1Rufus King to William Grayson and Madison, 11 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
Extra[c]t of a Letter from a Gentleman in Boston of the 4th. March 1787. to R King— “—— has come back from Virginia with News that the Commissioners on the part of New York alarmed the Virginia Delegates, with an account that the Commissioners on the part of Massachusetts were for a monarchy ; & that those Delegates wrote their Legislature of it, who shut their Galaries and made a most serious...
2To James Madison from Rufus King, 6 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
I send you a copy of the confederation between the New England Colonies, together with a few Extracts from the Journals of the Commissioners. As I hope to leave Town on Tuesday for Boston, I pray you to return me these papers Sometime Tomorrow. You are sensible that information from the southern States relative to the proposed Constitution will be of importance to us at Boston while engaged on...
3To James Madison from Rufus King, 16 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
We may have 360 members in our Convention, not more than 330 have yet taken their Seats. Immediately after the settlement of Elections the Convention resolved that they would consider and freely deliberate on each paragraph without taking a [question on any of them individually,] & that on the question whether they wd. ratify, each [member] shd. be at liberty [to disc]uss the plan at large....
4To James Madison from Rufus King, 20 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
Our convention proceeds slowly. An apprehension that the liberties of the people are in danger, and a distrust of men of property or Education have a more powerful Effect upon the minds of our Opponents than any specific Objections against the constitution. If the Opposition was grounded on any precise Points, I am persuaded that it might be weakened if not entirely overcome. But every Attempt...
5To James Madison from Rufus King, 23 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
Our prospects are gloomy, but hope is not entirely extinguished. Gerry has not returned to the Convention, & I think will not again be invited. We are now thinking of amendments to be submitted not as a condition of our assent & Ratification; but as the opinion of the Convention subjoined to their Ratification. This scheme may gain a few members, but the issue is doubtful. Farewel RC ( DLC );...
6To James Madison from Rufus King, 27 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
I hope your information will be confirmed; that the Tide is again turning in favor of the Constitution in Virginia. We make but slow progress in our Convention, the Friends of the Constitution who in addition to their own weight, are respectable as they represent a very large proportion of the Good Sense and Property of this State, have the Task not only of answering, but also of stating and...
7To James Madison from Rufus King, 30 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
This day for the first our President Mr. Hancock took his Seat in convention, and we shall probably terminate our business on Saturday or Tuesday next. I cannot predict the issue, but our Hopes are increasing—if Mr. Hancock does not disappoint our present Expectations our wishes will be gratified. But his character is not entirely free from a portion of caprice—this however is confidential....
8To James Madison from Rufus King, 3 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
I inclose a newspaper of yesterday containing the propositions communicated by Mr. Hancock to the Convention, on Thursday last. Mr. Adams who contrary to his own Sentiments has been hitherto silent in convention, has given his public & explicit approbation of Mr. Hancock’s propositions. We flatter ourselves that the weight of these two characters will insure our success, but the Event is not...
9To James Madison from Rufus King, 6 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have the satisfaction to inform you that on the final Question of assinting to & ratifying the constitution our convention divided, and 187. were in the affirmative & 168 in the negative: the majority although small is extremely respectable, and the minority are in good Temper; they have the magnanimity to declare that they will devote their Lives & property to support the Government, and I...
10To James Madison from Rufus King, 25 May 1788 (Madison Papers)
I leave this city Tomorrow for Boston, and shall be extremely obliged to you to inform me of the Progress and determination of your Convention—you can with difficulty conceive the real anxiety experienced in Massachusetts concerning your Decision—there remains no doubt that a very large majority of the People of Mass: are in favor of the federal constitution. The late Elections for Governor...
11To James Madison from Rufus King, 20 July 1788 (Madison Papers)
I most sincerely congratulate you on the decision of your convention, and am pleased to hear from your Colleague Mr. Brown that by this Time you have returned to New York. I am greatly indebted to you for the frequent information of the progress of your Convention, and should before now have made you my acknowledgements, had I not supposed that you was on your way to Congress, and that Letters...
12To James Madison from Rufus King, 7 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Owing to the continuance of the King’s illness, the change of the Ministry is still incomplete, and very little business, beyond the ordinary routine, is transacted. It is supposed to be on this account that no measure has been adopted in consequence of the Prussian Note avowing the King’s accession to the Northern Confederacy, the Principles of which, according to every appearance, are to be...
13To James Madison from Rufus King, 26 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Tho’ the King has recovered, he does not yet hold a Court, nor is it understood that he attends to any but the most pressing and indispensable business. The chief of the new Ministers are in their places, and all of them will be so in the course of a few days. The Duke of Portland remains in the Home Department: Mr. Addington, the late Speaker, is at the Head of the Treasury, Lord St. Vincent...
