To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 March 1801
From Sylvanus Bourne, 10 March 1801
Consular Office of the U.S. Amsterdam March 10th. 1801
Sir
I have the pleasure to transmit you the Leyden Gazettes up to the present period which is one peculiarly interesting in the state of European Affairs. The aspect of those of G.B. is above all observed at this moment & it remains to be decided what weight she is hereafter to hold in the ballance of Europe.
France & Russia have ⟨great important Plans or prospective ones⟩ which in a short time will be more completely developed.
The epoch is propitious to the U States if they can preserve their ⟨true place amid the clash⟩ of other nations. You will render me an essential service to inform me what Order Congress may have taken on the Memorial of your Consuls transmitted to you last ⟨date⟩ by Yr respectful & ⟨obdt srvt⟩
Sylvanus Bourne
PS: Should you not have prior intelligence thereof this will serve to acquaint You & thro’ you the Commerce of the U States that by a Circular letter from Mr Cathcart our Consul in Tripoli of the 3d. January it appears that Regency had formaly declared War against the U States. Yrs respectfully
S: Bourne
The preceding is the full transcription of a document that was previously abstracted in The Papers of James Madison, Secretary of State series. The original abstract contains additional annotation and source information.