To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 April 1804
From James Madison
Washington Apl. 12. 1804.
Dear Sir
Inclosed herewith are the letters last recd from Mr. Pinkney, with some communications from the Mediterranean, and from the Comissrs under the 7th. art: of the British Treaty. The capture by Capt: Preble was in some respects very apropos; but is there not danger that it may give umbrage to the Grand Seignor?
I have nothing to add but assurances of my respectful attachment.
James Madison
Not knowing the address of Derrieux, I take the liberty of inclosing it. The address can be ascertained doubtless among some of his friends About Charlotesville
RC (DLC); at foot of text: “The President”; endorsed by TJ as received from the State Department on 16 Apr. and “lres” and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: John Trumbull and others to Madison, 23 Feb., from London, informing Madison that the board formed to adjudicate claims under the Jay Treaty has completed its duties; the authors enclose an extract from the board’s journal and two orders of the board concerning copies of the board’s journal and the return of surplus funds to Great Britain and the United States (, 6:505-6). For other enclosures, see below.
Madison was likely enclosing letters of 12 Dec. 1803 and 10 and 24 Jan. 1804 from Charles Pinckney. All three primarily concerned Pinckney’s efforts to smooth over difficulties with Spain arising from the cession of Louisiana to the United States and to prepare the way for negotiations over Florida. Pinckney also enclosed communications related to the loss of the Philadelphia (same, 6:161-2, 316, 332-3, 379-85; 7:37).
For the seizure by Edward preble of a ketch bound for Constantinople, see Vol. 42:354-6; TJ to Madison, 15 Apr.
Madison likely needed the address of J. P. P. Derieux in order to forward two letters sent from France (, 7:506-7).