From James Madison to James Monroe, 10 May 1815
To James Monroe
May 10. 1815
Dear Sir
Will it not be proper to make without delay the appts. for running the lines under the Treaty of Ghent. Promptitude on our side may produce it on the other, and it is particularly desireable to hasten the decision as to Moose Island. If nothing better can be done for Wilkinson, he may be employed for the most Western line, which as I recollect, may be traced without a science which he does not profess. Mr. Holms is already designated for the Eastern branch of the business. The intermediate line, which refers to the 45°. of Latitude may require astronomical knowledge, which I presume Gen Izard does not possess, tho’ it is a point on which I cannot decide. If it be understood that the Commissioners may employ Surveyors under them, there will be less difficulty in making the arrangements. In that case McArthurs inclination lately communicated, may come into view.1 I am reminded by a P in the newspaper of the attention due to the violations of neutrality for which the Govt. of Portugal is answerable to the U.S.2 Yrs.
J. Madison
Mr. Jefferson goes this week to Bedford & will be there for some time.
RC (DLC: Monroe Papers).
2. JM may have referred to a notice headed “London, March 18” in the Daily National Intelligencer of 9 May 1815, stating that the Portuguese royal family had left Brazil in a British ship. The violations to which he alluded may have had to do with smuggling schemes such as that described in Reuben G. Beasley’s 6 May 1813 letter to him ( 6:282 and n. 2).