1To James Madison from John Mitchell, 21 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 July 1804, Le Havre. “Since mine of the 5h. I have received the Returns from Dieppe of the Vessells enterd at that port [not found] & forward it ⅌ this Occasion. This Day the Embargo is raised and I hope the Vessells detaind at fecamp & Dieppe will be able to sail. I forward the last News papers from Paris.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Havre, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received in October.
2To James Madison from John Mitchell, 14 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that the Vessells from Lisbon with Certificate of the Comml. Agent, of France have this Day permission to Discharge With Perfect Respect I am Sir Your very H Ot. Servt. 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...
3To James Madison from John Mitchell, 14 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 August 1803, Le Havre . Informs JM that the ships from Lisbon that have certificates from the French commercial agent were permitted to discharge their cargoes “this Day.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Havre, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
4To James Madison from John Mitchell, 29 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 June 1803, Le Havre . Encloses the registers of the whaling ships American Hero and Brutus , along with the Mediterranean pass of the latter; both registers were “Lodged in this office by Mr. Jenkins.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Havre, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. Enclosures not found. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
5To James Madison from John Mitchell, 23 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
The Enterprize not being able to sail yesterday, I have to inform You that My Letters from Paris assures Me Ld. Hawksbury Mentioned in the House of Commons that Letters of Marc & reprisals had been issued against france—I think on the 17h. inst. With perfect respect I am Sir Your very Obet. St. The preceding is the full transcription of a document that was previously abstracted in The Papers...
6To James Madison from John Mitchell, June 1803 (Madison Papers)
My last of the 23d. May informed you of the Sailing of Mr. Hughes ⅌ the Experiment for N York with dispatches from our Minister at Paris. The Present will be handed you ⅌ Mr. Jay Who is Charged with Copy of the Treaty of Which Mr. Huges was Bearer of the Original and which I hope may Arrive after a short passage. The only inteligence I can Communicate is that the Entrance of this port is...
7To James Madison from John Mitchell, 30 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to transmitt You the Returns of the Vessells that Have enterd and departed from this Port, since the last return was made you; there are but few remaining in port and I much fear the War will entirely deprive this place of its Commerce with the United States which will at same be injurious to Us, This being the only port from Brest to Dunkirk Where our Vessells can lay afloat....
8To James Madison from John Mitchell, June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
June 1803, Le Havre . Informed JM in his last letter of 23 May that Hughes sailed in the Experiment for New York with the original of the treaty and dispatches from the U.S. ministers in Paris. This letter is carried by Jay, who bears a copy of the treaty. “The Entrance of this port is constantly watched by British ships of War.” Has heard of no American ship that has been “molested or...
9To James Madison from John Mitchell, 13 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 March 1804, Paris. “The port of Havre continuing in State of Blockade and for some months past Without a single American Vessell—or any Business What ever doing in the Port, I have taken advantage of the moment to come here to look after some private Business (of Claims) but return in a few Days. Hearing of a Vessell sailing from Dieppe for Balto. I cover to care of Colo. Smith the last 3...
10To James Madison from John Mitchell, 23 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to forward You two packets (papers) & two Letters I received from our Minister at Paris. The one under this cover, is some what soiled, haveing at the desire of Mr. Armstrong kept it constantly about me from the Moment of my being Captured. My long detention in England upwards of 2 Months, causes thees Letters to be now of old date. But no Oportunity offerd me to return for...
11To James Madison from John Mitchell, 9 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 May 1803, Le Havre. Wrote “some time since” soliciting JM’s recommendation of him as commercial agent at Le Havre. “I believe my friend Mr Monroe also Wrote you to same purpose. Not hearing of any Appointment being Made since Mr Dobel declind comeing here—I solicited Mr Livingston to Nominate Me that the Place should not be without an Official Agent Which after waiting to Consult Mr Monroe...
