1To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 29 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
The Vessel in which I have engaged my passage from this place to St. Domingo, will be ready to sail on tuesday; and if she should be delay’d beyond that time, it will be at my expense. If it should be convenient for you to have my instructions prepared by Mond[a]y, I will be in the City on that day and receive them. I presume you will either hear from Mr. Thornton before that time, or that he...
2To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 17 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that I arrived here on the 4th. instant, after a passage of 21 days from the Capes. We met with no Cruisers, and saw but three or four Vessels of any kind on our passage. On my arrival I delivered your letter to Dr. Stevens, and received from him every mark of polite attention. He went with me to General Toussaint Louverture, to whom he introduced me as the...
3To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 20 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 17th. inst.—a copy of which I now enclose. Since that time nothing new has occurred here. The Governor, General Toussaint Louverture, has been absent from this place for 3 days past. It is supposed he has gone towards Port Republican. His movements are very rapid and uncertain. He commands everything in this Island. He is certainly an extraordinary man....
4To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 25 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 July 1801, Cap Français. No. 3. Forwards copy of constitution of Saint-Domingue, just received and not yet published. Reports that Toussaint has not yet returned. American vessels are arriving daily without incident. Explains that he has issued eight passports, which Stevens had given him already signed by Toussaint and British agent, only after making it clear that the U.S. no longer...
5To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 27 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 July 1801, Cap Français. No. 4. Reports that Toussaint has just arrived from Gonaïves, where he apparently spoke with British agent who had recently returned from Jamaica. Notes that British agent has not yet communicated with him; Lear will await his initiative. Expects to hold discussions with Toussaint “this Evening.” Comments on high reputation of Stevens—“he Appears to have served the...
6To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 4 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 5. Will write frequently since any information, however trivial, may prove to be of consequence. Still has not received any communications from British agent to the island [Edward Corbet]. In a 30 July conversation Toussaint told him to send passports for French and American ships going from one port to another on the island to the British agent for signature....
7To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 17 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 6. Sends dispatch by Dr. Stevens, who leaves 18 Aug. on the Amphitrite for Philadelphia and intends to go on immediately to Washington. Continues to believe that Stevens’s official conduct has been faithful and beneficial to U.S. trade and that he has suffered great loss of personal fortune in the exercise of his duties. Has received from Stevens a copy of...
8To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 19 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 7. Takes advantage of Stevens’s delayed departure to relay word that two British frigates appeared off the harbor on 17 Aug. One frigate boarded, then released, American schooner Commerce as it entered port. Has not heard of their capturing any American vessels, although several left earlier. Encloses an order from Toussaint halting payments from the treasury...
9To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 24 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 8. Encloses letter from Toussaint revealing plans to move seat of government to Port Républicain, to which Lear replied that he would ask for the president’s decision on his own place of permanent residence. Since Toussaint’s letter was the first indication of his having changed his determination to move to Gonaïves, Lear will take no steps until the seat of...
10To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 30 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 August 1801, Cap Français. No. 9. Encloses copy of a letter from Citizen Roume, last French agent sent to the island, and his reply. In the contest between Toussaint and Rigaud, Roume supported the former; encloses decree [not found] demonstrating this support. Since then Roume’s conduct has not been agreeable to Toussaint, who has kept him under guard. Roume is now permitted to return to...
11To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 9 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 September 1801, Cap Français. No. 10. Understands that Roume accepted Lear’s refusal to intercede in his problem with Toussaint over official documents. Roume has since sailed for New York under an assumed name after Lear obtained a false passport from government of Saint-Domingue to protect him from British cruisers. M. Nogérée, who delivers this dispatch, is a member of the central...
12To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 15 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 September 1801, Cap Français. No. 11. Has nothing further to report since his last letter. Dandridge has arrived from Aux Cayes with news that all is tranquil there and a good harvest is expected. Recommends Dandridge to succeed Ritchie at Port Républicain or to succeed Lear at the cape if government moves to Port Républicain. RC , FC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cap Haitien, vol. 3). RC 1 p....
13To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 September 1801, Cap Français. No. 12. Encloses a copy of the organic laws of Saint-Domingue framed by the central assembly. RC , FC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cap Haitien, vol. 3). RC 1 p.; marked duplicate; docketed by Wagner as received 24 Oct. FC docketed by Lear, with his notation: “Duplicate by Brig Brandy wine, Terence Downey—via Philada Sepr. 24h. 1801.” The enclosure may have been a copy...
