1401To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 24 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 24 July 1805, Amsterdam. “I hasten to forward you the inclosed important State document & you will at once see into all the probable consequences thereof. “I transmit also a Copy of my letter to mr Alexander on the subject of the Consulate at Rottm referred to in my late letters to you & which I hope will meet your approbation. “Mr Clark at Emden has expressed his hopes...
1402To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 12 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I am honored by your letter of the 25 April by Mr Meredith. The inclosed letters for France have been duly sent on. I learn from you with great pleasure that the Sensibilities of the public Mind which had been excited in the late contest for the election of the supreme Executive were softened down to a temper more congenial with the public prosperity. I doubt not that a little experience of...
1403To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne (Abstract), 26 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
26 April 1805, Amsterdam . “Inclosed I send in course sundry Leyden Gazettes. It appears that none of the Northern Powers have as yet found their interests so decidedly involved as had been thought in a junction with Great Britain against France as to undertake a renewed Coalition for supporting the cause of the former. Prior examples have taught them that G B wishes them only to fight her...
1404To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 23 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is the Leyden Gazette under a new title owing to the old one having lately been forbid by the Govt. here. I take the liberty by this occasion to mention that as Mr. Foreman from whom Mr. Alexander at Rotterdam recd. his appointment as agent in the Consulate has long since resigned his Commission & that Mr. Alexander has never recd any appointment from Govt. many embarrasments are...
1405To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne (Abstract), 16 June 1805 (Madison Papers)
16 June 1805, “Amn Consulate Amsterdam.” “I yesterday had the honor to receive your letter of March 25h on the subject of the Consulate at Rottm. and I shall make arrangments to meet as far as circumstances may admit the views therein expressed. “The Charge imposed on me however is peculiarly delicate . Mr A’s partners having dissolved the commercial connections between them the latter has at...
1406To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 30 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to send you by two Vessels lately Copies of a letter recd from the Minister of foreign Affairs at the Hague requesting me to communicate to the Govt. of the U States the desire of this, that Mr Smissaert may be provisionally admitted to exercise the Office of Consul of Holland for the State of New york though he has not yet his Commission in form, the delay in sending which to...
1407To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, June 1801 (Madison Papers)
In the letter which I had lately the honor to address you on the subject of our Consular Establishments, was contained a request for some aditional Compensation to our Consuls, especially as an equivalent for the injury they sustain by being considered to have forfeited their Rights & Privileges as Amn. Citizens if happening to reside in a Country at War with Another; it may therefore be...
1408To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 23 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had yesterday the honor to address you via Baltimore since which have recd the inclosed to my care. In the letter just referred to I sent you a Gazette giving some detail acct. of a Revolution or change in the Govt. of this Country then operating at the Hague. Many defects were found to belong to the last constitution which called for a remedy, & three of the Existing Directory, formed a new...
1409To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne (Abstract), 12 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
12 May 1805, Amsterdam . “A few days past I recd a packett under blank Cover from your Office for our minister at Paris which has been duly forwarded. “Some circumstances lead me to believe that there are Persons inhabiting New Orleans disposed to pursue improper means for covering french & Spanish property under the character of Amn. It may therefore be well that the Collector & other public...
1410To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 7 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
We are this day much alarmed by the rect. of the news from the U States of the unwarranted attack of one of our frigates by a British Ship of War. That haughty nation losing sight of principle & relying alone on force daily adds insults to injury in her conduct towards Neutrals but her just punishment may not be far distant. I hope our Country will conduct with becoming dignity & firmness on...
1411To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 11 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 December 1801, Amsterdam. Transmits the Leiden Gazette to date. Thinks the congresses to be held at Amiens, Ratisbon, and Lyons may materially alter political state of Europe, but the results will not be known before spring. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
1412To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 15 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to send you herewith a letter to the President as the due medium of the Communication of the request it Contains I hope it receives your approbation. With great Respect I am Sir Yr. Ob Sert. DNA : RG 59--CD--Consular Despatches, Amsterdam.
