2801To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 20 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 August 1801, Treasury Department. Encloses copy of letter from collector at Boston in response to inquiries made at JM’s request concerning French armed schooner Beguine . RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). RC 1 p. Enclosures (3 pp.) are copies of Benjamin Lincoln to Gallatin, 12 Aug. 1801, and appended lists (see n. 1). RC and first enclosure reproduced in Papers of Gallatin (microfilm...
2802To James Madison from Rufus King, 20 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 August 1801, London. No. 30. Conveys word from Murray and Dawson that exchange of ratifications has been completed in Paris. Encloses letter from Eaton with latest information on situation at Tunis. Refers to previous statements of his reluctance to execute Eaton’s orders. RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 9); letterbook copy ( NHi : Rufus King Papers, vol. 54). RC 1 p.; marked...
2803To James Madison from David Humphreys, 21 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 August 1801, Madrid. No. 284. Little has changed since his last dispatch. Great Britain, alarmed at Continental military maneuvers, has stopped all traffic to and from France. Chevalier Freire has arrived from Portugal, reportedly to renew treaty negotiations with the French ambassador and to act as minister plenipotentiary ad interim to Spain. Earlier report that two Tripolitan cruisers...
2804To James Madison from Joseph Pitcairn, 21 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 August 1801, Hamburg. Encloses list of American vessels in port between 1 Jan. and 30 June, which has been delayed to ascertain “the destination of the last commerce.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Hamburg, vol. 1). 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Pitcairn; docketed by Wagner as received 27 Oct. Enclosure not found. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
2805To James Madison from Turell Tufts, 21 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 August 1801, Paramaribo. States that a newspaper extract of his last letter was sent by a British merchant to the person concerned [the port collector at Paramaribo] “in expectation that it would provoke the man to cramp our Intercourse still more.” Extract “caused great irritation [and] produced many threats,” compelling him to deny authorship, but the episode has resulted in better...
2806To James Madison from Samuel Williams, 21 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 August 1801, London. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 29 June. Will close his public trusts with full statement of financial transactions and transmit accounts to secretary of treasury. Will pay Rufus King balance of public money. Hopes Erving will arrive when expected and “serve the United States & the Claimants as faithfully as I have served them.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , London, vol. 8); Tr (...
2807To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 22 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Your’s of the 18th. is recieved, and I now return all the papers which accompanied it, (except those in Bingham’s case) and also the papers inclosed in that of the 16th. The case of the British Snow Windsor taken by the prisoners she was carrying & brought into Boston is new in some circumstances. Yet I think she must fairly be considered as a prize made on Great Britain, to which no shelter...
2808To James Madison from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 22 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 August 1801, Marseilles . Announces that Captain Bainbridge in the Essex arrived on 29 July. Since the ship had been at Gibraltar and had met vessels at sea, it would have been quarantined for fifteen days; consequently, Bainbridge left immediately for Barcelona, taking with him the Martha , the only vessel ready to sail under his convoy. They arrived at Barcelona on 1 Aug. and departed on...
2809To James Madison from William Jarvis, 22 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 August 1801, London. Expresses his veneration of Jefferson’s philosophical, moral, and political character and admiration for the quality of his appointees. Desires office of Lisbon consulate if found worthy. Believes that recent political changes in Portugal will require Bulkeley, who is connected with a British merchant house, to withdraw. Offers Dearborn as a reference. RC ( DNA : RG 59,...
2810To James Madison from Rufus King, 23 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have duly received your Letter of June 30. inclosing one to Mr. Williams which notifies him of his removal from Office. He assures me that his Accounts shall in a day or two be forwarded to the Department of the Treasury, and that the Balance of public money in his hands shall immediately be paid over agreeably to my directions to Messrs. Bird Savage & Bird. Should this Balance exceed the...
2811To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 24 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
I was duly honored with your favor of the 15th. and another since received from Mr. Hooper. I am sorry it was not in my power to aid him in drawing the money from the southward, as the arrangements of the Paymaster General and Quarter-master General did not admit of their accommodating him, and as no other branch of Government, as I can learn, stand in need of funds there. Agreeably to your...
2812To James Madison from Rufus King, 24 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 August 1801, London. No. 32. Was pleased to receive president’s sanction of his plans to press negotiations respecting article 6 of the Jay treaty as stated in his dispatch no. 6. Was informed during an interview with Lord Hawkesbury the day after receiving sanction that the cabinet thought £1.5 million was proper compensation for abolition of the article but would accept sum offered...
