1To James Madison from James Abbott, 29 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have been informed, that a paper addressed to the President of the United States is privately circulating in this Territory for signatures, and as it is said to contain charges derogatory to my character, I respectfully request and should esteem it as a particular favor, to be furnished with a copy (as I cannot procure a sight of it here,) as soon after its arrival at Washington City as may...
2To James Madison from Thomas Aborn, 28 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have to inform you of my arrival from Cayenne, which place I left on the 9th. of April last. On my arrival at that Port which was on the 5th. Feby. 1802 I waited upon the Governor Victor Hugues and acquainted him of my appointment as Vice Commercial Agent of the United States for the Port of Cayenne &c. The Governor observed to me that he was not authorised to receive an Agent from the...
3To James Madison from Thomas Aborn, 28 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 June 1802, Providence. Informs JM that he left Cayenne on 9 Apr. “On my arrival at that Port which was on the 5th. Feby 1802 I waited upon the Governor Victor Hugues and acquainted him of my appointment as Vice Commercial Agent of the United States.… The Governor observed to me that he was not authorised to receive an Agent from the United States, as he conceived the American Government had...
4To James Madison from Thomas Aborn, 18 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your letter enclosing my Commission as vice Commercial Agent for the Port of Cayenne, and agreeable to your directions I herewith transmit the Bond required by Law previous to entering on the execution of the trusts of said office, the duties of which I shall endeavor to execute to the best of my abilities. I have the honor to be very...
5To James Madison from Thomas Aborn, 18 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 August 1801, Warwick, Rhode Island. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s letter enclosing his commission as vice commercial agent for Cayenne. Sends required bond. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cayenne, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 26 Aug., with his notation: “for the Secretary of state’s approbation.” Enclosure not found. Aborn had probably received a copy of JM’s 10 June 1801 standing...
6To James Madison from John Adair, 9 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
Although I have Suffered, (by the hand of lawless power,) Injurys in my person, my reputation and my property; Injurys to me irreparable though unmerited; Yet as an American firmly and unaltrably attached to my Country; and capable of distinguishing in my Judgment and resentments betwixt its Government, & those who may for a time be entrusted to Administer it: I shall always feel it my duty,...
7To James Madison from Adams & Loughery, 9 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
We take the liberty to enclose you a copy of a letter, received from our friends Messrs. Ruys & Zimmerman at Amsterdam, respecting our Ship James Adams, Captain Bangs, which vessel left our capes the 8th. November last, bound for Amsterdam, with a cargo of colonial produce, all american property, accompanied with the proper and usual Certificates of neutrality, as well as those of importation...
8To James Madison from Jacob Adams, 4 August 1808 (Madison Papers)
The Inclosed I have This day received P my fast Sailing Brig Dove, Cap Child from Madiera who has performed his voyage in Less than 3 mo. after being detaind for a considerable time in Madiera. Should you have any occasion for a dispatch vessel, She is at your Command. I will let her go, to any part of the world, at a moderate price, In order to give employ & bread to the Crew who I have had...
9To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 28 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
I now avail myself of your obliging permission, to transmit through you to Mr: Randolph the request for his certificate that the amount of the outfit allowed me on my mission to Holland, in the year 1794. was paid me in the manner I stated to you, when I had last the honour of seeing you at your office. This request is supported by all the documents I have been able to collect, and you will...
10To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 14 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
The question of peace and War between Great Britain & the North of Europe still appears to depend upon the determination of the british Cabinet, relative to Count Haugwitz’s note of the 12th: ulto. How long this may be delayed it is yet impossible to say. At the date of the last accounts we have, the king’s health, though hoped to be in a recovering state, was not such as to permit the...
11To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 4 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a letter which I was desired to forward to you from Mr: Bourne at Amsterdam. A few days before I sailed from Hamburg, I sent you by duplicates, copies of a letter which I received there from the Swedish Minister at the Court of Berlin and of my answer to it. As it contained a proposition from the king of Sweden which may be deemed of some importance to the...
12To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 4 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of enclosing to you two certificates, respecting William Parker, a native Citizen of the United States, impress’d into the British Service, about fourteen months since, and whose liberation it has been impossible to obtain. He is the eldest Son of a widow of very respectable character, with a family of ten children, and in circumstances to depend in some measure upon him for...
13To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 21 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 March 1801, Berlin. No. 186. Reports continuing British embargo on Swedish shipping is likely to close Elbe and Weser to British vessels. Relays hearsay that among British seamen detained in Russian ports there are some Americans as well. Has pressed Russian minister to free such persons; recounts minister’s reluctance and his suggestions that U.S. appoint a consul in Russia and recall...
