5601To James Madison from Josiah Blakeley, 20 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 May 1804, Santiago de Cuba. “On the 9th. April last died in this city, Alexander Frazier, who called himself of Baltr. But, I believe ’tis certain he was not a native american, if a citizen. I had several times seen Sd. Frazier, but Knew very little of him. Some say he was born in germany, others in Holland, by his Speech I took him for a scotch man. But, as I understood he called himself...
5602To James Madison from John Gray Blount, 20 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 May 1804, Washington, North Carolina. “Being led to hope that the late Convention with the French Republic provides for the Citizens of the United States who have suffered previous to September 1800. by illegal captures and Condemnation of their Vessells in the Ports of the Republic, And being informed that through you such Claims are to be forwarded to Fulwar Skipwith Esquire the Agent of...
5603To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 May 1804, New Orleans. “The Treaty ceding Louisiana to Spain in 1762 and her act of acceptance I have not been able to meet with among any of the records in this City. In the Archives of the Cabildo (now in possession of the Municipality) I find no traces of any events prior to the arrival of General O’Reilly. “The proceedings of the Supreme Council of New Orleans (under the Government of...
5604To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 21 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 May 1804, Baltimore. Encloses the commissions [not found] of Gen. Antoine Gabriel Venance Rey and [Louis] Arcambal as French commercial agents in New York and Baltimore, respectively. Requests exequaturs for them both from the president. RC ( DNA : RG 59, NFL , France, vol. 1). 1 p.; in French; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Pichon; docketed by Wagner as received 23 May. Antoine Gabriel...
5605To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 21 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 May 1804, Baltimore. “The extreme Distress of Mind felt by the President has I presume prevented Attention to the Vacancy of the Office of Marshal for the District of Maryland. I am just now informed that Mr. Etting declines to Serve any New Process & that Application has this Day been made. Mr. Thomas Rutter It is expected by all will be appointed. He is by all Republicans Considered the...
5606To James Madison from James Monroe, 22 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
As I shall write you a publick letter soon I take occasion to observe in this that the material changes in the ministry, are Mr. Pitt in the room of Mr. Addington, Ld. Harrowby in that of Ld. Hawkesbury who has taken that of Mr. Yorke retired; Ld. Melville at the head of the admiralty instead of Ld. St. Vincent. The Grenvilles & Wyndham refused to enter the ministry without Mr. Fox, who it is...
5607To James Madison from Francis S. Taylor, 22 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you a few days ago that Coln. Davis the Collector of this port had resigned. I soon after found that an appointment had been made. Mr Nicholas the new Collector is now here, I have had some conversation with him, and he has expressed to me his doubts whither he will accept the Appointment or not, this being the case, in the event of his not accepting I have to request you will be...
5608To James Madison from James Robertson, 22 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 May 1804, Antwerp. “I have the honor to send you enclosed duplicate of the Table of the Colis Fees which I addressed you by my last respects of the 9th Inst: by which I had the honor of informing you that Mr Jacob Ridgway had exhibited to me the 28th April his appointment to this Agency and that his Intention being then to enter into office, on receiving his Exequatur, I should thenceforth...
5609To James Madison from Joseph Pulis, 23 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 May 1804, Malta. “I have the honour to inform your honour that few days since has pass’d this Island five Russian Frigates who have arrived at Corfu, landed their Troops and lodged them in the respective Forts & Castels. “And are daily expected According to the Levant News about fifteen Russian Men of War. The Grand Caire after a very sanguine Battle has been restored to the Grand Signor....
5610To James Madison from Richard Sprigg Jr., 23 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 May 1804, Annapolis. “You will owe the trouble of this Letter to my willingness to do justice the Character and professional Skill of Mr. John Bowie Duckett, who wishing for Employment, is pleased to think that my knowledge of him in private Life and at the Bar may aid his pursuits. “He informs me he is authorized by Mr. Mason to say that the Office of Attorney for the District of Columbia...
5611To James Madison from Alexander von Humboldt, 24 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
Il aurait été bien flatteur pour moi de pouvoir Vous remettre personellement le Pacquet—ci-joint dont mon ami le Consul des Etats Unis à la Havane a bien voulu me charger pour Vous, Mais la longueur de notre navigation pendant une saison orageuse et de petites affaires qui me retiennent ici me forcent de confier ces lettres au Courier, craignant que sans cela elles ne Vous parviennent trop...
5612To James Madison from Stephen Cathalan Jr., 24 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 May 1804, Marseilles. “I have the honor of enclosing you a Copy of a letter to me from Mr Baussier Charges d’affaire of the French Republic at Tripoly of the 16th. march last with a Copy of a letter I received under his Cover from Captn. Bainbridge of the same day, which reached me the 15th. instt. as their Contents may be useful for your information, also of a letter from our minister...