2813To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 24 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 8. Encloses letter from Toussaint revealing plans to move seat of government to Port Républicain, to which Lear replied that he would ask for the president’s decision on his own place of permanent residence. Since Toussaint’s letter was the first indication of his having changed his determination to move to Gonaïves, Lear will take no steps until the seat of...
2814To James Madison from William Kirkpatrick, 25 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 August 1801, Málaga. States that Essex arrived on 24 Aug. convoying twenty-three merchant vessels and will leave at first favorable wind. Reports that Barron’s vigilance over Tripolitan cruisers at Gibraltar keeps them trapped in harbor; crews are deserting owing to lack of provisions, in spite of supplies sent by emperor of Morocco. Comments on general healthiness of area around Cádiz and...
2815To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 27 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 August 1801, Bristol. States that weather has been fine for harvest, which promises to be abundant. In consequence, grain, flour, and potatoes continue to decline in price. Reports indicate that crops on Continent are equally good, which also influences market. Encloses newspapers and copy of prices current. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bristol, vol. 2). 1 p. Duplicate copy (ibid.) bears...
2816To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 28 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Your’s of the 26th. by Doctr. Bache came duly to hand: and I now return you all the papers you inclosed except the commission for the Marshal of New Jersey, which I retain till I see you, which Dr. Bache gives me hopes will be the ensuing week, & I suppose will of course be the day after tomorrow, as you will then be free from the pressure of the post. I inclose with those papers, for perusal,...
2817To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 28 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 August 1801, The Hague. Encloses for the State Department a copy of a recently published three-volume work with a “good reputation,” “Course of Diplomacy &c.” Plans within a day or two to have his audience of leave. Will have Bourne forward Leiden Gazette for remainder of year. Adds in a postscript that he hopes the French ratification he delivered to Dawson on 3 Aug. will have arrived. RC (...
2818To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 28 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 August 1801, Bristol. Encloses letter from Marcus Lynch, Jr., member of Lynch, Roberts, and Woodward of Cork, where he is also agent for the British East India Company, and requests JM to obtain for him the post he solicits, if vacant. Firm of Nesbitt, Stewart and Nesbitt, Lynch’s reference, ranks among the first in London. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bristol, vol. 2). RC 1 p.;...
2819To James Madison from David Humphreys, 29 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 August 1801, San Ildefonso. No. 285. Encloses copies of his correspondence with minister of state concerning an assault by two palace guards upon Humphreys’s coachman and a footman of the Neopolitan minister. Spanish reply indicates “the correct ideas of this Court on the privileges & immunities of Diplomatic Representatives.” Reports evidence of subtle tensions remaining between Godoy and...
2820To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 30 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 9. Encloses copy of a letter from Citizen Roume, last French agent sent to the island, and his reply. In the contest between Toussaint and Rigaud, Roume supported the former; encloses decree [not found] demonstrating this support. Since then Roume’s conduct has not been agreeable to Toussaint, who has kept him under guard. Roume is now permitted to return to...
2821To James Madison from Joseph Habersham, 31 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Upon further consideration I have concluded it would not be adviseable for me to undertake the office of District Judge which you was so good as to say the President was disposed to confer upon me. As the business before that court may suffer through the want of a Judge it appeared expedient for me to mention this before Your return that a new appointment might be made in time to prevent any...
2822To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 31 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor to receive, in due time, your letter of the last post. I have written to Mr. Helmbold, to inform me of his terms for printing the laws in German, and, if they prove reasonable, shall direct him to proceed. The enclosed two letters, which I have written to the Collector of New York, will shew the footing on which the business of the Ragusan Brigantine stands. I expect in a...
2823To James Madison from George Davis, 31 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 August 1801, New York. Reminds JM of letters from Edward Livingston, DeWitt Clinton, and Samuel Mitchill recommending him for the post of consul for Algiers, which he forwarded on 23 July. Wrote JM on 6 Aug. [letter not found] requesting to be considered for post at Tunis or Tripoli. Dr. Kemp of Columbia College has also written to Jefferson on his behalf. Reports that the frigate...
2824To James Madison from John J. Murray, 31 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 August 1801, Staten Island, New York. Announces that a few days earlier, in Aaron Burr’s presence, he made necessary alteration in his commission for consul at Glasgow as authorized by Wagner’s 6 Aug. letter. Burr endorsed certificate. Transmits bond and requests permission to delay departure until winter, as he wishes to visit principal trading towns, particularly those farther south, and...