12To James Madison from John Mitchell, 10 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Mitchell. 10 April 1806, Paris. “At same time that I cover You Copy of my last of the 10th Ulto. I take the Liberty to give the substance of an article that has appeard in the journal of Commerce this day as from Hambourg —— of April 1806 ‘Yesterday the British Consul gave orders to all the Captns of Vessells of His Nation to quit the Port in 24 hours. In consequence, many saild...
13To James Madison from John Mitchell, 9 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of addressing you some time since, When I solicited you to recomend Me as a proper Person to act as Commercial Agent for this Port, And I believe my friend Mr. Monroe also wrote you to same purport. Not hearing of any Appointment being Made since Mr Dobel declind comeing here—I solicited Mr Livingston to nominate Me that the Place should not be without an Official Agent, Which...
14To James Madison from John Mitchell, 23 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 May 1803, Le Havre . Informs JM that Hughes of Baltimore, carrying the treaty and dispatches from “our Ministers at Paris … saild this Morng on board of the Brig Enterprize … bound for New York.” Hopes Hughes will be with JM “ere this gets to hand.” Congratulates JM on the cession of Louisiana to the U.S. Adds in a postscript that the London Gazette of 17 May contains an order to “Burn &...
15To James Madison from John Mitchell, 5 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 July 1804, Le Havre. “I had the Honor to write you at different times from Paris. I have to inclose you the Returns [not found] of Vessells that have enterd and cleard at this place since last was made. “I am sory to observe, there is no prospect of Any Commerce being carryed on to this port from the United states so long as the War between this Country and England continues. “The Road is...
16To James Madison from John Mitchell, 14 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to transmitt you duplicate of Dispatches from our Minister at Paris, which I received this day. Original together with Copy of the Treaty with france, is in Charge of Mr. Jay of New York Who I expect will leave this in a few days, on board the Ship Oliver Ellsworth Cap Henry for NYork. The entrance of this port is guarded by British frigats. They have stoped; several Neutral...
17To James Madison from John Mitchell, 15 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
I take the Liberty to inform You I received this Morning a Letter from Mr. Livingston of the 13th. saying Ld. Whitworth the British Minister Left Paris the preceeding Evening, Also directing Me to engage a Passage for a Confidential Person Bearer of His dispatches, that will leave Paris in a day or two after the date of His Letter. I believe I may venture to Assure you that our Ministers have...
18To James Madison from John Mitchell, 25 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 June 1803, Le Havre . Since he closed his letter of this date, the ship George has landed and reports having been boarded by British frigates in the Channel and having been “treated perfectly Polite by all the Captains.” The captain of the brig Peggy complains of the treatment he received from the captain of the British frigate Ranger , “who took three men from Him all of whom appear on the...
19To James Madison from John Mitchell, 19 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Mitchell. 19 July 1805, Havre. “Since I had the honor to Write you, this port has daily diminished in Consequence, from the effect of the Blockade, Commerce has totally desert⟨e⟩;d it. “The Armed Vessells fitted out here have all saild & arrived safe at their destination, (Boulogne) not a merchant Vessell has entered, Fecamp & Dieppe are Watched with equal strictness; that, I have...
20To James Madison from John Mitchell, 21 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of Writeing You the 15 instant via Boston informing You that by order of Our Ministers at Paris I was about to engage a Vessel to carry out a Special Messenger with Dispatches. I accordingly engaged the Brig Enterprize Bound for New York—ownd & Commanded by Captn. Wilcox—with Whom Mr. Hughes Who has charge of the Dispatches, proceeds. I feel particular pleasure that My first...
21To James Madison from John Mitchell (Abstract), 1 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
1 February 1805, Le Havre . “Since I have had the honor to Write You, this port has remain’d under a constant state of Blockade and not a Vessell suffered to enter. “But since the flotil sail’d & arrived at Boulogne, the British force has seldom exceeded one or two Ships, and in general they keep at a distance from the shore. This may possibly be owing to the Bad Weather that generally...