1413To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 7 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 7 March 1806, Amsterdam. “I perceive with much pleasure by the public papers that our Country shews a just indignation at the conduct of the British Govt towards our flag—the memorial of the merchants of New york on this subject is truly intelligent & spirited & I have no doubt that firm measures on the part of our Govt will have the happy effect of supporting our...
1414To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 21 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 December 1803, Amsterdam. “It is with regret I acquaint you that notwithstanding every exertion on my part to obtain a system of quarantine in this Country, more reasonable in itself & less vexatious for our Commerce than the one at present adopted I cannot procure the desired relief—their tenacity is unbounded & the consequence is that many of the Vessels under quarantine in the open roads...
1415To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 24 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
I herewith transmit you the last Ley den Gazettes to which I beg leave to refer for many interesting relations relative to the affairs of Europe which do not as yet assume any aspect of a pacifick nature. The Embargo In the U States will (though a necessary measure) be found very irksome. I fear that our Country will become Restless under its effects & that unless our Citizens are occupied in...
1416To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
The foregoing is a duplicate of what I had the honor to address you on the 15 Inst. I would now beg leave to mention the nature of certain difficulties which attend the position of this port in respect to the signature of Drawback Certific ates by the Mates of Vessells, seeing that not mo re than one third of our vessells come further than The Helder 50 Miles distant from this port & as the...
1417To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 December 1815 (Madison Papers)
Relying on the candor & liberality of your Mind & reposing myself on the Sentiments of Justice which influence your conduct publick & private, I am encouraged once more to address you in regard to my situation here. I recollect to have seen in Some address or letter of your venerable predecessor the following Sentiment “That a thing to be right ought to reasonable.” I have unceasingly &...
1418To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 5 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to write to you lately by the Ship Eliza Capt. Stuffington of & for Baltimore who took out with him, about one hundred destitute & distressed Seamen under a Special permission of the King, given to me of sending off a vessell for that purpose notwithstanding the embargo which has long had place here. Those men had gradually collected in this Port for some time past from all the...
1419To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 18 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
I here transmit in course the last numbers of the Leyden Gazette. Altho’ many months have passed since the preliminaries of peace were signed between F. E we are yet waiting for the final arrangment of this important buisness; which leaves us in a State of suspense painfull to the mind & extremely prejudicial to the general Interests of Commerce. Some persons are of opinion that we are not yet...
1420To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 February 1802, Amsterdam. States that he has decided to send his wife “to the Country for her health the ensuing season”; therefore, he will not return with her to the U.S. as suggested in his recent letters. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1 p. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
1421To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 12 April 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 April 1809, Amsterdam. The consul reports that American vessels are now being allowed “to depart in Ballast or with Specified Cargoes at the option of those concerned.” An enclosed newspaper gives the details of a royal decree which lifts the restrictions on U.S. ships “in the Ports of Holland.” Has discussed the situation with the minister of foreign affairs and made assurances that the...
1422To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 27 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 27 July 1805, Amsterdam. “I have now the pleasure to inclose you a Copy of an advertisement to which I referred in some of my late letters which has been circulated throughout all Germany in order to entice people to go to America or elsewhere. What a violation of truth? What a Vile prostitution of the Character & dignity of the Govt of the U States to answer private...
1423To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 15 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 August 1801, Amsterdam. Announces that “nothing very material has occurred on the political Theatre of Europe” since his last letter. Refers to report that Anglo-French discussions have again halted. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 9 Nov. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
1424To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 8 February 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 8 February 1806, Amsterdam. “By the Delaware Capt Ferrier & the Orion Capt Johnson both for Newyork —I lately transmitted you duplicates of the Leyden Gazettes bound in the form of a Book for the last year & I hope they may arrive in safety. “It is with much regret I have to acquaint you that the present season has been peculiarly disastrous to the American Navigation...
1425To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 30 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I have the pleasure to Send you the two latest Leyden Gazettes. It was lately given out that the Affairs of Egypt were conclusively settled in favr. of the English, but by more recent accounts from that quarter we are assured that Genl. Menou was resolved to hold out to the last extremity in hopes of eventual succour from France which that Govt. of that Country will strain every nerve...
