7901To James Madison from Reuben Burnley, 17 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you by last post, but least it should by accident miscarry, I take the liberty by Mr Clarke of again addressing. I then informed you of my intention of embarking for Europe in about 10 days from that time, and requested the favour of your forwarding to me such document as will prove me to be a Citizen born within the United States; provided it comes properly from your department. I...
7902To James Madison from Daniel Clark, 17 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I received by last Post a Letter from Governor Claiborne in which he asked for information respecting the Boundaries & population of Louisiana and supposing that he meant to communicate the result of his enquiries to you I have taken pains to obtain the best official statements which I now forward. By the Census of 1785 and a Comparison with that of the present Year you will see the increase...
7903To James Madison from William Thornton, 17 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I heard Mr: Payne say last night that he had received a Letter from Mrs. Madison, and that you were all well. It gave us much pleasure to hear such good Intelligence. I hope, for the character of Orange, and particularly for the reputation of Montpelier you will not expose yourself to the Fatigues that your Industry may prompt you to call pleasures as you traverse your extensive Domains. Some...
7904To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 17 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I duly received your letter covering Miller’s pardon and on the same day a letter from the President, informing me of his having executed it, which he wrote with a view to provide against the possibility of the pardon miscarrying. I have also received the franked covers I sent to you some days ago. This morning Mr. Derieux presented the despatches with which he was charged by Mr. Monroe. You...
7905To James Madison from Frederick Hyde Wollaston, 17 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 August 1803, Genoa . Encloses a copy of his letter of 25 July , sent by the brig Favorite . Has had no answer to his note to the deputy of foreign affairs. “I am fully persuaded of what I then mentioned on the entry of East or West India produce, should any arrive here in American Vessels. Indeed I have every reason to think that this as well as many other measures, (as I once before...
7906From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd yours of the 13. covering the papers from Govr. Mercer. The act of Maryland is I believe in the Office of State, having been sent thither by the Govr. after his return to Annapolis. The object of it in requiring the sanction of the President to the measures of the Ex. of the State, was I believe to prevent an interference with national measures, as well as to be a check in...
7907From James Madison to William Pinkney, 18 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
In pursuance of a request made by Governor Mercer to the President, I have the honor to enclose certain communications to you from the former, on the subject of the Maryland Bank Stock, and to signify the desire of the President that the views of the state of Maryland in this case may be pursued, as they are explained by its Executive. I am &c. Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosures...
7908To James Madison from Daniel Clark, 18 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
Your Letter of the 20th. ulto. came to hand this Evening. I shall in every thing as far as I am able endeavor to fulfill your Wishes, and regret that the immediate return of the Post prevents my replying to some of the subjects mentioned in it, which I will take an immediate opportunity of doing. I flatter myself you will excuse the hasty & inaccurate manner in which the duplicate of the...
7909To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 18 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I inclose you two letters from Rob. R. Livingston. That of the 2d. of June is just intelligible enough in the uncyphered parts to create anxieties which perhaps the cypher may remove. I communicate them for your information, & shall be glad to recieve them decyphered. I infer that the less we say about constitutional difficulties respecting Louisiana the better, and that what is necessary for...
7910To James Madison from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 18 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 August 1803, Marseilles . Wrote last on 13 and 21 July [not found]. Informs JM that he has received his exequatur, “Signed by the first Consul at Brussells on the 3d Thermidor (22d. July ulto.) as p. Copy here inclosed.” Assures JM he “Will Continue in the Strict Performance” of his duties “and in the Execution of the laws” of the U.S. In a postscript asks JM to deliver the enclosed to the...
7911From James Madison to William Thornton, 19 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have not been able to find a purchaser for Childers nor an opportunity of exchanging him with any other person than myself for other horses. In part from my own stock, and in the other part by a purchase from a neighbour I have made up a pair, which I consider as equivalent to the rate you affixed to Childers, and which if regarded in the same light by you, I am willing to give for him. My...
7912To James Madison from Andrew Lyle, 19 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 August 1803, New Brunswick . Tenders his resignation as surveyor of the port of New Brunswick in the district of Amboy because of “ill health” and “the pressure of domestic avocations.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LRD ). 1 p.; docketed by Jefferson: “Lyle Andrew to mr. Madison. resigns office of Surveyor of New Brunswick. enquire Doctr. Condit.” Lyle had been appointed surveyor by Jefferson on 10...