14To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 October 1801, Cap Français . No. 13. Encloses decree of Toussaint opening some ports to neutrals. Has been too busy to make an intended trip to Port Républicain. Has received a letter from British agent Corbet complaining that American vessels clear from Jamaica for the U.S. then come to Saint-Domingue to buy produce with Jamaican profits. Has not replied in full but only stated that the...
15To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 27 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the 22d inst. I had the honor of writing a few lines to you by the Schooner Eliza, Captn. Coy, bound to Wilmington in (Del) stating that a small alarm had taken place in this City the preceding Evening, in consequence of the Governmt. having taken up some people who were suspected of having formed a plot to disturb the public tranquility. On the morning of the 23d inst. I was with Genl....
16To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 30 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 October 1801, Cap Français. No. 14. Wrote to JM on 28 Oct. via brig bound to Newburyport; has little more to add. As he mentioned, gunfire was heard on the night of 22 Oct. The following morning a plot was uncovered to raise an insurrection and exterminate whites not only at the cape but throughout the country to the northwest. An alarm spread on 24 Oct. that “the Country was in Arms and...
17To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 9 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 November 1801, Cap Français. No. 15. Reports that Toussaint placed an embargo on all vessels in port to prevent escape of insurrectionists and dissemination of inaccurate reports. Encloses governor’s official account of events; government is concerned lest tales of disorder discourage trade. Wishes to meet with the British agent, who has written several letters complaining about the practice...
18To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 21 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 November 1801, Cap Français. No. 16. Has nothing more to add to the report in his no. 15 [9 Nov.] than that order seems to be fully restored, the field hands have returned to their respective plantations, and measures have been taken to prevent another uprising. Reports numerous executions following the revolt in addition to those killed during the fighting. States that the heavy volume of...
19To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 25 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 November 1801, Cap Français. No. 17. Encloses copies of his correspondence with Toussaint on an incident involving a French citizen, Mr. Arnaud. States that Toussaint has always rendered the U.S. justice when Lear demanded it and has signified his intention to continue doing so. At Lear’s request, Arnaud has been released from prison but with a severe reprimand. Although Arnaud may have had...
20To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 28 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 November 1801, Cap Français. Forwards the enclosure, just received, by the same vessel as his 25 Nov. dispatch. Expects it will be carried into operation. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cap Haitien, vol. 3). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. Enclosure not found, but it was probably Toussaint’s 25 Nov. proclamation and the decrees issued in the wake of the revolt that broke out in late October. These...
21To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 11 December 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 December 1801, Cap Français. No. 18. Reports that accounts of European peace have caused a “total suspension of business” as all anxiously await news of French plans for the island. Toussaint is at Port Républicain. Anticipates “dreadful” consequences if the French arrive in force to “subject the people to their former State,” but “should they conduct with moderation in their demands and...
22To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 17 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 January 1802, Cap Français. No. 19. Reports that since his last of 11 Dec. he has received JM’s letters of 26 Oct. and 21 Nov. , both arriving on same ship. Appreciates president’s approval of his conduct. Will pursue individual claims on the basis of his amended instructions. Dandridge’s commission was not enclosed in JM’s letter; has informed him of appointment and asked Linn to continue...
23To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 12 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 February 1802, Cap Français. No. 20. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 8 Jan. letter and enclosures. French fleet of fourteen ships of the line and nine frigates arrived on 2 Feb.; whites rejoiced and blacks prepared to resist. Christophe refused to allow fleet to enter the harbor without orders from Toussaint. Lear advised Americans to get themselves and their valuables aboard vessels in the...
24To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 28 February 1802 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 12th inst. by Captn. John Rodgers, late of the Navy of the U. States, who sailed from this on the 13h for Baltimore, in the Schooner Nelly. I then acknowledged the rect. of your letter of the 8h of January, which reached my hands on the 30th and also gave as full an account of the disasterous events which had taken place here, as time and circumstances...
25To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
I yesterday received the duplicate of the letter which you did me the honor of writing on the 26th of feby. I hope my conduct, which you will find detailed under date of the 21t of feby, will meet the approbation of the President. Keeping in view the interest of our Citizens here, as well as the relation in which our nation stands with the Fr. Republic, I have endeavoured to conciliate the...
26To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 29 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 March 1802, Cap Français. No. 23. Transmits copies of his dispatches of 28 Feb. and 22 Mar., since which one warship and two frigates have arrived from France with troops. “ Nothing more has occurred respecting Louisiana. That it is ceded to France is true and that part of the forces sent out are intended [for] that country there is no doubt but I are still of opinion that if they touch...
