behalf of the Consuls of the U States, has not met with the expected success in Congress, which I think must have resulted from a misapprehension of the nature &...
9To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 29 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 May 1801, Amsterdam. Continues practice of sending the Leiden newspaper, which is generally impartial in reporting important political news. Recent events in Europe have produced a change in views and principles of some major powers, destroyed the old equilibrium, and made peaceful solutions more difficult. Presumes U.S. will try to avoid political relations with Europe but urges...
10To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 29 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
In conformity to my practice towards your predecessors in Office I here transmit the latest Leyden Gazettes & shall continue to do so regularly by every opportunity which presents. This paper contains a late tho’ correct & generally impartial account of the most material events occurring in this scene & cannot be read but with Interest at a moment when the political page is filled with such as...
11To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, June 1801 (Madison Papers)
In the letter which I had lately the honor to address you on the subject of our Consular Establishments, was contained a request for some aditional Compensation to our Consuls, especially as an equivalent for the injury they sustain by being considered to have forfeited their Rights & Privileges as Amn. Citizens if happening to reside in a Country at War with Another; it may therefore be...
12To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 5 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
The hopes of a peace between France & England which had been inspired by the late correspondence between those two nations seem daily to become more feeble—& leave just grounds to apprehend that a new resort to arms will be made—for deciding the unhappy contest in Europe. The political face of which appears now as little susceptible of a just delineation as at any former period of the War....
13To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 June 1801, Amsterdam. Offers suggestions for improving consular service by making international conventions more specific as to rights and privileges of consuls and defining their powers over American ships and crews that sail into ports where they are accredited. These powers ought to include a means of settling wage disputes between masters and crews, mandatory registration of ships on...
14To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
It has long been a matter of greate st Regret that the Consular Establishment of the U: states does not rest on a more firm & sy stematic base, both as to the Powers, which pertain to our Consuls under the Laws of their own Country & the Privileges & exemptions they ha ve a Right to claim from the operations of the Law s of the Countries where they reside; I therefore take the Liberty to...
15To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 12 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I am honored by your letter of the 25 April by Mr Meredith. The inclosed letters for France have been duly sent on. I learn from you with great pleasure that the Sensibilities of the public Mind which had been excited in the late contest for the election of the supreme Executive were softened down to a temper more congenial with the public prosperity. I doubt not that a little experience of...
16To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 July 1801, Amsterdam. Has unofficial letters from Paris stating that exchange of ratifications had not taken place but was expected shortly. Reports affairs of Egypt uncertain. Portugal has come to terms with Spain, but final action depends on Napoleon’s assent; problems also exist in relations between pope and Napoleon. Although British settlement with North Sea powers is in progress,...
17To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have some letters by last post from Paris (tho’ not Official) which mention that an Exchange of the Ratification of the Treaty had not then taken place but was expected to be done Shortly. The affairs of Egypt yet remain in a very uncertain State & we have no very late Accounts from thence which can be relied on as authentic. Portugal it seems has come to an arrangement with Spain but it is...
18To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 27 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 July 1801, Amsterdam. Captain Pastorius from Philadelphia recently gave him two letters from State Department for Murray, which he has forwarded to Paris. Received a letter the day before from Murray expressing hopes for exchange of ratifications soon; he expects to return to The Hague by 5 Aug. Affairs of Europe remain uncertain. Postscript adds that John Henry Purviance “has just arrived.”...
19To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 27 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Capt. Pastorius from Philadelphia gave me a few days past two letters from the Department of State for Mr. Murray which I have duly sent on to Paris where he yet remains. I had yesterday a few lines from him in which he expresses encouraging hopes that an Exchange of Ratifications will take place in a few days & that he shall probably return to the Hague by the 5h. of Augt. The Affairs of...
20To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 8 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 August 1801, Amsterdam. Has learned from the newspapers that Jefferson has decided to vacate the diplomatic mission at The Hague. Interprets this as an additional obligation on himself to attend to and convey all interesting political information. Has no doubt that the Batavian government will accept him as official channel of communications because of their acquiescence on this point during...
21To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 8 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Having just seen by the Amn. Gazettes that it has pleased the Supreme Executive of the U.S. to locate the Diplomatic Mission at the Hague, I shall regard this event as one imposing an additional obligation on me to attend to that current of political information which may any ways interesting to the U. States & convey the same to you in course. I have no doubt that this Batavian Govt. will in...
