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...
11To James Madison from James Barbour, 9 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 December 1802, Richmond. Monroe has advised him that the government will appoint commissioners to Spain to ascertain spoliation claims. “Having long had an inclination to visit Europe, the situation of my family as to health requiring such a trip and my resources being unable to meet the expences incident to such a trip, I have thought proper to make a tender of my services.… Success will...
12To James Madison from Thomas Barclay, 22 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 December 1802, Washington. “Being out of business for a length of time it is much my wish to be employed in your Office as a Clerk, if there should be a vacancy and you should think me deserving.… I have been unfortunate in trade and have a large family to support I am therefore obliged to solicit your assistance.” Would be happy with any situation and could give satisfaction “in a short...
13To James Madison from Joseph Barnes, 10 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 December 1802, Leghorn. Reports that he received JM’s 12 Apr. letter [not found] and commission on his return from a tour of Trieste and northern Italy. The commission is for the island of Sicily rather than for the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Hopes that Naples will be added, since if he is to gather intelligence, guard American interests, and obtain advantages for U.S. commerce, he should...
14To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 24 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 November 1802, Antwerp. Notes that in his letter of 10 Sept. he acknowledged receipt of JM’s 22 June letter enclosing his commission. Had expected to be in Antwerp by October but had difficulties disposing of his house and moving his family. Left Bordeaux on 9 Oct. and did not reach Antwerp until 11 Nov. owing to family illness. Has been well received by the prefect, d’Herbouville, as well...
15To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 16 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1803, Antwerp. News was received on 13 Mar. of recent British measures indicating a renewal of war. “This news and the double levy of conscripts gives serious uneasiness to every class of people here and particularly to the foreign Merchants.” Prices of foreign goods “rose immediately, very considerably,” and will probably continue at elevated prices in Batavian ports “for some time.”...
16To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 24 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 January 1803, Antwerp. Has “this instant” received a duplicate of JM’s 12 Nov. 1802 letter by the Philadelphia . Finds it impossible to express “with what lively emotions” he received “this new mark of the President’s favour.” However important Antwerp may become, does not hesitate to accept the appointment to Le Havre, where his acquaintance with the French will make him more useful to the...
17To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 12 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 March 1803, Antwerp. Takes advantage of the first direct conveyance since the opening of navigation to send a copy of his November dispatch and the articles mentioned in it. Received JM’s 12 Nov. letter on 24 Jan. and answered immediately. Is anxious to learn if his reply arrived in time. Compares the benefits and disadvantages of the consulates at Antwerp and Le Havre. Sales at Antwerp do...
18To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 1 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 May 1803, Antwerp. Refers to his last letters of 12 to 18 Mar . “I was honoured on the 18th. Ulto., with your letter of the 3d. March [not found] with my commission as confirmed by the Senate, which, as events have turned, I hope fixes me here and may be a means of satisfying the wishes of my friend Mr. John Mitchell lately appointed by our Envoys to the Commercial Agency at Havre.” Is...
19To James Madison from Isaac Cox Barnet, 3 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 May 1803, Antwerp. “I am just now favoured with a letter from Mr. Skipwith dated 30 Ulto. in which he says ‘this instant I have yours of the 27th. I expect you will hear from our Minister … and probably you will be informed of his and Mr. Monroe’s intention of naming you one of the Commissioners that is expected to be formed here for the liquidation of Americans [ sic ]. … This business...
20To James Madison from Matthias Bartgis, 24 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 December 1802, Fredericktown. “When I had the pleasure of speaking to you, last Spring, in the City of Washington, about printing the Laws of the United States, you was pleased to say you would not forget me.” Assures JM that his paper has the largest circulation of “any inland paper in the Union” and hopes this will cause JM to appoint him one of the printers of the laws. RC ( DNA : RG 59,...
