1To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 31 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have this day taken the liberty to draw upon you in favor of Messrs: Ca thcart Foster & Shaw for dollars Seventy Nine twenty Cents for disbursements made by my or der for the relief of distressed Seamen, which y ou please to duly honour & have charged my Account until I forward the nec essary vouchers I have the h onour to continue with great respect Sir Your Obedt: servant DNA : RG...
2To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 20 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 June 1803, Leghorn . No. 6. “Since the date of the enclosed communications to our Consuls in Barbary nothing has transpired either to confirm or to contradict the report” of Smith’s capture. Hopes it “may turn out to be a similar one to that of Mc:Niels engagement.” Has heard nothing “official from our squadron.” It is reported that “some powder caught fire by accident” on board the New...
3To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 19 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that I proceed to Leghorn in the Syren the first westerly wind. I have given Mr. Lear every information in my power, & will dispatch the Syren from Leghorn to Algiers with the Consular present with the greatest dispatch. Peace is concluded between the United States & Morocco, for the particulars, of which I refer you to Comodore Prebble & Col. Lear & remain with...
4To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 21 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 May 1802, Leghorn. No. 6. Acknowledges JM’s letter enclosing the 6 Feb. act for the protection of the commerce and seamen of the U.S. Encloses a copy of his dispatch no. 8 “& cannot imagine how it miscarried.” Has received no word from Barbary or about U.S. warships since his last dispatch. “I have kept myself in readiness to embark at a moments warning ever since the arrival of Comodore...
5To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 10 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 August 1801, Leghorn. No. 10. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 21 May letter accompanied by a letter from Commodore Dale. Encloses copies of Dale’s letter and his reply to inform JM of their proposed method of procedure. His dispatches forwarded direct from Tunis and by True-man on the Columbia will convince JM that the dey of Algiers will never intercede on behalf of the U.S. but rather in...
6To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 1 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 June 1803, Leghorn . No. 5. “Enclosed I … transmit my accompts & acot: curt: which closes my accompts as Consul for Tripoli,” as well as “a full exposition” of all expenditures “under the head of Tripoli since my administration commenced.” Hopes they meet with the government’s approbation. With the exception of “some diamond solitaires,” all the gifts for Algiers have arrived. Requests that...
7To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 26 September 1805 (Madison Papers)
A few days ago I made application to General Dearborn as a candidate for an Agency that is vacant at the post of Natchitoches; finding I had a rival in the person of Mr. Rodgers, I waited upon the general this morning who inform’d me that a number of respectable persons having applied for the said appointment he had determined to lay their pretensions before the President who would select the...
8To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart (Abstract), 3 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
3 May 1805, Washington . “If you have recd. no later intelligence from the mediterranean the following extract will give you some information.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Tripoli, vol. 2). RC 2 pp.; docketed by Wagner. At the bottom of his letter, Cathcart appended an extract of a letter from William Higgins to him, dated at Malta 8 Jan. 1805 (printed in Knox, Naval Documents, Barbary Wars, Dudley...
9To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
By circulars from Gibraltar we are informed that Mr. Simpson arrived at that place on the 25th. of June having recd. orders to depart the Emperor of Morocco’s dominions in half an hour, in consequence of his having declared war against the United States of America. By my Circular of the 11th. of Septr. 1801 copy’s of which were forwarded to the Department of State and to Comodore Dale I...
10To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 7 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose for your Information, the Documents relative to the Ship Manchester, with a duplicate of My Letter of 4: Ulto. which will inform you of her detention. Since my last no Alteration has taken place whatever on this Island. On the 26: Ulto. Sr. Sidney Smith in the Foudroyant, with the Agamemnon, and a Gun brig loaded with Rockets & other implements of Destruction,...
11To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 6 June 1806, Baltimore. “I was hond. with yr favor of the 2nd. inst in course of post & would have replied to it had I had any thing to inform you worthy your attention: The presents are compleated, the Cattle, plate, & Mocca Coffee excepted: I have made purchases for the Ambassador to the amount of 20,000, the whole of which is lodged in the public stores: he...
12To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 September 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 September 1803, Gibraltar . No. 14. “On the 23rd. inst. I arrived in this bay & immediately went onboard the Constitution to pay my respects to Comodore Prebble & Coll. Lear. In obedience to your instructions of the 16th. of July I presented them with a copy of my communication of the 9th. inst. & since has given the latter every information in my power, the bustle naturally attending so...
