1To James Madison from William Lee, 14 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 14 September 1805, Bordeaux . “I have the honor to enclose you a bill of Loading & Invoice of six Cases of Wine, one Tierce of Vinegar and two Cases of Cordials which I have shipped for you on board the Brig Lyon to the address of Mr Purveyance of Baltimore. I hope they will arrive safe and be to your liking.” RC and enclosures ( DLC ). RC 1 p. For enclosures, see n. 1. For...
2To James Madison from William Lee, 29 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment received a letter from Stephen Ca thalan Esqr. our Consul at Marseilles, enclosing the annexed copy of one he recd from the American Consulate at Naples, containing the disagreeable intelli ge nce of the Algerines having declared war against the United States. I at firs t doubted the news, as some of our Consuls in the Mediterranean deal a l ittle in the marvellous; but on...
3To James Madison from William Lee, 8 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
A rumour having been current here for some days past tha t the Emperor had said to Genl. Armstrong that if we let slip this favo rable opportunity of declaring against England, that he intended to s hut our Commerce out from all the ports of Europe untill the con test between France and England should terminate, I thought it my duty to state the same to the General, beleiving the report to...
4To James Madison from William Lee, 14 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
The following is an extract by tra nslation of a letter recd. this day from a respectable m an in Hamburg, and communicated to me by a friend "It is asserted here but I do not know with ho w much truth, that one great cause of the French Emperors having issued this famous decree was his ha ving recd. information that on the 5th inst. there w as concluded at London a Treaty between the U S of...
5To James Madison from William Lee, 1 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
The Journal of the day contains the following article, "Le Conseil des Prizes en execution de l’art: 8 du Decret Imperiale, du 21 Novre. 1806 a prononcé la confiscation au profit de L’etat du navaire sous pavillon Americain The Fame saisi par les preposes de Douanes de Bordeaux le 8. aout, 1808 pour en etre dispose conformement 8 du dit Decret." This is a sea letter Vessel partly owned I...
6To James Madison from William Lee, 4 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 4 March 1806, Bordeaux. “By two Imperial Decrees dated the twenty second, and twenty fifth of last month, the importation into this country of White and printed Cottons, and muslins is prohibited: Cotton wool is henceforth to pay a duty of sixty francs, per decimal quintal, equal to thirty francs, on one hundred pounds, and Tobacco is hereafter to pay a duty, of two hundred...
7To James Madison from William Lee, 12 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
Since my last respects of the 20th Ulto so many circumstances have come to my knowledge to make me believe that several persons are endeavouring to injure me with the Government that I have judged it necessary again to repeat to you that I should feel much flattered if any thing of this nature should appear in your office by your recommending the President to order our Minister at Paris to...
8To James Madison from William Lee, 20 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose you a list of the Vessels which have entered and cleared at this Port from the 26 Octr. (the day on which I took charge of the Agency) to the 31 December. I wish it was more perfect but such is the unaccomodating disposition of our American Captains that there is no persuading them into any measure of public utility not enforced by the Government. Were they...
9To James Madison from William Lee, 26 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to transmit you an extract of a letter I have this day received from General Armstrong, as it is calculated in a measure to dissipate those fears occasioned by the Decree of the 21st. November. By what I can learn, the four privateers, which are fitting out here, with the expectation of being permitted to attack our commerce experience some difficulty at the Marine office. I begin...
10To James Madison from William Lee, 21 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Baker having put all the letters addressed to me into the possession of the Commissary General of Police at Lorient prevented my receiving the one you did me the honor to write me by that Gentleman under date of the 2d. of May until this morning. I feel much obliged for your goodness in leaving open the packet for Mr. Erving. I had before seen detached parts of those documents in the...
11To James Madison from William Lee, 25 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 25 November 1805, Bordeaux. “Since my respects of the 18th. and 19th [not found] of October and 12th inst. [not found], I have been favored with your instructions of the 1st and 12th of July. “In the numerous transfers of American Ships Papers that have taken place in my office, I do not recollect one, that falls under that section of the act passed the 27th of March 1804....
12To James Madison from William Lee, 6 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to refer you to my las t under date of the 27th June. The sixty A merican sailors who were about embarking on board the privateers fitting out at this po rt and whom I caused to be arrested I have distributed among the American Vessels af ter keeping them in confinement a few d ays. The sixteen who had actually engaged a nd taken their advance of the Captain of the Blonde as per...
13To James Madison from William Lee (Abstract), 18 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
18 May 1805, Bordeaux . “In my letters to yourself and the Secretary of the Treasury under date of the 10th and 20th of January, I mentioned the affair of the ship Easter. Having <s>hortly after the date of my letters learnt that she was not to proceed from Cadiz to norfolk but to return here I took such arrangements with the Commissary of marine for the seizure of this Vessel as have...
