1From Alexander Hamilton to James Madison, 20 May 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, May 20, 1801. On May 26, 1801, Madison wrote to Hamilton : “I have received your letter of the 20th.” Letter not found. ]
2To James Madison from Thomas Appleton, 5 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 March 1801, Leghorn. Encloses copy of Cathcart’s 3 Jan. circular letter, received on 3 Feb. Has forwarded copies to American consuls in Sicily, Naples, Elba, Genoa, Barcelona, Málaga, and Alicante; believes as a result all Americans now in Mediterranean will avoid capture. Discusses his effort to enlist aid of Belleville, French chargé d’affaires in Tuscany, in persuading pasha to wait...
3To James Madison from David Humphreys, 6 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
This letter is particularly intended to transmit to Government, the circular letter received this day from our Consul at Tripoli, announcing the imminent danger of an immediate rupture with that Regency. While I refer this communication to your attention, I cannot but anticipate from the various representations heretofore made by our Consuls in Barbary, that adequate measures will already have...
4To James Madison from William Eaton, 6 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 March 1801, Tunis. No. 34. Reports British pressure on bey has forced Tunis to expel French diplomats. Notes resulting change in plans for American charter vessel Anna Maria . Believes British-French hostilities and disruption of French Mediterranean trade offer opportunity for American shipping to replace French in Indian trade. Quotes from earlier statements of bey supporting improved...
5To James Madison from Rufus King, 7 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Owing to the continuance of the King’s illness, the change of the Ministry is still incomplete, and very little business, beyond the ordinary routine, is transacted. It is supposed to be on this account that no measure has been adopted in consequence of the Prussian Note avowing the King’s accession to the Northern Confederacy, the Principles of which, according to every appearance, are to be...
6To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 7 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 March 1801, Berlin. No. 184. Conveys news, received in letters from England, of George III’s illness, Pitt’s fall from power, and the suspension of public business. Suggests that these events and Prussian firmness in support of neutral league may postpone issue of war. Speculates on British plans to accommodate Czar Paul on question of Malta. Believes British overly hopeful that Danes will...
7To James Madison from William Kirkpatrick, 7 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 March 1801, Málaga. Sends by the schooner Samuel departing for Boston a copy of 17 Feb. letter from O’Brien just received. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Málaga, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 28 Apr. The enclosed letter from O’Brien to Kirkpatrick reported the release of four hundred European troops by the Algerine regency and speculated that the terms the Swedish representatives had...
8To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 7 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 March 1801, The Hague. No. 129. Encloses translation of state paper from the French Directory laying basis for change in Batavian ministry. Discusses opposition to plan and expresses relief that U.S. is “physically & politically beyond such influences!” Speculates that ports of any successful northern confederacy of neutrals would be closed to American shipping. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG...
9To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 7 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 March 1801, Lisbon. Reports that Spain has declared war on Portugal and embargoed its ships. Believes that “the present System of France” is “to force Engd. into a peace by excludg. her from all the ports of Europe.” Encloses copy of treaty shutting British out of Tuscany. Recounts rumor that a secret treaty grants France Spanish territory north of Ebro River (Biscay, Navarre, Aragon, and...
10To James Madison from Robert Montgomery, 8 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 March 1801, Alicante. Transmits copy of dispatch of 19 Feb., since which he has received letters from Leghorn and Genoa, one of which is enclosed, giving an alarming account of affairs in Tripoli. Will detain the brig Fanny of Beverly to carry dispatches. This post brought another letter from Appleton of 18 Feb. enclosing letters for Cathcart to be forwarded by express. RC and enclosure ( DNA...
11To James Madison from Arthur St. Clair, 9 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
In December last I gave information that a very violent violation of the Territory had been committed by the British near to Detroit, and a man carried away by force and murdered; but I had not then received the account of the particular circumstances, and, therefore, referred you to the Hon. Mr. Tracy, who happened to be at Detroit at that time. The clerk of the peace has since transmitted...
12To James Madison from William Willis, 9 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 March 1801, Norfolk, Virginia. Arrived on 8 Mar. after departure from Spain in mid-December, passing through Paris, London, and Martinique en route. Nothing new reported from Barcelona before his departure, and American squadron in Mediterranean will keep sea-lanes safe. Spoke with Talleyrand in Paris and learned of his support for amicable Franco-American relations. On subject of a general...
13To 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....
14To James Madison from James Monroe, 11 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I am happy in yr. acceptance of the department of State in the new admn. & sincerely hope yr. service will prove honorable to yourself, and prosperous to yr. country. Nor have I a doubt of the result, since we have had enough of crisis, to teach the people how to estimate an admn. which is attached & faithful to republican principles. Mr. Jefferson’s address delivered on taking the oath gives...
15To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 12 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I offer you my sincere condolances on the melancholy loss, which has detained you at home: and am entirely sensible of the necessities it will have imposed on you for further delay. Mr. Lincoln has undertaken the duties of your office per interim, and will continue till you can come. Genl. Dearborn is in the War Department. Mr. Gallatin, though unappointed, has staid till now to give us the...