13To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 30 May 1806 (Madison Papers)
We arrived in this City via Annapolis on Sunday evening, & with difficulty obtain’d lodgings at the Columbian Inn, after having been rejected at Evanses & several private houses: The manner the Ambassador has been treated since, & the pains that has been taken to efface unfavorable impressions promises success equal to the expectations of government. Yesterday an officer from the seat of...
14To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 26 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 26 July 1806, Boston. “On the 24th. inst. I had the honor to receive your dispatches for the Tunisian Ambassador & on the 25th. the Brig Franklin arrived here; elate with the hope of terminating this disagreeable business & of returning to my family, judge my regret at being under the necessity of forwarding the enclosed: I have made use of every persuasive...
15To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 27 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 27 August 1806, Boston. “I have the honor to inform you that Mr. Mella Menni return’d here yesterday evening heartily tired of his expedition, & looking rather a little foolish; I immediately inform’d him of the arrangement which had taken place relative to the debenture upon his cargo, with which he seemd perfectly satisfied, but at the same time indicated that...
16To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 22 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
In mine of 26: April I had the honor to inform you that this Island had been returned to the Porteguese on the 23d. of said Month, since which no alteration whatever has taken place, neither has any thing of moment Occurrd. By this Conveyance Mrs. Cathcart, has sent a Tub containing some Grape vines of a very superior quality which she Requests Mrs. Madison to accept, with her best Respects....
17To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
I am sorry to inform You that on the th: Ulto: the British Privateer Brig Caroline, Commanded by Charles Jones, brought into these Roads the American Ship Manchester, Joseph Reynolds Master, Owned by John James Mercht. of Philadelphia, de tained by her since the 19th. Ulto., on pretence that the said Ship had inc urred the Penalty inflicted on Neutrals by the British Order of Council of the...
18To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 9 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 May 1802, Leghorn. No. 5. Has not heard from “Barbary” but supposes Eaton persuaded Hamet to remain at Malta until the U.S. naval squadron arrives with instructions from the president. Has been informed that the Enterprize arrived “with dispatches at Gibraltar” and immediately went in search of the Boston , “who I presume is off Tripoli, but this is only conjecture as I have not been favor’d...
19To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 5 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
During Mr. Eaton’s delay at Leghorn he inform’d me that no consideration on earth could have sufficient weight to induce him to remain in Barbary a moment after our affairs were terminated with Tripoli which would naturally envolve in its consequences a final settlement with Tunis. I therefore request that I may be removed from Tripoli to Tunis as I presume I have a prior right to that...
20To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 3 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
Yesterday I enclosed dispatches from Mr: Eaton at Tunis down to the 4th: of May. I have now the honor to forward an extract of the intelligence which I receiv’d from Tripoli on the 1st: inst. containing the most prominent transactions of that government from the 12th: of March to the 30th: of April in addition to which I take the liberty to forward for the information of govt. the following...
21To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 September 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 6 September 1806, Boston. “I have taken the liberty this day to draw upon you in favor of Saml. Brown Esqr. for one thousand five hundred dollars which draft I request you to honor upon sight: I am happy to inform you that all my business is compleated here & Mella Menni is only waiting for his people to return from New York in order to embark.” RC ( DNA : RG 59,...
22To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
This day I have taken the liberty to draw upon the Department of State for the sum of Four hundred & thirty dollars & twenty five Cents in favor of John Gavino Esqr. Consul for the U S. of America at this place. Said sum when paid you will please to have placed to my Acct. untill final settlement. I am with very great Respect Sir Your Most Obdt. Servt. The preceding is the full transcription...
23To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 4 August 1806, Boston. “I was hond. with your letter of the 28th. Ulto. & its enclosures, & immediately applied to Judge Blake & the Attorney of the district, and they have given it as their opinion that their appears no legal difficulty in ordering the absentees of the Tunisian Ambassadors suite on board provided they arrive here in time: on the 29th. ulto. I...
24To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 1 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 February 1804, Leghorn. No. 2. Enclosed his accounts with the U.S. up to 31 Dec. 1803 with his 28 Jan. 1804 letter . “At present I send you a copy of a negotiation with Mr: Anthony Dugan for bills upon you for 5000 dollars at 5 ⅌C: discount on the ammount receiv’d which makes a considerable difference between the terms of this negotiation & that for 20,000 dollars negotiated by Messrs. Degen...
25To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 18 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1804, Leghorn. No. 4. “By the arrival of the Imperial Polacca La Benevolenza Captn: Luca Lucovich in eight days from Tripoli I am enabled to give you the intelligence contain’d in the enclosed extract of a letter from Monsr: Antoine Zuchette Batavian chargé des affaires at Tripoli to Diederick Kerfsbyll Esqr: Batavian Consul at Leghorn , the latter gave me the extract in confidence &...
