51To James Madison from William Jones, 1 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
I herewith enclose a Tableau of the several Districts, candidates & persons recommending for appointments under the tax Laws, containing all the applications made to this time. I found Sir that the mere names would have afforded but a very partial mean of deciding as some of the letters are warm & decisive whilst others are cold and equivocal. I have therefore directed the whole of the letters...
52To James Madison from William Jones, 13 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
The letter & Postscript which you saw published in the National Intelligencer giving an acct of the tremendous Battle between Chauncey & Yeo was from Gen. Wilkinson whose imagination had converted a running fight into a close action dismasting boarding &c. Indeed there is nothing so deceptive as nautical appearance to those not familiar with such scenes. Yeo’s constant object has been to...
53To James Madison from William Jones, 14 October 1813 (Madison Papers)
The northern mail of yesterday brought an account of the partial success of Chauncey in capturing 4 of Yeo’s Schooners with about 300 regular troops onboard. I hope the mail of to day may bring me his letters. Tristram Dalton whom you had designated for one of the Collectorships in Massachusetts is also an applicant for that Office in the District of Columbia which it is thought he would...
54To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 8 November 1813] (Madison Papers)
A vacancy having occurred by the death of the late Naval Officer for the port of Philad. permit me to recommend for that place an old and valued friend, Mr Saml Clarke of Philada. whose honor integrity & Sound republican principles I have tested by the closest connexion from the year 1781 (when we were captured in the same vessel after a severe action and became tenants of the same prison...
55To James Madison from William Jones, 16 December 1813 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 13th. instant, I have the honor to state, That the amount of duties accruing on goods, wares and merchandise imported into the United States from the 1st. day of July 1812 to the 31st. day of December of the same year, for which period the accounts of the Collectors of the Customs are settled, was Ds. 9,869,199.31. And the amount of...
56To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 20 December] 1813 (Madison Papers)
Measures are taken to forward the Embargo Act with a p[r]int circular to the collectors and it will go off tomorrow in order to notify the parties concerned of the passing of the Act. I have also directed Mr Sheldon so to modify the instructions as to provide for the exception of vessels licensed for the fisheries or whaling voyages and it will be printed with the utmost possible dispatch. The...
57To James Madison from William Jones, [21 December] 1813 (Madison Papers)
With anxious solicitude for the return of the Secretary of the Treasury which at the time of his departure was confidently anticipated in all the month of November I have forborne to reiterate the excessive pressure of the duties of the two Deptmts. however relieved in the details of the Treasury by the subordinate officers of that Depmt. until it has become intolerable by the interruptions...
58To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. January 1814] (Madison Papers)
No man has been more conversant with Banking Institutions, monied operations, and Stocks, than Mr Fox. He was employed in the accounting Depmt. of the U S during the revolution and in digesting and liquidating their accounts few men participated so largely. He was the first Cashier of the Pennsylvania Bank from its establishment to the yellow fever of 1793 on which account he left it as well...
59To James Madison from William Jones, 1 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letters display our military force in the NW in wretched plight; but the judicious arrangements of Captain Elliott have considerable abated my anxiety for the safety of the fleet at Erie but it is extremely desirable that some troops should be ordered to Erie and put in Bay. Unless the latter place is speedily reinforced I have no doubt an attempt will be made and the result will...
60To James Madison from William Jones, 5 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
The resolution of the Senate of the 31st of December last requests the President of the United States to cause to be laid before that body a Statement of the value of all articles manufactured or composed of wool or of which wool is the material of chief value; also the value of all articles manufactured or composed of cotton, or of which cotton is the material of chief value; and also the...
61To James Madison from William Jones, 12 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
In conformity with the Resolution of the Senate on the 3d. Instant I have now the honor to enclose an account of the Blankets and other woolen goods provided for the Navy during the last year as far as it can be ascertained from the accounts rendered, but as those accounts do not exhibit the quantity remaining on hand, and as the consumption fluctuates with the voluntary demand of the Seamen,...
62To James Madison from William Jones, 13 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
In pursuance of the resolution of Congress, of the 19th. of March 1812, directing the Secretary of the Treasury to employ a person to digest and reduce to such form as Shall be most conducive to the interests of the United States, a Statement of the number, nature, extent, Situation and value of the arts and manufactures of the United States &c Tench Coxe Esqr. of Philadelphia, was employed...
