28801To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 9 September 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 September 1803 , “ US. frigate Adams at sea .” “In my last communication of the 30th. Ulto., I had the Honor to inform you of my departure from Leghorn on the 27th. do., on board the U.S frigate Adams, and to promise you a detail of our opperations in relation to our affairs with the Regency of Tunis, which I now have the Honor to transmit, for the information of government.… “Friday Sept:...
28802To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 8 October 1807 (Madison Papers)
It has been contended i n this Consulate by Several Masters of Vessels, that Seamen left onshore in consequence of wounds or s ickness ought of right to be maintain’d at the co st of the United States and that consequently t hey have no right to pay three months wages i n advance to Seamen So discharged, & State as a re ason that those Seamen pay Hospital money to the United States As I would...
28803To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 5 September 1815 (Madison Papers)
On my return from Phila. I was hond. with your communication of the 16th. Ulto. & found that Mrs. Cathcart had given an order for the delivery of the wine to the person whom you directed to receive it, & according to your request I now inclose the acct. of cost & charges amt, $1696.33/100. I have taken passage in the Brig Savage for Gibraltar on my way to Cadiz where I mean to establish myself...
28804To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 21 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
I was honor’d by the receipt of Yrs enclosing an Act pass’d on the 6th. of Feby. for the protection of the commerce & seamen of the United States of America on the 16th. inst. The communications therin mentioned I have not receiv’d probably owing to their bulk, as Mr. Gavino informs me that he has some Pamphlets for me which he intends to forward by sea. I enclose a copy of my dispatch No. 8:...
28805To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 29 November 1802 (Madison Papers)
On the 12th: of October I had the honor to be presented, with yours of the 18th: of April and 10th: of May last, by Commodore Morris. No. 1 and 2 of the enclosures, will give you our latest intelligence from Tripoli. No. 3 Contains my Opinion relative to the Measures most proper to be adopted in the present crisis. And No. 4 will inform you the terms on which Sweden has concluded a Seperate...
28806James Leander Cathcart to Thomas Jefferson, 27 August 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
After a lapse of more than fourteen years , permit me most respectfully to enquire, how do you enjoy your health? and to hope that it may be long preserved in as perfect a state as I have ever wish’d it to be in— Vicissitude my good Sir marks all human events! and how many of them have I experienced since I first had the honor of your personal acquaintance in 1796: then just return’d from a...
28807To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 22 June 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 June 1803, Leghorn . No. 7. Has heard nothing of the capture of Smith by the last post from Naples, only that the Prudent , Captain Crowninshield, has departed. “From an almost uninterrupted series of misfortunes which literally commenced before I was born & seems to be assiduous in persecuting me through life I have become naturally credulous in believing reports which excite sensibility &...
28808To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 5 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform You th at on the 25: Jany Admiral Duckworth’s Squadron hove into sight, composed of the Ships named at foot, in chase of th e Rochford Squadron of Six Sail of the Line & Frigates, who h ad Escaped their Vigilance in a Gale of Wind, and Supposing th ey were a head of them hove too. The Comus Frigate arrived t he 26th. at Night from Terceira, and had been chased by a...
28809To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 30 November 1803 (Madison Papers)
I arrived here in the United States Brig Siren on the 12th: inst: & on the 14th: I got practique in consequence of having landed immediately at the Lazzaretto, & my writing a note to General La Vilette the Tuscan Governor of Leghorn with whom I am personally acquainted, the Brig was quarantined for some days longer in a similar manner that the Adams was last May of which you are no doubt...
28810To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 21 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed are my accts. of disbursments & acct. curt. and likewise a quintuple of Mr. Leon Farfara’s acct. for cash & bills paid in lieu of the stores stipulated by the treaty between the United States and this Regency & likewise for the Brig Sophia promised to the Bashaw by Captn. OBrien when said treaty was concluded, The contingent expencis ammounted to 1500 dollars, the whole sum paid by me...
28811To Thomas Jefferson from James Leander Cathcart, 19 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
In the month of Augt. 1805 I done myself the honor to address you on the subject of future employment, I have ceased to importune you ever since being convinced that it is impossible for every applicant to meet with the encouragement he may expect, & probably no vacancy has offer’d that I could with propriety have applied for until the present moment. The motive of the present application is...
28812To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 10 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 10 August 1806, Boston. “I had the honor to write to you yesterday informing you that I had pitch’d upon the Ship two Brothers of Salem to carry Mella Menni out in: she is a fast sailer has a bulwark pierced with twelve ports exactly like the Franklin which might be lined in little time & at small expense & would then make a very good appearance. It occurs to me...
