52531To Thomas Jefferson from Gideon Fitz, 31 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you will not think it strange that I have taken this way of communicating to you my situation, idieas & wishes at this time; when you come to know and consider the true cause why I have taken such measures or method it has been a thing impres’d on my mind for some considerable time and I still found it to increase. nature has bless’d me with so small a share of eloqunce or gift of...
52532To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 31 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
this letter will be presented by General Bernadotte one of our first rate Generals, and most undaunted patriots. I know it is superfluous to introduce to you the man who by the éclat, the number, and the importance of his military atchievements, has so highly contributed to the successes and the glory of the late war. but I feel a heartfelt pleasure to think, and of course to say, that while...
52533To Thomas Jefferson from Louis Pio, 31 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Permettez moi, que pour la quatrième ou cinquième fois je vous présente mes hommages respectueux et fasse Le Ciel au moins, que cette fois-ci ma Lettre Vous parvienne sous les yeux! Malgré quatorze années d’éloignement je conserve, et je conserverai toute ma vie ces mêmes sentimens que Vous même Vous m’avez inspirés. Vous Vous rappellerez sans doute, monsieur, les premieres Leçons, que Vous...
52534From James Madison to Richard O’Brien, 30 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of the Navy, to whose Department the transmission of the Articles for Algiers has lately been transferred has given orders for collecting the maritime stores and other articles, the lists of which you have transmitted, with the exception only of the powder, on which as there would be a loss of two or three ⅌ Cent it is not believed that the occasion demands such a sacrifice,...
52535To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, [30 March] 1803 (Madison Papers)
In my numerous letters of late Date you will percieve the state of our affairs here & as many copies of the Order to the Intendant have sailed we have little doubt that some must be now near you. After I had accomplished the business of obtaining the Order to restore things to their former situation I then made a verbal requisition to the Secretary of State for indemnification for the Damages...
52536Circular Letter from the American Board of Agriculture, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
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...
52537To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803 , “ U. S Ship Chesapeake Gibraltar Bay .” No. 3. Notes that his last dispatch informed JM of transactions at Tunis; he now communicates those at Algiers. He and Morris arrived in the bay of Algiers on the evening of 19 Mar. and found there a French frigate whose commander informed them that Mustafa Dey had not declared war on France, as they had been told at Tunis, and that the...
52538To James Madison from Levett Harris, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803, Philadelphia. Received his commission as consul to Rotterdam with documents pertaining to the appointment by the last mail. Replied on 25 Mar. [not found] to JM’s letter of 14 Mar. [not found] requesting him to decide between Rotterdam and St. Petersburg so that when the president returned from Virginia no delay would arise if the president saw fit to change the appointment. “As...
52539To James Madison from William E. Hũlings, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803, New Orleans. “I address’d you on the 27th. day of this mo. by the Brig Vanilla, Capt. McNeal Via Baltimore, and inform’d you that the Colinial [ sic ] Prefect had arrived.… He has address’d a piece to the Louisianians—in which he promises to make them happy, and preserve peace with their neighbours. I have not been able to obtain a copy yet, but will send you one in a few days.”...
52540To James Madison from William Riggin, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803, Trieste. Transmits a copy of his 26 Feb. dispatch and encloses copies of his 3 Mar. letter to the secretary of state for foreign affairs and the official acceptance of his appointment as U.S. consul, which he received 29 Mar. and “by which you will please to observe the delay has been owing to the representations made to this Government by Mr. Lamson.” Will forward the bond...
52541To James Madison from Smith & Ridgway, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803, Philadelphia. “We take the liberty of inclosing you a Letter, from Jacob Ridgway, a partner of our House, now residing at Antwerp,… soliciting the appointment of the Consulate of Antwerp; he having been informed, that a vacancy is likely to take place there. We have requested the favour of a few of our friends here, to inform you respecting the Character he bears in this place....
52542To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 30 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1803, Philadelphia. Has been directed by Hawkesbury “to present to you the inclosed account of provisions furnished at Gibraltar to the American Ship of war President and Enterprize Schooner towards the close of the year 1801, and to request that the American Government will be pleased to order the payment of it.” Understands from Commodore Dale, who is in Philadelphia and “has a...
52543To James Madison from Thomas Thompson, 30 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 30 March 1803, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Acknowledged in Brent to Thompson, 12 Apr. 1803 (DNA: RG 59, DL, vol. 14), as a request for payment. Brent wrote that Thompson’s account had been adjusted at the treasury “some time since” and $211.60 would be sent to him. On 11 Jan. 1803 Thompson had written to Gallatin that he had been instructed in a letter from the State...