5613To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 May 1804, New Orleans. “In my letter of the 24th. of January I mentioned the agitation in the public mind which the case of St. Julien (on a charge of murder) had occasioned here, and the line of conduct I had pursued. I now enclose the translation of a late letter to me from the Marquis of Casa Calvo on this subject (No. 1), and a copy of my answer (No. 2.). A copy of the Prefect’s...
5614To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 May 1804, New Orleans. “There exists a great hatred between the Marquis of Casa Calvo and the late Intendant Morales, and at this time their exertions are mutual to ruin each other. “The contest is taking such a direction that, the probability is, one of them will lose the confidence of the Court; My private opinion is that, the Marquis is infinitely the most deserving character, and I...
5615To James Madison from William Jarvis, 24 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 May 1804, Lisbon. “I have not heard a sentence of a declaration of War against us by the Tunisians except through the channel of Mr Cathalan’s letter, (a copy of which I did myself the honor to inclose in mine of the 12th Instant) although I have recieved several letters from the different ports in the streights as late as the 10th Instant, which induces me to believe that the report is...
5616To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 [May] 1804 (Madison Papers)
I received by the last mail a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury in which my Ordinance for the establishment of the Louisiana Bank is greatly censured. My reply to Mr. Gallatin’s letter fully explains the motives and reasons which influenced my conduct on that occasion, and I beg you Sir, to ask Mr. Gallatin for a perusal of it . The Louisiana Bank will probably die of itself: Only one...
5617To James Madison from Degen, Purviance, and Company, 25 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 May 1804, Leghorn. “We have the honour to transmit you inclosed Copies of two letters recieved from Tobias Lear Esquire Consul General at Algiers, dated the 26th March & 25th April, by which he advises us that in order to Carry into effect a negotiation he had concluded with that Regency, by which the Interests of the United States are very essentially benefitted, he had passed on us a...
5618To James Madison from George W. Erving, 25 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 May 1804, London. No. 34. “I have the honor herewith to transmit a List [not found] of the Ships which have entered this Port and of which the Masters have deposited their Papers in this Office pursuant to the Act of Congress of February 28th. 1803 since the operation of that Act commenced here to the 31st. of December 1803.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , London, vol. 9). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner...
5619To James Madison from William Savage, 25 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 May 1804, Kingston, Jamaica. “My last letter was under date of 3d. April , since which I have received Eight Documents respecting the undermentioned persons vizt. Joseph H. Wildman, John Anderson, Wm. Cliffor⟨d,⟩ Caleb Cane, Moses Fielding, Joseph Ellingwood, Willm. Collins & John Ingersal, the seven first are represented to be onboard Vessels that are not on this Station, as soon as the La...
5620To James Madison from Thomas Appleton, 26 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 May 1804, Leghorn. “By advices received from Como. Preble it Appears that on the 15th. instant he was Again at Naples, where he had Arrived from Tunis, and was then on the eve of his departure for Malta, with intention to touch at Messina, for the purpose of taking six gun-boats, several Mortars, together with some Amunition which had been loaned by his Sicilian Majesty Agreeably to an...
5621To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 26 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 May 1804, London. “I hope you will do me the justice to believe that it is not without extreme reluctance, and only on the most urgent motives that I am induced so often to address you on my own personal interests, as Connected with a public Commercial Situation under the Government of the United States. If it was a question open to my discussion, whether it is expedient in the Government...
5622To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 27 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 May 1804, Amsterdam. “You will perceive by the Gazettes here inclosed, that the scenes passing at this moment in Europe are of a nature peculiarly interesting—especially on the theatre of F. where on the spot which is still wreaking with the blood of those human sacrifices which but a few years since were immolated on the Altar of Liberty they have erected a throne more splendid & costly...
5623To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 27 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 May 1804, Amsterdam. “The present confused State of this part of the World, causing a Strong desire of emigration to the United States among the Germans & Swiss—applications have been made to me from those Countries to know whether our Govt would not be disposed to adopt some plan for facilitating their passage to & being placed on the lands in the Interior of our Country after their...
5624To James Madison from Levi Lincoln, 27 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 27 May 1804, Washington. Described as a one-page autograph letter signed of about fifty-five words in the American Art Association Anderson Galleries Catalogue No. 4143 (1935), item 286.
5625To James Madison from John Gavino, 28 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 May 1804, Gibraltar. No. 151. “Not Being favourd with any of yours, I beg leave to referr to my last which I had the honor of adressing you No. 150 under 18: Instant, nor have I heard further regarding the Tunis business. “I now beg leave to anex Copy of a paragraph of a Letter to me from Consul Simpson of Tanger yesterdays date, which I received this day.” RC and enclosure, two copies (...