16To James Madison from James Monroe, 12 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to present to yr. acquaintance Mr. Camp of Culpepper a young man who was presented to me by Mr. Wm. Lambert, who formerly wrote in Mr. Beckley’s office, and likewise by Mr. Pollard of this place who is his relative. His object is to obtain some office, or rather employment, under you if to be had, or in the treasury department if yr. office can give him no place. By Mr. Lamberts...
17To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 13 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Since my last dispatch the enclosed being a duplicate, I have not heard a syllable from the Bashaw which convinces me that he waits for answers to his letters from Algiers, before he takes any decisive measure, if the Bashaw of Algiers peremptorily orders him to accept my offer: I think notwithstanding all his bravado, that he will acquiesce, if on the contrary the Dey does not write to him...
18To James Madison from Samuel S. Cooper, 13 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
The law which suspended the commercial intercourse between the United States, and France and her dependancies having now expired, and the citizens of the United States being left free, to pursue their Commerce with that Nation: Several Merchants of this city are about dispatching Vessels to the Isle of France, in the Indian Ocean. But as that place is far distant from the Mother Country, and...
19To James Madison from David Gelston, 13 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Having just returned from attending our Legislature at Albany I take the earliest opportunity most sincerely to congratulate you and all good men on the late happy termination of our exertions and our struggles, and that we have happily succeeded in the Man of our choice, being scarcely if at all personally known to Mr. Jefferson, I take the liberty from former expressions of Friendship from...
20To James Madison from Alexander Kerr, 13 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
For the liberty I am now about to take, I have no apology to offer, save that of Mrs. Kerr having been intimately acquainted with you and Mrs. Madison in Philadelphia. Your knowledge of, & intimacy with the President of the U. S. I know to be great. In your Official capacity as Sy: of State you will no doubt have many Places to fill of yourself, & with the President your recommendation will...
21To James Madison from Ebenezer Stevens, 13 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed is Invoice & Bill of Lading of a Cargo I have laden on board the Ship Grand Turk, James Laughton Master, by order of John Marshall Esqr. late Secry State, for account of the Tunisian Powers; You will please to annex the proper Certificates, and documents to accompany the Ship, as early as practicable—the person from whom I chartered her has agreed to wait the return of mail, for the...
22To James Madison from Israel Whelen, 13 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that the ship Grand Turk, charter’d at New York to proceed to Tunis finish’d her loading yesterday. Invoices will be transmitted directly from General Stevens to you to prevent delay. I have enquired to day at our Offices, and find the Cargo can be insured at 5 ⅌ Cent premium; you will please to give directions if it is to be effected. The Oak timber directed to...
23To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 14 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
The question of peace and War between Great Britain & the North of Europe still appears to depend upon the determination of the british Cabinet, relative to Count Haugwitz’s note of the 12th: ulto. How long this may be delayed it is yet impossible to say. At the date of the last accounts we have, the king’s health, though hoped to be in a recovering state, was not such as to permit the...
24To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 16 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I waited here sometime in expectation of the pleasure of seeing you. It is now nearly fourteen Years since we parted & the changes we have encountered as well in our individual situations as in our political concerns made me particularly anxious to see a friend with whom I had been so intimately acquainted & for whom I have always had the most sincere affection. I am to lament extremely the...
25To James Madison from William Thornton, 16 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had expected, with more satisfaction & pleasure than I can express, your arrival in this City, when I heard of your late afflictive loss, in which I sincerely sympathize. I also lament, on another Account your detention in Virginia. The President, whose tender regard for you makes him always speak with an uncommon degree of Interest for your Welfare, informed me that you had long experienced...
26To James Madison from Winthrop Sargent, 16 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1801, Mississippi Territory. No. 45. Unpaid services of an Indian interpreter have required him to draw upon State Department for $262.50. Wrote a letter on the past due account 14 May 1800, but nothing was done. The interpreter’s attorney made “an Extravigant Charge” and brought “an action against me,” which delayed matters. Still needs instruction on how to pay interpreters. Printed...
27To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 16 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1801, Lisbon. No. 45. Encloses translation of Spanish declaration of war against Portugal. The counter-declaration is expected daily. Reports on Portuguese preparation for war. Notes that the best protection against invasion by France has always been the French fear of throwing Portuguese colonies into the hands of the British. Transmits dispatches from Tunis that he has just...
28To James Madison from Ebenezer Stevens, 16 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1801, New York. Requests passport for French passenger, Felix Verger, and his family, who wish to sail on his brig to Ile de France. Encloses Verger’s letter to Stevens. Stevens’s son goes on the vessel as supercargo and will carry diplomatic dispatches if required. Hopes nothing will delay loading the ship bound for Tunis carrying U.S. tribute. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, ML )....
29To James Madison from David Humphreys, 17 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 March 1801, Madrid. No. 267. Encloses copies of remonstrances to Spanish government on behalf of American merchants who sold Spanish government commodities, expecting to be paid in specie, and instead were paid in depreciated paper money; also encloses Spanish replies. All communication with Lisbon has been interrupted, so funds to operate his office must come through a Dutch bank. The...
30To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 17 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 March 1801, Lisbon. Encloses a letter from Humphreys, which was left open for his reading but which he found himself unable to decipher because their codes differ; “as many inconvens. may arise from the Minrs. in Spain & Portugal not being able to correspond in cypher at this period , I submit to your Judgmt. whether I ought not to be furnished with that which Col H. has.” Predicts closing...