21To James Madison from Joseph Bartlett, 21 October 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 October 1802, Cambridge. Regrets calling JM’s attention from official duties to a private letter but feels confident that the writings of “an undignified citizen” will be read with candor and attention. Knows JM must be “crouded with applications” both from personal acquaintances and from those who know his political character. “Stern necessity frequently commands what delicacy in other...
22To James Madison from William Bass, 16 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1803, Bordeaux. Forwards a letter received at the consulate “a few days ago” from Cathalan and informs JM that “Mr. Lee who has been confined near two months with a severe illness is on the recovery.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bordeaux, vol. 1). 1 p. Docketed by Wagner. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
23To James Madison from William Bass, 4 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1803, Bordeaux. Encloses a list of entries and clearances between 1 July and 31 Dec. 1802 [not found], which would have been forwarded earlier but for William Lee’s illness. Lee has been too weak to write “for near two months” but “is now fast gathering Strength.” “The public mind is at present very much agitated with the uncertain State of Affairs between this Country and Great...
24To James Madison from John Beckley, 5 May 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have conditionally engaged a neat handsome Chariot for you, with a pair of best plated harness, at 500$. Particulars and a description of it, I will give in a day or two, having, so far engaged, on the advice & opinion of Mr: Kerr, without having, as yet, seen it, altho’ under reservation to be finished as I may direct. If I conclude a purchase, I will arrange the payment to meet your...
25To James Madison from Bird, Savage, and Bird, 10 February 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 February 1803, London. The writers have not heard from JM since their letter of 7 Jan. , a copy of which they include. They have received 25 Nov. and 16 Dec. letters from Gallatin and treasurer Thomas Tudor Tucker with remittances of £12,000 and £450, which they have credited to the respective accounts according to the secretary’s directions. The bills were discounted in the customary...
26To James Madison from Bird, Savage, and Bird, 7 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 January 1803, London. Acknowledges JM’s 9 Nov. letter [not found] advising the firm that James Simpson was authorized to draw on them for his $2,000 annual salary and that a remittance would be made to them for that purpose. “We receiv’d notice the 4th. Octr from Mr Brent that on your application a remittance wou’d be immediately made to us by the Secretary of the Treasury of fifty odd...
27To James Madison from Bird, Savage, and Bird, 27 October 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 October 1802, London. The firm last wrote on 21 Sept. ; they now write to notify JM which U.S. accounts now or shortly will need remittances. “The Diplomatic Fund since the repayment out of the last remittances of the £1000.—. we advanced to it on loan the 15th. of may last is become in debt £15.12.2. & we shall have in next month to pay £506.5.1. for Mr. King’s quarters salary & £76..3....
28To James Madison from Peder Blicherolsen, 17 February 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 February 1803, Washington. “In presenting the inclosed to You, I feel ashamed and sorry lest You should suspect me to have been unmindfull of what You observed to me the other evening. Duty has in this case been my despot, and under such control—be it that of either duty or despot —whose indulgence can I sooner expect than Yours.… I wish You Sir uninterrupted health and happiness—wanting...
29To James Madison from Peder Blicherolsen, 20 December 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 December 1802, Washington. Presents his respects and encloses a power [not found] as Danish vice-consul for Virginia for Francis Taylor, for which he requests an exequatur. RC ( DNA : RG 59, NFL , Denmark, vol. 1). 1 p. The appointee was probably JM’s relative Francis Stubbs Taylor ( CVSP William P. Palmer et al., eds., Calendar of Virginia State Papers and Other Manuscripts (11 vols.;...
30To James Madison from Peder Blicherolsen, 9 February 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 February 1803, Washington. Presents the claim of several Danish subjects and citizens of Hamburg, owners of the brig Hendrick of Altona, which was captured by a French cruiser, recaptured by a U.S. warship, carried into the British island of St. Kitts, “and there adjudged to pay an astonishing salvage,” as detailed in the enclosed letter from Richard Söderström, attorney for the claimants,...