1To James Madison from William Eaton, 9 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
The letter accompanying this of 22d. a 27th. ult. went off for Gibraltar on the day of its date by an English merchantman which, having sprung a leak at sea, returned into port. That from the department of State of May 10th. I had the honor to receive 30th. It was enjoined on me to forward my account by the return of the squadron: but it must be long since known to the Government that no ship...
2To James Madison from William Eaton, 12 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
The cause of the sudden change of treatment on the part of this Bey towards me in my representative character is just now discovered. About thirty days ago arrived here a chaux (messenger) from the Sublime Porte with a firman from the Grand Signor demanding immediate restitution of three Sardinian merchant vessels and cargoes, captured during the late war, by the Bey’s cruisers, while under...
3To James Madison from William Eaton, 6 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
I embarked at Tunis in the schooner Enterprize on the 10th. March, touched at Algiers the 20th.—and arrived at Gibraltar the 23d.: the squadron had arrived the morning of the same day. It was my intention thence to have taken passage to the United States in the frigate chesapeak. But, hearing on the 30th. of the arrival of a ship from Leghorn bound directly to Boston, I asked the Commodore’s...
4To James Madison from William Eaton, 5 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor herewith to inclose for the information of Government copies of letters A. & B. which I this instant received from our Chargé des affaires and Cap. Morris at Tripoli. The American frigate mentioned in the latter was the Constellation Cap. Murray, as I presume from the circumstance of the Boston having left Malta on the 11th. ult. for the U States, and as I have no information...
5To James Madison from William Eaton, 28 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the night of the eighteenth instant a fire broke out in the Bey’s Palace which in its progress consumed fifty thousand stands of small arms. The Second day following I recieved a message to wait on the Bey; but was at that moment confined to my bed with a billious fever so that it was not till this morning I have been able to go in my carriage to the Palace. The Bey’s object in calling on...
6To James Madison from William Eaton, 8 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 June 1802, Tunis. Complains that his plans regarding Hamet Pasha of Tripoli “have undergone very severe criticism by Captains S. Barron and Bainbridge; by them reprobated in a stile of most illiberal censure; and under their influence, rejected by Capn. Murray in an air of authority and reprimand.” Acknowledges his reporting that “ We are abandoned by our ships of war ” must have offended...
7To James Madison from William Eaton, 18 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 April 1801, Tunis. Contrary winds have delayed departure of chartered vessel [ Benvenuto ]. Reports arrival of O’Brien letters of 5 Apr., which acknowledge receipt of Cathcart correspondence dated 3 Jan. to 26 Feb. and relate O’Brien’s effort to obtain helpful intervention of Algerine regency at Tripoli. Notes that O’Brien also discusses delays regarding the arrival of U.S. regalia in...
8To James Madison from William Eaton, 12 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that the Peace and Plenty, Captain Richard Woods, under the con v oy of the Geo. Washington, arrived here on the evening of the first instant. She has already delivered her powder (which though somewhat damaged has passed with a bribe to the surveyor) and a small quantity of her plank. The rest of her cargo, so far as I have been able to examine it, appears in...
9To James Madison from William Eaton, 26 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 January 1803, Tunis. “The enclosed copy of a letter to Commodore Morris conveys an unequivocal expression of the kind of respect this Bey entertains for the flag of the United States, as well as of his intentions.” Has been informed the project of a peace between Tunis and Portugal is “considerably advanced.” The negotiation is said to be conducted through the intervention of the French....
10To James Madison from William Eaton, 19 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
By letter from our Chargè Des Affaires at Tripoli of 27th. ult. we are informed that the Commodore Dale appeared before Tripoli the 26. that the Bashaw proposed a truce, but that his proposition was rejected. By the Danish Commodore I learn that the Raguse Brig, Ben Venuto, Captain Gio. Jercovich, which I dispatched express to the United States on the twentieth of April last, was in Malta late...
11To James Madison from William Eaton, 14 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 March 1804, Washington. “‘The ship Fortune belonging to the Bacries at Algiers, after having been put under the American flag to carry our captives from Algiers to Marseilles, was afterward kept or placed a new under that flag for the purposes of the Bacries alone; and when laden on their account, and captured and condemned by the British the Bacries demanded and compelled Mr. Barlow to...
12To James Madison from William Eaton, 25 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
Yesterday I recd. a note from the Beys prime minister demanding an interview with the Cap. of the schooner and myself this morning: but the schooner had already departed. I rendered myself at the palace to encounter, as I supposed, new perplexities; but on passing the usual ceremony with the Bey I discovered on his countenance an unusual air of complaisance. He signified to me that, after...