28813To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 7 August 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that I arrived in this City last Monday, & a few days afterwards heard that your Exy: had left orders for a Commission to be made out for me as Consul genl, resident at Cadiz, this intelligence was very grateful to my feelings in a double point of view, as it indicated that I still retaind a portion of your confidence & esteem, & promised the pecuniary means of...
28814To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
On the 31st. of Jany. the United States Ship Washington arrived here from Tunis and Naples & sail’d in a few days with all the merchant vessels under her convoy that were ready to depart. We have since heard of her safe arrival at Mersailles. The President has been thoroughly repair’d at Toulon & has sail’d for Gibraltar, I presume to await the arrival of the other squadron which we expect...
28815To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 26 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that on the 23d. Inst. this Island was returnd to its former Masters, and on the 24th. the Portuguese Flag, was displayed on all the Fortifications. The Civil Government w ill be administerd by the Portuguese Governor & Council as heretofore, but the British Troops are to be continued here to protect This Colony, consequently will re main in Possession of all the...
28816To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 16 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 May 1801, Tripoli. No. 6. Recounts further deterioration in U.S.-Tripolitan relations since 19 Apr. Reports pasha’s ceremonial declaration of war, when U.S. flagstaff was cut down. Encloses letter to pasha of 26 Apr. and message of 11 May protesting war threats and treatment of U.S. flag. Has reached an agreement (copy enclosed) with Danish consul, who will tend to American affairs,...
28817To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 15 June 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 15 June 1806, Philadelphia. “I receiv’d your favor of the 10th. inst. in course of post, & since have been constantly employ’d in the execution of the duties assign’d me: The Ambassador has seen every thing worthy notice in this City & its environs, & I had proposed to leave town on monday morning but am prevented by the eclipse which renders it improper to...
28818To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 8 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
I am extremely happy to inform you that the report of the capture of Mr. Smith has proved to be false. He arrived safe at Malta, as did the ship Prudent on which he was supposed to have taken passage at Messina. All well. A respectable merchant at Genoa by last post gave his correspondent here the following intelligence, Viz. By an arrival from Tunis we are inform’d that the Dey of Algeirs...
28819To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 28 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 28 August 1806, Boston. “I am happy to inform you that Mr. Mella Menni has changed his conduct since he has return’d, his politeness at present can only be equal’d by his inconsistency; he has promised to pay for the Merchandize which I had purchased by his order, the Schooner with the Guns &ce. has arrived & at present I am in hopes to be enabled to inform you...
28820To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 27 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 March 1804, Leghorn. No. 6. Encloses copies of letters from Preble and Mathieu and his replies. “I shall depart for Naples to join the Come: in the morning & will remain with the Squadron as long as he may think it necessary; In a former communication I observ’d that I did not conceive it good policy to send the Consul general to Tunis & Tripoli even if practicable which is doubtful it...
28821To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 30 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
My last dispatch inform’d you of our transactions at Tunis. I have now the honor to communicat e those at Algiers. On the 19th. in the evening we arriv’d in thi s Bay where we found a French Frigate whose Commander inform’d us, that the Dey of Algiers had not declar’d War against France as we were inform’d at Tunis that their boat was on Shore in order to accommodate matters amicably if...
28822To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 20 January 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 January 1804, Leghorn. Has drawn on JM for $5,250 in favor of Anthony Dugan for $5,000 cash received from Dugan at 5 percent discount, “said sum to be applied for the relief of the Officers & crew of the United States (late) Frigate the Philadelphia now in Captivity in Tripoli, which I request you to honor & have placed to my acct: until final settlement.” “Mr: Dugan acting as Agent for his...
28823To John Adams from James Leander Cathcart, 12 March 1822 (Adams Papers)
Pardon the liberty I take, after so great a lapse of time, to obtrude myself on your retirement, but having had the honor to be usher’d into public life by your patronage & that of the immortal Washington, & having received my first Commission from you in 1797 I think that it will not be unpleasing to you that I have not dishonor’d the preference that was given to me, in a time when we were...
28824To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 3 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
Enclosures No. 1: 2: 3, are letters which I have receiv’d since my last from Tripoli. No. 3 informs us of the Bashaws great desire to come upon terms which he may suppose to be favorable to us, but from the stile of the letter it is pretty evident that he still expects we will purchase our peace. I am really at a loss how to act for want of knowing the pleasure of government, not having...