14To James Madison from William Lee, 10 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 June 1803, Bordeaux . Encloses a letter he received “yesterday” from Monroe. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 9 Apr. ; believes the regulations “therein contained” will stop the “improper discharge of Seamen in foreign ports.” Feels gratified in being able to force compliance with these regulations; they will help “in alleviating the suffering of a useful class of citizens.” Called on the...
15To James Madison from William Lee, 18 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 February 1802, Bordeaux. Has sent home on ship Thames bound to Philadelphia the distressed and invalid seamen listed in enclosed document. To avoid the delay necessary to obtain Livingston’s authorization, the captain “consented (by my agreeing to furnish them with provisions and every thing necessary) to take them on board his Vessel, fully persuaded that the Government will make him such...
16To James Madison from William Lee, 5 January 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 January 1805, Bordeaux. “Since my respects of the 20 Ulto. on the subject of the Joseph & Phebe, I have occupied myself in endeavouring to discover the origin of that calumny, but without that success I could wish. It was told to Mr Monroe, in London, by the persons interested in the Cargo of that Vessel, and by Mr Sargent of Virginia, who was lately at Paris, that Mr Guestier, of the house...
17To James Madison from William Lee, 5 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
The lamentable news of the destruction of our Capitol has this moment reached us. Whilst I join the thousands of my countrey men in bewailing the humiliating and heart-burning castrophe, I shall not think my feelings lowered by offering my sincere congratula[ti]on the dangers you have escaped. In the prosecution of a savage war such as the enemy is now waging against us, all the means of...
18To James Madison from William Lee, 14 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 July 1804, Bordeaux. “It having been represented to me that some of my Countrymen in London and Paris ⟨co⟩mment severely on my conduct respecting the Joseph & Phoebe of Castine from Virginia with Tobacco via Cowes the situation of which Vessel I mentioned to you in my respects of the 11th of April I have thought it a duty I owe myself to enclose you copies of my letters on this affair (in...
19To James Madison from William Lee, 26 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 26 June 1806, Bordeaux. “If it is not thought incompatible with the public service, I shall feel obliged if you will have the goodness to obtain leave for me of the President, to visit the United States, the next fall. Should this permission be granted me, I will with your approbation name either Mr John Appleton of Calais, Mr Anderson of montpellier, or Mr. F. Rotch a very...
20To James Madison from William Lee, 20 December 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 December 1803. “P the good Intent for Philadelphia I take the liberty to send you under care of the Collecter three boxes containing fruits in Brandy almonds, & prunes.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
21To James Madison from William Lee, 30 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed I beg leave to forwd. you an Invoice of two barrels of Nutts & two doz. of Liquers, shipped on board the Lorenzo, Capt. Dill, to the address of Mr. Gelston of NewYork. I regret that your pipe of Brandy which I shiped in the Ship Susan, Capt. Howard has been detained in the river by an Embargo for upwards of 40 days & that your Cahuzas Wine has not yet reached me. The Presidents...
22To James Madison from William Lee, 1 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you herewith my return of Vessels that have entered and cleared at this office from the 1st. of January to the 30th June. With great respect I have the honor to remain Your obt. St. DNA : RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Bordeaux.
23To James Madison from William Lee, 29 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 29 April 1806, Bordeaux. “I have the honor to transmit you enclosed a letter I have just recd. from Mr Skipwith announcing his arrival. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bordeaux, vol. 2). 1 p. Enclosure not found. For Fulwar Skipwith’s arrival at Paris, see John Armstrong to JM , 26 Apr. 1806 .
24To James Madison from William Lee, 17 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
Some circumstances having occurred, since I had the honor to write you on the subject of the appointment, you had the goodness to offer me; I have thought it best after mature reflection, to accept the same, if you have not Sir before this gets to hand, selected another person. It will take me from ten, to fifteen days, to close all my concerns here and at the farthest, I can be in Washington...
25To James Madison from William Lee, 1 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you herewith a return of Vessels that have entered and cleared at this Consula te from the 1st. July to 31st. Decr 1806. With great respect I hav e the honor to remain your obdt. Servant DNA : RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Bordeaux.
26To James Madison from William Lee, 15 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have shipped for you on board the Schooner Manlius Capt. Young one barrel of Vinegar and one box of Sweet oil both of the first quality. Wines & Brandy are at a price never known in this country such brandy as I sent you last year which cost only 200 fr. is now at 600 fs the pipe & such wine as I sent you by the Blooming Rose is at 6 fr. the bottle. I am sure both articles can be had much...
