61To James Madison from Peter Isaacsen, 11 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 August 1809. The war in Europe has disrupted commerce, and twenty-six American ships have been captured by privateers and brought into Christiansand and neighboring Norwegian ports. The captains and supercargoes of those vessels chose Isaacsen to represent them as a de facto consul, although he is a Danish merchant residing in Christiansand. He acted on their behalf, and of the eighteen...
62To James Madison from George Luckey, 10 August 1809 (Madison Papers)
I received Yours in reply to What I had Written, And was much pleased that You took time Amidst Your Almost innumerable labours and attentions in public business to Write At all in the Way of correspondence. Early Acquaintance & obligations with some people are not soon forgotten. Since I seen You I have travelled much, & thro several States, & in review in my mind often traversed the plains...
63To James Madison from David Holmes, 9 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 August 1809, Washington, Mississippi Territory. Since writing JM on 7 Aug. Governor Holmes has appointed William B. Shields the territorial attorney general as the office was vacated by a resignation. Alexander Montgomery from Adams County would be a salutary choice for the legislative council. RC ( DNA : RG 59, Territorial Papers, Mississippi). 1 p. Printed in Carter, Territorial Papers,...
64To James Madison from Philip Freneau, 7 August 1809 (Madison Papers)
The two Volumes of Poems that in April last I engaged to have published, are finished, and will be ready for delivery in two or three days. The ten Setts You subscribed for I am rather at a loss how to have safely transmitted to You at Your residence in Virginia, where, I find by the Newspapers, You mean to continue until the end of September. Will You, on receipt of this, send me a line or...
65To James Madison from David Holmes, 7 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 August 1809, Washington, Mississippi Territory. Governor Holmes reports his arrival at Natchez on 30 June. The territorial legislature met 3 July to nominate candidates for the legislative council. Holmes became ill and hence was unable to write JM earlier regarding the nominees. The legislators are loyal Republicans so “the business was conducted with great harmony.” Holmes makes four...
66To James Madison from Tristram Dalton, 4 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 August 1809, Alexandria. The former Massachusetts senator recommends Edmund Jennings Lee for the vacant District of Columbia judgeship. “I am not capable of forming a correct opinion of his Legal Abilities,” but is certain satisfactory recommendations will be forthcoming “from Gentlemen who are Judges.” Hopes JM “will pardon this freedom.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, Letters of Application, 1809–17). 1 p.
67To James Madison from John Graham, 3 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 August 1809, Willtown, South Carolina. Written by “a Sittezan of South Carolina … placed in a State of common Mediocraty,” who has invented a bridge which “may be distroyed whilest an Ennemy is passing, and the opperator … may be at the Distance of from one to four miles from the scene of action,” at a cost that “would not Exceed $50.” The bridge can be erected “in Ten or 20 minuets, and if...
68To James Madison from George Joy, 3 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 August 1809, London. Encloses draft of a memorial to the king of Denmark and Norway protesting Danish depredations on U.S. shipping. These attacks on “no less than fifty four ships” are the latest object of Joy’s attention and diverted him from taking up his post as American consul in Holland. The American minister in London has advised him “to deviate from his intended Voyage [to Holland]...
69To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 31 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have received your’s of the 28th. Your return here still appears to me necessary. On the effect of the refusal of the B. Govt. to ratify Mr E.’s agreement, on the revival of the non intercourse, you can alone decide, as there may be a difference of opinion on the Subject. Mr Erskine announces this day officially to the Secy. of State that refusal; & if according to law the non intercourse is...
70To James Madison from Daniel James, 31 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I Have made free as an Individual, to rite a few lines to you on the Subject of the Negociation between us and great Britton. Whether you think their is a probable chance of the same taking place, or whether we are to have no trade at all with them; our corps of wheat are uncommonly Good, this year. And we Know not what to be at for the best; if it is not too much trouble to your Excellency to...
71To James Madison from John Porter, 31 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
From our former Correspondence by Letters while you was a Member of Congress I have Reason to believe you are a friend to Every good Citizen and perticular the old Soldiers therefore I take the Liberty to write you once more Requesting yer Advice on the Subject I will Endeavour to inform you as I wish to know if my Situation does not Entitle me to a pention Agreable to a bill passed in...
72To James Madison from Robert Smith, 31 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have received your favor of the 27h. It would seem that Mr Erskine has taken great liberties with his instructions. Of this I had not the slightest suspicion when I was writing my two last letters. And a knowledge of this diminishes the necessity of your return or of the Call of Congress. One of his reasons for not Communicating in Extenso this instruction is now apparent. It was a...
73To James Madison from John G. Jackson, 28 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I shall set off this morning for Clarksburg, not however without the expectation that your proclamation will soon reach me for convening Congress. The british perfidy has kindled a flame throughout the Country, & if the Prest. assume the responsibility of doing, or forbearing any thing he may incur much censure. I write to you my dear Sir freely. You know me I trust perfectly, & will...
74To James Madison from William Kilty, 28 July 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 July 1809, Annapolis. The chancellor of Maryland recommends Alexander Scott for the vacancy on the District of Columbia circuit court [on which Kilty himself had served as chief judge]. RC ( DNA : RG 59, Letters of Application, 1809–17). 2 pp.
