27731From James Madison to David Montagu Erskine, 11 March 1807 [letter not found] (Madison Papers)
¶ To David Montagu Erskine. Letter not found. 11 March 1807. Acknowledged as received in Erskine to JM , 19 Mar. 1807 , where it is described as “relative to the Schooner Morning Star of Providence, as also a Protest made by the Master and other Persons formerly belonging to the above mentioned Schooner.” A copy of the protest, dated 17 May 1806 (4 pp.), is filed with Erskine to JM , 11 June...
27732From James Madison to David Montagu Erskine, 1 August 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to submit to Your Attention a Copy of a Letter of June 4th: of the current Year from William Reeves, stiling himself an Officer in the Naval Service of His Brittannic Majesty, and acting as Prize Master to a Spanish Vessel captured by the British Frigate Hebe, to Governor Claiborne of the Orleans Territory. I cannot doubt, Sir, that this fresh Instance of insulting Address...
27733From James Madison to David Montagu Erskine, 6 March 1807 [letter not found] (Madison Papers)
¶ To David Montagu Erskine. Letter not found. 6 March 1807. Acknowledged as received in Erskine to JM , 8 Mar. 1807 , where it is described as “relative to Christian Ost, who is supposed to be detained on board His Majesty’s Ship L’Observateur, on the Halifax Station.”
27734From James Madison to David Montagu Erskine, 14 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
§ To David Montagu Erskine. 14 February 1807. Acknowledged as received in Erskine to JM , 18 Feb. 1807 , where it is described as “respecting John White, who is stated to be an American Citizen now detained on board His Majesty’s Ship Elephant, & about to undergo a Trial by Court Martial for Desertion.”
27735From James Madison to David Montagu Erskine, 9 March 1807 [letter not found] (Madison Papers)
¶ To David Montagu Erskine. Letter not found. 9 March 1807. Acknowledged as received in Erskine to JM , 10 Mar. 1807 , where it is described as enclosing documents “respecting John Taylor stated to be an American Citizen detained on board His Majesty’s Ships on the Halifax Station.”
27736From James Madison to David Montagu Erskine, 7 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving your letter of the 4th. instant, stating that certain British seamen charged with mutiny, piracy and an attempt to murder their Officers on board an American vessel which had been detained by a British ship, and was then proceeding to a British Port under the care of a prize master, had taken refuge in the U. S. and requesting that the Government would cause...
27737From James Madison to David Montagu Erskine, 20 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have laid before the President your letter of the 12th inst, communicating the views of His Britannic Majesty in relation to the French decree of Novr 21. 1806 and to the principle of retaliation, through the commerce of Neutrals, who may submit to the operation of that decree; as also the measure actually taken of prohibiting all neutral commerce from port to port of his enemies, not only...
27738From James Madison to David Montagu Erskine, 29 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
Further reflection on the tenor and tendency of the order of His Britannic Majesty, communicated by your letter of the 12 inst which was answered by mine of the 20th induces me to resume that important subject. From the difficulty of supposing that the order can have for its basis either a legal blockade impossible to be extended to all the ports described in the order, or a supposed...
27739From James Madison to David Montagu Erskine, 13 December 1806 [letter not found] (Madison Papers)
¶ To David Montagu Erskine. Letter not found. 13 December 1806 . Mentioned in Erskine to JM , 15 Dec. 1806 , as enclosing “the Deposition concerning Richard Dickings,” an American seaman who was reported to have been impressed.
27740From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 21 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to receive your letter of the 7th. instant and at the same time one of the two dated on the 12th. The other of this Date has also been since received. I am glad to find by the Postcript to that of the 7th: that the Dispatches which had been delayed, had got safe to hand; and I cannot doubt that as far as General Matthews may have been a party to the Delay, your candour will...
27741From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 12 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
In my answer of the 21st. Ult to the part of your letter of the 7th. which refers to a declaration made by a Sergeant Frodsham, that certain British Deserters from the British Ship of war Chichester, had been enlisted into the American service, having on, at the same time, their British uniforms, it was signified that enquiry would be made into the fact. I have now the honor to inclose a copy...
27742From Thomas Jefferson to David Montague Erskine, 1 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respects to mr Erskine and begs leave through him to present a bag of Paccan nuts (Juglans Paccan) for the acceptance of Lord Erskine & as a mark of his respect for him. they are of this year’s crop & will probably vegetate if planted before the spring; and the sooner the better. they may perhaps be a year in the ground. they bear our climate to the Northward of this...
27743From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 25 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
Having laid before the President Your Letter of the 23d. of Febry., explaining the character of certain British orders of Council issued in Novr. last, I proceed to communicate the observations and representation which will manifest to Your Government, the Sentiments of the President, on so deep a violation of the commerce and rights of the United States These Orders interdict to neutral...
27744From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 18 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to acknowledge the rect. of Your Letter of the 13th: Inst: together with it’s Inclosures. As they relate to a Subject, more immediately belonging to the Navy Department, I have asked the necessary Information from that Department, and so soon as I receive it, shall hasten to communicate to You the result. I have the Honor to be, With great Consideration, Your obedt. Servt:...
27745From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 29 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
Your Letter of the 21st. Inst: on the Subject of the detention by the Collector at Niagara, of certain Boats belonging to Canadian Merchants, engaged in the Indian Trade was duly received and communicated without delay to the Secretary of the Treasury on his return to this City. The Inclosed Copy of his Instructions to the Collector will explain the Interposition which has been thought best...