63To James Madison from William Jones, 18 January 1814 (Madison Papers)
On the subject of the Claim of Mr Mix for the cost of Torpedos said to have been prepared and placed in the channel leading to Norfolk by order of General Taylor, having referred to the act of the 16 July 1813 I cannot perceive that the execution of the duties enjoined by that law falls within the province of this Department, as every thing of the kind hitherto has been under the direction of...
64To James Madison from William Jones, 4 February 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 4 February 1814, Navy Department. “I have the Honor to enclose for your Signature the Blank Warrant herewith.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). 1 p. Jones sent similar letters enclosing blank warrants or commissions to JM on 12 Mar. and 7 and 26 Apr. 1814.
65To James Madison from William Jones, 7 February 1814 (Madison Papers)
In conformity with the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 30th. of July 1813. copies have been prepared at the Treasury, of the accounts in detail of the different ministers plenipotentiary, envoys extraordinary, secretaries of legation, and consuls appointed under the authority of the United States from the commencement of the present government: also, accounts of the expenses...
66To James Madison from William Jones, 17 February 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 17 February 1814, Navy Department. “I have the honour to submit to your consideration, the following List of promotions and appointments during the late recess of Congress.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). Letterbook copy 1 p. The enclosure (1 p.) listed four promotions, including that of Oliver Hazard Perry from master commandant to...
67To James Madison from William Jones, 23 February 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 23 February 1814, Navy Department. “I have the honor to submit, for your consideration, the appointment of William Boyd, of Maryland, as Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, during the late recess of Congress, and whose name was omitted in the list presented to you on the 17th. instant. He received his appointment on the 24th: of September last.” Adds in a postscript:...
68To James Madison from William Jones, 9 March 1814 (Madison Papers)
Although the duties of my proper Depmt engross my attention almost to the exclusion of every other thought yet in the peculiar situation in which we stand and our absolute dependence upon the monied resources of the country which appear to be in a great degree under the malignant controul of a faction whose deadly hostility to the administration of the government would prostrate the country at...
69To James Madison from William Jones, 17 March 1814 (Madison Papers)
I enclose these papers as a partial illustration of the ruinous extent to which smuggling is rapidly progressing and the danger to be apprehended from settled habits of turpitude and the expertness and intrepidity acquired by the practice of lawless gain. Can any thing short of the removal of the temptation correct the evil? The opportunities on our middle and Southern coast are manifold...
70To James Madison from William Jones, 23 March 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 23 March 1814, Navy Department. “The Appointments and nominations designated in the enclosed paper are required for the Naval service.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). Letterbook copy 1 p. Jones listed ten persons to be nominated as navy pursers, including Benjamin F. Bourne, Joseph B. Wilkinson, the son of Maj. Gen. James Wilkinson,...
71To James Madison from William Jones, 11 April 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 11 April 1814, Navy Department. “The promotions & appointments designated in the papers herewith marked A & B are required to supply existing deficiencies.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosures ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). Letterbook copy 1 p. The letterbook copy of the enclosures (1 p.) consists of a list marked “A,” which named seven persons to be navy surgeons,...
72To James Madison from William Jones, 25 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
Circumstances over which I have no controul having coerced a determination on my part to retire from the honorable station in which your confidence and good will had placed me, it is proper that I should apprise you of my intention in anticipation of that event though I shall not intimate my design to others. I shall endeavour to remain at my post if possible until the next meeting of Congress...
73To James Madison from William Jones, 6 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 4th. came to hand this morning. If the information received by the Secretary of War be correct as I presume it is from the confidence reposed in it by the Secretary, then the plan of operations which he suggests appears to me well adapted to the occasion. I have no information of recent date either affirming or contradicting the rumoured preparations of the enemy at Mackadash...
74To James Madison from William Jones, 10 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
Accept my congratulations upon the event of another brilliant achievement by our brave Tars. The U S Ship Peacock Captain Warrington of 20. 32 pd. carronades and two long 12 pds has captured the British Sloop of War Epervier of 18. 32 pd carronades after an action 45 minutes in which the enemy lost 8 killed and 15 Wounded and was excessively cut to pieces having 5 feet water in her hold. The...
75To James Madison from William Jones, 14 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose herewith the proceedings of a Court martial held on board the United States Ship United States in the Harbour of New London for the trial of William S Cox Lieutenant—J W Forrest and Henry P Fleshman midshipmen—William Brown Bugleman and Peter Frost John Joyce and Joseph Russell seamen in the Navy of the United States late of the U S. Ship Chesapeake upon charges...