22To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 August 1801, Amsterdam. Hastens to forward the enclosed from Murray, since it conveys conclusion of matters with France. Hopes nothing else will disturb American peace during the European war, which he fears is not near an end. Reports that “negotiations [between France and Great Britain] are said to be much interrupted within a few days past.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1...
23To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
I embrace the earliest occasion which presents of forwarding you the inclosed from Mr. Murray as it conveys the pleasing intelligence of his having at length succeeded in bringing all matters to a close with France. I now indulge the hope that nothing else may arise to disturb the tranquillity of the U States during the existence of the War in Europe which I fear is not yet near its end. The...
24To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 15 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 August 1801, Amsterdam. Announces that “nothing very material has occurred on the political Theatre of Europe” since his last letter. Refers to report that Anglo-French discussions have again halted. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 9 Nov. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
25To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 15 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Nothing very material has occurred on the political Theatre of Europe since I last did myself the honor to address you. The great trial ballance of the Accots. open between the several States which compose Europe seems to meet with many obstacles in the adjustment & it is within a few days reported that all converse on this subject between F & E has again ceased. If the claims of humanity had...
26To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 1 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 September 1801, Amsterdam. Encloses Leiden Gazette with news that Cairo has fallen to the British but Alexandria still holds out. This event should hasten an Anglo-French peace settlement. Murray sails for U.S. within a fortnight. Withdrawal of American minister from the Netherlands may require additional consular powers and instructions; suggests his recommendations of 20 June. Recounts...
27To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 1 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I send you the Leyden Gazette to this date by which you will perceive that Cairo has eventually fallen into the hands of the English & that the conquest of that Country is viewed as being accomplished altho Alexandria yet holds out. This event appears to be considered as a very important one towards the promoting of peace between E & F. That it removes one great obstacle to that...
28To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 September 1801, Amsterdam. Encloses that day’s Leiden Gazette with accounts of the revolution in government at The Hague. Reports that the Austrian emperor continues to sanction election of bishops of Cologne and Münster despite French and Prussian opposition. A few days earlier he forwarded a packet of letters from Pinckney, who left Amsterdam on 19 Sept. en route to Madrid. Would...
29To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I here inclose you the Leyden Gazette of this day in which you will find some detail Accts of the revolution of the Govt of this Country now operating at the Hague & of the progress & issue of which I shall keep you duly advised. It appears that the Emperor has proceeded to Countenance of the Elections of the Bishops of Cologne & Munster notwithstanding the express opposition of Prussia &...
30To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 23 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 September 1801, Amsterdam. Forwards an enclosure [not found] that he has received since his letter of the previous day. Reports that the legislature rejected the new constitution proposed by three members of the Batavian Directory after receiving a protest against it from the other two directors. The directors who had proposed the plan then employed a “Military Escort” to seal off the...
31To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 23 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had yesterday the honor to address you via Baltimore since which have recd the inclosed to my care. In the letter just referred to I sent you a Gazette giving some detail acct. of a Revolution or change in the Govt. of this Country then operating at the Hague. Many defects were found to belong to the last constitution which called for a remedy, & three of the Existing Directory, formed a new...
32To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 30 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 September 1801, Amsterdam. Forwards two issues of the Leiden Gazette . Recent reports of British victory in Egypt conflict with later accounts of Menou’s determination to hold out in the hope of receiving aid from France, the government of which appreciates “the importance of the Object as one means of attacking the Colossal Strength of GB. in the E[ast] I[ndies].” The settlement of...
33To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 30 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I have the pleasure to Send you the two latest Leyden Gazettes. It was lately given out that the Affairs of Egypt were conclusively settled in favr. of the English, but by more recent accounts from that quarter we are assured that Genl. Menou was resolved to hold out to the last extremity in hopes of eventual succour from France which that Govt. of that Country will strain every nerve...
34To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 7 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 October 1801, Amsterdam. Reports that, contrary to general expectation, peace preliminaries between France and Great Britain were signed at London on 2 Oct.; terms are still unknown. Declares event will “produce a marked & most material change in the political & commercial Worlds, & its consequences on the future destinies of Europe cannot yet be traced.” Encloses letter to Jefferson on...
35To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 7 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have now to advise you that Contrary to general expectation the preliminary articles of a peace between France & England were signed in London on the 2d. Instant—the contents of which are however as yet unknown here. This important event arrests the attention of the philosophic observer & is of a nature to produce a marked & most material change in the political & commercial Worlds, & its...