22To James Madison from John Mitchell, 24 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 July 1804, Le Havre. “In a late Letter I mentiond to you that this port was strictly blocaded and Watched by the British; and of a fleet of Gun boats being ready to sail & in the road. The Night before last, they all returnd into port: and yesterday Morg. by 9 oClock the British fleet (13 Sail) were rainged abreast of the Town, When the forts began fireing and throwin shells—which was...
23To James Madison from John Mitchell, 24 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 October 1803, Le Havre . Since his last letter, the port has been “so strictly watched that scarce any vessel has enterd.” “The Commerce of Havre is totally ruined.” U.S. ships are “deprived of the best & safest port from Cherbourg to Dunkirk, in fact, it is the only one in which vessells lay afloat or fitt for one above 200 Tons to enter.” U.S. trade will suffer, as American ships are...
24To James Madison from John Mitchell, 24 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
The returns for the last three Months is made out & will be forwarded ⅌ a vessell that sails for Norfolk. In my last I remarked on the Heavy charge for Brokers fees, & hoped to do it away: as I proposed to Mr Barnet, that it wd. be well to employ a person in the office for that purpose, and make a moderate Charge. He prefers waiting untill Some Arrangement is made between the two Governments...
25To James Madison from John Mitchell, 23 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform You that Mr. G. Hughes of Baltimore Bearer of the Dispatches of our Ministers at Paris & of the Treaty they have concluded there saild this Morng on board of the Brig Enterprize Capn. Wilcox bound for New York. I Sincerely hope He may be With you ere this gets to hand. I believe I may venture to Congratulate You on Louisiana being Ceeded to Us. With perfect respect I...
26To James Madison from John Mitchell, 10 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I take the Liberty to Mention to You that the Warren Captn. Hammond got well out the 6h.—& that I had the honor of forwarding for Mr Livingston the Copy of His former Despatches ⅌ that Vessell. It is with Sincere pleasure that I ad My Old friend Mr. Monroe Landed here the 8h. instant & set out this Morning for Paris Which he will reach the 12h. It will be agreeable to you to know on Mr....
27To James Madison from John Mitchell, 26 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
The detention of the vessell I wrote by Yesterday gives me an oportunity of Addressing you again. I hope you will excuse the Liberty, as it relates meerly to My self. A Letter received from Mr. Barnet of the 24. in reply to mine of the 22d., in a very friendly maner removes all the fears I was under of his supposeing I had in my Letters to you misrepresented his intentions. His appointment at...
28To James Madison from John Mitchell, 29 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to transmitt You the Registers of the American Hero, and the Brutus, with Mediteranean Pass, for the Latter; Both Registers were Lodged in this office ⅌ Mr. Jenkins, and both Vessells are now Employed in the Whale fishery out of this place. I have the Honor to be Sir, Your very Obd. Servt., No. 58. American Hero, granted Thomas Jenkins of Hudson. N o. 46. Brutus, granted...
29To James Madison from John Mitchell, 30 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 June 1803, Le Havre . Before receiving JM’s circular letter of 9 Apr. had compiled a list of “charges paid on American Vessells at this port.” Now adds those paid by French ships. The charge for a ship “laying in the Bason” is for about one month and is paid by all foreigners, but this charge will fall heaviest on American ships. “Our vessells in general are very sharp built and are injured...
30To James Madison from John Mitchell, 15 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 May 1803, Le Havre. Reports the receipt “this Morning” of a 13 May letter from Livingston stating that Whitworth left Paris the evening of 12 May and directing Mitchell to arrange passage for “a Confidential Person” carrying Livingston’s dispatches, who “will leave Paris in a day or two after the date of His Letter.” Assures JM that “our Ministers have perfectly Accomplished the Wishes of...
