1451To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 16 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 February 1802 , “ Near Natchez .” States that he does not know whether his frequent letters to JM have been received as he has had no communications from the State Department since his arrival. Reports that an election for the territorial legislature will be held in July and the people are already agitated. “Popular favor is uncommonly fluctuating; the population of the District, is...
1452To James Madison from Christopher Gore and William Pinkney, 17 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 February 1802, London. Gore and Pinkney enclose copy of the minutes of the 15 Feb. proceedings of the reassembled Board of Commissioners. Board wishes to have Cabot and Glennie continue their services as assessors. They believe Glennie will “act as heretofore,” but since Cabot went to America “at a time when the functions of the Board were suspended, with our consent, and with the...
1453To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 18 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
Le Soussigné a reçu, de Son Gouvernement, des dépêches dont il S’empresse de faire part à Monsieur le Sécrétaire d’Etat des Etats Unis. Ces dépêches, en date du 27. octobre, portent d’abord, au Soussigné, l’ordre de donner officiellement communication, au Gouvernement des Etats Unis, de la paix qui venait d’être conclue entre la République Française et Sa Majesté Britannique, le 1er. de ce...
1454To James Madison from Rufus King, 18 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 February 1802, London. No. 54. Encloses copy of bill proposed in Parliament by Vansittart concerning countervailing duties on American ships and cargoes. Expects that privy council will issue an order suspending countervailing duty on tobacco for six months as soon as bill passes. Commissioners under article 7 of Jay treaty have reassembled and are proceeding with business. RC and enclosure...
1455To 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...
1456To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 18 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 February 1802, Philadelphia. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 16 Feb. on behalf of eight American citizens arrested in Havana. Promises to write to the captain-general of Havana and will enclose a copy of JM’s letter. Will see that Clement Biddle of Philadelphia receives a copy of his own letter as JM wishes. Has delivered passports for Thomas Dulton and John Francis Tombarel according to JM’s...
1457To James Madison from William Lee, 18 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have been under the necessity of sending home by the Ship Thames, bound to Philadelphia a number of distressed, and invalid seamen who are particularized in the annexed document. I did not feel myself authorized to make any arrangement with Captain Wood for the passage of these men without the consent of Mr. Livingston, and as it would take some time to consult him on the business and...
1458To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 19 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 February 1802, Philadelphia. Thanks JM for encouraging his application for a consular appointment and accepts the nomination to the post at Hamburg—“in time of war, unquestionably the first Commercial situation under the Government of the United states—in time of peace, highly respectable and inferior to few, if any.” Will embark at New York for England in the first vessel that sails after...
1459To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 19 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I can never too often nor with Sufficient Warmth, acknowledge my obligation to you for the Characteristic manner in which you received and have always encouraged my application for a Consular appointment. My wishes and those of my friends are fully gratified in my nomination to the Agency at Hamburg, in time of war, unquestionably the first Commercial Situation under the Government of the...
1460To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 20 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
At the request of Mr. Delambre one of the Secretaries of the National Institute of France; I want to forward to him some observations on the eclipses of Jupiters satellites to compare with his new Tables, which he is anxious to publish soon; but is at the same time desirous to make them as perfect as possible. As this exchange of Astronomical observations is of importance to a useful branch of...
1461To James Madison from Thomas Appleton, 20 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 February 1802, Leghorn. Wrote last on 15 Jan. enclosing list of U.S. shipping and account of expenditures for distressed seamen. His preceding letter [12 Dec.] mentioned the congress at Lyons on the form of government for the Cisalpine Republic. In future, this will be known as the Italian Republic; encloses a copy of the principal articles that form the basis of its constitution. Its...
1462To James Madison from James Simpson, 20 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 February 1802, Tangier. No. 37. Owing to the “very great delay” in arrival of George Washington , has sent his no. 35 [8 Jan.] to Gavino to forward; transmits a copy. Has heard nothing further of the demands Pasha Hackmawy made on 14 Dec., which augurs well. Hackmawy “has been succeeded in the Command of this place by the Governour of Tetuan, who now holds both Govermts.—he is an...
1463To James Madison from Thomas Appleton, 20 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of addressing you on the 15th. of January, inclosing at the Same time a list of American ships arrived in this Port during the year 1801, also the account of monies supplied to distressed seamen till the last of December. In my preceeding letter I have men tioned to you that deputies from all the orders composing the Cis-alpine republic were assembled at Lyons, to concert wit h...