14To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 25 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to enclose copies of a letter from Mr: Engeström, the Swedish Minister at Berlin, which I received since my arrival here; and of my answer to him. You will perceive that his letter contains the renewal of a proposal made by the king of Sweden about eighteen months ago, for an arrangement between the United States, Sweden and Denmark, mutually to protect their commerce in the...
15To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 28 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
I received the day before yesterday a letter dated 3 Feby. from Mr Marshall, then acting as Secretary of State, containing a permission to me to return to the United States, upon the consideration that the objects of my mission here had been entirely accomplished; and enclosing a letter of recall from this Court. I have already given notice of the circumstance to the government of this...
16To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 9 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 May 1801, Berlin. No. 192. Reports having had audience with king on 5 May, when he delivered his letter of recall and took leave. “I assured him according to my instructions of the sincere wishes of the American government that the friendship and harmony subsisting between the two Nations might be continued; and he directed me to transmit the assurances of the same disposition on his part,...
17To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 28 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 March 1801, Berlin. No. 187. Encloses copy of Spanish declaration of war on Portugal. Reports thirty-day truce between France and Naples, the terms of which include an embargo on British ships in port of Naples. Expects general European war against Britain. Notes that Nelson has sailed for Copenhagen, that a British refusal to lift embargo of Swedish and Danish ships effectively answers...
18To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 18 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 April 1801, Berlin. No. 190. Answers query of 28 Dec. 1800 concerning whereabouts of an American citizen, Lewis Littlepage, who plans soon to embark for home. Reports that all recent Prussian trade restrictions now are lifted, that British and Danes signed fourteen-week armistice on 8 Apr., and that Denmark is forced to suspend its membership in armed league and to make no changes in its...
19To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 26 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr: Wagner having informed me by his letter of the 11th: instt: that neither copy of the within papers which I had forwarded from Hamburg, had then arrived at the seat of the government, I have now the honour to transmit a third copy of them; and am with great respect, Your very humble & obedt: Servt: RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Duplicate Originals of J. Q. Adams, 1800–1801, 1809–12). Docketed by...
20To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, [3 December] 1803 (Madison Papers)
Some difficulty having arisen in the Senate, in considering the expediency of advising and consenting to the Ratification of the Treaty of limits between the United States, and Great-Britain signed on the 12th: of May 1803. —A Committee of that body has been appointed to inquire and report upon the subject. The difficulty arises from the circumstance that the Treaty with the French Republic,...
21To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 11 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1801, Berlin. No. 189. Reports no particulars are available on death of Czar Paul, whose eldest son Alexander has assumed throne. Notes that Alexander reappoints Count Vorontsov in London. Conveys word that Prussian troops have occupied Hanover and Danish forces have taken Lübeck. Outlines damage and casualties Danes suffered in Nelson’s attack 2 Apr. at Copenhagen. RC ( DNA : RG 59,...
22To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 7 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 March 1801, Berlin. No. 184. Conveys news, received in letters from England, of George III’s illness, Pitt’s fall from power, and the suspension of public business. Suggests that these events and Prussian firmness in support of neutral league may postpone issue of war. Speculates on British plans to accommodate Czar Paul on question of Malta. Believes British overly hopeful that Danes will...
23To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 6 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
About two months since I transmitted to you certain papers respecting a native citizen of this town, named William Parker, laboring under British impressment and whose liberation had been repeatedly and fruitlessly solicited. His mother had recently received two letters from him, by which it appears, that he is on the station at Halifax, on board of the banterer, sloop of war, the vessel into...
24To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 12 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 May 1801, Berlin. No. 193. Encloses original letter of recredence. Speculates on European diplomatic developments: new Russian czar probably will seek peace with both France and Britain before end of summer; partition of Turkey likely to be postponed; Malta may be returned to the Knights of Malta, with recognition of Russian protection. Believes that “the principles promulgated by the...
25To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 4 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 April 1801, Berlin. No. 188. Reports Danish occupation of Hamburg on 20 Mar. and Prussian plans to seize territories belonging to Hamburg. Conveys news, just received, of Czar Paul’s sudden death. “What its effect will be upon the politics of Europe it would for the present moment be presumptuous to conjecture.” Notes that Prussians have received British reply to Count von Haugwitz’s message...
26To James Madison from James Adamson, 16 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 July 1801, Ostend. Notes service as U.S. consul in Ostend prior to the outbreak of the undeclared naval war with France. He was arrested, later released, and carried on consular duties. Has learned through French newspapers of several recent consular nominations and asks for an appointment in Ostend “or any other place” where his services would be useful to U.S. Mentions favorable...
27To James Madison from Daniel Addis, 7 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
A Person who claims the protection given to those who are members of the Houshold of Counsuls, Ministers &ca. on account of his being a Clerk to the Marquis De Cassa Yrujo is indebted to a Mr. Henry Eihonst of the State of New York, for whom I am Agent, in a large Sum of money. I have been advised to pursue legal measures for the recovery thereof; but on the one hand while I am anxious to...