5626To James Madison from Robert Smith, 28 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 May 1804, Navy Department. “We are in want of a Set of the Laws of the United States for Commodore Barron, and if you can furnish me with a Set I will be oblidged to you if you will do it.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to the Secretary of State). 1 p.
5627Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 29 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
Tomson J. Skinner of Massachusets to be Commissioner of loans for Massachus⟨etts.⟩ William Few of New York to be Commissioner of loans for New York Daniel Humphreys of New Hampshire to be Atty. for the US. in the district of New Ha⟨mpshire.⟩ Thomas Rutter of Maryland to be Marshal for the district of Maryland. Joshua Prentiss of Massachusets to be Surveyor of the of Marblehead and Inspector of...
5628To James Madison from Rufus King, 29 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
In answer to your Letter of the 24 inst. I have the honour to state that no engagement was ever made by me that the long Bills of the Proctors shd. be paid. In consequence of an instruction that I gave to the agt. Mr Bayard to require that the proctors Bills shd. be regularly taxed, several of them came to me, to represent what they called the usage on this subject, and to urge me to...
5629To James Madison from Peder Pederson, 29 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
The undersigned His Danish Majesty’s Chargé d’affairs near the United States has the honour of transmitting to the Secretary of State a translated Copy of an ordinance concerning stranded goods for the Dutchies of Sleswic and Holstein; in consideration of, that the principal object which the King his master therein has had in view, is so far as possible to alleviate the fate of mariners who...
5630To James Madison from Caspar Wistar Jr., 29 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to introduce to you two very distinguished Travellers, Dr. Anthony Fothergill lately from Bath in England, where he has been long established & enjoyed great reputation honourably acquired by numerous successful exertions in the Cause of Science & humanity and the celebrated Baron Humbolt, who is now on his way to Europe after an excursion of more than five years in South America &...
5631To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 May 1804, New Orleans. “In the District of Atakapas a very great dispute has arisen between two Priests. A man of the name of Barrier was superceded by M. Laussat, and a priest of the name of Veal named his sucessor. “Lately the Head of the Catholic Church in Louisiana, a Mr. Welsh, recalled Veal declared his powers under M. Laussat nul and reinstated Barrier. “A few Sundays since, the...
5632To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 May 1804, New Orleans. “I was honored on last evening with the receipt of your letter of the 1st. Instant. “I consider peace as the greatest of national blessings, and there is nothing I should more lament than to see my country involved in war with any of the European powers. The formal recession therefore of the King of Spain from his objections to the transfer of Louisiana to the United...
5633To James Madison from Hans Rudolph Saabye, 30 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 May 1804, Copenhagen. “My last respects to you were of the 7 November [not found]. The winter set in shortly after, and has continued unabruptly till about a month ago, when navigation first was able to retake its usual vigour. “We have had several arrivals from America and more may daily be expected. Inclosed I have the pleasure of handing you the semi-annual List of the Ships passed the...
5634To James Madison from S. B. Wigginton, 31 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 May 1804, Bordeaux. “When inconveniences, or evils of a very small magnitude are suffered to exist for a length of time they are very apt to become serious in the end, & sometimes not easily remedied. My situation and standing in life may make it appear presumption in me to attempt to point out an abuse that arises from passports issued from the Office of Secretary of State, which are of...
5635To James Madison from John Armstrong, 2 [June] 1804 (Madison Papers)
I yesterday had the honor of receiving your letter of the 27th. Ult. and after giving to the proposition it contained, all the consideration my present circumstances admit of, I have determined to accept it. I am perfectly sensible of the many advantages that may be derived as well to myself, as the public, from the visit you suggest, and shall accordingly set out for Washington in a few days....
5636To James Madison from James Blair, 2 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 June 1804, Fredericksburg. “My friend Mr Peter Gordon (the bearer of this) being about to Embark for Europe, where a well authinticated certificate of his being a Citizen of the United States may be of infinite Service to him, and as he is not personally known to you I take the Liberty of Introducing him to you, for the purpose of obtaining Your Signature to his Certificate, which will give...
5637To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 June 1804, New Orleans. “I received on last evening a letter from Governor Folch of Pensacola, of which the enclosed No. 1 is a translation, and returned on this morning, an answer, of which the enclosure No. 2. is a copy. I was much disposed to have answered Governor Folch’s letter with some asperity, but thinking that, a Conciliatory Style, would be more agreeable to the Executive, I...
