1To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 10 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 November 1803, Havana. Reports the capture since his last [4 Nov.] of the schooner Harriot of Charleston, Joseph Hunt, master and owner, by the French privateer Eugénie , Jacques Hermand, commander. The Harriot was sent into Havana. Gray has satisfied the French commissary and the Spanish government “that she was realy and truly an American vessel, got her released; and given her such...
2To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 28 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 April 1804, Havana. Had intended to forward by Baron von Humboldt, who is returning from South America by way of the U.S., “some Documents relative to the Prizes lately brought into this Port, by the French cruizers or Pirates; but as they can not be procured until next week I forward to you enclosed herewith two Decrees lately obtained against the Restante and Musketoe Privateers and the...
3To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 29 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 October 1803, Havana . Encloses his accounts to 30 Sept. and a list of American ships entering and departing Havana “since the last Law placing some power in the hands of American Agents in Foreign Ports, Came to hand.” Encloses also “a Monthly return of vessels purchased in this Port, by, and for account of” U.S. citizens. These “in time of War are always most liable to suspician and...
4To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 19 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 November 1803. Acknowledges JM’s letters of 26 Aug. [1802] and 6 and 9 Apr. 1803 . “As to Fosters claim, I do not know on what grounds Government can take it up—as that affair hath always been enveloped in so much mystery, as to put it out of my power, to make my self acquainted with the merits of his case: However I will procure such papers as may be attainable, and forward them to your...
5To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 17 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Vincent Gray. 17 September 1805, Havana . “This goes from an out port, in Consiquence of there being an embargo at this place for the purpose of dispatching a Frigate to Pan⟨s⟩;ecola with Troops. “I have not ascertained the exact number of Troops on board, but I know that they have taken all the Spare Troops (Regulars) out of the city, and they say, that the militia is now to do duty....
6To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 29 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed you have my accounts up to the last Day o f September, together with a return of the American vessels th at have entered and departed the Port of Havana, since the last Law placing some power in the hands of American Agents in Foreign Ports, Came to hand. Also a Monthly return of vessels purchased in this Port, by, and for account of Citizens of the United States; which in time of War...
7To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 24 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 July 1803, Havana . Encloses a letter he received “from a Mrs: Mary Elam relative to her Son.” Does not know “her place of residence”; believes “from the nature thereof” that JM will “Cause it to be forwarded.” “The persons to whose care I have directed it, have given a certificate relative to Rd. Elam, a copy of which you have at foot.” Appends a copy of the statement certifying “that...
8To James Madison from Vincent Gray (Abstract), 12 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
12 February 1805, Havana . “I now have it in my power to enclose to you (in the Aurora of tomorrow) the Declaration of War by His Catholic Majesty, agt. the King of great Britain and Subjects; as mentioned in my note of yesterday. The British half Squadron still off the port, and Some times in cannon Shot of the Moro. “Last Evening a Signal was made at the Moro Castle, for an American Ship to...
9To James Madison from Vincent Gray (Abstract), 4 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
4 May 1805, Havana . “Before this reaches you, you will have received information of the unheard of Violence committed on my person and office by the officers of this Government; without the Slightest ground for so doing. However I shall at present forbear making any remarks on Such proceedings so degrading to my nation and so injurious to my self and the American commerce to this place; and...
10To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 8 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
The vessel by which this goes, having been detained a few minutes longer than was expected, gave me an oppertunity of calling at the General Post O ffice to make some enquiries r especting the mails due, and the arrival of the Packet, w hen was confirmed what I h ave before Stated, and I th en was further informed that the Governor had recd. as Cap General or ders to give up Louisiana to the...
11To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 26 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 May 1803, Havana . Omitted to mention in his 25 May letter “that three vessels sailed from hence on sunday and Tuesday for Port Republican having on board One Hundred Island Horses and Three hundred Dogs, for the use of the French Republic.” “General Noailles will follow in a few days.” He would have left sooner but was “thrown from a Wild Horse, and broke His Right arm at the Elbow,” and...
12To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 16 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
Dn. Luis Viguri the late Intendant General of this Island having sailed this Morning for Spain, I ha ve thought proper to give you immediate information th ereof, in order that you may inform our Minister at Madrid, of his Departure; as he the said Intendt. w as the most inveterate enemy the United States and its ci tizens had in this quarter, and that as he has committed greater depredations...