13To James Madison from William Eaton, 4 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 October 1801, “ On board the Philada., road of Tunis. ” Comments that although the U.S. squadron has not had all the success it seemed to promise, it has done much good by preventing “any of our citizens falling into chains” and showing the Tripolitans “a very flattering specimen of the harvest they may reap” in a war with the U.S. Tripolitan admiral and crew would certainly have been taken...
14To James Madison from William Eaton, 20 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 December 1802, Tunis. Nothing material has occurred since his 14 Nov. letter. “But the changeable aspect of affairs in Europe forebode changes here, as elsewhere, not wholly indifferent to the United States. The treaty of Amiens, like a cancer in the breast, preys on the vital sources of Great Britain: if she collect fortitude to bear the torture it will only serve to heighten the horrors...
15To James Madison from William Eaton, 9 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor herewith to enclose, for the information of Government, copies of a letter from our chargé des affaires at Tripoli of 27th. ult. and Cap. Morris of 28th. The letter to Mr. Cathcart of 25. mentioned in Mr. Nissens, has not come to hand. These communications will serve to corroborate an opinion I have steadily entertained, and repeatedly stated to our commanders, of the...
16To James Madison from William Eaton, 4 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose herewith a convention concluded by me on the part of the United States, with Hamet Bashaw. We have been detained here twelve days by reason of delinquency in our commissary Department. The camp moves tomorrow morning for Derne. I have the honor to be with perfect respect, Sir, your Mo Obedt servt. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Tripoli, vol. 2, filed at end of...
17To James Madison from William Eaton, 8 February 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 February 1803, Tunis. Evidence “from a variety of circumstances” having shown that the bey is resolved “to hunt our Commerce in the Atlantic,” and “all pacific means” that did not compromise U.S. rights having been ineffectual in averting this, “I have once more resorted to … refusing my Passports to his Cruisers—at the same time giving it in confidence to a courtier, who I knew would betray...
18To James Madison from William Eaton, 20 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the 17th. instant Commodore Dale, in the President, arrived with the Sloop Enterprize; and the day following Captain Bainbridge, in the Essex, having under his convoy from Gibralter the Ship Grand Turk, and the brig Hope from Baltimore. The Ships of war have taken in fresh water and provisions and will proceed on their destination this evening; to facilitate which measure I have been so...
19To James Madison from William Eaton, 26 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed copy of a letter to Commodore Morris conveys an unequivocal expression of the kind of respect this Bey entertains for the flag of the United States, as well as of his intentions. The project of a peace between this regency & Portugal, I am informed, is considerably advanced. The negociation is said to be carried on through the intervention of the french government. It is certain...
20To James Madison from William Eaton, 1 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
My project of a commercial convention with this Regency, I am apprehensive, will produce nothing. Two circumstances operate to impede it. The protection given by the French to the Italian States, and the delays of the United States to forward their treaty Stipulations. On the 27th. ult. entered two Corsaires of the Government from a Cruise, a Xebec of 24-twelve pounders, and a Corvette of 20....
21To James Madison from William Eaton, 13 October 1802 (Madison Papers)
Since closing my dispatches of the 9th. inst. Admiral DeWinter has informed me that the Bashaw of Tripoli had rejected the pacific proposition of 150,000 dollars prompt payment and 10,000 annually on the part of the Swede: But that, desirous of peace with the United States, he had liberated Captain Morris and crew, and sent him to Algiers with a schaux in an imperial vessel, to assist the...
22To James Madison from William Eaton, 17 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 November 1801, Tunis. Reports that the Philadelphia left Tunis for Gibraltar on 4 Oct., since when he has heard nothing of the squadron. Notes that the George Washington and the Peace and Plenty arrived in Algiers on 5 Oct. and “have been some days expected here; but the winds have been contrary.” Encloses copy of letter from Nissen [not found]. Seeks official decision on whether he may...
23To James Madison from William Eaton, 10 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
The dispatches herewith inclosed from the Consul of the United States at Tripoli seem to me of so much consequence to the safety and interests of our maritime and commercial citizens, and, in the event, to the revenue of the government, that I not only feel myself justifiable but constrained by duty to use extraordinary means to communicate them to the department of State: I have therefore...
24To James Madison from William Eaton, 5 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 August 1802, Tunis. Encloses copies of letters received from chargé d’affaires at Tripoli, Captain Morris, and Hamet Pasha. Has heard from a Tripolitan merchant that the presence of the latter at Malta has excited alarm at the Tripolitan court and “Universal discontentment and revolt pervade all clases” there. “The reigning Bashaw has caused as many shirts, or robes to be constructed as he...
25To James Madison from William Eaton, 5 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Yesterday morning about nine o clock Commodore Morris left the American house to go on board. Some altercations between him and the bey’s commercial agent, who had three times come to and as often fallen from an agreement relative to the reclamations for the prize in question with this regency, had determined him to depart without making a visit of congee to the bey. He was met at the marine...