27To James Madison from William Lee, 10 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
Since my respects of the 22 Ulto. and 2d. inst. there has entered at this port the Schooner Hiphza of Boston from Corunna bringing as passengers eighteen distressed seamen. Ship Mercury from Havre navigated by ten men discharged ⅌ agreement having shipped at Havre to work their passage here. Ship Wade Hampton of and from Charleston via London, entered as a French Ship and dischargd. her crew...
28To James Madison from William Lee, 19 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
Invoice of One Puncheon Best Champain Prime old Brandy, at least 15 Years old, from Cognac, augmented to 4th Proof, shipped on board the Ship Susan, Capt. Howard on acct of James Madison Esqr. Secretary of State; consigned to the Collector of NewYork, David Gelston. V. L V . 1 1 Puncheon. Brandy, containing 50 1/ 2 Velts @ 360 frs. pr. 27 Velts } 673: 33 Cognac } More value of 4 Velts Spirits...
29To James Madison from William Lee, 6 September 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 6 September 1806, Bordeaux. “I have the honor to transmit to you herewith a Triplicate of my returns of the entrances and clerances of American Vessels at this port from the 1st. of January to the 30th June [not found]. “Lord Lauderdale remains still at Paris but it appears little or no hopes are entertained that his negotiations will terminate in peace. The confederacy of...
30To James Madison from William Lee, 22 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 April 1804, Bordeaux. “My last official respects were under date of the 11 inst. and the day before yesterday I had the honor to address you a private letter in answer to yours by Lieutenant Leonard. The present is merely to enclose the copy of a letter I have this day recd. from our Consul at Marseilles.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bordeaux, vol. 2). RC 1 p.; docketed by Wagner...
31To James Madison from William Lee, 5 November 1806 (Madison Papers)
I enclose you an Invoice of seven cases of wine shipped on board the Brig Jacob Captain Easton bound to Baltimore, and addressed to the care of the Collector for that Port. The haut Barsac I hope will prove good. The Carbonnieux has been in bottle eight years and was spared to me by a neighbour from his own stock. I have also put on board this Vessel a barrel of Walnuts and Marrons or chesnuts...
32To James Madison from William Lee, 15 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 28 June requesting a supply of wine cordials &c. reached me but yesterday. I will use all my endeavours to have the articles shipped by the 10th Octr as after that time I think it would be too late. The Brandy I have ordered from Cognac of fifteen years of age. With great respect I am Sir Your obt servt. DLC : Papers of James Madison.
33To James Madison from William Lee, 4 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 4 August 1805, Bordeaux. “I take the liberty to enclose you a copy of my letters to Genl Lincoln the Collector of Boston concerning the Brig Ranger Capt Hooper.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bordeaux, vol. 2). RC 1 p. For enclosures, see n. 1. For the Ranger, see William Lee to JM , 18 June 1805
34To James Madison from William Lee, 12 July 1807 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty to transmit you the Copy of a declaration made before my agent at Bayonne by Jonathan F. Childs, Charles Hill Hans Jacob, Joseph Jenkins and Dl. Crutz respecting the Capture and plunder of the Ship Walker Capt. Clark of New Bedford by the privateer the Eve of Bayonne Capt Pelot. owned by Basterreche, Brothers & Co. of that place as the enclosed copies of two letters from my...
35To James Madison from William Lee, 20 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 January 1802, Bordeaux. Encloses list of vessels in port from 26 Oct., when he took charge of the agency, to 31 Dec.; list is imperfect, as “unaccomodating” ship captains will not cooperate with consuls unless required to do so by law. Is “much harrassed with the complaints and sufferings” of American seamen; twenty are in the hospital and “at least one hundred and fifty strolling about the...
36To James Madison from William Lee, 10 December 1808 (Madison Papers)
The friends of Mr. William Bass of Boston, are about making application to you in his favor for the appointment to the Consulate of Antwerp, which it is said has become vacant by the resignation or retirement of Mr. Ridgway. As I presume testimonials in favor of candidates for public office, are acceptable, will you permit me Sir to state in favor of this amiable and deserving young man, that...
37To James Madison from William Lee, 5 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you enc losed a copy of a letter I have just recd. from Gen l. Armstrong. The individual therein mentioned has not made his appearance in this City. I am Sir with great respect your obedient St. DNA : RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Bordeaux.
38To James Madison from William Lee, 31 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have this day had the honor to transmit you a letter from Genl. Armstrong i nclosed to me in one from his Excellency of w hich the annexed is a copy. With great respect I have, Sir the honor to remain Your Obt. St. DNA : RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Bordeaux.