13To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 25 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
By a spanish vessel Just about to depart for New York, I have only time to say that Dn. Francisco Arango, sent so me time since by this Government, to that of S anto Domingo, hath this moment arrived fr om that place, after a passage of ten days; in company with a French Sloop of War. The sudden departure of the Schooner b y which this goes, puts it out of my power, to say any thing as to the...
14To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 12 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
I embrace an opportunity offering b y a foreign Vessel departing for Baltimore, to forward to You papers which may be interesting. This Government no longer detains Vessels putting into this Port with provisions in distress, but permits them to depart as t hey did previous to the Embargo, with the whole or any part of their Cargoes, after or before repairing their Vessels. At this time and for...
15To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 25 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 July 1804, Havana. “Since my letter of yesterday [not found] in which I stated the situation of our Commerce at this place, I have obtained a copy of the Royal Order therein mentioned—a copy of which I now send enclosed herewith [not found]; and have also enclosed a copy thereof per the Agenora, via Boston. “This will go under the care of Captain Castel, Aid to the commander in chief at...
16To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 25 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
By the Ship Aspansia just about to d epart for New York I have only time to say that, t he Sloop of War called the Diligence, having on board the Marques Casa Calvo, late Governor at New-Orleans departed the Port this Morning fo r that place, in order to deliver up the Province, to the Agent of the French Republic; in con for mity to the orders of His Catholic Majesty. In consequence of orders...
17To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 29 October 1802 (Madison Papers)
On the fifteenth day of July last past Mr. John Morton departed from hence for the united States leaving me charged with the papers &c. appertaining to the American Consulate at this City: with a power to act as provisional commercial agent of the United States until the arrival of his Successor, or until the will of the President of the United States should be known on the Subject. If he...
18To James Madison from Vincent Gray (Abstract), 2 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
2 February 1805, Havana . “In my last of the 14 Ult: I informed you of the laying on at this Port of a General Embargo, coasters excepted. On the 28h. Ult: a British half squadron appeared off the Port and on the 29h. it was discovered that they brought too, & boarded every vessel passing: and on the 30th. it was known that she had several Spanish Merchantmen in tow—having valueble. cargoes on...
19To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 30 October 1802 (Madison Papers)
Since my last of the 29th. instant, a French national Schooner arrived here from the Cape, having on board a French commissary charged as I am informed with the execution of some commercial arrangements between this and the French Government. And as he intends to leave his family here and proceed on to new orleans soon, I presume he is charg’d with the execution of some plan relative to the...
20To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 29 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 May 1803, Havana . Wrote on 25 May about Francisco Arango’s return from Saint-Domingue. Nothing official has since transpired regarding his mission there, but Gray has learned from a reliable source that Arango was partly successful and that a convention between France and Spain was signed, stipulating “that each party shall be at liberty to have at the seat of Governt: of the other, one...
21To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 15 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 March 1803, Havana. Refers JM to his 8 Mar. letter on the subject of the arrival of the packet. Has since been informed that the ship was sent solely to convey dispatches relating to New Orleans. The marqués de Casa Calvo, former governor of Louisiana, has been appointed to deliver Louisiana to the French and will leave “in about six days.” The French squadron is expected “hourly” at...
22To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 8 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
By a French Brig Just about to get under way for New York, I h ave only time to say that the September Packet arrived here from Spain on Saturday Evening, and brings an Edict of His Catholic Majesty, granting permission to import Lumber from the United States into this Island, in Spanish Vessels—and also to export in the said Vessels, Rum and Molasses, to the said States. As soon as it is...
23To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 29 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
I addressed you on the 25. of may i nstant, on the subject of the return of Dn. Francisco Arango, from Santo Domingo, since which time nothing hath transpired o fficially, relative to his mission to that Island: bu t I have received information from a quarter on which I can rely, that he succeeded in his mission in part; and that on the day of his departure from thence, a convent i on was...
24To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 29 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have only time by a Vessel now under way, to enclose you two papers which has this moment appeared, Contain’g information brought by the Sr. Justo, who sails this Even’g again for VeraCruz. Any other information of importance which may transpire, shall be forwarded. The Bells are Ringing Peals of Joy, & the Churches wear the appearance of a joyful Festival. I have the Honor to be Sir, very...
25To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 24 September 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Vincent Gray. 24 September 1806, Havana. “It is with great pleasure I have it in my power to Say to you, That, on the nineteenth Instant, my enemy, Sedano, the cheif Assessor or Judge of the Intendency of this Island, and the Enemy of every Citizen of the United States, had to surrender up his seal of office, to his successor; who was on that day received and acknowledged in his stead....