27To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 8 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 April 1802, Cap Français. No. 24. Quotes the 2 Apr. postscript he added to the duplicate of his dispatch no. 23; reports that a severe indisposition kept him from going to Port-au-Prince as he intended then but he has since learned that General Leclerc will arrive at the cape in ten or twelve days. Notes that he had informed the prefect and General Boyer of his intention. “As the Admiral was...
28To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 8 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 April 1802, Cap Français. Has drawn on JM in favor of Clement Biddle of Philadelphia for $100, to be charged to his account with the U.S. for money advanced for distressed seamen. “My advances on this account exceeds this sum; but I should not have drawn had it been permitted to send money out of the Colony; or could a bill be had on Philada.… Till lately the expenses on this account have...
29To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 11 April 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 April 1802, Cap Français. No. 25. “On the ninth the Genl. in Chief arrived here from Port au Prince, in a Frigate. In the forenoon of the tenth I waited upon him, when he informed me, in the first moment of our meeting, that he could not receive me as a public Character from the U. States, and desired I would no longer exercise the functions of Commercial Agent in the Island. I demanded the...
30To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 June 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 June 1802, Walnut Tree Farm. In compliance with Brent’s request, transmits to JM “copies of my correspondence with General Leclerc concerning Captain Rogers and Captain Davidson, which you will find enclosed under Nos. 1. 2 & 3.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cap Haitien, vol. 4). RC 1 p. The enclosures, numbered by Lear and docketed by Brent, relate to the imprisonment in...
31To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 20 January 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 January 1803, Washington. The House of Representatives having referred to JM the memorial Lear laid before them stating the losses he sustained as U.S. commercial agent at Saint-Domingue during the destruction of Cap Français, he encloses a statement of the fees he received for the execution of his official duties and the amount of his expenditures during his residence there, “including...
32To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 19 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
I reached this place yesterday, after a pleasant journey from Washington, and had the pleasure to find here your respected favor of the 11th inst. It affords me much satisfaction to know the Presidents determination respecting an out-fit, as it will avoid many difficulties wh. might arise from charges not specifically allowed. It will be equally convenient for me to draw my salary from the...
33To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 19 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the pleasure of writing to you this forenoon, I have been favored with your acceptable letter of the 12th. inst. with its enclosures, for which I am much obliged. I have been on board the Constitution since writing to you in the morning; and am fully convinced that she will not be ready to sail until the 10th of Augt. Captn. Preble appears to be making every exertion to get the...
34To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 3 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
On my return from Portsmouth last evening, I had the satisfaction of finding here, your letter of Instructions under date of July 14th, enclosing letters from the President of the United States to the Dey of Algiers, the Bey of Tunis, and Bashaw of Tripoli; together with four new Mediterranean Passports, and two hundred tops of this Passport; also your respected favor of the 27th of July,...
35To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 23 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that we are thus far on our passage to the Mediterranean, and in the enjoyment of good health. The weather has been remarkably pleasant since we sailed, and the wind favourable, but light; Our progress, however, has been good, as the ship sails fast, and appears to be in very fine order. The Commodore has the good of the service very much at heart, he has been...
36To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 13–26 September 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13–26 September 1803, Gibraltar . No. 1. “I had the honor of writing a few lines to you on the 5th inst. which was put on board the Brig Jack, Capt Haskill, from Cadiz to Cape Ann, off Cape St. Vincents. We then flattered ourselves with being in this Bay two days afterwards; but the easterly winds and unfavourable weather baffled all calculations, so that we did no reach this place ’till the...
37To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 18 October 1803 (Madison Papers)
My last (duplicate of which I have the honor to transmit by this conveyance) was down to the 26 of Sept. On that day the U. S. Frigate New York, left this bay on a cruize off Larache, Mogodore &c. On the 29th the U. S. frigate John Adams returned from her cruize, without having met the Moorish Frigate Maimona, which was the object of her search. At the same time our Consul, Mr. Gavino, recd a...
38To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 2 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 18th of October from Gibraltar, by the U. States ship New York, in which I informed you that I expected to sail in a few days for this place; but on the 22nd, Commodore Preble sailed in the Constitution for Cadiz, to get a Cable and sundry Articles of which he stood in need, and which could not be procured at Gibraltar. He expected to return in a few...