31To James Madison from John Mitchell, 7 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 August 1804, Le Havre. “I wrote you the 3d instant to inform you of this place haveing been again Bombarded on the Evening of the 1st. & Morning of the 2nd. instant, and ’tho a great Nomber of shells were thrown, the Damage is very in considerable: from the British still Continueing in force and the frequent Attacks it is feard the intention is, to destroy the place, This has induced the...
32To James Madison from John Mitchell, 21 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Perceiving by the public prints that the Embargo is likely to be raised on the 4th. March; I have thought it likely that the interest of the U States might require Agents to be appointed & particularly in the Portuguese & Spanish posessions. Should this be the case, permitt me to solicit the favor of your granting Me an Appointment in that quarter. If no Appointments should be thought...
33To James Madison from John Mitchell, 31 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 March 1804, Paris. Acknowledges receipt of a commission appointing him vice-commercial agent for Le Havre, “which I have handed our Minister mr. Livingston to Obtain my Exequtur: so soon as I receive it I will return to Havre.” “Mr. I. Cox Barnet to whom I have Communicated my Appointment, has writen me and also to the Minister, that, having received the offer of the Agency either for Havre...
34To James Madison from John Mitchell, 21 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 May 1803, Le Havre . Wrote JM on 15 May via Boston that Livingston and Monroe had ordered him to arrange passage for a “Special Messenger with Dispatches.” Has engaged the brig Enterprize , Captain Wilcox, bound for New York, to carry Hughes and the dispatches. Feels “particular pleasure” that his first official act is “to transmitt a Treaty of so great importance” which “will afford so...
35To James Madison from John Mitchell, 19 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 August 1803, Le Havre . Encloses a copy of his last letter “stateing the situation of our vessells.” Has not yet received permission for discharging the cargoes of American vessels. “I have drawn up a petition to the Minister for Captn. Steel and Cap. Wallace, requesting permission to discharge, or leave to depart with their Cargoes, and free of Duty or charges. This Petition goes ⅌ post...
36To James Madison from John Mitchell, 23 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 May 1803, Le Havre . “The Enterprize not being able to sail yesterday, I have to inform You that My letters from Paris assures Me Ld Hawksbury Mentioned in the House of Commons that Letters of Marc & reprisals had been issued against france—I think on the 17h. inst.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Havre, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. On 16 May Lord Hawkesbury told the House of Commons that...
37To James Madison from John Mitchell, 28 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 March 1803, Le Havre. Thinking it interesting to the U.S. to be informed of European events, sends an extract of a 26 Mar. letter received from Paris which notes: “I think War inevitable, the Dutch Troops &c that went to take possession of the Cape good hope Are made Prisoners, that is, they are allowed to Land Under many restrictions and not to take the Country under their Government. A...
38To James Madison from John Mitchell, 28 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Thinking it interesting to the United States, to be informed of What is passing in Europe, I have taken the Liberty to send you an Extract of a Letter I have recd. from Paris of 26 inst. "I think War inevitable. The Dutch Troops &c that went to take posession of the Cape good hope Are Made Prisoners, that is, they are allowed to Land Under Many restrictions and not to take the Country under...
39To James Madison from John Mitchell, 20 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From John Mitchell. 20 January 1806, Paris. “In conformity to your instructions with My New Commission as Vice commercial Agent for Havre—I now cover you a Bond signed by my self and Mr. James Caldwell of the City of Philadelphia—as this Gentlemn. has considerable landed property in that City, it will I presume meet your approbation. “Notwithstanding my putting myself in rule, I have little...
40To James Madison from John Mitchell, 24 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the Honor to write You, our port is so strictly watched that scarce any vessell has enterd; prudence would forbid any Under the Law relative to Blockade as laid down in England. The Commerce of Havre is totally ruined, and our Vessells deprived of the best & safest port from Cherbourg to Dunkirk, in fact, it is the only one in which vessells lay afloat or fitt for one above 200...