27746From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 1 August 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to submit to Your Attention a Copy of a Letter of June 4th: of the current Year from William Reeves, stiling himself an Officer in the Naval Service of His Britannic Majesty, and acting as Prize Master to a Spanish Vessel captured by the British Frigate Hebe, to Governor Claiborne of the Orleans Territory. I cannot doubt, Sir, that this fresh Instance of insulting Address from...
27747From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 22 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit herewith proof of Citizenship of John Wharff, an American Seaman, who is stated to have been impressed on board His Britannic Majesty’s Sloop of War Rattler, and to request the interposition of your good offices to obtain his discharge. The Rattler is said to be on the Halifax station at present. I have the honor to be with great respect & consideration, Sir, Your...
27748From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 9 August 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have just received a Letter from the Post Master at New York, stating on the declaration of Capt Selliman of the Ship Thalia, which was carried into a British Port by a British Cruiser, that his Letter Bag, including Dispatches from the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States at Paris, to the Department of State, was taken to the Court of Admiralty, the Letters indiscriminately opened,...
27749From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 4 October 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have taken the earliest convenient Occasion of laying before the President Your Letter of the 11th. Ult, representing that Your Government claims an Explanation respecting the occupancy by the United States of Moose Island in Passamaquoddy Bay, and their Conversion of it into a Military Post, as also that Your Government having been informed of a violent Seizure of a Boat laden with Flour,...
27750From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 19 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter having been put on board a Pilot bo at off the Coast of the U nite d States by an officer from an armed Vessel believed to be British, and avowing a destination p resump tively forbidden by the Proclamation of the President, doubts concerning the regularity of its introduction occasioned it to be transmitted to this Department. I hasten its co nv eyan ce to you by the first...
27751From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 13 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor to recieve your letter of the lst. instant, inclosing a letter to you from Admiral Berkley on the subject of certain Seamen claimed as American Citizens from British ships of war detaining them; and a copy of a letter from the officers of His Britannic Majesty’s Ship Melampus stating that the three Seamen who ran from that ship, and after enlisting on board the American...
27752From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 23 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
In Consequence of your Letter of relating to the Capture of the British Brig Ceres, on her voyage from the United States to Liverpool, the Collector at Norfolk, the Port of her Departure, was instructed to make Enquiry into the Character and Conduct of the capturing vessel alleged to have previously been within the Waters of the Chesapeak; and particularly whether any unlawful Equipment had...
27753From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 24 November 1807 (Madison Papers)
On the Receipt of your Letter of the 6th. Instant referring to Information that there were on board the Frigate Chesapeake two British Deserters, one from the Triumph, under the Name of George Curtis, the other from the Bellona, under that of John Birk, an Inquiry was ordered into the Facts. From the Report of Captain Decatur, commanding the Chesapeake it appears that the Crew of that Ship...
27754From James Madison to David Montague Erskine, 19 November 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 18 Inst: inclosing a Copy of a Proclamation by a British Nav al Commander dated at Barbadoes, declaring all the Leeward Carribbean Islands in a state of the strictest Naval Blockade, and directing the stoppage of all Neutral Vessels, destined for any Ports thereof. I should not have deemed it necessary to acknowledge this Communication, but for the purpose of...
27755From George Washington to Robert Erskine, 10 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
As I think you are much exposed in your present situation to the enterprises of Refugees acquainted with the Country—and the work in which you are employed unquestionably makes you an object with the enemy—I desire that as soon as possible after receipt of this letter, you will remove to quarters more safe by the vicinity of the Army —You will of course dismiss your guard, and direct the...
27756From George Washington to Robert Erskine, 28 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of my representations to Congress of the advantage that might be derived from having a good Geographer to accompany the army, and my recommendation of you for that purpose they have come to the inclosed resolution authorizing me to appoint you or any other Gentleman I shall think proper to act in the capacities therein specified; and to determine the allowance of pay to be...
27757From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Erskine, 16 October 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society I should sooner have acknowledged your Favour of Aug. 16. containing the Drawing of your Chevaux de Frise: but that I have been so extreamly occupy’d as to be oblig’d to postpone writing to many of my Correspondents. Please to accept my Thanks for the Communication of your Contrivance, which I am persuaded will answer the Purpose where ever the Bottom...
27758From George Washington to Robert Erskine, 3 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 26 ulto by Colo. Malcom. Notwithstanding the many conveniencies that would result from carrying on your work at your own House, I am still of opinion, that convenience is over ballanced by the danger you are in, should the enemy think the draughts in which you are engaged worth their attention. I can assure you, your Work is no secret to them. Some of the Convention...
27759From George Washington to Robert Erskine, 14 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I shall be glad to know by Return of the Bearer whether the portable Ovens bespoke last summer are finished. If they are you may send them down to the Army if you can procure Waggons, if you cannot, let me know and I will order the Qr Mr General to send for them. Be pleased to let me know when you think you will be able to enter upon any of the duties of the Office which I spoke to you about...
27760From George Washington to Robert Erskine, 16 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Lord Stirling writes me that a very good road might be opened from Ringwood into the clove, about a mile below Galloways, along the e[a]st side of Tucksets pond. This will be a shorter route from Morris Town to New-Windsor —You will therefore be pleased to mark out the road, and make the proper communication to Lord Stirling that it may be carried into execution. I am Df , in James McHenry’s...