28To James Madison from Thomas G. Addison, 7 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 August 1802. Resigns his post as justice of the peace, “as I shall be no longer a Resident in the District of Columbia, after to day.” Suggests that another magistrate be appointed, since he was the only magistrate on the south side of the Eastern Branch. RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Cover postmarked Alexandria, Virginia, 8 Sept. Docketed by Brent as received 9 Sept.
29To James Madison from Pierre-Auguste Adet, [24 July] 1804 (Madison Papers)
Vous ne pouvez douter du plaisir que j’eprouve en trouvant L’occasion de vous temoigner De nouveau Les sentiments d’attachement et d’estime que je vous ai voués. Si depuis mon départ des Etats unis je ne vous les ai point exprimés Les Circonstances seules en sont cause. Il fut un temps malheureux chez vous ou une Lettre de moi auroit pu compromettre ceux qui l’auroient reçue, et certes...
30To James Madison from David Airth, 2 January 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 January 1804, Gothenburg. Encloses a copy of Robert Gardiner’s 29 Aug. 1803 dispatch, in which Gardiner informed JM of Airth’s appointment as vice-consul during Gardiner’s absence from Sweden on business. Encloses a statement [not found] of U.S. ships “which have arrived, discharged Cargoes, reloaded &c. for America.” Will send a duplicate by another opportunity. “The American trade to this...
31To James Madison from David Airth, 31 December 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From David Airth. 31 December 1805, Gothenburg. “I had the honour of addressing your Excellency last on the 8th. Ulto. by the Susanna of Baltimore Capt. John Arnold bound to NewYork and as therein promised and agreeable to my Instructions, I now beg leave to wait on you with a Specified Acct. of the Trade of the United States at this Port during the past Year, which as hinted before has been...
32To James Madison from David Airth, 30 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From David Airth. 30 September 1805, Gothenberg. “I had the honour to address you last on the 1st. of January giving an Account of the Shipping and trade of the United States at this Port for the Year 1804. Since that time Nothing particular has occurred worthy of your Notice. The Trade this Season is more enlarged than the foregoing year, of which I will have the honour to transmit you a...
33To James Madison from David Airth, 12 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From David Airth. 12 May 1806, Gothenburg. “I had the honour of addressing you last pr. Capt Hammond of the Minerva of Rochester bound to NewYork under date the 31st. December 1805 Duplicates of which and its Inclosures [not found] I beg leave herewith to inclose. “The two law Suits mentioned in my memorial of the 6th. Novemr. 1805 to the Swedish Secretary of State for Account of Capt....
34To James Madison from David Airth, 18 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From David Airth. 18 June 1806, Gothenburg. “I had the honour of addressing you last on the 12th. Ulto. by Capt. Truman Bartlett of the Ship Herald of Plymouth bound to Boston a Duplicate of ⟨w⟩hich I beg leave herewith to inclose. By the Report ⟨o⟩f Several American Captains lately arrived here I am ⟨ex⟩ceedingly sorry to inform you that the Consul at this ⟨p⟩lace Mr. Robert Champlin...
35To James Madison from David Airth, 1 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 January 1805, Gothenburg. “I had the Honour of addressing you last on the 2nd. Janry last year transmitting an Account of the Shipping of the United States which had visited this Port the preceeding year and I make no doubt it has duly come to your hands. According to your general Instructions I have now the Honour to wait on you with a Statement of the shipping for last Season [not found]...
36To James Madison from David Airth, 8 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From David Airth. 8 November 1805, Gothenburg. “I had the Honour of addressing your Excellency last on the 30th. Septr. by Capt. Dillingham of an American Ship to NewYork, a Copy of which is here inclosed, along with a Copy of my Letter and Memorandum of the 6th. Currt. to Count Ehrenheim the Swedish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The Complaints they carry to him are not of very...
37To James Madison from David Airth, 30 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
I had the Honor of addressing you last the 18th. June last Year by the Ship Good Intent of and for Newport Capt. Dennis a Duplicate of which I take the Liberty herewith to inclose. By a letter from Colonel Gardiner Newport Rhode Island dated 26th. June 1806 he confirms the unfortunate fate of his Son Mr. Robt. Champlin Gardiner Consul here, as Stated in the Duplicate of my last herewith...
38To James Madison from Czar of Russia Alexander I, 31 August 1808 (Madison Papers)
Alexandre Ier. empereur de Russie à son digne et grand ami le président des Etats-Unis d’Amérique, salut. Dans la vue de resserer de plus en plus les liens d’amitié et de bonne intelligence qui subsistent entre l’Empire Russe et les Etats-Unis, et désirant surtout donner une preuve manifeste de mes sentiments à vous-même, Monsieur, et à cette nation si digne du haut degré d’estime que je lui...
