2401To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 12 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Give me leave to offer you my best congratulations on your arrival at Washington, and on your accession to the important charge, to which the President has been pleased to call you. I propose to have the honour of paying my respects to you in the course of eight or ten days; but I am rather desirous, that the Packet which left England the latter end of March should first arrive. I learn that...
2402To 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...
2403To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 12 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 May 1801, Bristol. Wrote last on 21 Apr. , since which he has received no letters from State Department. Encloses copies of letters just received from Malta. Transmits newspapers with news from Egypt of three battles between French and British. Reports great fall in price of all grains and flour since his last letter; encloses prices current [not found]. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, CD...
2404To James Madison from Israel Whelen, 12 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 May 1801, Philadelphia. Discusses order to prepare the George Washington to carry cargo to Algiers and attendant problems of price and space. Encloses lists of articles still needed and those on hand. Requests further instructions. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Purveyor’s Office, Philadelphia). RC 2 pp.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Whelen. Enclosures...
2405To James Madison from Daniel Triplett, 13 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to address you on a subject which perhaps you will feel no interest in only the impressions of humanity & the recollection that I onst had the honor to be your Neighbour & a claim to your Acquaintance. You no doubt heard of my embarrased situation before I left Madison as well as the manner in which it was brought on, taking this for granted I shall only add on this head that it...
2406To James Madison from Joseph Habersham, 13 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 May 1801. Discusses plan to move post office to “the left wing of the buildings for the executive offices,” which would inconvenience persons living in central and eastern parts of city. Notes that lease on house where general and local post offices are now located expires at end of May. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 28, Letters Sent by Postmaster General, vol. EE). 1 p.
2407To James Madison from David Leonard Barnes, 14 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a Letter from the Honorable Levi Lincoln Acting as Secretary of State, under date of the 1st instant, inclosing me a Commission as District Judge. This proof of the confidence which the President has thought proper to place in me, and the very liberal & friendly manner in which it was done, command my warmest acknowledgements, and excite a degree...
2408To James Madison from Josiah Blakeley, 14 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Tis now more than Two Years Since I arrived in this port, with a commission of Consul of the United States. Tho permitted to reside, to give certificates, protests &c to the citizen of my Nation I have not been by the Spanish Governement recognised as consul of the U S. The Governement here inform me they Have not yet received orders from the Court of Spain to observe the treaty, lately...
2409To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, [14 May] 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mui Señor mio: Me hallo informado haber nombrado Mr. Adams en los ultimos meses de su administración un Consul Americano en Manila, Capital de las Islas Philipinas, y como esta disposición es contraria ã la voluntad de S. M. Catholica por las razones que expuse en mis cartas ũ oficios de 4 de Enero de 1798 a dn Timoteo Pickering sobre el nombramto. de un Consul para resider en la Havana, 6, y...
2410To James Madison from District of Columbia Commissioners, 14 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 May 1801, Commissioners’ Office. In reply to JM’s 13 May letter [not found], notifies him that the house he seeks for State Department messenger will be available 10 June. Has notified present tenant to vacate. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 42, Records of the District of Columbia Commissioners, Letters Sent, vol. 6). 1 p. Signed by William Thornton, Alexander White, and Tristram Dalton.
2411To James Madison from Charles Peale Polk, 14 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 May 1801, Frederick Town, Maryland. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 19 Apr. , in which he promised to serve the interests of Polk’s family “if an Opportunity should Offer of its being in any degree subservient to the Public good.” Conveys his “ most grateful Acknowledgments for your prompt attention to my Letter, Amidst your many important Engagements.” RC ( DLC ). 2 pp.
2412To James Madison from James Jackson, 15 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Presuming on the Congressional acquaintance I had the pleasure of forming with you some Years since and considering the station the State I belong to has been pleased once more to place me in, as Senator of the United States, and in which I flatter myself our Political opinions will not more materially differ, than they formerly have done—I have determined to drop you this line; and to give...
2413To James Madison from Evan Jones, 15 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Having written at different times, a number of letters to your predecessor in office Mr. Pickering respecting the situation of the Citizens of the U.S. trading to New Orleans, or passing thro’ it, and not having had the honor to receive any answer to most of them, I have been almost discouraged from writing any more. Considering however that the changes which have taken place in several of the...
2414To James Madison from Rufus King, 15 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 May 1801, London. No. 17. Reports that Lord St. Helens has sailed for negotiations with Russians on the subject of a northern confederacy. Since French influence remains strong in St. Petersburg, believes British may have more difficulty than they expect. Conveys word of British victory in Egypt. Acknowledges receipt of 6 May letter from Dawson, then off Start Point. Dawson reached Le Havre...
2415To James Madison from Stephen Sayre, 16 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Being unexpectedly detain’d this day here, on my way to Philaa.—and having made my visit to Washington, for the express purpose of sounding the administration, whether I may, or may not expect their consideration & patronage; forgive me in repeating, so early, my last request, & the irresistable necessity of pressing it. The moment of my return, I must, in good faith, represent my...
2416To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 16 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to acknowlege the receipt of your letter of the 11th of May with its inclosures. I can give you no better proof of my own solicitude to prevent any violation of the neutral rights of the United States, than the circumstance of my having about six weeks ago reminded His Majesty’s Consul at Norfolk of the rule established by the American Government as to the interval required...