36To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 9 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 October 1801, Amsterdam. Confirms signing of the peace preliminaries between France and Great Britain; will send terms when available. Refers to his last letter where he mentioned that peace would decrease his consular fees; believes his income will be less than $500 per annum. Had suggested that consul be paid $2,000 per year and consular fees be credited against that sum. Now proposes that...
37To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 9 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
It appears now confirmed that preliminary Articles of peace between England & France were signed on the 2d. Inst at London the Contents are momently expected to be published when I shall not lose A Moment to transmit them to you. Important reflections are awakened by this event which I cordially hope may fix the future peace & happiness of Europe on a permanent base. In my last letter I took...
38To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 12 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 October 1801, Amsterdam. Repeats request that JM reply at the earliest opportunity to his inquiry about salary, transmitting reply through William Taylor of Baltimore. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
39To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 12 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
I mentioned to you in my last respects (via Boston) that the peace which has taken place in Europe would reduce the income of my Office here to 400 or 500 Dolls. only pr annum & requested to be informed if Govt. could Esteem the place of sufficient importance to justify the granting a Salary of 1000 to 1500 Dolls. in adition for its support. I have here to repeat that it will render me an...
40To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 16 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 October 1801, Amsterdam. Encloses latest Leiden Gazette , which paper “will continue to be interesting till the Great Work of peace is effected by the Congress which is about to meet at Amiens & which will have yet to decide upon many very important interests on the great theater of Europe.” Expects American trade “will suffer by peace in the exact ratio of the advantages we reaped from the...
41To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 16 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
I here transmit the last Leyden Gazette. This paper will continue to be interesting till the Great Work of peace is effected by the Congress which is about to meet at Amiens & which will have yet to decide upon many very important interests on the great theater of Europe. Perhaps, never before a peace took place that had half the Consequences. This must unavoidably have on every thing...
42To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 29 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 October 1801, Amsterdam. Acknowledges JM’s 1 Aug. circular and promises to reply fully at earliest opportunity. Will send copy of new Batavian constitution as soon as it is “published in a systematic form.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
43To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 29 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
Your Circular of Augt. 1. I have just had the honor to receive & shall fully reply thereto by the earliest opportunity, while in the interim every matter shall be attended to, which is equally prescribed by my duty & the desire I have of preserving the fullest Confidence of my Govt . I shall not fail to transmit you the new Constitution lately adopted by this Country the moment I can come at...
44To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 1 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 November 1801, Amsterdam. Will attend to contents of JM’s 1 Aug. circular letter . Takes satisfaction in never having issued any register, sea letter, or title to a vessel, except for his certification of oath of ownership like that described in circular. Has always avoided compromising American neutrality. Believes that greater and more specific powers for consuls would be beneficial to...
45To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 1 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
I am just favored with the receipt of your Circular of August 1s. and shall pay due respect to the Contents. Whatever may have been the practice in that regard in other Consular offices of the U.S. it is a Source to Satisfaction to me that no register or Sea letter has been issued from my office during the Eight Years I have Occupied it, nor any document whatever giving tittle to a Vessell...
46To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 12 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 November 1801, Amsterdam. States difficulty of defining current political situation in Europe or predicting its ultimate form. Upcoming congress at Amiens will undertake this business; promises to communicate results. Adds in a postscript that late changes in Netherlands are a “visible departure” from the principles that gave rise to the revolution. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol....
47To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 12 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
In the present moment it is difficult to delineate with any just precision the political state of Europe or predict with certainty, the form it may ultimately assume. This important business will be Shortly undertaken by the Congress that is about to assemble at Amiens—& every eye & ear will be open to learn the result of their interesting deliberations the course of which shall be...
48To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 November 1801, Amsterdam. Transmits Leiden Gazette . Waits “anxiously to know what will be the fate of my official situation as that of my family will thereon essentially depend .” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1 p.; sent “Via New York / Care of Mr Ely”; postmarked New York; docketed by Wagner as received 18 Feb. A full transcription of this document has been added to the...
49To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I send you further the Leyden Gazette to this date. I shall now wait anxiously to know what will be the fate of my official situation as that of my family will thereon essentially depend. I have the honor to be in sentiments of the highest Respect—Yr. Ob Sert. The preceding is the full transcription of a document that was previously abstracted in The Papers of James Madison ,...
50To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 11 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 December 1801, Amsterdam. Transmits the Leiden Gazette to date. Thinks the congresses to be held at Amiens, Ratisbon, and Lyons may materially alter political state of Europe, but the results will not be known before spring. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.