39To James Madison from Lawson Alexander, 15 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
I this day was honor’d by your favor in answer to mine of the 1st. inst. wherein you were pleased to inform me that "the Arrangements designed by the President relative to the Consulate at Rotterdam, do not permit you to authorize me to return to that place in my former Capacity". A Circumstance which I regret exceedingly. I have asked of the President, what every Man may ask without blushing,...
40To James Madison from Robert Alexander, 23 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
We, have been requested, by a number of the most respectable genuine republicans of this Place, supporters of the administration of Thos: Jefferson, & advocates for the election of James Madison to the Presidency & Geo. Clinton to the Vice Presidency of the U. S. to enclose You the "Tree of Liberty" of Sept. 21. 1808. in which we have marked a paragraph for your observance; containing a gross...
41To James Madison from Ira Allen (Abstract), 18 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
18 February 1805, Philadelphia . “Want of health and other obsticles have Provented my seeing you as soon as I Contemplated and Determined me to Put in Circulation the olive Branch I expect to set out for Washington with the Books this Week as this Cause Respects the Arming the Militia of a State and has been ably Supported by the Executive of the State and Federal Government at Different...
42To James Madison from Ira Allen, 20 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 October 1804, Rutland. “Before I Left Philedelphia I gave Directions for one Dozen of the Second Vollum of the Olive Branch to be Delivered to Mr. Young who was to Distribut them to the Heads of Departments in Washington which I Suppose has been done. That you may be Informed of My Proseeders I inclose a Copy my Letters to Mr. Monroe my Council & Proctor in London with an address to the...
43To James Madison from Ira Allen (Abstract), 7 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
7 May 1805, Philadelphia . “While I wait for Some Documents more Effectually (if Possible) to Establish my Claims on the British Government before I Compleat the Second Vollum of the olive Branch or Send to London that Mr. Monroe might obtain Justice for me I inclose Part of the maniscript of the twenty fith Chapter of the Olive Branch and Submit the Propriety of it’s being Shewn to Mr. Merry...
44To James Madison from Ira Allen, 6 August 1808 (Madison Papers)
Having made this City my Home for more than four years Past the Causes of Which are Sufficiantly Shewn to you in the Details of the olive Branch to Render Comments Unnecessary, the Death of General Shee Collector of this Port Induces me to apply to you for the office of Collector of the Customs of the Port of Philadelphia. I am with Great Respect your most obedient Humbl. Servt. DNA : RG...
45To James Madison from Ira Allen, 4 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
I submit for Consideration in addition to my Letter of the Eleventh Ult whether it would not be Consistent in Preparitory of Receiving the Proposed Accession of Territory from the Canada’s to Stipulate that the Prohibitory Act of Congress Respecting English Goods should be Repealed in the Port of St. Lawrence and that there should not be no Imbargo on Sd Port During the Present war in Europe...
46To James Madison from Ira Allen, 2 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
To facilitate an Equitable Settlement of my Claims on the British Government I submit for Consideration That the Government of the United States advance to me fifty thousand Dollars on my Giving full Powers to Mr. Pinkney Minister of the United States in London in Conjunction with an agent to be named by me to go as soon as Possible to London Reserving a Right to Send a Messenger in a National...
47To James Madison from Ira Allen, 26 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 January 1805, Philadelphia. “I inclose to you a Copy of my Representation to the Legislature of Vermont which was Read in Counsil and Assembly & a Statement of facts and Resolutions Drawn Copied and Distributed for the Consideration of the Members of the Legislature (which are also Inclosed) when it was thought advisable to omit any further Proseedings thereon Untill the Next session of the...
48To James Madison from Ira Allen, 1 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have Just Rec’d an English Newspaper by which it appears that the Cause of the Ship Olive Branch before the Court of appeals in London has been desided in favour of the Claimant he Paying the Captors their Costs. This is an Unexpected Desition nor is the Result fully Understood whether in this Cause there is any Reserve for a Question in Damage. Whether by any Convention Between Great...
49To James Madison from Ira Allen, 14 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
From Different Considerations that will in a few days be Explained to you in a Personal Interview I have Rimained in this City and omited to Write to any of my frends at Washington since the Conveaning of Congress Except Recently Sending Pamphlets to the Members thereof When I call to mind my address of July Last to the People of British America Letters to the Governors thereof and Mr. Erskine...
50To James Madison from Ira Allen, 11 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
Justice Looseth none of her Rights by Delays, But Like mighty Waters Gains strenght. If from the Events of Europe and Pressure of Public Business in the United States the Cause of the olive Branch has been Delayed the Justice thereof will appear from Legal Evidence Exhibited before the Court of Admiralty in London, authentic and Legal Copies of which were Delivered to the Secretary of State...