7913To James Madison from John Mitchell, 19 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 August 1803, Le Havre . Encloses a copy of his last letter “stateing the situation of our vessells.” Has not yet received permission for discharging the cargoes of American vessels. “I have drawn up a petition to the Minister for Captn. Steel and Cap. Wallace, requesting permission to discharge, or leave to depart with their Cargoes, and free of Duty or charges. This Petition goes ⅌ post...
7914To James Madison from Peder Pedersen, 19 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 August 1803, Frankford, Pennsylvania . Has learned with regret that Blicherolsen’s delicate health hastened his return to Europe. Does not doubt that the minister notified JM that Pedersen, as Danish consul to the U.S., would represent his country during Blicherolsen’s absence. Wishes JM to excuse the liberty he takes in announcing his arrival. Having learned of the absence of the president...
7915From James Madison to William Duane, 20 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 3d. instant having arrived at Washington after I had set out for Virginia, an acknowledgment of it has been retarded to this date. I have long been sensible of the advantage taken of official silence, in propagating false reports for party purposes, and do full justice to your laudable anxiety to see a remedy applied to the evil. There are considerations however which must...
7916From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 20 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 16th. with the accompanying papers. The communications &c. recd. since my last are enclosed. The letters from Paris are important, but I do not see in them the wish of the F. Govt. to retract the bargain with our Ministers, so much as an anxiety to secure its execution agst. the intrusions of G. B. and to feel thro’ their pulse, whether we were or were likely to be in...
7917From James Madison to Thomas Paine, 20 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 6th. having arrived at Washington, after I had left it, no answer could be given through the gentleman who was charged with it. The Report to which it refers, that the British Government had cautioned ours not to pay the money for Louisiana, for that they meant to take possession of it, is utterly destitute of foundation. The British Govt. has on the contrary expressed its...
7918To James Madison from Daniel Clark, 20 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
In the Census which I had the honor of transmitting under date of the 17th. Inst., you will find the district of Atacapas rated at 1447 Persons including Slaves, and I took the Liberty of mentioning my idea of the incorrectness of the Statement in general which I believed under rated considerably. An enumeration has been lately taken and just received here Copy of which is inclosed and by...
7919To James Madison from Robert Williams, 20 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 August 1803, North Carolina . Received JM’s letter of 16 July [not found] enclosing a commission to act as a commissioner in the Mississippi Territory, which he accepts. “A violent fever for 3 weeks past which I have had, pervented an earlier answer—& I am now, scarcely able to set up to write this.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1801–9, filed under “Williams”). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as...
7920To James Madison from William Willis, 20 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 August 1803, Barcelona . Announces the arrival of John Leonard to take over the duties of the consulate. Has “aided him in being Rec’d here.” “I have private information that he is authoriz’d to arrest me as soon as he takes the office which will be on Monday this I must submit to as to all other Evils. My fate is peculiarly hard to be accus’d of acting against the interest of my Country,...
7921From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 21 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 18. with inclosures has been recd. I must write to Wagner for Livingston’s Cypher, before I can return the letter from him. I have with me Monroe’s Cypher only. The letters sent you by last mail from those Ministers probably contain the information in cyphered passages of the letter in my hands. The subject of Duane’s letter being somewhat delicate & important, under several...
7922To James Madison from John Scott, 21 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 August 1803, Baltimore . Resigns his position as commissioner of bankruptcy and encloses his commission [not found]. “I believe I ought never to have accepted it knowing I was to be at the disposal of a federal Judge & violent partizan.” “Judge Winchester declared he should respect the appointment of the President and should alternate the Commissioners,” but Scott has been left out of...
7923Indenture Transferring Land between James and Dolley P. Madison and Robert H. and Frances T. Rose, 21 August 1803 … (Madison Papers)
21 August 1803 . “This Indenture made this twenty first day of August one thousand eight hundred and three between James Madison and Dolly P. his wife of the one part and Robert H Rose and Frances T his wife of the other part. Whereas James Madison now deceased in his life was seized of sundry lands which in his will he devised to his sons Francis and Ambrose and which by their deaths in the...
7924To James Madison from Robert Montgomery, 22 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 August 1803, Alicante . Wrote last on 21 May. Has since received JM’s circular letter of 9 Apr. “I … shall be punctual in complying with every point of it as far as I am able.” Informs JM of the arrival of the brig A. B. C . from Guernsey, whose papers he suspected. “I have examined them with the utmost cares and find several defects, which tho visible to me might have arrisen in the...
7925To 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...