52544To 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...
52545To James Madison from William E. Hũlings, 30 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
I address’d you on the 27th. day of this Mo. by the Brig Vanilla, Capt. McNeal Via Baltimore, and inform’d you that the Colinial Prefect had arrived. He has address’d a piece to the Louisianians—in which he promises to make them happy, and preserve peace with their neighbours. I have not been able to obtain a copy yet, but will send you one in a few days. The deposit continues rigidly shut,...
52546To James Madison from William Riggin, 30 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
I had this honor on the 26 Ulto. a copy of which is annexed. On the 3d. Inst. I addressed the Secretary of State for foreign affairs a copy of which I have also the honor of inclosing you, and yesterday the acceptation of my appointment as Consul of the United States, was notified to me in due form, a copy of which notification I herewith inclose for your perusal, by which you will please to...
52547To Thomas Jefferson from “A Democrat”, 30 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with great respect I offer to your patronage the following lines; In doing this I recognize the right you have to every tribute that a nation can pay to Patriotic virtue. You took your position at a very critical period and while your exertions had baffled the hopes of all foreign invaders, you were not inattentive to the domestic right of your Country. The spirit excited in you have...
52548To Alexander Hamilton from John V. Henry, 29 March 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Albany, March 29, 1803. Henry’s endorsement on Hamilton’s letter to him of March 20, 1803 , reads: “Recd 26 ⟨ansd⟩ 29 ⅌ mail.” Letter not found. ]
52549To James Madison from William E. Hũlings, 29 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you a few day[s] ago, via New York and inform’d you that the French Colonial Prefect was in the River. He arrived in town on Saturday last in the afternoon, and was received with great eclat. I have not yet seen him; I purpose to call on him in a day or two. Genl. Victor is expected here in twenty or thirty days, until then the Spanish Governt. will continue it’s authority. I heard...
52550To James Madison from David Humphreys, 29 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 March 1803, New York. “In compliance with a request from Mr. Thomas Bulkeley of Lisbon, now conducting the Commercial House of Messrs John Bulkeley & Son, I have the honour to forward to you the enclosed letter, which has just come to my hand. The subject of the claim of that House on the Department of State being so fully explained, I cannot doubt that a satisfactory arrangement will be...
52551To Thomas Jefferson from William Bache, 29 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at this place on the 27th. of this month and finding the government occupied in the reception of Mr Laussat , Colonial Prefect, who had arrived two days before, I delay’d presenting myself to the Governor by the advice of Mr Hulings Mr Clarke being absent on a visit to the Natchez. Mr Hulings, tho he has been in possession of a copy of Mr Clarkes letter to the Secy of the Treasury of...
52552To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Clay, 29 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been informed that Mr. John Harrison of this City has been named to you as a person proper to fill the vacancy in the Commission of Bankrupts, occasioned by the death of Mr. Vancleve. I know of no gentleman in Philadelphia whose appointment would in my opinion give more satisfaction, not only to the Republicans generally, but also to the present Commissioners . Mr. Harrison’s character...
52553From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 29 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday your’s of the 17th. suggesting the sending into the Mediterranean the Constitution or the Philadelphia to overawe the Barbary powers. our plan of keeping one or two frigates there with 4. schooners was concluded on great & general consideration, on the supposition that war with Tripoli alone would go on. your letter suggests no new fact changing the state of things. I...
52554To James Madison from Bushrod Washington, 28 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Forsyth’s treatise which you were so polite as to lend me, I brought as far as Alexa, with an intention of returning it as I passed thro’ the City, but in the hurry which an unexpected call of the stage occasioned, the book was forgotten. I wrote last night from George town to request it might be sent on to you today, but lest this may not have been done, I forward you a Copy from this place....
52555To James Madison from Rufus King, 28 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 March 1803, London. No. 88. “My No. 86. [19 Mar. 1803] communicated the tenour of Lord Hawkesbury’s Note of the 15. to the French Ambassador: the conclusion of the Note refers to the demand of France for the evacuation of Malta and declares ‘that the King cannot consent to its evacuation unless substantial security be provided for those objects which in present circumstances would be...