14To James Madison from Rufus King, 29 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
In confirmation of the rumours of the day, Carnot’s answer to Bailleul, published during the Exile of the former, states the Project which had been discussed in the Directory to obtain from Spain a cession of Louisiana and the Floridas. A reference to that performance, copies of which I at the time sent to the Department of State, will shew the manner in which it was expected to obtain the...
15To James Madison from Rufus King, 10 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
The unexpected occupation of Hamburgh by the Danes, and the Treaty between France and Naples have nearly completed the exclusion of the Ships of England from the Ports of the Continent: if the King of Prussia take possession of Hanover, as it is believed he will do, the Ems and the Weser will in like manner be closed; and as Portugal is unable to resist the measures employed against her, the...
16To James Madison from Rufus King, 12 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 April 1801, London. No. 10. Encloses copies of correspondence with Lord Hawkesbury about seizure of American vessels carrying articles of Spanish origin to Spanish colonies. Decree from Vice-Admiralty Court at Nassau regarding the case of the Leopard is the first document precise enough to use as grounds for a remonstrance. Suggests that these copies be published in American newspapers as...
17To James Madison from Rufus King, 14 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 April 1801, London. No. 11. Last mail from Hamburg brought news that British fleet has taken its station off Copenhagen. British property in Hamburg and Altona has been sequestered. Prussian troops have marched into and occupied Hanover. A courier has arrived from St. Petersburg with news of death of Czar Paul and accession of Alexander; he is reported to bear dispatches for British...
18To James Madison from Rufus King, 20 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
Annexed I have the honour to send you a copy of my Correspondence with Mr. Anstey upon the Subject of the British Debts. Reference may be had to numbers 93 & 98. of the last series; the former inclosing Copy of a Paper delivered to Lord Grenville on the 23. of November 1800, as a commencement of the negotiation, and the latter explaining his Lordships reasons for devolving on Mr. Anstey the...
19To James Madison from Rufus King, 21 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 April 1801, London. No. 13. Transmits, by way of Samuel Sitgreaves, copies of his correspondence with Lord Hawkesbury. Believes a settlement of the debts owed to British merchants would have been already concluded had former ministry remained in office. Under Secretary Hammond has told him that he wished question of debts settled on terms mentioned in King’s dispatch no. 6. Addington has...
20To James Madison from Rufus King, 25 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 April 1801, London. No. 14. Notes that British fleet bound for Denmark passed under Swedish guns that held their fire. Reports Nelson’s exploits at Copenhagen. Believes British government dissatisfied with armistice because Danes have not left armed league. There is much speculation concerning the character and views of new Russian czar, whom British hope to detach from the league. Issue in...
21To James Madison from Rufus King, 26 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 April 1801, London. No. 15. Received instructions several months ago to procure jewels as present for bey of Tunis and had estimated cost at £7,000 sterling. That part of presents consisting of silk and woolen cloth (valued at over £1,000) has been sent to Eaton by Maw-hood and Co. Jewelry is being prepared by Rundel and Bridges to be finished in June, about the same time as the guns and...
22To James Madison from Rufus King, 1 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Having learned that the Law which prohibited our commercial intercourse with France had ceased, and judging that great numbers of our Vessels would be immediately cleared out for the different Ports of that Country, and probably, among others, for Ports in a State of Blockade, I wrote a Note to this Effect to Lord Hawkesbury, and requested that immediate Instructions should be given to the...
23To James Madison from Rufus King, 15 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 May 1801, London. No. 17. Reports that Lord St. Helens has sailed for negotiations with Russians on the subject of a northern confederacy. Since French influence remains strong in St. Petersburg, believes British may have more difficulty than they expect. Conveys word of British victory in Egypt. Acknowledges receipt of 6 May letter from Dawson, then off Start Point. Dawson reached Le Havre...
24To James Madison from Rufus King, 19 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Though Captain Pellew of the English Frigate Cleopatra was recalled, as I sometime ago informed you, Admiral Parker, who commands on the Halifax Station, and whose conduct has in other instances been exceptionable in not restraining the plundering spirit of the Officers under his Command, permitted him to proceed to the West Indies instead of returning to England. For this disobedience, joined...
25To James Madison from Rufus King, 25 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 May 1801, London. Introduces Prince Ruspoli, officer in the Order of Malta, who comes recommended “by our Countryman Mr. West.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.; marked private.