7926To James Madison from James Monroe, 23 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I intended to have written you at some length by this opportunity, but my engagements, of various kinds have put it out of my power. I send a triplicate of my last letter since which nothing interesting has occured, except my presentation to the court, or rather the King, which was attended by no remarkable circumstance. His deportment was civil & conciliating, as mine certainly was. The...
7927To James Madison from William Davies, 24 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I am often applied to by seamen belonging to Coasting vessels for protections, alledging that the British Ships of War impress them within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States. I have never been able to ascertain that such practice actually exists; but the transaction stated in the enclosed deposition seems to be so irregular, that I think it proper to be communicated. I have...
7928To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 24 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
Your two favors of the 18th. & 20th. were recieved on the 21st. The letters of Livingston & Monroe are sent to mr. Gallatin as you proposed. That of Simpson to mr. Smith for the purpose of execution. All of them will be returned. Thornton’s, Clarke’s, Charles Pinckney’s, Graham’s, Appleton’s, Davis’s, Mitchell’s, Newton’s, & Derieux’ letters are now inclosed. With respect to the impressment of...
7929To James Madison from Fulwar Skipwith, 24 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
Being charged by Mr Livingston, during his absence from Paris, with his Correspondence with this Government, I think it proper to inclose here Copy of a letter lately delivered me from the Minister of foreign Relations, in reply to one written to him by Mr. Livingston on the subject of certain Negros forcibly embarked by the Captain General at Guadalupe on board of Vessels of the U. S. Having...
7930To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 24 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 19th. respecting Mr. Burnley was duly received and complied with; and this day another without date is come to hand, in consequence of which I enclose a copy of one side of Mr. Livingston’s cypher which will suffice for your present object: By the next post I shall transmit the other side. I have dispatched Mr. Derieux. Altho’ the Collector of Norfolk was requested to...
7931From James Madison to William Thornton, 25 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
Our present determination is to send Payne back to School under the care of Jason and as intimated in my last your horses will be forwarded by the opportunity. Jason will probably get to Washington about the 3, 4, or 5th. of Sept. the termination of the holidays being on the first monday of that month. I had erroneously calculated on its being the 1st. day of the month. The delay will be of no...
7932To James Madison from Levi Lincoln, 25 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
Absence from Worcester prevented my reception of yours of the 1st. Inst. for some time after its arrival, and a subsequent distressing sickness in my family which has deprived me of one child & had rendered others the subjects of but a feeble hope for several days delayed me in procuring the law referred to, and considering its provisions untill the present time. I hope no inconvenience has...
7933To James Madison from Ebenezer Potter, 25 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I received your favor of the 30th of June, return my most grateful acknowledgments for your friendly attention. I should be unwilling to be again troublesome to you, but the unexpected cession of Louisianna opening such a large scope to the spirit of adventure, I take the liberty of soliciting your Patronage, to procure me some one of the offices which, will be established there. I should...
7934To James Madison from Joseph Coffin Boyd, 25 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 August 1803, Portland . Was informed on his arrival from France of his appointment as commissioner of bankruptcy for the District of Maine. On presenting his commission to the board of commissioners, however, was informed that his commission was “not Valid” and that a Mr. Mussey had been appointed in his stead. His friends advised him to write to Judge Sewall “to know the truth” of the...
7935To James Madison from William Willis, 25 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 August 1803, Barcelona . “Mr. John Leonard has arrived here, as it seem’d to be the wish of the Government that I should give up the Consulate to him I have done it and shall attend the Orders of the president.… I have secret information that Mr Leonard has power to arrest me and send me to America this I submit to. It has been my fate to love and Serve my Country with Zeal, and to lay...
7936To James Madison from Daniel Clark, 26 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor of inclosing to you for the information of the President, answers to such of the Queries forwarded me as I could for the present reply to. I have not observed the order in which they were put, as some will require further time to obtain information on, and others tho’ not difficult to ascertain in the gross, cannot now be inserted on account of the details with which it will...
7937To James Madison from William Thornton, 26 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I received your very kind favour of the 19th. Instant, and am much obliged by your friendship. I have only one objection to the Exchange you offer me. I am much afraid you have put yourself to inconvenience to oblige me, which I should be sorry for; it is what the sincerest friendship cannot require, and, I beg you to be candid with me and let me know what you value the Horses at, and what you...
7938To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 26 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have nothing to forward by this post but the enclosed letter from Govr. Claiborne and the newspapers. The former has been shown to the gentlemen in the war-office. I have also to acknowledge the receipt of your’s of the 18th. inst. and remain With the greatest respect Your obed. servt. P.S. In the middle of last month orders were given by the war Department for stationing a detachment of...