2825To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 1 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 September 1801, Amsterdam. Encloses Leiden Gazette with news that Cairo has fallen to the British but Alexandria still holds out. This event should hasten an Anglo-French peace settlement. Murray sails for U.S. within a fortnight. Withdrawal of American minister from the Netherlands may require additional consular powers and instructions; suggests his recommendations of 20 June. Recounts...
2826To James Madison from John Mathieu, 2 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 September 1801, Naples. Refers to his 10 July dispatch, which enclosed semiannual shipping statement. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 21 May. Complains that, contrary to his instructions and U.S. laws, captains Ramsdell and Davis of Philadelphia left sailors on shore. He has had to send them to Leghorn by land to be embarked; encloses account of their expenses totaling $115.59. Has never applied...
2827To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 2 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 September 1801, The Hague. No. 135. Reports conference with foreign minister and audience of leave with president of Batavian Directory, at which he stressed friendly intentions of American government. President expressed much regret on the occasion of the interview. Encloses copy of a letter from the government regarding American merchant vessel Mary ; believes isolated location of Curaçao...
2828To James Madison from Francis Preston, 2 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 September 1801, Abingdon. Has learned from newspapers that General Davie declined his appointment to negotiate with the Southern Indians and that General Pickens has replaced him. Supposes because of Pickens’s delay in leaving and because of his age and distance from meeting site he will also decline. Offers himself for post but asks JM not to present his name if a more qualified candidate...
2829To James Madison from Wyllys Silliman, 2 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 September 1801, Marietta. Trusting in his belief that the administration wishes the laws of the national legislature to be generally promulgated, suggests their publication be extended to the Northwest Territory, even though the strict letter of the act of 1798 does not cover territories. Owing to expense of importing books, a newspaper is the main source of information for the populace, and...
2830To James Madison from DeWitt Clinton, 3 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
You will pardon the liberty I take when you know that it proceeds from a Sincere desire to promote the popularity and stability of Mr. Jefferson’s administration. I do not hesitate to say that I consider its success as intimately connected with the destiny of republican governm’t and that heretofore it has received the unqualified approbation of the real republican party of this State. The...
2831To James Madison from Edward Livingston, [ca. 3 September] 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr. M L Davis of this City being about to visit Virginia has requested an introduction to you which I very willingly give because I am convinced you will be pleased as well with his acquaintanc⟨e⟩ as with the information he is well qualified to detail to you of the state of politics in this quarter. I beg you will present me in the most respectful manner to the remembrance of Mrs. Madison &...
2832To 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...
2833To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 4 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
In conformity to orders which I have received from home, I have the honour of transmitting to you a copy of a report made by the Commissioners of His Majesty’s Customs to the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty’s Treasury, relating to the importation of Tobacco in mutilated and other illegal packages: and I hope that you will adopt such means of notifying the regulation therein contained to the...
2834To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 4 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
Altho I have been inform’[d] this four days of the return of the Maryland, supposing you e[n]gaged on important buisseness, I have declin’d to intrude upon you about those which are only personal of mine. After the time elaps’d since you must have receiv’d the Dispatches from France I do address myself with more confidence to request from you to inform me of the answer of my Court to the...
2835To James Madison from William Eaton, 4 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 September 1801, “ On Board the Philadelphia, road of Tunis .” Reports that U.S. naval presence in the Mediterranean has defeated the objective of Tripoli by preventing the capture of Americans and has given Tripolitans an example of what they may expect if they go to war with Americans. Notes that Tripolitan admiral and his ships would have been captured had he not taken refuge with the...
2836To James Madison from Rufus King, 4 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 September 1801, London. No. 33. Reports that several American merchantmen have been seized off blockaded French coast despite Lord St. Vincent’s assurances that such vessels would be warned and turned away. Hopes to have these ships released soon. Expresses surprise that American merchants still continue to risk valuable ships and cargoes after long experience with the situation and their...
2837To James Madison from James C. Mountflorence, 4 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 September 1801, Paris. Reports that John Appleton sailed from Dieppe on 29 Aug. with French ratification. On 31 Aug. the Council of Prizes “took up anew the Examination of our captured Vessels, and ordered the Release of Three of them.… Five more are set down for hearing to day.” At Cathalan’s request encloses copy of letter to him from Marseilles health office. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG...