1426To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 3 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I send you the Leyden Gazette for the last month & to the contents of the news they contain I have to add an acct. which reached us yesterday by the post from Constantinople that a revolution has lately been effected there. The Grand Sultan & forty of his Ministers being of what is called the french Party had been massacred & Mustapha (Nephew of the late Sultan) placed on the throne....
1427To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 29 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 October 1801, Amsterdam. Acknowledges JM’s 1 Aug. circular and promises to reply fully at earliest opportunity. Will send copy of new Batavian constitution as soon as it is “published in a systematic form.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
1428To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
It has long been a matter of greate st Regret that the Consular Establishment of the U: states does not rest on a more firm & sy stematic base, both as to the Powers, which pertain to our Consuls under the Laws of their own Country & the Privileges & exemptions they ha ve a Right to claim from the operations of the Law s of the Countries where they reside; I therefore take the Liberty to...
1429To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 5 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 May 1801, Amsterdam. Is disappointed to learn Congress rejected the memorial on behalf of U.S. consuls that he transmitted in fall of 1800. Fears request was misinterpreted, the point being that consular fees ought to be paid according to tonnage of American ships. No fixed salary was sought, and the request was never intended for stipulated fees “by way of Salary from the public Chest.” RC (...
1430To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 15 October 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 15 October 1805, Amsterdam. “I have the honor to advise the due rect of your Circulars of July 1t & 12h last & shall give a strict & scrupulous attention to the instructions they contain in every respect. “The war on the continent is to all appearances about commencing under circumstances which presage a wide extended scene of horror & carnage to afflicted Europe. It...
1431To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 17 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 November 1804 , “ Amn. Consulate. ” “It appears by an Accot we have yesterday in an official paper from Paris that Mr Rumbold the British Chargé des affaires who had been lately taken from Hamburg by a party of french troops has by the interference of the K of Prussia been restored to his liberty & sent on to England. So that the voice of some Powers is listened to when raised to support...
1432To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 26 October 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 October 1802, Baltimore. “The situation of Mrs. Bourne’s health since my arrival from Europe has hitherto retarded my intended visit to Washington.” Hopes to be able to proceed there soon to pay his respects and arrange some business matters. Has nothing material to report, as “accounts from Europe of a much later date” will have had more recent news. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol....
1433To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 1 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to address you a few days past. This serves especially to convey to you the Gazette of this day which contains the important & very extraordinary decree of the Emperor of France taken at Milan on the 17 Ulto, with the Circular of the Minister of the Interior (so called) in France, which says in plain terms that for the privations that Country suffers from the position of Europe...
1434To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 September 1808 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to address you a few days past pr the Sheperdess on the Subject of my truly unpleasant Situation here being since a year deprived of all income from my Office by the State of Affairs in Europe, while many reasons interesting to the publick & our Citizens make it necessary that I should nevertheless remain at my Post. Since the date of the letter referred to, I have recd one on...
1435To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 20 July 1805, Amsterdam. “I had the honor to write you fully of late by Captains, King, Allen & Davis on the Subject of the question made me in your favr of May 23 & I feel every confidence that those letters will serve to develope to you a Scene of intriguing & unfustiable practices in a certain quarter that must tend to convince you that the appellation I gave in mine...
1436To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 9 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
It appears now confirmed that preliminary Articles of peace between England & France were signed on the 2d. Inst at London the Contents are momently expected to be published when I shall not lose A Moment to transmit them to you. Important reflections are awakened by this event which I cordially hope may fix the future peace & happiness of Europe on a permanent base. In my last letter I took...
1437To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 16 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
I send you herewith the L. Gazettes to the present date. Those you desired for the last years are all packed & only want a Conveyance to Baltimore—my house here will continue to forward those which succeed. Seeing that (agreeably to the tenor of my last to you) I expect to embark for UStates in all this month, as the most probable means of restoring the physical & intellectual health of Mrs B....
1438To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 26 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
As in the event of the war with England, which appears to be almost inevitable it is probable that the Privateers of the U States may cruise in these Seas & occasionally bring Prizes into the Ports of Holland, it will be necessary that our Govt. should pass a Law regulating the process of trial & condemnation & prescribing the Powers & Duties of our Consuls in this regard or in such oth er...