26To James Madison from William Eaton, 25 October 1811 (Madison Papers)
I took the Liberty to address your Excellency Some time ago. The magnitude of the subject is so weighty on my mind—I Cannot refrain from troubling you again—at this very important time. I will not again Sir in So Short a time harrass your mind—with Such Communications. Next monday week Sir—a Speech from you will be Expected by Congress—and as I think much of their Conduct will be governed by...
27To James Madison from William Eaton, 12 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
In former communications I have had the honor to suggest to the department of State that when these regencies prevail on a tributary national Agent to state a demand to his Gov. they raise an assumpsit on this compliance. I have consequently been uniform in refusing to state their demands. Steady to this resolution I now refuse to write for a thirty six gun frigate. The Bey has therefore...
28To James Madison from William Eaton, 27 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Eaton. 27 November 1805, Washington City. “Permit me to request that my unsettled acounts, long since submitted for decision, may be reviewed; compared with facts; and admitted or rejected. In case I should again be obliged to apply to Congress, I believe it would now be no difficult matter to convince that body that, if my arrangements, out of which some of the most...
29To James Madison from William Eaton, 13 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 December 1802, Tunis. [The body of the dispatch is nearly identical to Eaton to JM, 13 Dec. 1801 . ] Adds in a postscript, “N. B. Inclosures A. B. & C. need no explanation.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, Tunis, vol. 2, pt. 1). RC 8 pp. Docketed by Wagner. For enclosures, see n. 2. PJM-SS Robert J. Brugger et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Secretary of State Series (4 vols. to...
30To James Madison from William Eaton, 25 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 February 1804. “As I have it in contemplation to publish the statement and document submitted to the committee of claims, accompanying my petition, I request you will be pleased to give it your perusal and signify to me whether it contains any thing improper to be laid before the public. “The solicitude I feel to be relieved from the state of suspense and accumulation of expenses which I...
31To James Madison from William Eaton, 3 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
In a few days the office of Post master for this place will be filled. Can I in any manner interest you in my favour. I really think Eighteen years devotedness merritts Something, my recommendation to the Hon the P.M.G. are good. Most Respectfully your obedt Sevt RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM .
32To James Madison from William Eaton, 19 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
The master of the imperial vessel, caputred off Ma lta by order of Commodore Morris in January last, was by his order brought to Gibraltar and there left. Such of said master’s effects found onboard the prize, as were not left in sequestration with his vessel at Malta, are brought forward to the United States in the Chesapeak as also the personal effects of his mate; viz. their chests and...
33To James Madison from William Eaton, 8 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
My measures with Mahamet Bashaw the rightful sovereign of Tripoli, which I have had the honor to detail to government by different routs and various occasions, have undergone very severe criticism by Captains S. Barron and Bainbridge; by them reprobated in a stile of most illiberal censure; and under their influence, rejected by Capn. Murray in an air of authority and reprimand which I should...
34To James Madison from William Eaton, 6 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 March 1801, Tunis. No. 34. Reports British pressure on bey has forced Tunis to expel French diplomats. Notes resulting change in plans for American charter vessel Anna Maria . Believes British-French hostilities and disruption of French Mediterranean trade offer opportunity for American shipping to replace French in Indian trade. Quotes from earlier statements of bey supporting improved...
35To James Madison from William Eaton, 1 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
I Cannot leave the City without conveying to you the gratitude I feel for your kindness in presenting my application for the Post office at Albany to the Honble. the Post master General. I Considered my Self warranted in makeing the Same direct to you, from the assurance Mr Blackledge of N. Carolina gave me, you would aid me if oppertunity offered. I regret Extremly I had not the time and...
36To James Madison from William Eaton, 4 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 May 1802, Tunis. Reports that on 2 May “it was announced to the Bey that an American frigate had captured four Coasting Vessels belonging to his Subjects, bound to Tripoli.… Immediate restitution of Vessels and cargoes were demanded by the Bey. Yesterday and to day have been consumed in discussion on the subject.” To the bey’s argument of “the principle of free bottoms free goods ,” Eaton...
37To James Madison from William Eaton, 4 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
Day before yesterday it was announced to the Bey that an American frigate had captured four Coasting Vessels belonging to his Subjects, bound to Tripoli, laden with wheat, barley, oil and other provisions. I was called to the Palace. Immediate restitution of Vessels and cargoes were demanded by the Bey. Yesterday and to day have been consumed in discussion on the subject—detail of which would...
38To James Madison from William Eaton, 12 September 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 September 1802, Tunis. Has suggested in former communications that “when these regencies prevail on a tributary national Agent to state a demand to his Gov. they raise an assumpsit on this compliance. I have consequently been uniform in refusing to state their demands. Steady to this resolution I now refuse to write for a thirtysix gun frigate.” The bey decided to write demanding the ship...