39To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 3 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
I embrace the last moment of the ship old Tom being here, to inform you that the Dey sent in great hast[e] this morning for Mr. O’Brien & myself to the palace. We found him in a violent rage, and on the point of giving orders for the execution of some of the Captains of his cruizers, who, on their late cruize, had taken a Maltise Vessel which was under the protection of English passports, and...
40To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 24 December 1803 (Madison Papers)
The letters and papers which I have now the honor to enclose, will inform you of the unfortunate fate of the U. States Frigate Philadelphia, and the captivity of her crew by the Tripolitans, as well as of the steps which have thus far been taken in consequence of that disastrous event—we have had no accounts since the letters of Dr. Davis of the 16th & 17th. of Novr. excepting, that the Danish...
41To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 1 January 1804 (Madison Papers)
The letter which I had the honor of writing to you on the 26th. ultimo, with its enclosures, will give a full detail of occurrences to that date. I put two Copies of said letter &c. on board the Spanish Courier, under Cover, to Mr. Montgomery, our Consul at Alicant, to forward by different Conveyances to the U. States. Another Copy will accompany this. I shall from this time, forward, as...
42To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 7 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have received the letters which you did me the honor to write on the 1st & 4th of November, and 26h of January. The time of their getting to my hands you will find noted in a copy of my Diary, which is herewith transmitted. You will, undoubtedly have been informed, before this, that the Gun Carriages have been applied by Mr. Simpson, agreeably to their original destination. I am persuaded...
43To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 16 July 1804 (Madison Papers)
I received, with very great pleasure, the private letter which you was so good as to write me on the 23d of January. I am happy that my conduct, in the business of Morocco, met the President’s approbation. It might have been flattering to that vanity which every human being possesses, to have had the approbation of my conduct publickly acknowledged; but I know it could not be done in the way...
44To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 16 July 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 July 1804, Algiers. No. 8. “I had the honor of writing to you on the 7th. of May, and of adding thereto a transcript of my diary from the 17th. of Feby. to the 30th. of April, together with copies of my correspondence on public affairs, my account current with the United States, and sundry other documents. As no opportunity, in which I could confide, has offered for transmiting those...
45To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 3 November 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 November 1804, Malta. No. 9. “Since my last, under date of July 16th (Duplicate of which and enclosures are herewith transmitted) I have been honored with your letters of the 6h & 13h of June, which were handed to me at Algiers, by Capt. Chauncy, on the 29th of July. “The letter from the President to the Dey of Algiers appeared to give him much satisfaction, particularly that part which...
46To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 5 July 1805 (Madison Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing You under date of the 3d. of November, I have thought it my duty to remain in the Vicinity of Tripoli, that I might be at hand for entering into a negociation with the Bashaw; whenever he Shd. give evidence of his disposition to do so on proper terms; and I accordingly took up my residence in Malta; being well assured that nothing would occur to make my...
47To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 2 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Tobias Lear. 2 September 1805, “On board the U S ship Constitution Tunis Bay.” No. 11. “On the 7th. of July I had the honor to receive your respected letter of the 20th. of April, by the U S Frigate John Adams, by which I find that the instructions given to me dated June 6th. 1804, were to be still followed, as nothing in the state or prospect of things subsequent thereto, made a change...
48To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 4 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Tobias Lear. 4 September 1805, “On board the U.S. Ship Constitution Tunis Bay.” “The bearer of this, Sidi Soliman Mellamella, goes to the U. States, to present himself before the President, as Ambassador from His Excellency the Bey of Tunis; as his Credentials &ca. will fully shew. He has been Ambassador from this Court to Naples and Genoa, appears to be a Man of Correct observation,...
49To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 4 November 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Tobias Lear. 4 November 1805, Leghorn. “I have this day drawn on you, three setts of exchange, as follows $16776.31 4934.22 at thirty days sight, to the order of mrs. 3947.36 Degen Purviance & Co. $25657.89 say for twenty five thousand six hundred and fifty Seven Dollars, and eighty nine Cents being for value, received on account, of the Department of State of the U.S. for the Service...
50To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 10 December 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Tobias Lear. 10 December 1805, Algiers. “I have this day drawn on you a sett of Exchange for twelve thousand Dollars, at thirty days sight, to the Order of Messrs. Degen, Purviance and Co. being for Value received, on Account of the Department of State, for the service of the United States of America in their Barbary Affairs, which please to honor Accordingly.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD ,...