30 March 1803, Washington. Articles 7 and 8 of the board’s constitution state that each member of the committee of correspondence shall “consider it his duty to collect information and transmit it to the Secretary (of State)” and that any agricultural society in the U.S. “having the same objects as this Board” shall be entitled to membership. Recommends opening “a subscription towards a fund...
2To James Madison from James Anderson, 6 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 November 1802, Paris. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 11 June [not found] containing the standing instructions to consuls and vice-consuls, a circular letter to consuls and collectors of customs, the form of a bill of health, and his commission as commercial agent at Cette. Is grateful for the confidence JM and Jefferson have placed in him and will “strenuously endeavour to merit the same.”...
3To James Madison from Thomas Appleton, 7 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 December 1802, Leghorn. Transmits several letters he was asked to forward. Four American seamen captured in the Franklin arrived “a few days since.” He provided them with clothing and put them on board the Syren and Little Robert , both bound for Philadelphia. The number of Tripolitan corsairs out, coupled with the lack of fear of American captains, have “increased my apprehensions for their...
4To James Madison from Thomas Auldjo, 19 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 March 1803, Cowes. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s August 1802 circular. Observes that if no allowance beyond twelve cents per day is made for the subsistence of Americans, “there will certainly occasions arise in which they must either Suffer considerable hardship or the Consul will be burthened with the expence of relief.” Cites instances of sick men left on consuls’ hands and notes that...
5To James Madison from Jonathan L. Austin, 3 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 January 1803, Boston. Has received JM’s 14 July 1802 letter [not found] naming him commissioner of bankruptcy but has not once been called on to serve. Presumes “that the intention of appointing six Commissioners for this District was, that three should form a Board, & officiate alternately in different cases as they occur’d.” Was unwell when the first case occurred and Judge Davis called...
6To James Madison from John Martin Baker, 28 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 November 1802, New York. States that the islands of Majorca and Iviza belong to the consulate of Minorca, which he solicits. He and his family are ready to embark as soon as he receives JM’s commands. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1801–9, filed under “Baker”). 1 p. Docketed by Jefferson. See PJM-SS Robert J. Brugger et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Secretary of State Series (4 vols. to...
7To James Madison from John Martin Baker, 7 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 March 1803, New York. Refers to his letters of 28 Nov. 1802 and 4 Jan. 1803 . “Circumstances now urge me, to acquaint you Sir, that pressed by my affairs, have determined taking my passage for Gibraltar, on the Brig Alexander, to sail on the 24th. Instant, altho’ compelled to leave my family to follow me, owing to Mrs. Baker’s Situation.” Hopes this will excuse his soliciting the president’s...
8To James Madison from John Martin Baker, 4 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 January 1803, New York. Asks to be excused for again addressing JM. A convenient opportunity to sail for the Mediterranean in three weeks is available, and “being particularly pressed through Mrs. Baker’s present Situation,” he solicits the favor of JM’s commands. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1801–9, filed under “Baker”). 1 p. Docketed by Jefferson. See Baker to JM, 28 Nov. 1802 .
9To James Madison from John Martin Baker, 11 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 March 1803, New York. Wrote on 7 Mar. of his intention to sail for Gibraltar on 24 Mar. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s letter [not found] with his commission as U.S. consul at Majorca, Minorca, and Iviza, his instructions, and a blank bond, which has been filled out and is enclosed [not found]. Expresses thanks for JM’s friendship and protection. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Port Mahon, vol. 1). 1...
10To James Madison from William Baker, 7 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Being informed that sundry illegal Ship Papers have been transmitted to you that were issued from the United States Consulate of William Willis at Barcelona, I take the earliest opportunity of forwarding you my declaration relative to their existance: it will place this business in its proper light; in thus discharging my duty as a Citizen of the United States, I claim the protection of its...