26To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 4 February 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 February 1803, Havana. Wrote on 21 Jan. by the Jupiter bound for New York. Since then local merchant Tomás Cruz Muñoz has received a license granted to Francisco Figuera y Vargas allowing importation of U.S. produce to Cuba. It is said the house of Torrys of Cádiz purchased it from Figuera for $100,000 and sent it to their agent at Havana for execution. Encloses a copy. When the license was...
27To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 11 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed you have the extra Aurora of last night, which may contain information interesting. Another Pilot Boat was to sail from Cadiz seven days after the Emprendidor left S. Lucar, and if a good passage, may bring important information. If I can procure a file of papers by her, they shall be forwarded by the first Vessel sailing for any port of the UStates, to the Southward of Rhode Island....
28To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 16 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
The Ship Thomas Russell of Boston, being about to get under way for Philadelphia, I embrace the opportunity to say that, a small French Privateer Pilot Boat Schooner, fitted out in Santo Domingo, with her Prize, an English Brig bound from Jamaica, with a Cargo of Rum and Sugar, have Just entered the Port, and were ordered to depart the Port immediately. However on the application o f the...
29To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 18 February 1803 (Madison Papers)
A Vessel being about to get under way for New Port Rhode Island, I embrace the opertunity to enclose you a copy of the order of the Governor an d Captain General of this Island respecting Strangers. Altho’ the order appears to be a severe one, a nd I believe will be carried into execution with more r igor than usual, yet I have experienced more po inted attentions from the Government lately,...
30To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 28 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 November 1803, Havana. Encloses a duplicate of his last letter of 19 Nov. A Spanish government schooner arrived from Cap Français but brought no news except what was already known, “to wit: that they were there in great distress for every thing.” “Mr Longchamp, the New French Commissary took charge of his Department this day, and Mr Vermanet will depart in a few days with his family for the...
31To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 10 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
Altho’ I do not consider it policy under present circumstances to overhaul and examine the papers, or into the particular Trade of those Vessels visiting this Port under American Colors, unless they call upon me to claim protection as such, yet I consider it my duty to inform you, that the Slave Trade, between this place nassau and Saint Augustine, and the States of South Carolina and Georgia,...
32To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 15 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed you have the Aurora of the day, also the advise of the 11th. Instant. In the advice you will see a letter of the Captain General of Cadiz to the Consulado of that City, which has had considerable weight here with the planters and others, in Governing them in their opinion as to the demand made by the Merchants of this City to exclude Foreigners from participating in its Commerce. I am...
33To James Madison from Vincent Gray (Abstract), 6 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
6 February 1805, Havana . “I wrote you on the Second Instant to which I will refer you. The Embargo on American Vessels was raised this day, and all those ready for Sea about Sixteen in number will depart immediately. “The British ships in port, have been taken possession of, haul’d up to the Dock, and what British property found in the hands of the Merchants of this City, Embargoed by the...
34To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 25 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 April 1803, Havana. The French sloop of war Diligence left Havana “this Morning” for New Orleans carrying the marqués de Casa Calvo, former governor of Louisiana, who will deliver the province to the agent of the French republic in conformity with the king’s orders. The packet, which recently caused so much alarm by not bringing the mails that were due, carried orders forbidding royal ships...
35To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 7 February 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 February 1803, Havana. Has just time to inform JM that the schooner which carried $123,000 to the French government at Cap Français “late in December last” has returned. This will delay the departure of the frigate for “a few days, as she will carry up the balance of the 250,000 Ds. before mentioned.” Has just returned from the commissary general’s, where he went to learn news from the cape,...
36To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 2 January 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 January 1804, Havana. Encloses his account up to 31 Dec. 1803 “and returns in as particular a manner as it [is] in my power to render in this Port, where an Agent has so many difficulties to contend with—who is not acknowledged.” “I find that there are several vessels in Port for sale, consequently I shall not be under the necessity of drawing upon your Department for the small balance due...
37To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 14 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 January 1805, Havana. “Enclosed you have my returns up to the 31st. of December, marked from A. to U. inclusive, as promised in my letter of the 7th. Instant [not found]. In making these returns, I have endeavoured to comply with instructions, as far as lay within my power, or as circumstances would permit. After the last day of March, you will observe that I changed the form of Return...