26To James Madison from Rufus King, 30 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Since the date of my letter communicating Lord Hawkesbury’s sentiments respecting the Debts, I have seen and conversed with Mr. Addington, who told me, that he had called up the subject in the Cabinet as he had before assured me he would do, and that he had expressed his solicitude that it should be brought to a decision; adding, that as the question, from it’s nature and circumstances was not...
27To James Madison from Rufus King, 1 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
Annexed I send you the copy of a letter which I have just received from Lord Hawkesbury on the subject of the Depredations upon our Trade in the West-Indies. As there can be no objection to it’s publication, you will perhaps think it advisable to have the Letter and it’s enclosures printed in our news papers, by which means it will reach the West-Indies, and be seen by those whose abuses it...
28To James Madison from Rufus King, 8 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 June 1801, London. No. 21. Reports George III sufficiently recovered from illness to tend to public business, but not “with his former assiduity.” Believes French position in Egypt increasingly precarious and British relations with northern powers improving. Suggests that Swedes and Danes willing to secure for the U.S. “by Treaty every limitation of the Right of Search, which England might...
29To James Madison from Rufus King, 15 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have lately received a letter from Genl. Allen enclosing one to me from the Department of State, respecting his cause depending in the Court of Appeals. Without adverting to what passed in the early Stages of this Suit, it is proper that I should mention my having introduced the General to Messrs. Bird Savage & Bird, for the purpose of his engaging them to become his Bail, for the value of...
30To James Madison from Rufus King, 3 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 July 1801, London. No. 23. Reports Parliament “prorogued,” ministry negotiations with France apparently stalled, and British relations with Baltic countries improving. Notes arrival at Suez of British forces from India, increasing likelihood that French will evacuate Egypt. Believes Portuguese have agreed to a “hard and humiliating” peace. Conveys latest word on British regard for American...
31To James Madison from Rufus King, 10 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
The day before yesterday I received the Duplicate of your letter of May 21. and am persuaded that the appearance of Commodore Dale in the Mediterranean must have a favourable influence upon our affairs in that quarter. My No. 20 will have apprized you of the Sentiments of this Government in respect to this Squadron, upon the Supposition that it was destined to the Mediterranean: these friendly...
32To James Madison from Rufus King, 12 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 July 1801, London. No. 25. Relays details of peace negotiations between Britain and members of northern league. Lord Hawkesbury seeks a restoration of good will and amity, but Denmark declines to discuss principles of armed neutrality, while Prussia refuses to evacuate Hanover. Sweden remains hostile, and the British continue to “depend upon the success of the mission of Lord St. Helens”...
33To James Madison from Rufus King, 14 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the Evening of the Eleventh a Cutter arrived from Petersburgh, with a Copy of the Convention concluded on the 17th. ulto. between Lord St. Helens and Count Panin, by which the misunderstanding between England and Russia is amicably adjusted. The northern Confederacy, as you will recollect, aimed at the establishment of two Principles of Maritime Law: one that free Ships make free Goods; the...
34To James Madison from Rufus King, 20 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
The Court of Appeals having reversed several decrees of Condemnation pronounced in the Vice-Admiralty Court of Bermuda, Monitions were as usual issued against the Captors, and Instructions sent with them to our Agent at Bermuda to apply for and return the names of the Captors Sureties in order that process might, if necessary, be obtained against them likewise. Upon application for this...
35To James Madison from Rufus King, 30 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 July 1801, London. No. 28. Believes French invasion of Great Britain unlikely despite military preparations on both sides. Has heard nothing from Egypt. Reports that Sweden has agreed to British-Russian convention; expects Denmark soon to follow suit. Relays report that Tripoli declared war on U.S. 14 May. RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 9). 2 pp.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by...
36To James Madison from Rufus King, 14 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 August 1801, London. No. 29. Encloses copies of letter from John Turnbull of Turnbull, Forbes, & Company and the order in council referred to therein. Has sent Arrowsmith’s five-volume atlas; plans to forward Faden’s collection of maps and charts as soon as it is completed. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 9); letterbook copy and copies of enclosures ( NHi : Rufus...
37To James Madison from Rufus King, 20 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 August 1801, London. No. 30. Conveys word from Murray and Dawson that exchange of ratifications has been completed in Paris. Encloses letter from Eaton with latest information on situation at Tunis. Refers to previous statements of his reluctance to execute Eaton’s orders. RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 9); letterbook copy ( NHi : Rufus King Papers, vol. 54). RC 1 p.; marked...
38To James Madison from Rufus King, 23 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your Letter of June 30. inclosing one to Mr. Williams which notifies him of his removal from Office. He assures me that his Accounts shall in a day or two be forwarded to the Department of the Treasury, and that the Balance of public money in his hands shall immediately be paid over agreeably to my directions to Messrs. Bird Savage & Bird. Should this Balance exceed the...
