1To 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....
2To 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 ).
3To 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...
4To 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...
5To 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;...
6To 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...
7To 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...
8To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 March 1802 , “ Near Natchez. ” Refers to his letter of 5 Feb. advising JM of his request to Wilkinson to construct a blockhouse at a central location to store spare arms from Fort Adams; hopes the president will approve it. Is currently occupied with the difficult task of organizing the militia. The election of members of the territorial legislature, to be held the fourth Monday in July, has...
9To James Madison from George W. Erving, 6 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 March 1802, London. No. 6. Reports the proceedings of the Board of Commissioners under article 7 of the British treaty “respecting one of the appointments in connection with that Board with which the President has been pleased to honor me.” Encloses six related letters and extracts so that “the business may be now fully before you.” Was authorized by JM’s letters of 27 July 1801 to take up...
10To James Madison from George W. Erving, 6 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 March 1802, London. Private No. 8. Has reported in an accompanying letter “all that has passed upon the subject of my appointment.” Is “perfectly satisfied” with the situation; has full schedule of responsibilities without assessorship. But “upon the score of Emolument—here is certainly a very great deduction without any proportionable deduction of business.” Notes Pinkney’s assertion that...
11To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 7 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 March 1802. Sends a report of the secretary of the treasury on the claim of [Paul] Coulon, a French merchant. Asks JM to interest himself in the case to see that Coulon receives justice. RC ( DNA : RG 59, NFL , France, vol. 1). 3 pp.; in French. Enclosure not found, but see n. 1. Gallatin’s report, dated 22 Jan. 1802, which looked unfavorably on Coulon’s demand for payment, is printed in ASP...
12From James Madison to Andrew Ellicott, 8 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
Having been lately a good deal out of health, & the Chief Clerk confined by the same cause for some days past, several letters have been unavoidably unanswerd, & among them yours asking the aid of the Dept. of State in exchanging scientific information with a Correspondent in Europe. You will now please to accept the information that whatever facility can be properly afforded for the purpose...
13To James Madison from John Dawson, 8 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
I am very sorry for the information which you came on the last Evening relative to Skipwith’s claim. I fear it will prove very injurious to him, as he has drawn bills, counting on this fund, which will be protested. I have written to Mr. Purviance to come to this place, under an expectation that he can give some usefull information. On conversing with the Secy of the treasury I find, that some...
14To James Madison from James Monroe, 8 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
Since my last respecting mr. Skipwith’s claim to reimbursement of the money advanc’d by him to replace what was robbed from him in Paris, of the sum entrusted to him to be remitted to our bankers in Holland, I have been in Albemarle & brought down with me many documents, most of which are original, relative to that affair, which are forwarded you by the mail. In these you will receive the...
15To James Madison from “A Plain Man,” [8 March] 1802 (Madison Papers)
The system of the administration generally, but especially that part of it which respects the courts, is believed to be so hostile to the Union, and so opposed to your former opinions on the subject, that I cannot resist the inclination I feel, to ask your attention to a few observations, on a point so universally interesting. The friends of the constitution, who consider that instrument as a...
16To James Madison from Rufus King, 8 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 March 1802, London. No. 56. Reports that Austria is “highly dissatisfied, as justly she may be, with the issue of the meeting at Lyons.” Obstacles delaying conclusion of definitive peace treaty and the “unexampled stagnation of the Trade of this Country” have abated ardor for peace in Great Britain as well. This change in the “temper of the public mind” is attributed to Napoleon, whose views...
17To James Madison from Rufus King, 9 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
As your Letters to me concerning Mr. Ervings appointments do not explicitly state the Presidents intentions in respect to his being employed as an Assessor to the Commission under the seventh article of our Treaty with this Country, I desired him to send to the Board an Extract of his Instructions which define his Duties and which would be Sufficient to shew the Presidents expectation on this...
18To James Madison from Christopher Gore and William Pinkney, 9 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 March 1802, London. Informs JM that Rufus King “has addressed to the Board an official Notification” of the president’s appointment of George W. Erving to succeed Williams and Cabot. “The general Terms of this Notification … have been explained by an Extract of a Letter of the Secretary of State to Mr. Erving of the 27th. of July last .… Altho’ it will be manifest upon a bare perusal of our...
19From James Madison to Horatio Gates, 10 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. your two kind letters of the 11 & 16. Ult: the former by the mail, the latter by Genl Stephens. I need not assure you that the requests of both have been attended to, but I ought to account for the delay in acknowledging them, by pleading the frailty & fluctuations incident to my health. I learn with much pleasure that you enjoy so comfortable a share of this blessing, and that it...
20From James Madison to Edward Jones, 10 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 March 1802, Department of State, Washington. “Your Letters of the 13th. January and 8th. february have been received. Tho’ the Consular Act allows but 12 Cents a day to shipwrecked, sick, or captive seamen, other Laws have been since passed from year to year allowing a reimbursement to the Consuls who may necessarily exceed that sum. No appropriation for the purpose has been passed this...