2838To James Madison from Job Wall, 4 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 September 1801, St. Bartholomew. Acknowledges receipt on 22 Aug. of JM’s 3 July letter [not found] covering Jefferson’s revocation of his commission. Expresses concern that publication of this action “in the Public Vehicles of information” implies a censure he does not deserve. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , St. Bartholomew, vol. 1). 1 p. John Adams had appointed Job Wall of Rhode Island consul for...
2839To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 5 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
Cit. Pichon presents his respects to Mr. Madison and thinks it proper to forward him the letter which has been adressed him by the Minister of foreign relations on the Subject of the treaty. Mr. Madison is begged, if he does not find any objection to it, to lay that document before the president of the United States. RC ( DNA : RG 59, NFL , France, vol. 1). Pichon probably enclosed a copy of a...
2840To James Madison from Thomas Amory and Others, 5 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 September 1801, Boston. Recommends William Clark, a native of Massachusetts now residing at Amsterdam, for consulship at Amsterdam in the event of a vacancy. Tr ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1801–9, filed under “Clark”). 1 p. Signatories are twenty-four merchants of Boston, Philadelphia, and Providence. Sent as an enclosure in an undated letter from Clark to JM in 1803 (ibid.) requesting the post of...
2841To James Madison from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 5 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 September 1801, Marseilles. Encloses copy of letter from Swedish agent at Marseilles announcing that the king of Sweden has ordered American merchant ships to be admitted to Swedish naval convoys in the Mediterranean, “as he is engaged in a Common Cause with the United States against Tripoly.” Since American reciprocity is to be expected, Cathalan is sending copies of the letter to U.S....
2842To James Madison from William Eaton, 5 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 September 1801, “ On board the Grand Turk, Road of Tunis. ” Encloses documents on current situation and future prospects of U.S. with regard to Tripoli. Mentions planned project between former pasha of Tripoli [Ahmad Qaramanli], now in exile at Tunis, and himself for land attack on Tripoli. Reigning pasha’s subjects are ripe for revolt; believes bey of Tunis would support project. Suggests...
2843To James Madison from St. George Tucker, 5 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 September 1801, Northumberland Court House. Writes on behalf of Dr. Barraud of Norfolk, who has received word that arrangements are being made “to place a navy Surgeon and mate at the head of the marine hospital at that port” and that “his services will not be required” after 1 Oct. RC ( DLC ). 3 pp. In June 1801 naval surgeon George Balfour had offered to work at the Norfolk hospital with...
2844To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 7 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have been honored with your favor by the last mail, with the several papers referred to, and some patents &c. from the President. I have very little to communicate at present. Of most importance are the letters from Mr. Gavino, mentioning the arrival of our squadron in the Mediterranean, and two naval combats between the French, Spaniards and British. The letters from Mr. Eaton are...
2845To James Madison from Samuel Cabot, 7 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 September 1801, Boston. Has received JM’s letter of 22 Aug. and in accordance with instructions has transmitted his account to secretary of treasury. Government owes him $1,197.90, of which he requests payment in current quarter. Has referred Gallatin to State Department for information regarding the period and object of his appointment. RC ( DNA : RG 76, British Spoliations, 1794–1824,...
2846To 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...
2847To James Madison from William Henry Harrison, 8 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
The late Secretary of State having neglected to send on a seal for the General Court of this Territory and as it was impossible to do without one I employed Mr. Small of this place to supply the deficiency. He has executed his task extremely well & his charge (30 Dollars) I think very reasonable. As disbursements of this kind for the Territories have usually been made through your office I...
2848To James Madison from William Thornton, 8 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have this Day heard that the Treasurer of the United States has resigned. An opening therefore presents, which is too respectable not to be coveted, and I should have applied sooner for this, had I not conceived an Application indelicate, previous to his resignation; though I heard, some time ago, that it would take place. Indeed, of all the Offices in the Gift of the President, I do not...
2849To James Madison from Josef Yznardy, 8 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 September 1801, Georgetown. Has received JM’s circular of 1 Aug. Raises issues that he wishes JM to clarify before he returns to Cádiz so he will know how to act in the future. Asks which papers Americans who have bought ships from foreigners must have for trading from port to port within Europe, which papers he must give to purchasers of American ships, and how to deal with ships whose...
2850To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 8 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 8 September 1801. Mentioned in Pinckney to JM, 14 Sept. 1801 . Discusses news from Egypt and the probable consequences of installing a new elector of Cologne. Also mentions the likelihood that a new constitution will be proposed for the Batavian Republic.