5638To James Madison from Charles Pettit, 2 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 June 1804, Insurance Office of North America, Philadelphia. “I do myself the honour to transmit to you the inclosed extract of a letter from Paris, of the 12th. of February last, as it contains information which it appears to me ought to be made known to Government; and this mode of communication is preferred as being more likely to be acceptable than thro’ the channel of a Newspaper. And...
5639To James Madison from Christian Gynther Bernstorff, 2 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 2 June 1804. Acknowledged in JM to Bernstorff, 16 Sept. 1804 (DNA: RG 59, IC, vol. 1), as a letter of accreditation for Peder Pedersen as Danish chargé d’affaires in the U.S.
5640To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
When my old acquaintance Edward Livingston arrived in this City, he seemed determined perseveringly to pursue his profession, with a view of restoring his fortune, and on the subject of politics, he expressed an ardent wish to see the present administration prosper, but declared it to be his interest not to be concerned in public business. His talents, address, connexions, and the high...
5641To James Madison from James Monroe, 3 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
The late struggle in the parliament has produc’d the appointment of Mr. Pitt to the place of Mr. Addington, of Ld. Harrowby to that of Ld. Hawkesbury, the latter being removd to the home department from wh. Mr. Yorke retired, and Lord Melville to the head of the admiralty, in the room of Ld. St. Vincent. Not many other changes are made, the present ministry being formed principally of Mr. Pitt...
5642To James Madison from Edward Preble, 3 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
I am honored with your favor of the 26th December last the contents of which to me was highly flattering, and be assured that my first and most ardent wish is, that I may continue to merit the approbation and confidence of my Country. I take the liberty of enclosing for your perusal a letter and memorandum which I presented to General Acton, Prime Minister of the Neapolitan Government...
5643To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 June 1804, New Orleans. “On yesterday James Pitot and Edward Livingston attended at my office and handed me, the communication, which is herein enclosed; After perusing the same, I replied verbally, that, ‘the people had a right peaceably to assemble together for the purpose of remonstrating against grievances; but it became those who produced such assemblages to be watchful of the public...
5644To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 4 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
My last to you were of the 2nd. & 18 of May, in the last of which I acquainted you that my suspicions as to the opening of my Letters & dispatches & detaining them were nearly realised, for on no ground could I account otherwise for the Ratification being eleven weeks & more in reaching me—although I had not received the Ratifications, yet I had seen such authentic accounts of the thing being...
5645To James Madison from William Willis, 4 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 June 1804, Boston. “Since my last of the 16th of may at Washington I have had the honor of Receiving a letter [not found] under your cover for which I return you many thanks. “I will esteem it as a very great favor of you Sir to inform me whether it is agreeable for you to comply with the request I made you in my letter for coppies of all the doccuments that have been sent to you respecting...
5646To James Madison from William Willis, 5 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 June 1804, Boston. “Since mine of yesterday I have thought best to enclose you my accounts with the United States and a Bill of Exchange for the ballance which you will Oblige me by accepting and inclosing to me at this place, I trust my accounts are so small that they will meet with no objection I have been as frugall as Possible and this account includes all my charges in supporting my...
5647To James Madison from Anthony Merry, 6 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
Mr Merry has had the Honor to receive Mr Madison’s Note dated Yesterday. In consequence of the Desire expressed in it he transmits to Mr Madison herewith a Letter, under flying seal (which he requests may be closed before the Letter be forwarded), to the Judge of the Vice Admiralty Court at Halifax, inclosing a Copy of the Letter from Sir Evan Nepean to Mr Hammond which he had the Honor to...
5648To James Madison from John Gavino, 6 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 June 1804, Gibraltar. No. 152. “I had the honor of adressing you the 28. Ulto: No: 151 with Copy of a Paragraph from Consul Simpson of Tangiers Letter to me 27: ditto per Copy anexd. “This day in the course of Conversation with Hamet Bigia the Empr: of Morroccos Agent he told me had orders from his Master to Purchase some Cables & ca: for his Cruisers and that His Majesty intended sending...
5649To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 June 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 June 1804, New Orleans. “On my arrival in Louisiana I was frequently applied to by different persons for permission to trade with certain Indian tribes, west of the Mississippi and within the province of Louisiana. “With a view of conciliating the affections of the Indians by preventing unjust and unprincipled men from participating in their trade, I gave instructions to the Commandants of...
5650To James Madison from Richard Cutts, 8 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
I am happy to learn by yr. Postscript that all our Foreign affairs remain in Statu quo. You request some information with respect to the arming of private Vessels for St. Domingo —the subject is scarcely mentioned here— None having attempted to arm from this port. Many unarmed Vessels have endeavoured to pursue that trade but they have been mostly taken—no great alarm is excited on that...