28825To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 22 March 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit for your Excellency’s perusal the most correct information obtainable of the actual state of Spain & its government when I left Cadiz in February last, & have only to add that a few days prior to my departure General OReilly took passage in a merchant vessel bound to Lima in order to take the command in chief of all King Ferdinands forces in Peru & its...
28826To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 7 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to inform yo u that this morning an American Vessel from the Streights came into this Roads, but did not anchor She was boarded from the British Guard Ship, the Officer of which reported t hat the Captain had informed him that the Emperor of Morroca had declared War against t he United States of America & that he had to uched at this Port merely to land a Letter for t he...
28827To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 20 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 20 August 1806, Boston. “By the above copy of my letter to Mr. Smith of this date you will be inform’d of an uncontemplated embarrassment which has occur’d since my last letter to you; I have no other opinion to offer upon the subject but what is therein contain’d, & as the transaction & its result seems to depend in some measure upon both departments, I await...
28828Bill of Exchange from James Leander Cathcart, 17 August 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 August 1810, Madeira. The amount of £249 sterling ($1,106.67) is to be paid to James Latimer of Philadelphia. RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Endorsed on verso by JM, “October 8. 1810 / Accepted.”
28829To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 27 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor, to transmit for consideration and final settlement accompts & vouchers for disbursements made by me, since I have been in public service, they are properly arranged under separate heads of expenditure and carried down to the date thereof in such a manner, that the whole may be comprized under one point of view, which will considerably facilitate their Settlement, Mr. John...
28830To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 March 1804, Leghorn. No. 3. Encloses “a copy of my correspondence with Comodore Preble & others, since my last of the 1st: of February.” “I have not heard from Colonel Lear since I parted with him! but my anxiety has been in some measure reliev’d by Come. Preble’s letters, as the[y] inform me that he has receiv’d the sundry communications which I forwarded to him in the United States brig...
28831To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 24 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 July 1803, Leghorn . No. 9. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 9 Apr. circular , “enclosed with two letters from the President to the Bey of Tunis the one of the 14th: & the other of the 22nd: of April.” The commission for Tunis was not enclosed. Has taken passage on “a greek Polacca bound to Corfú whose master has agreed to land me at Malta.” Hopes to find U.S. warships there. Will execute the...
28832To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
By the enclosed dispatches—which I recd. yesterday from Mr. Eaton, & the duplicates of those already forwarded government will be inform’d of every transaction which has transpired since my last. I am exceedingly distress’d lest some of the Tripolines puts to sea as Mr. Eaton informs me that the enemys coast is abandon’d by our ships of War & that the whole Squadron has proceeded to Gibraltar...
28833To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 September 1802 (Madison Papers)
Having found an assistant I am enabled by this Post to forward the enclosed letter, and my answer to and from Mr: Nissen at Tripoli with my answer to his letter of the 8th: of July. I refer you to my dispatch No: 12. of last year dated September the 27th. 1801, for the reason which induced the Danish Comodore to adopt this pusillanimous conduct, he thinks he has effected a great deal by...
28834To 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...
28835To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 21 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 21 August 1806, Boston. “The annext copy of my letter to Mr. Smith of this date will inform you of our exact position, as I presume you are absent from the seat of Government I have profer’d this mode of communication in order to insure an answer from superior authority as soon as possible. I hope you will excuse my not addressing my letters direct to you as I...
28836To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 January 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 January 1804, Leghorn. No. 1. “I have receiv’d no intelligence since my last from our Squadron or any part of Barbary; I hope the intrigues of OBrien & Davis may not prove prejudicial to our affairs in those quarters for I have always been of opinion that Mr: OBrien was not sincere when he requested his recall, & the character which Davis has assumed will make him go any length to maintain...
28837To Thomas Jefferson from James Leander Cathcart, 5 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
James L. Cathcart presents his respects to Mr. Jefferson & begs leave to inform him that John Woodhouse is the name of the shiper of wine at Marsalla, & Thomas Dyson that of our Agent at Syracuse, with the Agent at Palermo Mr. C is unacquainted—As Mr. Jefferson I presume only wants a small quantity for his own use of the very best quality he respectfully recommends him to write to Mr. William...
28838To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 29 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 November 1802, Malta. No. 16. Acknowledges JM’s 18 Apr. and 10 May letters, received from Commodore Morris on 12 Oct. Enclosures nos. 1 and 2 will give JM the latest intelligence from Tripoli; no. 3 contains Cathcart’s opinions on the proper steps to take in the present crisis; and no. 4 shows the terms of a separate peace Sweden concluded and Danish and Dutch arrangements with Tripoli. “We...