52556To James Madison from John Mitchell, 28 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 March 1803, Le Havre. Thinking it interesting to the U.S. to be informed of European events, sends an extract of a 26 Mar. letter received from Paris which notes: “I think War inevitable, the Dutch Troops &c that went to take possession of the Cape good hope Are made Prisoners, that is, they are allowed to Land Under many restrictions and not to take the Country under their Government. A...
52557To James Madison from James Simpson, 28 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 March 1803, Tangier. No. 55. States that he kept his dispatch no. 53 [24 Dec. 1802] , awaiting Captain Murray’s arrival, until 2 Feb., when Captain Campbell of the Adams took charge of it together with no. 54 [31 Jan. 1803]. A severe eastern gale prevented Murray from calling at Tangier, but Campbell assured Simpson the letters would be forwarded safely. The emperor is still at Morocco but...
52558To James Madison from John Mitchell, 28 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Thinking it interesting to the United States, to be informed of What is passing in Europe, I have taken the Liberty to send you an Extract of a Letter I have recd. from Paris of 26 inst. "I think War inevitable. The Dutch Troops &c that went to take posession of the Cape good hope Are Made Prisoners, that is, they are allowed to Land Under Many restrictions and not to take the Country under...
52559To James Madison from James Simpson, 28 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
No. 53 dated 24th. Decemr, laid by me waiting Captain Murrays arrival untill the 2d. Febr. when Captain Campbell of the Adams took charge of it, put up with No. 54 which I had the honour of writing you on the 31st. Jany. A severe Gale at East which then raged, prevented Captain Murray calling in this Bay, but Capt. Campbell assured me the Packet would be forwarded by a safe conveyance. His...
52560From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 28 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 21st. came to hand on the 25th. I now return the letters of Thornton & Muhlenberg with entire approbation of your answers. I am in all cases for liberal conduct towards other nations, believing that the practice of the same friendly feelings & generous dispositions which attach individuals in private life will attach societies on the large scale, which are composed of individuals....
52561To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 March 1803 , “ Near Natchez .” Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 14 Feb. letter with its enclosure on the evening of 24 Mar. Forwarded the New Orleans packet to Hũlings by express on 25 Mar. “It is reported that several french Officers have arrived at Orleans and Certain information received of the sailing of the fleet with the army for Louisiana.” He will learn if the report is true when the...
52562From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
The chart from which the enclosed was copied is contained in a collection made for the Department of State by Arrowsmith of London. The soundings and other minute circumstances, relative to the northern coast of the Bay of Mexico and the Islands situated in it, have induced the belief that it may prove serviceable to you. With very great respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obed....
52563From James Madison to James Simpson, 26 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since my letter of the 22d of August, I wrote you one dated in October, supposed to be on the 21st but of which no copy is now found in the office: I therefore request you to return me a copy of it. I have now to acknowledge the rece[i]pt of your numbers from 47 to 52 both inclusive. All your Bills have been honored as they appeared: and on the 9th of November last Messr[s] Bird, Savage & Bird...
52564From James Madison to John Page, 26 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 March 1803, Washington. “General Muhlenberg the collector at Philada. informs me that a Box containing a Model, and addressed to Governor Monroe has been left at the Custom house there by a vessel which lately arrived. He wishes to know in what manner he is to dispose of it. Presuming that the address was meant for the Govr. of Virginia, I take the liberty of giving you this information,...
52565To James Madison from Samuel Coleman, 26 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 March 1803, Richmond. “The inclosed was opened here on a presumption that it might be a publick letter. As it is found to be a private one I have deemed it proper to forward it to you who will be the best judge of the propriety of forwarding it to Mr. Monroe or of doing for him in the Case what it is likely he would do had he have been here & received it himself.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Enclosure...
52566To James Madison from Edward Thornton, 26 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 March 1803, Philadelphia. Encloses a copy of a letter from Hawkesbury to Colonel Barclay, consul general for the eastern states, authorizing him to commission John Bernard Gilpin vice-consul for Rhode Island and Connecticut. Barclay, who is presently in Great Britain, “was not aware, that the usual mode pursued on similar occasions has been to issue a commission in the name of the Consul...
52567From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 26 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On recurring to my papers here, I find I had overlooked an order of Moran & Mattox for £16–8–9=54.70½ D paid by me to John H. Craven, and consequently that my order sent you in favor of Moran Feb. 8. was that much over the balance due from me to him. if therefore he has not drawn all his money from you, be so good as to consider this as a counterdemand of 54.70½. D part of which you had been...