21To James Madison from David Lenox, 10 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 March 1802, London. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 1 Jan. letter in answer to his of 12 Oct. 1801 requesting the president’s permission to return to the U.S. “I had with you anticipated the discharge of all Seamen claiming protection as American Citizens on Peace taking place, … under the idea that as Men would not be wanted for the Navy, this Government would prefer discharging those who...
22To James Madison from Stephen Sayre, 10 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 March 1802, Philadelphia. “Knowing, that I have not only deserved well of my country, but that my sufferings intitle me to high expectations, I cannot yet persuade myself to believe, that you will much longer leave me to lament the sacrifises I have made. … I ask to be replaced, in some degree, to that independence, which has been taken away, by the enemies of my country. … There are some...
23To James Madison from Stephen Girard, 11 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
The Inclosed is copy of a Memorial which I have delivred to the Secretary of State in the year 1795 although I have ever Since that period been very industrious in requesting my friends in Europe to take every Steps to recover my just claim against the french Republic I am Still unpaid being desirous to Settle that business I am induced to Send to Paris the bearer of this letter Mr Jos: Curwen...
24To James Madison from Levi Lincoln, 11 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 March 1802, Washington. Relates circumstances of the case of the vessel Mercator , “alledged to be Danish property, and for the capture of which a claim is now made on the United States.” The Mercator was seized off Saint-Domingue by the American schooner Experiment on 14 May 1800; six hours later, while sailing under the American flag, it was seized by the British armed ship General Simcoe...
25To James Madison from the American Whig Society, 12 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
The American Whig Society , in the college of N. Jersey, having, by the late unfortunate conflagration which consumed the College edifice, lost almost the whole of their valuable library, together with all their furniture, have resolved to apply to their ancient members who are now established in different quarters of the United States, to solicit their generous, and brotherly aid in...
26To James Madison from Richard Cooper, 13 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 March 1802, Cooperstown. “I have to inform you that I have sold the greatest part of the articles in my possession belonging to the United States, and I hope to be able in a few weeks to make a final settlement with Government.” Tr ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 7A-D1). 1 p. Marked “Copy.” Enclosed in JM to Jefferson, 29 Mar. 1802 , and transmitted to the House of Representatives, 31...
27To James Madison from Rufus King, 13 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 March 1802, London. No. 58. Reports there is no further information on the negotiations at Amiens since his last letter. In a “ free conversation ,” Addington “ yesterday told me that during the last Fortnight his mind had balanced whether to wish the conclusion or rupture of the negotiation ” but that the British were ready to sign a definitive treaty “provided it be done without any...
28From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 14 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed to you by Mr. Curwan who is charged with sundry claims by Mr. Stephan Gerard of Philada. against the French Republic. Mr. Gerard is a very respectable Merchant & Citizen of the U. States, and feels so strongly both the justice & importance of his claims, as to depute Mr. Curwan to Paris for the purpose of supporting them. He has expressed an anxiety also that they should be...
29To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, [14] March 1802 (Madison Papers)
I yesterday recieved the duplicate and triplicate of your letter of the 19th. december last the original not having come to hand. This is the first and only letter I have been honored with from you since my arrival. I immediately sent one of the copies of the Presidents proclamation to the Minister of Foreign Relations with the enclosed note no. 1. I had before anticipated the inconveniences...
30To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 14 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
My last Dispatch will have fully informed you of the state of things here my removal from the Escurial to Madrid & that Mr: Graham arrived here about the 20th: January. By him I recieved for the first time the Wish of our Government to endeavour to obtain the cession by sale from this Court of the Floridas & as I know it would be difficult if not impossible to do so without the concurrence &...
31To James Madison from Fulwar Skipwith, 14 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 March 1802, Paris. Has not written to JM since Livingston’s arrival, having had nothing to report on American claims. “Respecting those Claims, I here submit two separate Statements, the first comprehending, under different heads, such as were committed to my charge, whilst in the Office of Consul General, and those … that have been intrusted to me, since my coming to the place of...
32To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 15 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 8th. came to hand yesterday, and I have taken the earliest opportunity of forwarding the packet for Mr. de Lambre, and thanking you for your willingness to take charg⟨e⟩ of it. Your health is a matter of great importance to your Country at this time, and I fear that too close an attention to the duties of your office has occasioned your present indisposition: If my...
33To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 15 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
After closing my packet I recd the note of which the within is a copy. It amounts to nothing, but it must serve to keep me quiet a few days longer—till they see what turn the business takes at Amiens which becomes more & more doubtful. The bad news from St Domingo also renders it necessary to keep us in suspence. I have already expressed my fear that American property in the Islands will not...
34To James Madison from Joseph H. Nicholson, 15 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
It appears from a Letter which I have just received from the Secretary of the Treasury, that the sum of $35,319 8/100 has been advanced by the Government of the United States to the Marquis La Fayette, by several of our Foreign Ministers, then residing at the respective Courts of London, Paris and the Hague By Mr. Thos. Pinckney 21,933 48/100 By Mr. King and Mr. Adams Junr. 7,876 3/100 By Mr....
35From James Madison to Louis-André Pichon, 15 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 March 1802, Department of State. Acknowledges Pichon’s note of 18 Feb. The president received the news of the peace concluded between France and Great Britain not only with the lively interest that humanity should take at the end of such a long and bloody war but also with the sympathy owed to a friendly nation with which the U.S., under the auspices of peace, desires to expand its...