28839To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 20 June 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since the date of the enclosed communications to our Consuls in Barbary nothing has transpired either to confirm or to contradict the report therein contain’d of the capture of Mr. Smith, which I most sincerely hope may turn out to be a similar one to that of McNiels engagement, neither have I heard any thing official from our squadron. It is however here reported that on board the Newyork...
28840To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 28 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
E’re you receive this the anxiety attending your re-election to the Chief Magistracy of the United States will be over, & as no doubt is entertain’d of your success, give me leave to congratulate you in anticipation of the happy result. By the return of my Schooner the Five Brothers from Portland Mr: Cobb inform’d me that a deduction of eighteen per centum was made from the bill I drew upon...
28841To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 August 1802, Leghorn. No. 10. Has received circulars from Gibraltar announcing the Moroccan declaration of war against the U.S. “By my Circular of the 11th. of Septr. 1801 copy’s of which were forwarded to the Department of State and to Comodore Dale I foresaw this event, & I hope I will not be thought presumptuous should I assert that it might have been prevented.” Encloses Simpson’s answer...
28842To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 4 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
This day I have taken the liberty to draw upon you in favor of John Shaw Esqr. Commander of the United States Ship Washington for the sum of four hundred & fifty three dollars nine cents payable upon sight, which sum you will please to pay & place it to my acct. until final settlement & by so doing you will very much oblige Sir Yr: very hble Servt. Pt. St. Nothing has taken place since my last...
28843To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 13 August 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 13 August 1806, Boston. “I have this inst. receiv’d the enclosed papers [not found], independent of which the passengers are to be supplied with ships provisions, and births are to be built for them to keep them seperate from the people, at the expense of the owners. “I had every arrangement made to haul the Two Brothers alongside the Franklin on yesterday...
28844To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 15 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
I cant find words expressive of my feelings when I contemplate the national consequences attending the capture of the brig Franklin. Had those pirates got her crew safe into Tripoli it would have reduced us nearly to the same humiliating situation that the Swedes are in. As it is, it proves that we cannot evade the depredations of the most insignificant cruisers of the most insignificant...
28845To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 28 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
Permit me the honor to forward for your perusal the enclosed papers which will inform you of the trifling occurrences since my last. We are amazingly fortunate that none of our merchant vessels have been captured as one of the Tripoline Cruisers has been as far to the westward as Carthagene. At this inst. the President is at Toulon the Washington is at Naples the Philadelphia is stationed off...
28846To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 23 June 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that I arrived in Funchal roads on the 18th: inst: in 28 days from Washington & 24 from the Capes after a passage so very pleasant that we never handed out top galt: sails but once during the whole time On my arrival I found that the Gentleman who was encharged with our affairs by the Governor had gone to another part of the Island upon a party of pleasure. I...
28847To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 6 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 November 1801, Leghorn. No. 13. Transmits dispatches received on 5 Nov. from Eaton and duplicates of earlier ones already forwarded. Is distressed at news from Eaton that U.S. squadron had gone to Gibraltar and left enemy coast unguarded; hopes at least one frigate will have returned. U.S. citizens trading at Leghorn complain of lack of protection, no warship having appeared at Leghorn since...
28848To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 14 August 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From James Leander Cathcart. 14 August 1805, Washington . “It is some time since I had the honor to promise you document[s] to substantiate the justice of some personal remarks dispersed through the numerous communications which I have had the honor to transmit to the Department of State, The liquidation of my Accounts prevented me from presenting them prior to their final Settlement,...
28849To Thomas Jefferson from James Leander Cathcart, [1 May 1805] (Jefferson Papers)
James L. Cathcart presents his respects to Mr. Jefferson and requests him to accept a few Flower seeds & fruit kernels from Italy— RC ( DLC ); partially dated; endorsed by TJ as received 2 May 1805 and so recorded in SJL . James Leander Cathcart (1767-1843) emigrated from his native Ireland as a young child. He served briefly as a midshipman on a Continental frigate but was taken prisoner by...
28850To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 15 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 July 1802, Leghorn. No. 9. Cannot find “words expressive of my feelings” about the capture of the brig Franklin by the Tripolitans. “It proves that we cannot evade the depredations of the most insignificant cruisers of the most insignificant Barbary State. What? after the pains that had been taken to defeat the projects of the Bashaw of Tripoli … had been attended with success … & we were...