39To James Madison from William Lee, 21 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 21 August 1806, Bordeaux. “I have the honor to transmit you herewith a duplicate of my returns of American vessels which have entered and cleared at this port from the 1st. of January to the 30th of June [not found]. “Since my last respects of the 30th of last month the public mind has been kept in continual agitation by the negotiations that are now going on in Paris; at...
40To James Madison from William Lee, 22 April 1812 (Madison Papers)
Having this moment arrived from an excursion in the country and finding Mr Barlow is to dispatch Mr Biddle this evening I have not time to say all I could wish to you upon the State of our affairs here which are by no means flattering. The fears and suspicions expressed in your private letter by the Wasp are too well founded and I regretted much on hearing it read that I had not sent a letter...
41To James Madison from William Lee, 26 September 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 September 1802, Bordeaux. Lists vessels with the number of seamen discharged from them since his 10 Aug. dispatch, “making sixty nine seamen to whom may be added forty six strollers whose names are registered in the office as coming from different ports of the Republic which together with the seventy three I had in charge at the date of my last amounts to one hundred and Eighty Eight men...
42To James Madison from William Lee (Abstract), 19 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
19 May 1805, Bordeaux . “I beg leave to transmit you a copy of my correspondence relating to the Ship Draper Capt Green belonging to New Haven. This Vessel is now dropping down the river and I have no hopes that any thing favorable will arrive in season from Paris to prevent her departure. The conduct of the Vice Admiral Maritime Prefect for Rochfort in regard to this Ship will cause a loss to...
43To James Madison from William Lee, 29 October 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 29 October 1806, Bordeaux. “Since the date of the third & fourth Bulletins of the Grand French Army there has nothing official appeared respecting its movements. Several letters however from respectable sources as well as a statement in the moniteur of the 21st. lead us to believe that there has been a battle fought between Weimar and Jena in which the Prussians lost twenty...
44To James Madison from William Lee, 16 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
Ten days ago an order was received from Paris to embargo all neutral and allied vessels in this port, and by this days post the order has been revoked, which gives an opening for five of our vessels already loaded to depart. During this embargo I had the honor of writing you, via St. Sebastians, and Bayonne, enclosing copies of the decree of the 17th December and other interesting official...
45To James Madison from William Lee, 14 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to transmit you herewith copy of a correspondence, relating to a very ridiculous letter written by a thoughtless young man by the name of Hackpole of Boston, and made p ublic by the inconsiderate Mr. I. C. Barnet. I sh ould not have troubled you Sir with this pitiful a ffair had it not been suggested to me in a le tter I have this day received from a respectable friend of mine at...
46To James Madison from William Lee (Abstract), 20 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
20 April 1805, Bordeaux . “I beg leave to transmit you a copy of my correspondence with Mr Skipwith respecting the Imprisonment at this port of disorderly American Seamen.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bordeaux, vol. 2). RC 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. For enclosures, see n. 1. The enclosures (7 pp.) are copies of (1) Fulwar Skipwith to Lee, 28 Mar. 1805, stating that he had received a...
47To James Madison from William Lee (Abstract), 12 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
12 February 1805, Bordeaux . “I have put on board the Brig Lyon Capt. Coursell bound to Baltimore two small boxes for yourself and the President of the United States containing each a ‘ Patté de Perigueux ’ composed of Partridges and Trufes. These pies are in great estimation in Europe and are to be served up cold. They are eaten of sparingly and will keep some time after being open if the top...
48To James Madison from William Lee, 25 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since my last official respects under date of the 6th Aug: I have been absent from Bordeaux having by the advice of my Physicians taken a trip to the Mineral Waters of the Pyrenees from whence after a residence there of six weeks I a short time since returned having almost intirely recovered my health to the astonishment of all my friends. Shortly before my departure for the waters I forwarded...
49To James Madison from William Lee, 27 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 June 1803, Bordeaux . Encloses a packet from Monroe received “the day before yesterday” and a copy of his last letter. Has been much troubled by American seamen; the crews of ten ships now in port, a total of about ninety men, all deserted to take service in privateers. Of these, sixteen had already sailed downriver with the Blonde . Arrested sixty and imprisoned them with the assistance of...
50To James Madison from William Lee, 8 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From William Lee. 8 March 1806, Bordeaux. “I have thought it my duty to transmit to you, the enclosed extracts, of the arrangements made with my partner, and Creditors, to shew to the Administration that I have surmounted all the difficulties, & distresses, which th[e] stoppage of my mercantile house occasioned. The closing of this painful affair, and the present embarrassments of some of my...