39To James Madison from Rufus King, 24 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 August 1801, London. No. 32. Was pleased to receive president’s sanction of his plans to press negotiations respecting article 6 of the Jay treaty as stated in his dispatch no. 6. Was informed during an interview with Lord Hawkesbury the day after receiving sanction that the cabinet thought £1.5 million was proper compensation for abolition of the article but would accept sum offered...
40To James Madison from Rufus King, 4 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 September 1801, London. No. 33. Reports that several American merchantmen have been seized off blockaded French coast despite Lord St. Vincent’s assurances that such vessels would be warned and turned away. Hopes to have these ships released soon. Expresses surprise that American merchants still continue to risk valuable ships and cargoes after long experience with the situation and their...
41To James Madison from Rufus King, 10 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 September 1801, London. No. 34. Based on a slight acquaintance, has a favorable opinion of the author of the enclosed memoir, which may be of use to southerners. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 9); letterbook copy and English translation of enclosure ( NHi : Rufus King Papers, vol. 54). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by King; docketed by Wagner. Enclosure (8...
42To James Madison from Rufus King, 24 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 September 1801, London. No. 35. Acknowledges JM’s letters of 21 May , 15 and 30 June , and 24 , 27 , and 28 July , the last three conveyed by Erving. Contrary to his earlier report, Denmark has not agreed to the convention with St. Petersburg, but he assumes it will eventually do so in order to regain its possessions in the East and West Indies. Discusses the situation in Europe after the...
43To James Madison from Rufus King, 2 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
Preliminaries of peace between France and Great Britain, were signed last night at Lord Hawkesburys office. With perfect respect & Esteem I have the honour to be Sir Your ob: & faithful Servt: RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 9); letterbook copy ( NHi : Rufus King Papers, vol. 54). RC docketed by Wagner.
44To James Madison from Rufus King, 4 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 October 1801, London. No. 37. Had expected to close negotiations on article 6 of the Jay treaty in time to forward result via Dawson, who is on the point of embarkation, but they are not yet concluded. Transmits instead a report of activities since his dispatch no. 32 [24 Aug.]. Will not agree to any variations on or enlargements of the [1783] treaty of peace as this would only “lay the...
45To James Madison from Rufus King, 8 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have nothing to add to my official letter respecting ⟨the⟩ negotiation relative to the 6th. article. The additional articles concerning Contraband and the impressment of Seamen were refered to Lord St. Vincent, who has informed me that he immediately reported upon them; he had before told me that he was in favour of their adoption; the Chancellor has assured me that he would attend to the...
46To James Madison from Rufus King, 9 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 October 1801, London. No. 38. Reports the approval of the peace preliminaries at Paris and outlines their terms. France regains Martinique and the rest of its foreign possessions. Spain and Holland likewise regain their colonies, excepting Ceylon and Trinidad. Malta will be restored to the Order [of St. John] and Egypt to the Turk. Since Menou had probably surrendered before the date of the...
47To James Madison from Rufus King, 17 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 October 1801, London. No. 39. Encloses copies of correspondence with the Prussian chargé d’affaires and a letter about the complaints against the British frigate Diane . RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 9); letterbook copy and copies of enclosures ( NHi : Rufus King Papers, vol. 54). RC 1 p.; marked duplicate; in a clerk’s hand; docketed by Wagner as received 14...
48To James Madison from Rufus King, 20 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
In addition to my Official Letter of this date it may be satisfactory to you to know, if more money shall be demanded, that I shall refuse of course, and claim the execution of the Convention: if a commutation of the 7. Article be asked for, I shall decline entering into any discussion for that purpose; for the twofold reason that I have no powers, and if I had I should decline, the claims...
49To James Madison from Rufus King, 20 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 October 1801, London. No. 40. Adverse winds, which have delayed Dawson’s departure, give opportunity to send continuation of report on conferences with the lord chancellor and Lord Hawkesbury. Situation now is uncertain with no hint as to the turn it may take. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 9); letterbook copy and copy of enclosure ( NHi : Rufus King Papers, vol....
50To James Madison from Rufus King, 23 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 October 1801, London. No. 41. Conveys copies of his letter to the judge of the High Court of Admiralty and the reply relating to the conduct of the collector at the port of Plymouth. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 9); letterbook copy and copies of enclosures ( NHi : Rufus King Papers, vol. 54). RC 1 p.; marked duplicate; in a clerk’s hand, signed by King; docketed...