39To James Madison from William Eaton, 7 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
Since closing my dispatches of day before yesterday I have received official information of the hostile menaces of the Emperor of Morocco, and of Commodore Morris being detained in that quarter to wait the result. In consequence of this intelligence I have written to Mahamet Bashaw and Consul Pulis, inclosures 1. & 2. It is now become, in my view of our actual situation, more important than...
40To James Madison from William Eaton, 13 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 December 1801, Tunis. Notes receipt on 3 Dec. of JM’s 17 July letter by the Peace and Plenty . Has information from London up to 28 Aug. about arms, cloth, and jewels being prepared there for the bey, who will not accept less than he demanded, especially as Danes have recently acceded to similar demands. Will not withhold any gifts if this endangers peace with Tunis during Tripolitan war...
41To James Madison from William Eaton, 3 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
By letter of 13 Decemr., triplicate (A) herewith, enclosure A, I had the honor to intimate an intention of going to Leghorn for the benefit of my health. It may occurr that in my letter of 28 June last I reported myself in a state of convalescence from a fever, but that fever left me under the influence of a cough which became very troublesome and indeed threatening as the Winter rains came...
42To James Madison from William Eaton, 1807 (Madison Papers)
I received at the post office in Washington, when passing through that city, a letter from Hamet Bashaw accompanying one addressed to the (rather intended for) Government of the United States, which he begs me to favor, and which I have the honor herewith to enclose. The translation I have made may be incorrect, as I had not the aid of a dictionary and as I have long been out of practice in...
43To James Madison from William Eaton, 4 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1803, Tunis. Commodore Morris in the Chesapeake , with the John Adams and the New York , anchored in the road of La Goulette “on the 22d. ult. 8 oclock A.M. ” and Eaton sent for permission to go aboard. The dragoman returned at eleven with the bey’s refusal. The bey insisted Morris first report ashore. Eaton went to La Goulette and, using his permit to visit the Enterprize , passed the...
44To James Madison from William Eaton, 3 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 February 1802, Leghorn. Encloses copy, marked A, of his letter of 13 Dec. indicating his intention of going to Leghorn for reasons of health. Sailed on that date in the George Washington , leaving American affairs in the hands of naval doctor William Turner, a Virginian. Arrived at Naples on 21 Dec.; lists nine American ships and their masters that he found there. Sent enclosure marked B to...
45To James Madison from William Eaton, 22 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 March 1803 , “ At Sea .” Notes that the enclosed reflection was not intended to be communicated, being only the ideas noted in a memorandum on the passage from Tunis to Algiers. “On Mr. OBrien’s coming on board he seemed somewhat surprised at seeing me. I stated to him, as correctly as possible in a few words, the cause and manner of my leaving Tunis.” O’Brien said the Sahib-at-Taba had...
46To James Madison from William Eaton, 20 December 1802 (Madison Papers)
Since the letter I had the honor to address to the department of State 14th. ult. nothing material has occurred here. But the changeable aspect of affairs in Europe forebode changes here, as elsewhere, not wholly indifferent to the United States. The treaty of Amiens, like a cancer in the breast, preys on the vital sources of Great Britain: if she collect fortitude to bear the torture it will...
47To James Madison from William Eaton, 9 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 August 1802, Tunis. Encloses copies of letters from chargé d’affaires at Tripoli and Captain Morris. These letters “serve to corroborate an opinion I have steadily entertained, and repeatedly stated to our commanders, of the necessity of having small vessels of war off and on this coast.” Points out that “there is no article in our treaty with this Bey which prohibits the sale of enemy...
48To James Madison from William Eaton, 23 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
The bearer, Colonel John Eugene, of Leitensdorfer, served with me very faithfully in character of adjutant and inspector general in my expedition on the coast of Barbary, in 1805. He exhibited talents, courage, and perseverance. Before the battle of Marengo he commanded a regiment of Tyrolese chasseurs , He was extremely useful to us in passing the desert, and at Derne. He seeks an asylum in...
49To James Madison from William Eaton, 10 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
The ship having carried away her foretopmast put in here yesterday to refit. By the operations of this squadron it is quite percievable that Govt. have very much mistaken the character of these Barbary States. Offices of humanity are by them construed as the effects of cowardice, moderation is diffidence, and civility a duty to their character as a superior race of being. The Dane appeared...
50To James Madison from William Eaton, 8 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have sent this day to the Post master genl, gov. Tompkins and Taylor, Judge Spencer & genl. Brown, Chancellor Lansing & Col Jenkins, and Genl Swartwouts and Porter, recommendations in my favor, for the Post office here. Please to request a Sight of them as they are highly respectable, with many others nearly Equal to accompany them. I beg you to be assured I have the welfare of the...