76To James Madison from William Jones, 16 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed are copies of letters from Commodore Chauncey which came to hand yesterday. The public papers will inform you of the attack made by the enemy upon the village of Oswego and I have the satisfaction to say that whatever may have been the issue it could not involve any of our Ordnance or naval Stores as none had been sent below the falls from which the whole either had or would in a...
77To James Madison from William Jones, 18 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
The last date recd from Com Chauncey is of the 9th with Copy of a letter that morning received from Captain Woolsey herewith enclosed together with an account of the enemys force and operations at Oswego (which place he abandoned on the 7th.) as stated by a deserter. The ship designated in this account as the Prince Regent is not the one so called in his old fleet but his new large ship...
78To James Madison from William Jones, 25 May 1814 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed are copies of the last received from Com. Chauncey. I regret to find that the enemy raised the schooner which had been sunk with the guns and stores onboard and that we have lost seven guns instead of two as I had supposed. Except the heavy guns the loss is unimportant as the entire upper deck battery of the President Frigate consisting of 42 ? carronades were sometime since...
79To James Madison from William Jones, 6 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
In obedience to your order of the 3d Inst I have the honor to Report the Several documents herewith enclosed lettered from A to H containing all the information in this Department on the various subjects of your enquiry. I am with great respect Sir your Obdt Servt RC and enclosures ( DLC ); letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosures ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). For enclosures, all dated 6 June...
80To James Madison from William Jones, 8 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
Will you be pleased to name the three 74s now building one of which is to be launched on the 20 Instant at Charlestown Massts. and the other two are in great forwardness. I am very respectfully your Obdt Servt RC ( DLC ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). RC docketed by JM . JM inserted an asterisk here and wrote below Jones’s signature: “*1. Independence / 2. Union / 3. Franklin (the...
81To James Madison from William Jones, 14 June 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 14 June 1814, Navy Department. “The Christian name of Mr French not being known at this Department, I have to ask the favour of you to give the enclosed such direction as will ensure its reaching him.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). 1 p. The enclosure may have been intended for Robert F. French, who was commissioned as a midshipman on 11 June 1814 ( Callahan, List...
82To James Madison from William Jones, 18 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
The importance of the matter and of the observations contained in the enclosed letter compel me to submit it to your perusal though there is one suggestion which the writer would not readily forgive me for exposing. The subject connected with that suggestion is so exceedingly momentous as to justify its exhibition to the person best qualified to appreciate its value and the fitness of the...
83To James Madison from William Jones, 29 June 1814 (Madison Papers)
The defenceless condition of this State & the imminent & increasing danger of hostile attack induced the General Assembly at their late Session in this month to direct me again to press these subjects upon your consideration, conformably to their request the Council of War have appointed Col. Nathaniel Searle Junr (whom I beg leave to introduce to your notice) a special messenger to present to...
84To James Madison from William Jones, 8 July 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 8 July 1814, Navy Department. “I have the honor to enclose for your Signature the Blank Commissions herewith.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). Jones sent JM similar letters enclosing blank warrants and commissions on 17 and 30 Nov. 1814 (ibid.).
85To James Madison from William Jones, 9 July 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 9 July 1814, Navy Department. “I have the honor to enclose for your signature, a Brevet commission for Anthony Gale now a captain in the marine Corps & who has been of that grade more than ten years: and a Brevet commission for Richard Smith also a captain in the Marine Corps, who is recommended by Commodore Chauncey and the other commanding naval Officers at Sacketts...
86To James Madison from William Jones, 26 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed I am persuaded is written by some personal enemy to Com Chauncey. Will you have the goodness to examine whether it is not by the same hand as that sent to you by Mr Gales. Sincerely your Obdt Sert The brother officers of Chauncey entertain but one opinion of him and that is in the highest degree honorable to him. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM . Enclosure not found, but it may have...
87To James Madison from William Jones, 30 July 1814 (Madison Papers)
The northern mail which ought to have arrived yesterday has been received but not a line from Sacketts Harbor. You will perceive by Captain McDonnoughs letter enclosed that the enemy at the Isle au Noix had not on the 13th. Inst. began to plank their Ship. (Col Gardner says she is a 16 Gun Brig). I almost regret commencing the new Ship at Vergennes—God knows where the money is to come from!...
88To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 31 July 1814] (Madison Papers)
Blocks and Iron work were under his entire direction with ample means of procuring. In Com. C. letter of the 8th July he mentions some little Iron work wanting for the Mohawk but does not intimate any detention on that account. The only cause of delay which then appeard arose from the necessity of changing the Officers and crews on account of Captain Smiths absence. This with some final...