36To James Madison from Richard Söderström, 15 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 March 1802, Washington. “I fear very much that I by this my letter will too much intrud upon your usual goodness. But circumstanced as I am at present in consequence of a multiplicity of business which Calls for me to Philadelphia for Accots. of a number of people in Europe, Obliges me to Solicit your kind determination in the Case of which I have had the Honor of laying the Records before...
37From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 16 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
Your two favours of the 10, continued on the 12th Decr., and of the 31 of the same Month, have been duly received, as were the two of preceding dates written on your arrival at Nantz and L’Orient. We are anxious to know the result of your communications with the French Government on the subject of restitutions, both as to the rules by which they are to be settled, and the prospect of their...
38To James Madison from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 16 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1802, Marseilles. Informed JM in his last dispatch on 29 Sept. that the bond required of him as U.S. commercial agent had been sent to Felix Imbert of Philadelphia; assumes Imbert will have forwarded it to JM. Has received JM’s circular of 1 Aug. 1801 and will “follow your directions accordingly.” Has given the local health office a certified copy “of the paragraph of your Said...
39To 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.
40To James Madison from Wade Hampton, 16 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1802, Charleston. “I take the liberty of introducing to your notice, a friend of mine, Mr. Read. He has some business at the seat of Government which I have had no opportunity of judging of, but if you should find it convenient & proper to render him any services, I can only say I shall be very grateful for them.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
41To James Madison from Josef Yznardy, 16 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1802, Philadelphia. Having left Baltimore because of the precarious state of his health, has received at Philadelphia JM’s letter [not found] returning his consular bond because it was not signed in the presence of witnesses; regrets the omission and will send his son to take care of it. The enclosed letter exposes the fraud perpetrated by Captain Nelson in Cadiz. Notes that Juan...
42To James Madison from Josef Yznardy, 16 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1802, Philadelphia. States that he was ready to embark but finds himself detained because his bailsman in the Israel case, Mr. Price, wants to be relieved of the commitment. Asks JM to protect him from his persecutors; believes he cannot stay in the U.S. without risk to his life. Has seen Dallas, who said that his opinion would have been different if he had seen the new documents...
43To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 17 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
Le Soussigné, par Suite de la confiance entiere qu’il n’a cessé de mettre dans Ses rapports avec le Gouvernement des Etats Unis, S’est empressé hier de donner, à Monsieur le Sécrétaire d’Etat, communication des dépêches qui lui ont été adressées conjointement par les commandans des forces de terre et de mer de la République Française récemment arrivées dans la colonie de St. Domingue. Ces...
44To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 17 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
With your passion for chess, I think I shall very easily stand excused for taking the liberty of informing you that on my arrival at this place I found the proposed publication of Phillidor’s games was entirely suspended on account of the want of subscribers, the requisite number being calculated at 150 or 200, while in this city there are not more than forty or fifty names yet put down. My...
45To James Madison from John Morton, 17 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 March 1802, Havana. Refers to his letter of 20 Jan. informing JM that the admission of U.S. vessels to Cuba “had become reduced to a System of tedious & expensive negotiation.” Since then, two groups of nearly fifty American ships each have been admitted on payment of 6 percent on the amount of the invoices of their cargoes. Losses to the ships have resulted not only from this charge but...
46From James Madison to Charles D. Coxe, 18 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1802, Department of State. “I have the pleasure to inclose you a Commission as Commercial Agent of the United States for the port of Dunkirk in France, issued in consequence of the Senate’s confirmation of your appointment, and request the renewal of your Official bond, for which purpose a blank is also inclosed.” RC ( SSSPL ). 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Enclosures not...
47To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 18 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1802, Amsterdam. Transmits the latest issues of the Leiden Gazette . Although many months have passed since the signing of peace preliminaries between France and Great Britain, no final arrangement has been made and the state of suspense is prejudicial to commerce. British government has ordered a “respectable fleet” to sea; this has created alarm as to the prospects for the...
48To James Madison from William Eaton, 18 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1802, Tunis. Adds to what he wrote in the enclosed letter to Rufus King that on arriving in Tunis, he found Hamet Pasha “yielding to his brother’s instances and on the point of departing for Derne a Province of Tripoli, the Government of which is promised him.” Has refused Hamet’s request for a passport and “told him very candidly that if he departed we must consider him in the light...
49To James Madison from John Lamson, 18 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1802, Trieste. Notes that his last letter of 29 Dec. 1801 was sent shortly after his arrival in Trieste; since then he has received JM’s circular letter and will pay careful attention to its instructions. Observes that the information he can obtain on commerce “will seldom be accurate especially in a port like this, no duties being payable little attention is paid to entries.”...
50To James Madison from Richard Söderström, 18 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1802, Washington. “As I am fully convinced that acting only as agent agreeable to power of Attorney for an Individual, and not in any publick Capacity I have no Claim to any determination from, or right to make any direct application to the Executive, and less in consequence of the obliging informations you have both in writing and Verbell given me; which is, that when the Court of...