38To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 8 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 March 1803, Havana. Reports that “the vessel by which this goes, having been detained a few minutes longer than was expected,” he took the opportunity to call at the post office where, with the arrival of the packet, he received confirmation of his earlier reports. He also learned that the governor had received orders to transfer Louisiana to France immediately and that Casa Calvo was to...
39To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 20 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 December 1803, Havana. “The Schooner Tarter of Baltimore, Nichs. W Easton Master bound to St. Jago de Cuba and a market, has been captured by the French Privateer Fortune commanded by Jai Matheiu, sent for St. Jago de Cuba and recaptured by a Spanish Brig (Guarda Coaster) belonging to this Port. “This Brig I am informed has carried her into Cumberland Harbour, to the Northward of St. Jago...
40To James Madison from Vincent Gray (Abstract), 11 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
11 February 1805, Havana . “The Mail in 41 Days from Cadiz arrived yesterday morn’g via Porto Rico. “It brings accots of the Blockade of Cadiz and permission for Spanish vessels to arm and to Capture all British vessels. All British property here, has been seized & detained. “The Council will meet this forenoon for the purpose of opening the Port of Havana and St. Jago de Cuba, for the...
41To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 2 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
In consequence of the circulation of a report a few days past, to which some credit was attached, tha t the American Troops were on their march to take possess io n of New-Orleans, I hastened to give the Captain General of this Island and of Louisiana every official information on that subject up to the appointment of Mr. Munroe; ac companied by a note of which the enclosed is a copy— in order...
42To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 29 October 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have only time by a Vessel bound to Norfolk to enclose you the Aurora of the 26 & 29: Instant, Containing Important and Interesting information The Vice Roy is a prisoner at Vera Cruz in the Castle of Sn. Juan de Olua, and with his Sons will be shipped for Spain. I will write you by a Vessel to Sail from hence for Phila. in about 5 Days and enclose you other papers, with Such information as...
43To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 18 February 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 February 1803, Havana. Encloses a copy of the governor’s order respecting strangers. Although the order appears to be severe and will probably be carried into execution more rigorously than usual, he has experienced more pointed public attentions from the government lately “than at any time heretofore.” Was apprised of the order and the cause of its being issued “some days past” and will...
44To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 8 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 May 1804, Havana. “Finding the Louisiana of Baltimore getting under way on the moment of receiving the Aurora of tomorrow, I hasten to forward it to you enclosed herewith—together with a Decree of the second Instant [not found], relative to Foreign Consuls, Agents and Commissaries: intended for the French commissary here; as the Governor and heads of Departments here, are now more friendly...
45To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 4 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I embrace an oppy. by a foreign Vessel to forward to you Some papers highly interesting to our Country at this Crisis, but it is not certain whether they will get Safe to hand. I have the Honor to be Sir, Very respectfully, Your Mo. Ob Servt. DNA : RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Havana.
46To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 18 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
Finding that I can no longer be useful to my Countrymen visiting this Port, entitled to my Services, without endangering my Personal liberty: and finding myself daily and hourly called upon and pressed to make Protests and grant Certificates for vessels in distress, and Certificates of property, which I believe to be doubtful; and finding also that this Government have actually refused to...
47To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 10 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
A vessel having Stopped here on her voyage from New-orleans to the UStates, affords me an opportunity to enclose to you herewith three Aurora’s, which you will find interesting; Particularly those containg. information from the City of S: Domingo. This Expedition will destroy a nest of Pirates more dangerous and infamous than Algiers, or any other Port or place on the Barbary Coast. From the...
48To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 29 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
Several vessels hav’g arrived here from Spain bringing Late and important advices relative to the affairs of that Country I embrace the present opportunity to enclose you the paper of last Even’g, as I could not get a file to forward to you. Several Importt. Documents have been received here from Madrid, and one in particularly from Dn. Pedro Cevallos, giving a particular account of the whole...
49To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 25 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 May 1803, Havana . Reports that Francisco Arango, “sent some time since by this Government, to that of Santo Domingo,” has “this moment arrived from that place, after a passage of ten days, in company with a French Sloop of War.” Cannot write anything about the situation of that island but “from the silence of the Commissary and other French officers, whom have been on board,” infers “that...
50To James Madison from Vincent Gray, 4 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 November 1803, Havana. Since his 29 Oct. dispatch, “another French Privateer has entered this Port with her Prize, a small Jamaica Schr.,” supposedly bound for Saint-Domingue with provisions and arms. “They were refused admittance on their appearance off the Port” but were given leave the following day to enter and reprovision. “I presume they will act with her as they have and intend to act...