1464To James Madison from James Simpson, 20 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
The very great delay of the George Washington Frigate beyond the time I had been taught to expect Captain Shaw would probably be at Gibraltar, induced me to send No. 35 to Mr. Gavino, with a request that he would forward it by first good conveyance. I now avail of the Brig Mary from Mogadore for Boston, to hand herewith copy of that dispatch, and of the Extracts of Letters accompanied it. I am...
1465To James Madison from Joseph Pulis, 21 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 February 1802, Malta. Reports recent arrival of the frigate Boston , which will sail 22 Feb. for Tripoli, having just heard that a Tripolitan corsair was ready to leave port. Believes the corsair will not dare put to sea after sighting the frigate. Will give this information to commanders of all frigates that come to the island. Mentions that Lord Keith and his vessels will shortly leave...
1466To James Madison from Joseph Pulis, 21 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
Me rapportant à ce que j’ai eû l’honneur de vous écrire précedemment par diverses occasions, Je vous réitere de nouveau par la fregate La Philadelfie commandée par le Cape. Samuel Baron, que dans ces jours passès arriva en ce Port La fregatte Boston, & demain partira pour se transporter sur les mers de Tripoli de Barbarie par la nouvelle qu’on a reçû aujourd’huy d’un corsaire Tripolin prest à...
1467To James Madison from Israel Whelen, 22 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
General Stevens of New York called on me on Friday evening on his way to Washington and informed me that Messrs. Stewart & Co, had received the Certificate of our Consul at Tunis, of the delivery of the Cargo of the Grand Turk at that Port, and that a draft would probably be presented the ensuing day for the Freight yet due. I have to day received a letter from Mr. Gordon (on Genl. Stevens’...
1468To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 February 1802, Amsterdam. States that he has decided to send his wife “to the Country for her health the ensuing season”; therefore, he will not return with her to the U.S. as suggested in his recent letters. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1 p. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
1469To James Madison from William Eaton, 22 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 February 1802, Leghorn. Has received information from Tripoli to 9 Jan. that there had been no captures of American vessels. The pasha is dispatching his corsairs to different ports in the Morea to avoid American attack. Reports that discontent in the interior of Tripoli has “arisen to insurrection” and that the capital suffers famine. The pasha has “made overtures of reconciliation to his...
1470To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
This will serve to acquaint you that I have Resolved that Mrs. B Should proceed to the Country for her health the ensuing season, which will suspend my intention of returning with her to the UStates as Suggested in some of my late communications to you. I Shall therefore remain Obedient to the orders of Govt. in the exercise of my Official duties & have the honor to be With great Respect, Yr...
1471To James Madison from William Eaton, 22 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
Information from Tripoli up to 9th. Jan. states that no captures had been made. The Bashaw is sending away his corsaires to different ports in the Morea for fear of an assault from the Americans. Discontentment in his interior has arisen to insurrection. Famine distresses his capital, and he is destitute of resources. He has actually made overtures of reconciliation to his brother in Tunis. I...
1472To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 23 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 February 1802, Amsterdam. Transmits papers and states that as physicians think his wife’s health “will not sustain the fatigues of a voyage across the Atlantick very soon I shall conclude to let her go into the Country for her benefit in this regard & remain in the wonted exercise of my Official Duties.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol. 1). 1 p. In another note of 23 Feb. to JM...
1473To James Madison from Samuel W. Dana, 23 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 February 1802. “Mr. Dana” presents for JM’s acceptance a bill of exchange for $2,000 “payable to J. Gavino or order, and drawn at Tangier 15. Nov. 1800, by J. Simpson, together with a letter of advice accompanying the same.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Tangier, vol. 1). 1 p.; written in third person, in the hand of Connecticut congressman Samuel W. Dana. The enclosure may have been a copy of...
1474To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 23 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I take the occasion of transmitting the inclosed papers to mention that as the Physicians conceive Mrs. Bs health will not sustain the fatigues of a voyage across the Atlantick very soon I shall conclude to let her go into the Country for her benefit in this regard & remain in the wonted exercise of my Official Duties & have the honor to be With great Respect Yr Ob Servt. The preceding is the...
1475To James Madison from Samuel W. Dana, 23 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Dana has the honor of presenting to the Secretary of State, for his acceptance, a bill of exce. for $2000 payable to J. Gavino or order, and drawn, at Tangier 15. Novr. 1800, by J. Simpson, together with a letter of advice accompanying the same. The preceding is the full transcription of a document that was previously abstracted in The Papers of James Madison , Secretary of State series....
1476To James Madison from Bird, Savage, and Bird, 24 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 February 1802, London. Refers to 13 Jan. letter to JM . Commends Jefferson’s message at opening of Congress on tightening financial arrangements but suggests that “the distance of your foreign relations with Europe will require some latitude to contingencies, … which the public service requires should be provided for in a manner more consistent with the dignity of the United States than a...
1477To James Madison from Louis-Philippe Gallot de Lormerie, 24 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 February 1802, Philadelphia. Recalling their discussion of the welfare of the country when JM was in Philadelphia, hopes JM will accept a plan he has formed for the peace and prosperity of the southern states. More than ever foreign enemies can now excite the blacks to a revolt which would affect the union and its finances in ways that cannot be foreseen. Has no other interest in the South...
1478To James Madison from Coats Ridgway, 24 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 February 1802, “Rodes’ City Tavren.” Has been informed that there is a vacancy in the State Department and therefore seeks appointment as clerk, should JM approve of his handwriting. Has lately resided in Philadelphia. RC ( DLC ). 1 p. William Rhodes operated a tavern at the corner of Fifteenth and F streets NW from 1801 to 1804 (Wilhelmus Bogart Bryan, A History of the National Capital [2...
1479To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 26 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
Will you see if the inclosed is right, and make any alterations in it you think for the better? Particularly is the expression lately recieved true? or should the word lately be left out? RC ( DLC : Jefferson Papers). Beneath the note JM wrote: “The word lately is true as it refers to the returns of Maryland & Kentucky—that from the former being an original statement—that from the latter a...
1480To James Madison from John R. Livingston, 26 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
In addition to my Letters laid before you by Messrs. Mitchel & VanNess I beg leave to communicate to you an extract of a Letter received a few days since from a most respectable source. This extract will shew that however just the American claim may be yet that little probability exists of their demands being complyed with by the french—and that even those affecting the late Treaty will share...
1481To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 26 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have written to you by the way of havre & by that conveyance you will receive packets &c. but as I would wish to omit no opportunit[y] I send this to L’Orient from whence I am told that a vessel is about to sail for Norfolk. You will find by the notes I sent you at different times that the administration here preserve the most absolute silence as to every point on which I press them & I am...
1482To James Madison from Beers & Judah, 26 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 February 1802, Fairfield, Connecticut. Convinced that JM will be as willing as his predecessors, Randolph and Pickering, to provide information, they notify him that they had a vessel and cargo valued at more than $15,000 captured by the British and condemned at St. Kitts over eight years ago. Following the directions of Randolph and Pickering, they committed their claim to Samuel Bayard at...
1483To James Madison from Israel Whelen, 26 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 February 1802, Philadelphia. Since his letter of 22 Feb. regarding the balance due Stewart & Company for the freight of the Grand Turk , General Stevens’s draft for $7,350 has been presented. Encloses copies of the consul’s certificate of delivery, a statement of the account, and receipt for the draft, which he has received from Gordon, the general’s agent. If the $7,000 requested in his...
1484To James Madison from Beers & Judah, 26 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
From a persuasion in our minds, that you will be equally ready as your predecessors, Messrs. Randolph & Pickering to give every information consistent with propriety as appertaining to the duties of your office, We take the liberty to address you, And inform you that more than eight years has passed since we had a Vessel & cargo, amounting in value to upwards of $15000 dollars, captured by the...
1485From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, with Madison’s Reply, 26 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you see if the inclosed is right, and make any alterations in it you think for the better? particularly is the expression lately recieved true? or should the word lately be left out? Feb. 26. 1802. [ Reply by Madison: ] The word lately is true as it refers to the returns of Maryland & Kentucky—that from the former being an original statement—that from the latter a corrective one. The...
1486To James Madison from W. F. Gordon, 27 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor of acknowledging the receipt of your letter, of the 18th. Inst. which came to hand yesterday, enclosing the Instructions to Capt. Laughton, with his letter and that of Consul Gavino, relative to his putting into Gibralter. Messrs. Stewart & Co. has suggested to me his intention of claiming Demurrage, whilst the Grand Turk lay at Gibralter. I shall in conformity with Your...
1487To James Madison from Rufus King, 27 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 February 1802, London. Within the past ten days, some persons have begun to question whether the Amiens negotiations would end in a definitive treaty. Does not share this opinion and points out that prolonging the negotiation would harm British financial and commercial interests. Can only deal in conjectures as to the discussions at Amiens but is confident “they bear no resemblance to the...
1488To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 28 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
(Private) As I am informed from various quarters that there is no doubt of the repeal of the national revenue laws, my situation obliges me to trouble some of the gentlemen in the government with an application. On reflexion I think it least embarrassing to Mr. Gallatin, in a Pennsylvania case, not to address myself to him, tho he is the only Person, besides the President, to whom I wish, if...
1489To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 28 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 12th inst. by Captn. John Rodgers, late of the Navy of the U. States, who sailed from this on the 13h for Baltimore, in the Schooner Nelly. I then acknowledged the rect. of your letter of the 8h of January, which reached my hands on the 30th and also gave as full an account of the disasterous events which had taken place here, as time and circumstances...
1490To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 2 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 March 1802, Bristol. Transmits copies of his letters of 12 and 13 Feb. , since which nothing worth communicating has occurred. Forwards four letters from Rufus King and encloses newspapers and the latest London price current. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bristol, vol. 2). 1 p. Written at the bottom of Vander Horst to JM, 12 and 13 Feb. 1802 . Copy (ibid.) dated 3 Mar. 1802. Enclosures not found....
1491To James Madison from Elias Vanderhorst, 2 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
The preceding are Copies of my last Letters to you of the 12th. & 13th. Ulto. since which I have not had the pleasure of he aring from you, nor has any thing worth communicating occurred in t he interval. Enclosed are four Letters which I have recd. for you fr om Mr. King, as also a few News-Papers & the latest London Price Current, to which I beg leave to refer you for what is passing in this...
1492To James Madison from William Marshall, 3 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 March 1802, Charleston. Introduces Mr. Read of Charleston, whose “object in Visiting The Federal City, will be particularly explained to You.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Robert Read was a South Carolina merchant with business dealings in Cuba (see JM to John Morton, 7 Apr. 1802 ).
1493To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1802, Leghorn. No. 2. Has learned that the U.S. ship George Washington , which arrived 31 Jan. from Tunis and Naples and sailed a few days later with merchant vessels under convoy, reached Marseilles safely. The President was repaired at Toulon and has sailed for Gibraltar. Eaton arrived in Leghorn on the George Washington and remained until 28 Feb. He will stop at Naples “to determine...
1494To James Madison from Obed and Aaron Mitchell, 4 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1802, Nantucket. “We the Subscribers being owners of the ship Minerva Sailed from this place on a whaling voyage to the Brazils & Woolwick [Walvis] Bay in 7th Mo 1799, upon her return with a full load of oil … the 5th of 10th Mo 1800 was captured by a French Privateer of 12 Guns.” The vessel was ordered to Guadeloupe, but on 14 Oct. it was retaken by the British ship Gaite and “ordered...
1495To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
On the 31st. of Jany. the United States Ship Washington arrived here from Tunis and Naples & sail’d in a few days with all the merchant vessels under her convoy that were ready to depart. We have since heard of her safe arrival at Mersailles. The President has been thoroughly repair’d at Toulon & has sail’d for Gibraltar, I presume to await the arrival of the other squadron which we expect...
1496To James Madison from Rufus King, 5 [March] 1802 (Madison Papers)
Commodore Dale while at Toulon having informed me that he might have occasion to draw upon Messrs. Mackenzie and Glennie for more than the amount of the Funds in their hands subject to his Draughts, I communicated the same to these Gentlemen, who have assured me that the Commodore’s Bills shall be duly honoured. The arms which have been making by Mortimer for the Bey of Tunis are completed;...
1497To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 5 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 March 1802, Leghorn. No. 3. States that “during Mr. Eaton’s delay at Leghorn he inform’d me that no consideration on earth could have sufficient weight to induce him to remain in Barbary a moment after our affairs were terminated with Tripoli…. I therefore request that I may be removed from Tripoli to Tunis as I presume I have a prior right to that appointment to any person in the United...
1498To James Madison from Bartholomew Dandridge, 5 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 March 1802, Aux Cayes. Received news of the arrival of twenty-five to thirty thousand French troops at Cap Français and Port Républicain about 10 Feb. First reports indicated the French troops met a friendly reception. Subsequent reports—that “at both places the Troops arriving from France were opposed & fired upon at their landing by the troops of Toussaint & Dessalines” and that both towns...
1499To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 5 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
During Mr. Eaton’s delay at Leghorn he inform’d me that no consideration on earth could have sufficient weight to induce him to remain in Barbary a moment after our affairs were terminated with Tripoli which would naturally envolve in its consequences a final settlement with Tunis. I therefore request that I may be removed from Tripoli to Tunis as I presume I have a prior right to that...
1500To James Madison from Bartholomew Dandridge, 5 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
Without doubt you have learnt from the north part of this island, the arrival of about twenty five or thirty thousand troops from France at Cape François & port Republican. The first news of the arrival of these troops reached this place about the tenth of Feby. We were at first informed that they had been received both at the Cape & Port Repubn. in a most friendly manner; soon after however...