52568From Thomas Jefferson to John B. Magruder, 26 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved your note informing me of your mistake between the beech and birch. still however I must ask the favor of you to exert yourself and get for me all the beech you can, in breadths of 3½ Inches & of 7. Inches, and to do it immediately and give me information as soon as done. Accept my best wishes. PrC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “Mr. Magruder”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso. John Bowie...
52569From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 25 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 March 1803, Department of State, Washington. Asks that a warrant for $2,520 be issued on the appropriation for the relief of seamen in favor of James Davidson, Jr., assignee of George W. Erving. Davidson holds a bill of exchange drawn by Erving, who is to be charged on the treasury books. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p.
52570To James Madison from Rufus King, 25 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 March 1803, London. No. 87. “Baron Silverhjelm, the Swedish Envoy, after mentioning once or twice that he had received orders to explain to me for the information of the President, the motives which had influenced Sweden to make peace with Tripoli, some days since called upon me, and for this purpose read me the Instructions which he had received from his Government. I suggested to him that...
52571To James Madison from Jacob Latting, 25 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 25 March 1803, New York. Acknowledged in Wagner to Latting, 29 Mar. 1803 (DNA: RG 59, DL, vol. 14), as an inquiry about claims against Spain.
52572From Thomas Jefferson to James Walker, 25 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I find it to be the opinion of mr Lilly that having hired an extraordinary force for the year he shall be able to compleat the canal for my mill this summer. I have contracted with mr Hope to build the mill houses for both the small & large mills. the smaller one he will begin immediately. I must therefore ask of you to come over without delay and mark out the site of both. if you come before...
52573To John Adams from Isaiah Thomas, 24 March 1803 (Adams Papers)
You will pardon my boldness, for my freedom in so often troubling you—but I thought you would have the Curiosity to peruse one of the Greatest Wonders of the Age—It is an Oration, said to be written by the Son of him, who would ransom a second time turn our Churches into brothels —& who wrote in legible characters, " will ransom our freedom a second time from the hands of the Opulent !"—This...
52574To James Madison from Daniel Clark, 24 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
I came to this place two days since to confer with the Governor of the Territory & Genl. Wilkinson on the approaching Changes in Louisiana & to communicate to them such intelligence as I had procured of the views of the French with respect to us. On my way up I met a Doctor Watkins formerly of Kentucky now of St. Louis at the Ilinois who returned last Year to the U. S from France where as well...
52575To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 24 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
The question of war yet remains undetermined my letters from Mr. King of the 18th lead me to believe as well as my persuasion of the present System of politicks in England that war will come Soon. Here there is an earnest & Sincere desire to avoid it as well in the Government as the people. I enclosed in my last a note to the Minister. Some days after I called upon him & he told me an answer...
52576To James Madison from William Buchanan, 24 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 March 1803, Île de France. “I have the pleasure to inclose you a return, of the American Vessels, which have arrived at this Port, during the last six months of the year 1802 [not found], by which you will perceive, that the intercourse between the United States and this Island, has been very inconsiderable during that period. Since the Peace no change has taken place in the commercial...
52577To James Madison from George W. Erving, 24 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 March 1803, London. Assumes JM is anxious “at this very critical & important moment” to receive all possible information and opinions on the question of war between Great Britain and France. “The general apprehension here, & the vigorous preparations which are going on, would lead one to suppose that the British government Either considered war as inevitable, or were determined upon it; but...
52578To James Madison from James Maury, 24 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 March 1803, Liverpool. Last wrote on 25 Feb. , since which time “the alarm of war has occasioned a great press for Seamen.” Many Americans, probably confident of a continuation of the peace, do not have certificates of citizenship and are therefore in a position “which exposes them to impressment.” Writes to suggest the propriety of recommending that no American seamen leave home without...
52579To James Madison from William Buchanan, 24 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to inclose you a return, of the American Vessels, which have arrived at this Port, during the last six months of the year 1802, by which you will perceive, that the intercourse between the United States and this Island, has been very inconsiderable during that period. Since the Peace no change has taken place in the commercial regulations of this Island, and from letters...
52580To James Madison from James Maury, 24 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
I had the Honor to write to you on the 25th. Ultimo. since which the alarm of war has occasioned a great press for Seamen. Many of ours, confident, as I s uppose, in the Continuance of peace had not taken the pre caution before leaving home, to be furnished with regular documents of Citizenship, which exposes them to impressment. The purport of this is to submit to you the propriety of giving...