7939To James Madison from William Jarvis, 26 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 August 1803, Lisbon . Wrote JM last on 19 Aug. [not found] by the brig Mary , Captain Cooke, via Providence, which also carried a letter from O’Brien, a copy of the application in favor of Captain Seymour, and a copy of the note with Lamar’s commission, “Since which a circumstances has occurred that in peace would not have excited much attention, but in this time of uncertainty every...
7940To James Madison from John J. Murray, 26 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 August 1803, Glasgow . Has just returned from a visit to Monroe in London. Will answer JM’s 9 Apr. circular soon. While at London met Robert Elliot, a “Scotchman,” who offered to take letters with him to Charleston in the ship Washington . Inquired about the owners of the ship and found them to be Blacklock, Simpson, and Davidson, the last two London merchants. Then asked Elliot about the...
7941To James Madison from John J. Murray, 26 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 August 1803, Glasgow . Transmits a report [not found] of U.S. trade in his district ending 30 June 1803, “or so much of it as has come to my knowledge.” Refers JM to his letters of 22 June and 14 July . RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Glasgow, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
7942To James Madison from Archibald Roane, 26 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 August 1803, Knoxville . Received a letter “about nine months ago” from Whelen stating that he had sent copies of the laws of the U.S. “passed at the (then) last Session of Congress to Pittsburgh to be forwarded to this place for the use of the State of Tennessee.” “They have not arrived here nor have the laws passed at the last session been received, we have thus been deprived of the...
7943To James Madison from William Willis, 27 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 August 1803, Barcelona . His last letter informed JM that “Leonard had arriv’d here and that he was soon to take possession of the Consulate.” Has given up the office but wishes to be reinstated once his “innocence and exertions for the common interest” of his country are established. “I am inform’d every day that Mr Leonard has secret instructions to arrest me and send me to the U.S.… I...
7944From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 28 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your two favors, one of the 24th. instant the other covering the letters from Mr. Gallatin, & Barnes now returned. I had thought it might be best not to answer Thornton’s letter because in some parts his manner did not deserve it, because he speaks with out the known sentiments of his Govt. and because the Minister of higher grade expected, will be likely to give a more eligible...
7945To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 29 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
By the last post I recieved & forwarded your letter to Duane, in which there was nothing but what was safe and proper. Duane is honest, & well intentioned, but over zealous. These qualities harmonise with him a great portion of the republican body. He deserves therefore all the just & favorable attentions which can properly be shewn him. By the same post I recieve from the collector of Norfolk...
7946To James Madison from Thomas Appleton, 29 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 August 1803, Leghorn . Wrote in his last letter about “the situation of our commerce with this port” and in particular about the brig Boston of Philadelphia, which “is still under arrestation.” “The french commercial agent after repeated assurances of speedily examining the papers” determined that they should be examined in Paris, where the whole business should be decided by the tribunal...
7947To James Madison from Robert C. Gardiner, 29 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 August 1803, Gothenburg . Wrote last on 6 Apr. and 2 Aug. Encloses “extracts of a tryal held before the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of this City” in which Gardiner acted as defendant on behalf of Captain Wadsworth, in support of “a Contract signed by two Swedish Seamen to perform a Voyage in the Brig Neutrality of Boston, where it was particularly specified that no Wages should be demanded or...
7948To James Madison from John Gavino, 29 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 August 1803, Gibraltar . No. 129. Refers JM to his last dispatch, no. 128 [13 Aug. 1803] , and its enclosures. Encloses a duplicate of a letter from Simpson [not found]. “I informed you of the Dey of Algeir having sent away … the British Consul Mr: Falcon, said Gentleman is still here, and he tells me orders have come to Lord Nelson to take him back to Algeirs, and should they refuse...
7949To James Madison from John M. Forbes, 29 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 29 August 1803 . Calendared as a three-page letter in the lists probably made by Peter Force (DLC, series 7, container 2).
7950To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 30 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
J’ai reçu il y a environ quinze jours, par l’intermédiaire de votre Département, des dépêches du ministre des Relations Extérieures de la République qui en couvraient une de ce ministre à votre adresse. Il m’a fallu quelques jours pour déchiffrer cette lettre ainsi que celles qui l’accompagnaient. Je me proposais d’avoir l’honneur de vous la remettre moi même et de vous donner communication...