26To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 26 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 September 1804, Leghorn. “The annext copy of my last letter to Mr. Nissen is a tribute of respect due to that gentleman for his services since the war with Tripoli commenced, & his humanity to our unfortunate fellow Citizens in captivity. The extract from Mr. Higgens at Malta will inform you of Comodore Prebles operations since my last, & serve to prove that my opinion that co-ercive...
27To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 April 1802 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed extracts from my correspondence & Mr. Eatons dispatches will inform you of our actual position, every thing seems to be in a train to promise apparently a satisfactory conclusion to this war which I assure you envolves serious consequences ’tho visibly it is of little moment. I have before observed that Tunis and Algiers have their eyes fix’d on Tripoli to know how far their...
28To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 30 September 1806 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor to transmit for your inspection and final Settlement my accompts and vouchers for expenditures occasioned by the Tunisian Embassy, the accurate manner in which they are stated & Vouch’d for, I hope will Superceed the unfavorable impressions, that the malicious falshoods of my Punic companion were calculated to make. I likewise inclose you triplicates of the Invoices,...
29To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 24 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
By the Brig Apollo Ca ptn: Goldsbury who sails immediately Ihave only ti me to inform you that Sir Samuel Hood with four sa il of the Line & five Frigates & anumber of Transports wi th General Beresford & four thousand Troops on board are now anchoring within two Cables length of the for tifications of this City Some of whom have a lready dropt their Stern Anchors & have Springs their Cables,...
30To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 22 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 22 July 1806, Boston. “I was hond. with your esteem’d favor of the 15th. inst. this morning, & immediately paid into the hands of the Ambassador the sum of 2643 dollars, the amount of cash paid by him for the articles sent to Washington, and have taken his receipt for the same in full of all demands: I made use of every suggestion mentioned in your letter, & many...
31To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 5 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 March 1802, Leghorn. No. 3. States that “during Mr. Eaton’s delay at Leghorn he inform’d me that no consideration on earth could have sufficient weight to induce him to remain in Barbary a moment after our affairs were terminated with Tripoli…. I therefore request that I may be removed from Tripoli to Tunis as I presume I have a prior right to that appointment to any person in the United...
32To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 26 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 26 April 1806, Georgetown. “It occurs to me that the Bashaw of Tunis has too much good sense to declare War against the United States while they have a force in the Mediterranean able to cope with his; in opposition to this opinion it may be stated that the United States having refused to comply with the Bashaws demand, of maratime & military stores, if receded...
33To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 24 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
At this moment I mean only to acknowledge the receipt of Yours of the 9th: of April enclosed with two letters from the President to the Bey of Tunis the one of the 14th: & the other of the 22nd: of April the Commission for Tunis was not enclosed probably left out by mistake, & to inform you that I immediately took passage onboard a greek Polacca bound to Corfú whose master has agreed to land...
34To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 25 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 July 1803, Leghorn . No. 10. Encloses news from Nissen at Tripoli brought by a French ship that arrived “Last night.” Has not heard from Davis at Tunis or from Morris, “which seems to me as extraordinary as improper.” Foresees difficulties in the coming negotiation: “we have lost our importance in those seas, & if it is not speedily retrieved by a brilliant act we must & had much better at...
35To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 27 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 September 1801, Leghorn. No. 12. Sends enclosures covering occurrences since his last dispatch. Danish commodore Koefoed has arrived from Tripoli, where he adjusted terms of tribute rather than taking advantage of the current opportunity to eliminate payments; coercion of the pasha seems contrary to Danish policy. Though enclosures show the friendly disposition of Swedes, he believes they...
36To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 15 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed with this, I have the honor to transmit, for the information of Government, a Journal of events, which has taken place since my last. Enclosure A, contains, the latest information, we have received from Tripoli, and B, is my last communications to Mr. Nissen. The suspicion which Mr. Eaton is at present under, of having, misapplied Public money, I most sincerely hope he may be able to...
37To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 26 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 August 1802, Leghorn. Submits for the president’s decision a plan to coerce Yusuf Pasha of Tripoli to agree to a permanent treaty with the U.S. and “perpetual protection” for his brother Hamet by threatening him with the “use of such means as God had already placed in our hands … join’d to our influence at the sublime Port.” Encloses William Eaton’s letter to him of 12 July “with my...