75To James Madison from William Eustis, 27 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you of my arrival in this city on the last evening. The very extraordinary and unexpected turn which the negociation with Mr Erskine has taken and the entire uncertainty of the measures which are to ensue render it doubtful in my own mind whether to proceed or to await your commands at this place. In the course of the few days which may be usefully employed in...
76To James Madison from Bushrod Washington, 27 July 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 July 1809, Mount Vernon. Recommends Edmund Jennings Lee for the vacant assistant judgeship of the District of Columbia circuit court. RC ( DNA : RG 59, Letters of Application, 1809–17). 1 p.
77To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 26 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
You will by this day’s mail receive the news papers containing an extract of the instructions to Mr Erskine said to have been laid before Parliament by Mr Canning. The sentence respecting the authority given to Mr Erskine to communicate the whole of the dispatch (containing the instructions,) to the American Secretary of State, induced me to call on Mr Smith in order to ascertain what had been...
78To James Madison from Robert Smith, 26 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
The papers by the Northern Mail of this day just received I hasten to forward to you. They are interesting and further evince the necessity of our being all here. Mr Erskine, it is expected, will be here this Evening. For our satisfaction and for his own justification, it is probable, he will shew me his instructions. He and Mr Canning appear to be fairly at issue and, strange to imagine, upon...
79To James Madison from Richard Forrest, 25 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed letter contains an acknowledgment of the remittance made to Jacob Adams for the wine imported in his Ship from Madeira, which it is right you should have. I have recd a similar one from Mr. Gelston for 146 dollars, which I am unable to send by the present Mail, having left it at home this Morn’g. The News from England has astonished every person I have heard speak on the subject....
80To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 25 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing you yesterday, since which, some reflection on the late accounts received from England inducing me to beleive that, under the present aspect of Affairs, you would think it inexpedient to diminish any of our preparations for defence, I have ventured to suspend, untill your sentiments can be known, the Orders which, conformably to the determination made at our last...
81To James Madison from Armand Duplantier, 25 July 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 July 1809, New Orleans. Concerns his management of land warrants on behalf of Lafayette. Recommends the sale of Lafayette’s claim as best way out of the situation. RC ( DLC ). 3 pp. Written in French. Docketed by JM.
82To James Madison from George Joy, 25 July 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 July 1809, London. Joy believes his gadfly efforts have been partially successful and thinks his pro-American endeavors worthwhile, for he realizes “on what small Events the Affairs of nations sometimes hang.” RC ( DLC ). 2 pp.
83To James Madison from John Love, 25 July 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 July 1809, Fauquier Court House. The Virginia congressman withdraws himself from consideration for the vacancy on the District of Columbia circuit court and recommends Alexander Scott for the office. RC ( DNA : RG 59, Letters of Application, 1809–17). 3 pp.
84To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 24 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I had intended to leave this for Orange to morrow; but, under an impression that the late accounts from England must necessarily bring you here for a few days in order to make the arrangements & give the directions required by this unexpected change of circumstances, I have concluded to wait at least for your answer. That will reach this city on Sunday morning; and if you conclude not to come,...
85To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 24 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
Expecting that the recent accounts from England will occasion you to return shortly to this place, and that in that event, you may wish to have the Heads of the Departments present, I beg leave to mention that I shall postpone my departure for Carolina untill I am favored with a knowledge of your determination on this subject. Although extremely anxious to return to my domestic comforts, no...
86To James Madison from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 24 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
Having been for the last four days in Baltimore I did not receive the enclosed letters till my return. In answer I have written to Mr. Harvie, that, you certainly could not now take the Chariot , but that I should more fully explain myself to him in a few days. Mr. Patton’s letter I have merely acknowledged, and supposed that he would hear from yourself in a short time. In my last letter to...
87To James Madison from Robert Smith, 24 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed papers shew the temper of the B. Govt. with respect to our late arrangement with Mr Erskine and induce a strong presumption that no adjustment consistent with our interest or our honor can be made with that infatuated nation. It would seem that Erskine is to be superseded by Mr Jackson, who may every day be expected. You will be pleased to state to me what answer, as to time, I am...
88To James Madison from Richard Brent, 24 July 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 July 1809, Fauquier Court House. The Virginia senator recommends Alexander Scott for the vacant assistant judgeship of the District of Columbia circuit court. RC ( DNA : RG 59, Letters of Application, 1809–17). 2 pp. Brent wrote a second letter on Scott’s behalf on 11 Sept. 1809 (ibid.).
89To James Madison from John Mason, 24 July 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 July 1809, Georgetown. Has been solicited to write a letter of recommendation for Alexander Scott, who seeks appointment as judge for District of Columbia. Admits he knows little of Scott’s legal background but can assure JM of the applicant’s respectable “connections and standing in life.” Moreover, “his political principles have been uniformly & soundly republican.” RC ( DNA : RG 59,...
90To James Madison from Alexander McRae, 22 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of forwarding to you a letter which my friend Mr. Wirt was so obliging as to hand me, at the time of his departure from the City. It is probable that Major Clarke & I in pursuit of the object referred to by Mr. Wirt, may be prepared to leave Richmond about the 3rd. or 4th. of August on our way to Philadelphia or New-York, from one of which places we propose to embark for...