89To James Madison from William Jones, 1 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed is from Doctor Buchanan of the Navy Com Chaunceys Physician. Chauncey has doubtless been very ill and I suppose his officers were unwilling to commun[i]cate his case to the Department until he was convalescent. Shall I countermand Decaturs order or let him proceed for fear of a relapse? Chauncey however cannot take umbrage at the order as it is framed with the strictest regard to...
90To James Madison from William Jones, 15 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
When I came into office the Hospital establishment at Charleston So C. was on Shore maintained at a very considerable expence and though under the care of an excellent Physician Doctor Logan of the Navy, diseases were protracted or terminated mortally in a great many cases. Knowing the climate of S.C from some years residence at Charleston I was satisfied that a Hospital ship moored in the...
91To James Madison from William Jones, 18 August 1814 (Madison Papers)
I have deemed it proper to submit to your inspection the enclosed letter from Commodore Bainbridge respecting the irregularity and serious evil arising from the loose and uncontroled manner in which communications by flags of truce with the ships of the enemy are conducted, and respectfully invite your attention to the subject with a view that some settled regulation may be adopted if you...
92To James Madison from William Jones, 1 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
Respectfully offered for the consideration of the President. The late disaster is the result of a desperate enterprise of the enemy and a too confident security on our part. It is strictly in the nature of a surprise and cannot again happen. The capitol, the Presidents mansion, the Treasury, War, & Navy Buildings have been destroyed, but in all other respects the seat of government remains the...
93To James Madison from William Jones, 11 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
The determination which I was compelled to form and communicate to you on the 25th of April last has acquired irresistible confirmation by all the circumstances attending my private affairs since that period. The enclosed letter (received yesterday) is submitted to your inspection to show that the only remaining hope I had of alleviation has vanished. The first paragraph of the letter from...
94To James Madison from William Jones, 11 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
The circumstances connected with my private affairs which induced me to explain to you on the 25th. April last the necessity I should be under of resigning the honorable trust which I hold, shortly after the ensuing meeting of Congress, having acquired irresistable strength by the lapse of time, I now respectfully tender to you my resignation of the office of Secretary of the Navy, the...
95To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 19 September 1814] (Madison Papers)
Tis truly glorious news & nothing could have been better timed. We can now strengthen Chauncy so as to man the 15 Gun Boats and small Vesse[l]s. This will tend to diminish the lustre of our blazing Capitol in the eyes of the Cockneys and the ministry may probably take wit in their anger. Yours ever RC ( DLC ). Undated; conjectural date assigned here based on evidence in n. 1. Docketed by JM...
96To James Madison from William Jones, [22 September 1814] (Madison Papers)
Allow me to present to your view the enclosed sketch of our financial means, which is the result of my extreme solicitude and ardent desire to sustain the public credit and provide the money to carry on the war with energy and effect. I deprecate the loss of credit & consequent resort to means which must prove unequal oppressive and inefficient, and I hope these motives and feelings will...
97To James Madison from William Jones, 25 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
The papers numbered 1 @ 5 and that marked A. herewith enclosed were received from Com. Decatur by the last mail together with his letter to the Depmt. dated the 22d Inst which is also respectfully submitted; will fully explain the nature of the offensive incident which has produced his remonstrance and appeal to your decision. I view with extreme regret this first inroad upon the harmony and...
98To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 28 September 1814] (Madison Papers)
I have been extremely uneasy for the fate of those vessels until the receipt of this. None but a seaman can appreciate the danger and hair breadth escape of this Squadron; and to continue or remain at all near the lower end of the Lake at this Season must in all probability end in the destruction of the fleet. Gen Brown has been most unreasonable in his expectation of Naval cooperation. RC (...
99To James Madison from William Jones, 14 October 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Jones. 14 October 1814, Navy Department. “I have the honor to enclose, herewith, a list of the Promotions and appointments, in the Navy, marine Corps, and Flotilla Service, of the United States, during the late Recess of Congress.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosures ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ); enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 13B–A3)....
100To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 15 October 1814] (Madison Papers)
With respect to money the Department is truly in the most untoward Situation. I have now laying over the requisitions of the agents for the months of July august & Septr that is the balance due on those requisitions to the amt $800,000. and my requisitions on the Sec of the Treasury for more than a million are yet unsatisfied. I am distitute of money in all quarters. Seamen remain unpaid and...