38To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 5 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 5 May 1806, Georgetown. “On the subject of the presents for the Bashaw of Tunis, I have the honor to Report That Mr. Foxall has six brass field pieces which are well calculated for that service, the Secretary at War is the proper person to apply to for them, he has carriages at his disposal which will suit them without making new ones, provided they are...
39To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 7 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I embrace the earliest opportunity to forward the enclosed dispatches which I have copied in order to multiply their conveyance: their being no vessel here ready to sail for the United States I have enclosed them to Mr. Cathalan at Marseilles. By the enclosures A & B you will be inform’d of our actual position; the Capture of the Tripoline Cruiser in its tendency is equal to a victory, &...
40To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 21 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 March 1804, Leghorn. No. 5. “Enclosed I have the honor to transmit twelve copies of a translation of the President’s two last speeches to congress, the[y] retain sufficient elegance of stile to recommend them ’tho dress’d in a foreign language; besides as we are indebted to the old world for a vast fund of knowledge; I think it but just that we should repay them when we have an opportunity:...
41To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 7 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 September 1801, Leghorn. No. 11. Sends enclosures that will show current American position. Adds that “the Capture of the Tripoline Cruiser in its tendency is equal to a victory.… A few more actions will effectually establish our national character in this sea, & prove to the Tyrants of Barbary that the government of the United States will not suffer indignitys with impunity.” Assures JM...
42To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 February 1802, Leghorn. Has drawn on JM for $453.09 in favor of John Shaw, commander of the George Washington . In postscript states that he has no news worth relating and is awaiting instructions from the president “with the same anxiety & impatience that a Mussulman awaits the prostrations of a pusillanimous christian chief, or that an Algerine Jew awaits the arrival of a Barbary Consul...
43To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 20 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
By the Mail in 7 days from England, we were Yesterday informed that a general Embargo had taken place in the United States. Consequently we feel very much interested until we are informed of the Result of the pending negotiation with Great Britain, which every class of People on this Island with great reason wishes may terminate amicably, for in the event of a War of any length they must...
44To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 April 1803 , “ U S Ship Chesapeake, Gibraltar Bay .” Informs JM that he has drawn on the State Department “this day” for $430.25 in favor of John Gavino; “said sum when paid you will please to have placed to my Acct. untill final settlement.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Tripoli, vol. 2). 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Cathcart. Docketed by Wagner. A full transcription of this document has been...
45To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 June 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 June 1801, Leghorn. No. 7. Explains why, departing Tripoli, he sailed to Leghorn [where he arrived 2 June] rather than Tunis: he feared attacks from Tripolitan cruisers, believed communications from Europe to U.S. more direct, and hoped at Leghorn to determine the reaction of Swedish crown to pasha’s demand of tribute. Renders account of financial transactions since 14 May, complaining of...
46To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 26 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
In addition to my dispatch of yesterday give me leave respectfully to submit to the Presidents decision—Whether, supposing government should think proper to put an end to the War with Tripoli without prosecuting it to extremity; it would not be to the interest of the United States to embark Hamet Pacha on board our Comodores Ship & proceed with him before Tripoli, to then inform his brother...
47To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 8 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
I conceive it my duty to forward Copy’s of all my correspondence that conveys the least intelligence to the department of State; however disagreeable this line of conduct may be on several occasions, I prescribed the rule myself, & from it I am resolved not to swerve, ’tho I am convinced it will procure me many private enemies, but at the same time I flatter myself it will promote the general...
48To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 1 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed I have the honor to transmit my accompts & acot: curt: which closes my accompts as Consul for Tripoli I have likewise annex’d a full exposition of the monies which have been expended under the head of Tripoli since my administration commenced, & hope that it may meet the approbation of government. The Presents for Algiers have nearly all arrived some diamond solitaires excepted which...
49To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 28 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 December 1801, Leghorn. No. 14. Sends enclosures “which will inform you of the trifling occurrences since my last.” Reports “we are amazingly fortunate that none of our merchant vessels have been captured,” as one of the Tripolitan cruisers has been as far west as Cartagena; President is at Toulon, George Washington at Naples, Philadelphia off Tripoli, and Essex guards cruisers at...
50To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 17 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 December 1803, Leghorn. “Enclosed with this is my acct: curt. with the United States for the ammount of $44,550 the whole of said sum being accounted for & the vouchers forwarded to the Department of State, except the ballance which is in favor of the United States $5854 82/100 which shall be accounted for when I make out my acct: of disbursements for this year; & lest some of my good...