1439To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 6 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 6 April 1806, Amsterdam. “I have recd from the Department of State two Copies of a Pamphlett entitled ‘An Examination of the British Doctrine which Subjects to capture a neutral trade not open in time of peace’ and I have perused with peculiar interest this volume of laborious research & critical investigation of the principles of the Laws of nations relative to the...
1440To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 12 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 12 July 1805, Amsterdam. “You will not I hope that on accot of the many letters I have lately addressed you in reply to yours of May 23 be disposed to apply to my Case the allusion conveyed by the french proverb which says Celui qui s’excuse s’accuse. “I have indeed Suffered infinite pain & mortification that you Should for a moment have had an unfavorable impression in...
1441To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 16 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
Since I had last the honor to write you nothing material has occurred in regard to the Situation of public Affairs here. The Embargo on our Vessells is still continued except under certain Circumstances when they have liberty to depart, if they take out Cargoes of Gin Butter & Cheese to a neutral Port but as this will expose them to the British Blockade Act of Novr 11. few of the Masters are...
1442To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I send you further the Leyden Gazette to this date. I shall now wait anxiously to know what will be the fate of my official situation as that of my family will thereon essentially depend. I have the honor to be in sentiments of the highest Respect—Yr. Ob Sert. The preceding is the full transcription of a document that was previously abstracted in The Papers of James Madison ,...
1443To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 16 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 July 1802, Amsterdam. Transmits latest issues of Leiden Gazette ; “those you desired for the last years are all packed & only want a Conveyance to Baltimore—my house here will continue to forward those which succeed.” Expects to embark for the U.S. within the month, “as the most probable means of restoring the physical & intellectual health of Mrs B.,” and has made arrangements for filling...
1444To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 18 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1802, Amsterdam. Transmits the latest issues of the Leiden Gazette . Although many months have passed since the signing of peace preliminaries between France and Great Britain, no final arrangement has been made and the state of suspense is prejudicial to commerce. British government has ordered a “respectable fleet” to sea; this has created alarm as to the prospects for the...
1445To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Sylvanus Bourne. 22 July 1805, Amsterdam. “Agreably to what I had the honor to write you sometime since I have been to Rotterdam & made due inquiry into the affairs of the Consulate there & finding from the information given me both by the masters of Vessells & Merchants who have buisness at the Consular Office that the actual State of Mr Alexander’s enables to attend with propriety to...
1446To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 3 July 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 July 1812, Amsterdam. “I most respectfully & solicitously renew my request for the appointment to the Consulate in London & my gratitude for the favr. shall be evinced by the zealous & faithfull discharge of the duties it may impose & I shall hope to derive from it some Compensation for my long services & sufferings.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Bourne”). 1 p.
1447To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 4 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 April 1804, Amsterdam. “I lately had the honor to address you relative to the appointment of an Agent for the Consulate at the Helder —suggesting that it might be neccessary that our Govt should afford its patronage to this appointment by allowing a few hundred dollars per Annum towards its support, since which the inclosed request has been made to me by the Amn. Masters now in port which I...
1448To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 20 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you via Hamburg the Leyden Gazettes to this date agreeably to usage & I should be happy to have it in my power to communicate any favorable intelligence of a political Sort. The Affairs of Europe long ality Still remain in that posture to render the continuance of the embargo in the U States necessary as the most wise & prudential measures under all circumstances &...
1449To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 1 December 1790 (Madison Papers)
Expecting in a few days to embark for Hispaniola under a Consular Commission from the United States—I feel very desirous to have the Consular Bill now pending in Govt. matured & passed as early as other public Interests will permit; wishing not to have gone till it was finished I requested leave of Govt to tarry yet a while but the Secy of State informed me it was “peculiarly interesting to...
1450To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 March 1801, Amsterdam. Transmits copies of Leiden Gazette . Reports that weight Great Britain will have in European balance of power is still undecided. France and Russia have important plans to be developed in a short time. Requests information on congressional action on memorial of consuls. In postscript, mentions Cathcart’s circular letter of 3 Jan. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol....