1To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 24 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose to you, a general recommendation, for the place I have Solicited (and which applies to any other of the Same kind) Signed by a number of Gentlemen of the first Commercial reputation in the City of New York, received by yesterday’s Mail. For five years past I have not had it in my power to Visit Boston, Massachusetts where I passed the first twenty years of my life....
2To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 21 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
A Variety of Circumstances respecting Mr. Yznardi the Son, of public notoriety here, it is Supposed must necessarily operate a Vacancy in the Consulate at Cadiz. I leave the detail of those Circumstances to those who are less interested than myself and have only to request you will give to my application for that appointment all the advantage which may belong to priority. You have had the...
3To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 11 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 November 1801, New York. Informs JM that he and his brother are suffering bankruptcy proceedings but believes that investigation will reveal fairness of all his transactions. Is confident that this situation will cast no shade of disqualification over his application for a consular appointment. Expects to receive his certificate of discharge on 19 Dec. Has heard that Orr has declined the...
4To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 7 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 December 1801, New York. Informs JM that Dobell, in a 3 Oct. circular letter to his mercantile friends, announced his acceptance of the consular post at Le Havre. This limits Forbes’s hopes for appointment to Lisbon, Càdiz, or Hamburg. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Hamburg, vol. 1). 1 p. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
5To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 28 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 December 1801, New York. Announces that he has obtained the consent of every one of his creditors to his discharge under federal bankruptcy law and is now ready to go to any of the posts he named to which he may be assigned. Is unwell at present but will be able to go to Washington in a few weeks if necessary. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Hamburg, vol. 1). 1 p. A full transcription of this...
6To 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...
7To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 16 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1802, New York. “I have now the honor to enclose, duly executed, one of the Bonds forwarded from your Department, having retained the other agreeably to your instructions.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Hamburg, vol. 1). 1 p. Enclosure not found. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
8To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 10 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 May 1802, New York. Plans to embark for London on the ship Iris “on or before Sunday next.” Offers to carry dispatches to U.S. ministers in England or France. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Hamburg, vol. 1). 1 p. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
9To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 6 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 July 1802, London. “I have this moment learned that the French Government have refused an Exequatur to Mr. Cathalan who was appointed American Consul for the Port of Marseilles. You may, perhaps, recollect the apprehensions I have frequently expressed of the effects of the Climate of Hamburg on my health.… It will be particularly gratifying to me … to be appointed to the Agency at...
10To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 20 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 August 1802, Hamburg. “I have at length the satisfaction to announce to you my arrival here and recognition by the Government of this City as Consul of the United States of America. Having announced my establishment here to a very extensive Circle of mercantile friends, I prefer encountering all the severities of this Climate to incurring the inconveniences which would attend a Change of...
11To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 28 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 August 1802, Hamburg. Calls JM’s attention to “a Subject which has been frequently urged upon the former Administration, without effect, by my Predecessor Mr. Pitcairn. From the great variety of petty Sovereignties which divide the Circumjacent Country and particularly the Shores of the Elbe, a general imbecility in the execution of the Consular functions and, in many instances, Serious...
12To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 5 October 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 October 1802, Hamburg. Notes that he last wrote on 28 Aug. Reports that “another and, it is to be hoped, the last Revolution has taken place in Switzerland, 24,000 Men having entered Bonne, annulled all the existing authorities and reestablished the order of things as it existed prior to the dissolution of the Confederacy by the French invasion in 1798.” Whether Napoleon will support this...
13To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 20 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 December 1802, Hamburg. “My last Respects were under 5th. October, Since which no direct opportunity offering I have not thought it necessary to address you by the way of England.” The political state of Europe is still uncertain. The king’s speech and subsequent parliamentary debates are “the best materials for a Correct judgement” of the mutual dissatisfaction existing between Great...
14To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 2 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 April 1803, Hamburg. Last wrote on 20 Dec. 1802 . “Our River being at length cleared of Ice I avail myself of the first opportunity to transmit to you the Semi annual Report of Arrivals &c of American Vessels ending in December A.D. 1802 [not found]. The present is a most interesting moment with us. We have a new and very Serious alarm of a great probability of recommencement of hostilities...
15To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 5 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1803, Hamburg. Last wrote on 2 Apr. via Boston and New York enclosing a report of American vessels in port to December 1802. Transmits a triplicate copy of the report. “I wish it was in my power to Communicate any thing Correct on the important discussion between France & England which excites, at this moment, such universal interest.” The latest letters of 28 Mar. from Paris and 29...
16To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 28 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 May 1803, Hamburg . Encloses George III’s “declaration of the Causes of War,” given to him “yesterday by the British Chargé d’Affaires here.” Believes “Hanover will be [the] first object of hostility on the part of France.” Hamburg’s inhabitants “are much alarmed and with great reason,” as it is rumored that Prussia “will take no part whatever, even in renewing the line of demarcation which...
17To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 7 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 June 1803, Hamburg . Announced his intention of going to Great Britain in his last of 28 May . Postponed his trip because of “the rapid and unopposed advance, of the French Army into our immediate vicinity.” Was convinced that “in Case of General inquisition” during an occupation, only he could give “efficient protection to the American property” in the city. A part of the French army has...
18To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 13 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 June 1803, Hamburg . Encloses a copy of his last letter of 7 June . “It was very early to be foreseen that, in the prosecution” of the war, “violent aggressions of the rights of the nations professing peace and neutrality would often be committed”; of this he has had “an experimental Confirmation.” Even before the outbreak of hostilities, a British frigate was sent to Cuxhaven and men were...
19To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 30 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 June 1803, Hamburg . Has received JM’s circular letter of 9 Apr. The “wise provissions” of the act of 28 Feb. do away almost entirely with “the embarrasments incident to the duty of foreign Consuls.” Supposes, for instance, that consuls will be able to “exact” $10 for the U.S. fund for seamen’s relief when sailors request a discharge and “relinquish the extra Wages.” Requests instructions...
20To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 8 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 July 1803, Hamburg . Reports that accounts from Great Britain to 1 July indicate that the Elbe River will be “closely blockaded,” forcing all British and American trade to other Baltic ports and totally suspending trade with Hamburg. Believes it necessary that he establish his agency in Lübeck or Rostock, in the circle of Lower Saxony. Has “repeatedly solicited” an extension of his...
21To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 27 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 July 1803, Hamburg . Since his letter of 8 July “nothing new has transpired.” Hanover has made a second capitulation. The French have crossed the Elbe and taken possession of the duchy of Lauenburg. The British have blockaded the Elbe “and have called on the powers pledged for the neutrality of it’s navigation to restore it, promising on this event to raise the blockade.” “In this state,...
22To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 29 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 29 August 1803 . Calendared as a three-page letter in the lists probably made by Peter Force (DLC, series 7, container 2).
23To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 4 September 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since my last respects of which the foregoing is a Copy nothing new has occurred within my Consulate. The strong measures adopted by England to Compel the northern powers to take a part in the war at least so far as to expel the French from Hanover have, as yet, produced no great political effect, indeed it is extremely doubtful whether Prussia and Denmark are not more benefited than injured...
24To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 22 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 October 1803, London . “It is with extreme reluctance that I find myself so often Constrained to address you on the Subject of my own personal advancement.” Would be obliged, in the event that the U.S. consulate at Bordeaux “should be vacated,” by an offer of that post. “This is the more important to me, in the present state of Hamburg, whose Commerce is totally Suspended by the existing...
25To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 27 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 March 1804, London. “I have frequently pointed out to you the various reasons which, in ordinary times, render an extension of the Consulate at Hamburg to the Circle of Lower Saxony expedient and which, under existing circumstances, render it indispensable to the affectual protection of our trade in that Quarter.” His application has been supported by Monroe. The U.S. is the only nation...
26To 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...
27To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 4 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 August 1804, Hamburg. “My last Respects were under the of May just previous to my leaving London to return to my post, after an absence protracted much beyond my intention, by a severe indisposition. At that time it was thought that Circumstances were fast maturing towards great military events on the Continent, and it was in England believed that an immediate declaration of War would be...
28To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 26 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 October 1804, Hamburg. “The sole object of this is to announce an occurrence which has justly excited general Consternation here. On the Night of 24th Inst. at about 12 oClock a party of French Soldiers landed from the opposite Shore of Hanover on a place between this City and Altona Called Hamburg Bar the whole number is Supposed to have been about four hundred, about One hundred proceeded...
29To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 26 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 November 1804, Hamburg. “By the same Vessel that takes this, I send to New York a Prisoner, named Thomas Clifton, Charged with perjury against the United States, in having falsely sworn, at the Custom house in New York that he was Owner of a certain Ship Caroline, the property of British Subjects and also Charged with barratry towards Mr. Wm. Cramond of Philadelphia, he (Clifton) having...
30To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 4 December 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 December 1804, Hamburg. Forwards copies of his 26 Nov. dispatch and his letter to David Gelston regarding Thomas Clifton. “It is with pain that I have to announce that, notwithstanding all the pains I took to get this man to Tonningen in time for The Eliza, Capt. Wood, this Ship had Sailed when he arrived there and the only two American Ships now in the Eyder, The Lydia of New York and The...
31To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 10 December 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 December 1804, Hamburg. “My particular friend Mr. Reuben Smith of Connecticut is desirous of obtaining an appointment to the Office of Consul of the United States for the Port of Messina & the other Ports of the Island of Sicily, in the Mediterranean. “From a late unfortunate experience in the Case of a Ship of mine which put into that port to repair and in which I have reason to think I...
32To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 16 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John M. Forbes. 16 July 1805. “My last Respects were under 4th. December last; since which having no Political information of a decided nature to communicate, I have not thought it necessary to importune you with a Report of all the fleeting Conjectures and Rumors which have continued to perplex public opinion on the grand question of Peace or continental War. You will have been...
33To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 18 February 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John M. Forbes. 18 February 1806. “My last Respects were under 16th. July last, announcing the return to the Prussian Cabinet of the Passport obtained through it from the French Government for Mr, Novosiltzoff the Russian Pacificator. The War which was augured from this Circumstance has taken place, and the events of it have passed with such rapidity and so far exceeded all former...
34To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 19 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John M. Forbes. 19 March 1806, Hamburg. “The foregoing is duplicate of my last respects under 18th. ulto. since which I have had the Honor to receive ⟨from⟩ your Excellency several Circulars under 1st. & 12th. July last and shall pay every possible attention to the instructions and explanations they contain. I have requested my Brothers Messrs. G Forbes & Co of New York to propose to...
35To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 5 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John M. Forbes. 5 April 1806, Hamburg. “Annexed I have the honor to transmit You a Copy of my last Respects under 19th. Ulto. Since which Some events of considerable interest have occurred in this Vicinity. “The Prussian Government, now possessing the Electorate of Hanover, through their regent Count Schulenburg have declared their determination to renew the same restriction on British...
36To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 14 May 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John M. Forbes. 14 May 1806, Hamburg. “Since I had the honor of addressing you under 5th. ulto. Copy of which is inclosed, the British Government has, Contrary to General expectation, taken very Strong measures against Prussia and has most strictly blockaded every Avenue of trade with this place, except Tönningen and some apprehensions are entertained for that Port, as it is feared that...
37To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 8 October 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John M. Forbes. 8 October 1806, Hamburg. “It is only Since a few days that I have heard that a certain Captain Peter Turner of Ship Horace of Portsmouth (N. H.) had threatened to make some remonstrances to you on the Case of an American seaman whom I had forced him to receive on board his Ship with the sum of Ten dollars allowed by law. I must misconceive the Spirit of our Government...
38To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 8 October 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John M. Forbes. 8 October 1806. “Since I had last the honor of addressing Your Excellency under 14th. May last, I am without any letters from the Department of State. The Blockade I then announced has since been so modified as to admit neutral Ships from neutral Countries and laden with Cargoes not Contraband of War and for Neutral account. In consequence of this modification We have...
39To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 18 October 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John M. Forbes. 18 October 1806. “Inclosed is a Copy of my last Respects, Since which hostilities have commenced between France & Prussia. In the inclosed French Gazette of Yesterday You will find an incompleat translation of the King of Prussia’s manifesto against France. As far as we have here any Accounts of the different affairs, which have taken place, their Success has been...
40To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 7 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
The Sole object of this is most respectfully to Communicate to you the determination of Mr. Dobell to accept the Commercial Agency of the United States at Havre de Grace in France. This determination and his Consequent establishment there, have been announced to his mercantile friends by a Circular letter of the 3rd. October last. By Mr. Dobell’s acceptance my hopes and expectations of a...
41To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 28 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have now the pleasure to announce to you the accomplishment of that which I always Confidently expected—having obtained the Consent of every Creditor, without an exception, to my discharge under the Bankrupt Law of the United States. This Circumstance (without a Precedent in this City) while it Consoles me under my Past misfortunes, assures me that the friendly aid of a numerous and...
42To 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...
43To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 16 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have now the honor to enclose, duly executed, one of the Bonds forwarded from your Department, having retained the other agreeably to your instructions. I am, very respectfully, Sir, Your obedient Servant The preceding is the full transcription of a document that was previously abstracted in The Papers of James Madison , Secretary of State series. The original abstract contains additional...
44To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 10 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
Having just returned from Boston, I take the earliest opportunity to announce to you my intention of embarking in the Ship Iris for London. This Ship will certainly Sail on or before Sunday next. Should you have any dispatches for our Ministers in England or France, I shall be happy in paying the merited attention in delivering them or forwarding them by the best Conveyances—and have the honor...
45To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 6 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment learned that the French Government have refused an Exequatur to Mr. Cathalan who was appointed American Consul for the Port of Marseilles. You may, perhaps, recollect the apprehensions I have frequently expressed of the effects of the Climate of Hamburg on my health. Without any experience to justify, or remove those apprehensions, it will be particularly gratifying to me,...
46To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 20 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have at length the satisfaction to announce to you my arrival here and recognition by the Government of this City as Consul of the United States of America. Having announced my establishment here to a very extensive Circle of mercantile friends, I prefer encountering all the severities of this Climate to incurring the inconveniences which would attend a Change of residence. I beg leave,...
47To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 28 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have now the honor to inform you of my arrival here and Recognition by the Magistracy of this City as Consul from the United States of America. Having written you from London, requesting to be appointed to the Agency at Marseilles, but having Since announced my establishment here to a very extensive Circle of mercantile friends, I beg leave to relinquish my application, to be removed to...
48To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 5 October 1802 (Madison Papers)
My last respects were under 28th. August. In Compliance with your Circular’s instructions, I feel it incumbent on me to Communicate to you Some great events Rumoured to have recently taken place in this Part of Europe. Should more Satisfactory information Come to hand before the Vessel sails, I shall not fail to add it. It seems that another and, it is to be hoped, the last Revolution has...
49To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 20 December 1802 (Madison Papers)
My last Respects were under 5th. October, Since which no direct opportunity offering I have not thought it necessary to address you by the way of England. The Same uncertainty in the political State of Europe Still exists. Every Day affords new proof of mutual dissatisfaction between England & France. On this Subject, the best materials for a Correct judgement are the King’s Speech and the...
50To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 2 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
My last Respects were under 20th. Decr. Our River being at length cleared of Ice I avail myself of the first opportunity to transmit to you the Semi annual Report of Arrivals &c of American Vessels ending in December A.D. 1802. The present is a most interesting moment with us. We have a new and very Serious alarm of a great probability of recommencement of hostilities between France & England,...