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...
52581To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Vaughan, 24 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In the travels of Tournefort , Vol. 1. 4to. edition, there are two chapters containing the description of Constantinople; & in one of them is a brief statement, that the Turkish gallies are there housed. Whether they are kept in wet or dry dock’s, I forget; for I now write remote from my books.—In Snodgrass’s folio letter to Mr. Dundas, printed some years since, you will find that the building...
52582Hannah Phillips Cushing to Abigail Adams, 23 March 1803 (Adams Papers)
It was my intention when I left Boston to have written to you as soon as my spirits were in some measure composed for the death of my much loved Brother, who, I little thought when we last met, had closed his eyes forever on this World, which at once has blasted all those pleasing hopes & desires, of again seeing each other, & of holding sweet converse together. It was the heighth of my...
52583From Alexander Hamilton to Richard Hartshorne, [23 March 1803] (Hamilton Papers)
I understand that our Supreme Court has decided that the Plaintiff is liable to the Sheriff for his poundage. The agents of Mr. Sansom are therefore to pay the above. ALS , Columbia University Libraries. Hartshorne, a New York City merchant, was acting as agent for Philip Sansom, a London merchant, who was bringing suit against the New York mercantile firm of Robert Murray and Company. In 1796...
52584To James Madison from William E. Hũlings, 23 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 March 1803, New Orleans. “I have this day been inform’d by Mr. Morales that the French Prefect for this Colony is in the River and will probably be in town tomorrow.” The governor’s son and some of the officers have gone to meet him. “No change whatever has yet taken place in what relates to the American Interests.” General Victor is expected to arrive in May. “He will arrive in a bad...
52585To James Madison from William E. Hũlings, 23 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have this day been inform’d by Mr. Morales that the French Prefect for this Colony is in the River, and will probably be in town tomorrow. The Govers. son and some of the Officers have gone to meet him. No change whatever has yet taken place in what relates to the American Interests. Genl. Victor is expected to be here in May. He will arrive in a bad Season, and much Mortality may be...
52586To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 23 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
We the Cetticences of this territory, the liberty to trouble your Excelince to read these few lines the thing that imboldinges us is from your well known Philinthrophy it is natural for subjects to Pettion their suverion & as much natural for children to Petition their father when agrieved or in want our Grevence At this time is Great Jacibine Plots & Spanish intrigue awats us Daly our sincere...
52587To Thomas Jefferson from Abraham Hargis, 23 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
when I troubled you before with some lines on publick business, I did not expect to have troubled you with any more as I presume you have enough to employ all your time—But Sir necessity being the mother of invenshan & Self preservation the first Law of nature—I hope you will pardon my preasent address—as I am persuaded that my salary is lower than the labour deserves & lower than any other...
52588From Thomas Jefferson to Levi Lincoln, 23 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I now return you the papers recieved in yours of the 15th. inst. with thanks for the perusal, and sincere congratulations on the pleasure you must experience from the possession of a son whose talents afford a prospect not less comfortable to his family than promising to his country. amid the dreary prospect of a rising generation committed from their infancy to the education of bigotted &...
52589From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 23 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 10th. came to hand two days ago only. I will carry with me to Washington the whole bundle of your papers, so as to be able to put into your hands any particulars of them. I informed you in my last that in the first week of this month 500. D. would be left in mr Barnes’s hands for you, and the same sum monthly until the whole of my balance should be paid up. I am disabled from...
52590From James Madison to Charles Pinckney, 22 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
In your letter of the 10th of October which is only now come to hand, you inclose the accounts of Mr. Young and Yznardi, observing that you had admitted them. It is hardly necessary to intimate to you, that vouchers are necessary in all possible cases to support such accounts, and it is hoped that you have exacted them accordingly: but it is clear that most of the items charged in Mr Youngs...
52591To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 22 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 17th. is recieved. I concur in your ideas that the request from the Bey of Tunis of a frigate of 36. guns should be complaisantly refused. I think the greatest dispatch should be used in sending either the gun carriages or money to Simpson for the emperor of Marocco, and the stores to Algiers; &, if you approve it, the powder on account : or perhaps it would be better to authorise...
52592From James Madison to John Leonard, 22 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 March 1803, Washington. “I duly recd. your letter of the 17th. in consequence of which you will receive by tomorrow’s mail the despatches for Mr. Pinkney, of which I wish you to take charge. The letter to him herein inclosed [not found] is a private one giving you the introduction desired.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1801–9, filed under “Leonard”). 1 p.
52593To James Madison from William Eaton, 22 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 March 1803 , “ At Sea .” Notes that the enclosed reflection was not intended to be communicated, being only the ideas noted in a memorandum on the passage from Tunis to Algiers. “On Mr. OBrien’s coming on board he seemed somewhat surprised at seeing me. I stated to him, as correctly as possible in a few words, the cause and manner of my leaving Tunis.” O’Brien said the Sahib-at-Taba had...
52594To James Madison from William Eaton, 22 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
The reflection herewith enclosed was not intended to be communicated: it being but an occurrence of ideas which occupied my mind on the passage from Tunis to Algiers, and which I noted by way of memorandum. On Mr. OBrien’s coming on board, he seemed somewhat surprised at seeing me. I stated to him, as correctly as possible in a few words, the cause and manner of my leaving Tunis. He said it...
52595To Thomas Jefferson from John Brightthought, 22 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
to you that are interested in the public Welfare of your Country Whose greattest Ambition is to reas larning and genious to its greatest perfection and whose prinsiples is to reward merrit and incurage the Arts of Manufacturing our own Country produce in All its Various branches A Spechely this Branch of Business that is At A low ebb in our Country Namely Manufacturing of Cotton And printting...
52596To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas S. Cavender, 22 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
As I believe you to be a republican and Gentleman I believe you will not consider Poverty as a barrier I have taken the liberty to inform you that when I Preached that Superstitious Trinitarian Doctrine I had friends and Money at will, but Since I have Preached as a Unitarian and Republican I have not only Suffered for want of friends but Suffered for want of common Subsistence and Still mean...
52597From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 22 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 17th is recieved. I concur in your ideas that the request from the Bey of Tunis of a frigate of 36. guns should be complaisantly refused. I think the greatest dispatch should be used in sending either the guncarriages or money to Simpson for the emperor of Marocco, and the stores to Algiers; &, if you approve it, the powder on account : or perhaps it would be better to authorise...
52598To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Tichenor, 22 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with your request of the 25th. of last month , I herewith enclose a Return of the Militia of this State—It will give me pleasure to communicate to our Legislature the Sentiments and principles expressed in your address on the Subject of our Militia—And you may be assured, that my official & personal influence will be exerted, to render the Militia of this State, a sure &...
52599From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
A letter from Hulings of Feby. 15. says that at that date the Intendant had not revoked the interruption of the deposit; but had from regard to the wants of the Colony, opened the market to flour & other provisions brought down the Mississippi; the articles being subject to a duty of 6 perCt. if consumed there, and to the usual export duty, (I believe 12 perCt) if sent as an indulgence in...
52600From James Madison to Charles Pinckney, 21 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since my letter of the 8th instant, the Marquis d’Yrujo has received answers to his letters to the Governor and Intendant of Louisiana in which it is stated by the latter, as well as the former officer, that the suspension of our deposit, was not the effect of any orders from the Spanish Government. No intimation however was given that the suspension would be removed in consequence of the...