41To James Madison from John Mitchell, 25 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 June 1803, Le Havre . “I had the honor of writeing you ⅌ mr. P. a Jay to whom I deliverd by order of our Ministers two Packets addressed to you the Winds haveing Continued long to the west ward no Vessill could sail for America since Capn. King who left this the 14h. inst charged with Duplicate dispatches. Mr Jay as I advised is on board the Ship Oliver Elsworth Capn. Henry of & for New...
42To James Madison from John Mitchell, 14 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 June 1803, Le Havre . Encloses duplicate dispatches from the U.S. ministers in Paris; the originals and a copy of the treaty with France are carried by Jay of New York, who leaves this city in a few days on board the Oliver Ellsworth , Captain Henry. Le Havre harbor is guarded by British frigates that have stopped several neutral vessels, among them the ship Providence , Captain Waterson,...
43To James Madison from John Mitchell, 24 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 July 1803, Le Havre . Sends returns for the last three months by vessel to Norfolk. In his last remarked on “the Heavy charge for Brokers fees.” Proposed to Barnet to “employ a person in the office for that purpose, and make a moderate Charge.” Barnet suggests waiting for the U.S. and France to make some arrangement “stipulating that the Agents shall report & clear the Vessells instead of a...
44To James Madison from John Mitchell, 19 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
Here with you have copy of my last stateing the situation of our vessells. No permission haveing been yet obtaind for their dischargeing, I have drawn up a petition to the Minister for Captn. Steel and Cap. Wallace, requesting permission to discharge, or leave to depart with their Cargoes, and free of Duty or charges. This Petition goes ⅌ post this Day coverd to our Minister. This Day the...
45To James Madison from John Mitchell, 26 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 June 1803, Le Havre . “A letter received from Mr. Barnet of the 24 in reply to mine of the 22d, in a very friendly maner removes all the fears I was under of his supposeing I had in my Letters to you misrepresented his intentions.” Barnet believes his appointment at Paris will detain him “some months” and is pleased that Mitchell will “officiate In his stead.” Renews his hopes that they may...
46To James Madison from John Mitchell, 3 August 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 August 1804, Le Havre. “Since I last had the honor of Writeing you, in which I mentiond this place being Bombarded by the British fleet, which is Composed of 7 frigats 5 Bomb vessells & 3 Cutters, and have kept the place in constant dread, On the Eveng. of the 1st. inst: about 7 oClock they began to throw Shells at the Town, which continued till Nine, with in considerable damage. Yesterday...
47To James Madison from John Mitchell, 5 August 1808 (Madison Papers)
From the reception I received from you at Washington, I take the Liberty to Mention to you a vacancy that has taken place in the Custom house in this City by the Death of Mr. John Shea the Collector, and to request the favor of Your recommending Me to the President to fill that office. Should I be so fortunate as to receive the Appointment, I pledge myself to Use every exertion in My power to...
48To James Madison from John Mitchell, 25 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since closing my Letter of this date the Ship George, J. Greenough Master from Savanna. has enterd and reports his haveing been boarded in the Channel by a nomber of British frigats and treated perfectly Polite by all the Captains. Captn. Petrie of the Brig Peggy of & from Norfolk enterd at same time who Complains Much of the treatment He received from Captain Coots, Commanding his Britanic...
49To James Madison from John Mitchell, 20 September 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 September 1804, Le Havre. “In my last I mentiond that the British frigats were stationd of[f] Fecamp & Dieppe which were declared in a State of Blockade, as are all the ports from Dunkirk to Havre—this has forced some and will probably many of our Vessells to take shelter at Cherbourg—this induced me to appoint Mr. P. V. Liais My Attorney there, I have been personally aquainted with Him for...
50To James Madison from John Mitchell, 30 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 June 1803, Le Havre . Encloses a list of American vessels entering and departing this port since the last return made. “There are but few remaining in port and I much fear the War will entirely deprive this place of its Commerce with the United States.” This is “the only port from Brest to Dunkirk where our Vessells can lay afloat.” Adds in a postscript dated 1 July that he has received...