1To James Madison from Levi Lincoln, 16 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter from the author of the former letters, would to me be too flattering, not to be read with the greatest complacency. I forward it with pleasure to the man, who deservedly commands, the affection, and the esteem of a Dickinson. The Pamphlet, which accompanies, on the agriculture of the United States, was sent to the office by Mr Williams, at the direction of Mr King. Two...
2To James Madison from Levi Lincoln, 17 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 April 1801, Washington. Forwards a letter addressed to the secretary of state which, when opened, was actually meant for Mrs. Madison. Asks that Mrs. Madison pardon the impropriety and assures JM he is “perfectly ignorant of the contents.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p.; docketed by JM.
3To James Madison from Levi Lincoln, 5 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I received your favor inclosing papers respecting the Bingham and Cabott cause and will pay seasonable attention to them. I expect in a few days to see the Gentlemen who have had the conducting of that cause in court with whom I wish to consult on the subject, before I form an opinion. The very severe sickness of Mrs. Lincoln’s mother, and of herself, has prevented my Journeying, and the...
16 December 1801, Washington. Transmits the secretary of the treasury’s 14 Dec. report and the proceedings of the treasury officers, in which are described the measures authorized by the board and completed since the commissioners’ report of 28 Nov. 1800. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Reports from the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, 7A-F7). RC 1 p.; signed by JM and the other...
5To James Madison from Levi Lincoln, 29 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 December 1801, Washington. In reply to JM’s note [not found] enclosing Indiana territorial governor’s letter of inquiry [not found], gives opinion on 3 Mar. 1791 law confirming pre-Revolutionary land titles in Illinois country and making grants to certain settlers in the region. RC ( DNA : RG 60, Letters from and Opinions of Attorneys General). 6 pp.; docketed by Wagner. Printed in Benjamin...
6To James Madison from Levi Lincoln, 21 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 January 1802, Washington. Received on 20 Jan. JM’s letter [not found] enclosing that of 16 Jan. from William Bingham’s agent [Charles Willing Hare], who had already sent him a similar letter and printed statement of the case. Gives brief history of most recent trial in Cabot et al. v. Bingham lawsuit in which plaintiffs were awarded $34,630.25. Believes that Bingham’s incorrect statements...
7To James Madison from Levi Lincoln, 11 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 March 1802, Washington. Relates circumstances of the case of the vessel Mercator , “alledged to be Danish property, and for the capture of which a claim is now made on the United States.” The Mercator was seized off Saint-Domingue by the American schooner Experiment on 14 May 1800; six hours later, while sailing under the American flag, it was seized by the British armed ship General Simcoe...
8To James Madison from Levi Lincoln, 26 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 March 1802, Washington. “In answer to your communications, as contained in the letter of the attorney Genl. of the Mississippi territory, enclosed by Governor Claiborne respecting claims to vacant lands in that territory, I can state little more than general principles, and a loose opinion on the described cases.… Nothing can be clearer, than that all grants, made by the Spanish Government...
9To James Madison from Levi Lincoln, 12 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to you the communications which I recd., yesterday, from the Spanish minister, together with my ideas on the Subject. I can find no provision, in the Constitution, in any law of the United States, or in the treaty with Spain, which reaches the case—I have examined them particularly. The communication states a transaction, involving a highhanded breach of the peace,...
10To James Madison from Levi Lincoln, 26 May 1802 (Madison Papers)
The authority given, by law to grant patents is unquestionably confined to the citizens of the U. S. The priviledge is a monopoly, in derogation of common right, and as it is not, ought not to be, extended, to foreigners. Was it to be, it would be subject to endless abuses, privations and embarrasments to our citizens. I have no doubt on the Question. With sincere friendship your Humble Sevt....