2417To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 16 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 May 1801, Tripoli. No. 6. Recounts further deterioration in U.S.-Tripolitan relations since 19 Apr. Reports pasha’s ceremonial declaration of war, when U.S. flagstaff was cut down. Encloses letter to pasha of 26 Apr. and message of 11 May protesting war threats and treatment of U.S. flag. Has reached an agreement (copy enclosed) with Danish consul, who will tend to American affairs,...
2418To James Madison from William England, 16 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 May 1801, Malta. His letter of 25 Mar. [not found] enclosed dispatches from Cathcart. Has also forwarded dispatches by Messina on Ragusan vessel bound to Boston. Has informed U.S. consuls in Mediterranean ports of current situation so they can stop vessels from falling into Tripolitan hands. As noted in his last letter, England was commissioned by former government of Malta to act as U.S....
2419To James Madison from Henry J. Hutchins, 16 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 May 1801, Philadelphia. Concerns claims on behalf of American owners of a cargo captured by British in 1798. Enclosures give account of condemnation of cargo “on suspicion that there might have been French Property on board.” Property worth about $26,744 was sold in Jamaica for $14,297, the “latter Sum being the utmost that we can obtain if the Decree of the Vice Admiralty Court should be...
2420To James Madison from David Moffett, 16 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 May 1801, Philadelphia. Recites facts establishing his citizenship and ownership of the Fair American , which was anchored off Jacmel when seized by “armed men from the British Frigate Circe.” British took ship as a prize to Jamaica, and case will come before Vice-Admiralty Court there in June. Captain of Fair American has returned to Philadelphia. Asks for government aid “in Obtaining...
2421To James Madison from Daniel C. Brent, 17 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed to you by Mr. Westcote, editor of the Times in this place, he, as I have already mentioned to you, is desireous of obtaining part of the Public printing. I have every reason to believe if he shou’d succeed in his application, that he will render satisfaction—his paper even in the wor[s]t of times has always been Republican. If your engagements will permit you to give him a...
2422To James Madison from James Monroe, 17 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I found on my return from Albemarle the day before yesterday yours of the 6th. wh. had arrived in my absence. Mrs. M. who recd. it forwarded immediately to Callendar that which was enclosed to him, very properly concluding it was more important he shod. receive it without delay, than that I shod. previously peruse it. As I do not know precisely the contents of yr. letter to him, I can make no...
2423To James Madison from James C. Mountflorence, 17 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
The Maryland arrived at Havre the 9th. inst. Mr. Dawson repaired to this Place on 13th. By his Request I communicated to the private Secretary of the Minister of Exterior Relations, the same Night, his Arrival, & that he had Despatches from Government to deliver. The Minister who was at his Seat in the Country returned the next day, and received with great Politeness Mr. Dawson. We all hope &...
2424To James Madison from Fontaine Maury, 17 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 May 1801, Fredericksburg. Wishes to be considered for collectorship at Alexandria; JM will receive letters from Monroe and others on his behalf. Encloses letters for John Dawson, which the emissary ordered forwarded through Department of State. RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Maury had handled the Madison family business affairs in Fredericksburg ( PJM William T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The Papers of...
2425To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 17 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 May 1801, Philadelphia. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 12 May and enclosed papers. Had anticipated president’s directions regarding the French ship La Sémillante when writing its commander and the French vice-commissary in Norfolk, so that these orders will be promptly obeyed. Plans to write all French commissaries in various ports to ensure that they respect the rights and prerogatives of...
2426To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, [18 May] 1801 (Madison Papers)
I find that all Commissions are made out in your office. Those agreed upon yesterday & which, the President, conceiving they were made out in this office, had directed me to prepare are Connecticut Samuel Bishop Collector of New Haven vice E. Goodrich Alexander Wolcott Collector of Middletown vice Ephraim Kirby Supervisor of Connecticut vice John Chester New Jersey John Hurd Collector of Amboy...
2427To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 18 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to write to you some time since recomending to your attention Mr. J. Yznardy Sen[ior] but as this Gentleman has not had as yet the opportunity to present you my letter I do prevail of the present ocassion to congratulate you on your appointement to one of the most important Places of the American Governement. Conscious as I am of your talent & vertu, & thoroughly persuaded of...
2428To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 18 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 May 1801, Philadelphia. Discusses his wish for restitution of $15,000 that his predecessor, Létombe, left in U.S. when he lost his diplomatic recognition. Notes that Clement Biddle had deposited that amount in U.S. treasury and that apparently the treasury secretary intends to apply it to the cost of aiding French refugees from Saint-Domingue in 1793. Objects to that plan, which only...
2429To James Madison from Israel Whelen, 18 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 May 1801, Philadelphia. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 13 May regarding George Washington cargo for Algiers; reports that timber, gunpowder, nails, and spikes are still to be procured. Pledges to do all in his power to hasten ship’s departure. RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Purveyor’s Office, Philadelphia). RC
2430To James Madison from Rufus King, 19 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Though Captain Pellew of the English Frigate Cleopatra was recalled, as I sometime ago informed you, Admiral Parker, who commands on the Halifax Station, and whose conduct has in other instances been exceptionable in not restraining the plundering spirit of the Officers under his Command, permitted him to proceed to the West Indies instead of returning to England. For this disobedience, joined...