1To James Madison from George Joy, November 1791 (Madison Papers)
I am so circumstanced in a matter of much importance to myself that on the early or late adoption of certain measures in the legislature of the U.S. depends my being involved in , or emancipated from intolerable difficulty and distress. I should not, however, presume so far on your friendship as to expect or request any immediate exertions in the business but that I conceive the Object to have...
2To James Madison from George Joy, 1 May 1794 (Madison Papers)
I have yet to thank you for your favor of the 17th. May 1792 wch. Mr: Pinckney was so good to deliver me on his arrival and for wch. I should have made my acknowledgements before but for the constant Expectation of the pleasure of seeing you in America. In perusing some detached parts of the diplomatic Correspondence in wch. Mr Jefferson has displayed statistical Abilities so much superior to...
3To James Madison from George Joy, 10 August 1795 (Madison Papers)
I rec’d your favor of the 3rd. April with the Books you were so good to send me. I find in Mr: Tench Coxe’s Collection a deal of information not without some Error; and I hope for good Consequences from the manner in which the Western Insurrection was quelled. The possible Energy of our Government was not practically known before, and I hold it the more favorable specimen of this, that the...
4To James Madison from George Joy, 3 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
The reasons assigned in your favor of the 12th. June for displacing Mr. Williams, abstractedly taken, are sufficient. The Evidence I apprehend to be ex parte, and could he have been heard I doubt not he would have justified himself to your satisfaction and that of the President. The 2 years blank in the Correspondence, I take it for granted, were those in which the Commission was suspended;...
5To James Madison from George Joy, 3 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 February 1804, London. “The enclosed was intended to be sent by ⟨the⟩ Ship Magistrate; but after being some Weeks in ⟨the⟩ letter bag, her voyage was changed for the Cape of Good Hope, and her letters returned which I considered a providential Escape on your part from the Tedium of wading through a letter that had carried me much farther than I intended. I therefore determined not to trouble...
6To James Madison from George Joy, 16 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 April 1804, London. “I wrote you the 3rd febry. in the assurance that my letter would not reach you till after the recess.… “The subject of the present is real business, and such as I cannot but contemplate as connected with a maxim of that wise and just policy for which the purchase of Louisiana has furnished so propitious an opening.… “You are acquainted with the Arrestation of the...
7To James Madison from George Joy, 26 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From George Joy. 26 July 1805, London. “I have yet to thank you for your favor of the 10th Novr. I had of course communicated to Mr. Monroe the information I possessed relative to the south American Claims, and I greatly regret that his Efforts in that business have been unavailing. “Should any farther measures be adopted which can with propriety be communicated I should be greatly obliged...
8To James Madison from George Joy, 31 December 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From George Joy. 31 December 1805, London. “I wrote you on the 26 July to which I have yet recd no reply. The Subject of that Letter continuing important I have occasionally attended the Court of Admiralty, and hearing Sir Willm, Scott aver that the last Judgements were neither new in principle nor the Consequence of any fresh orders from the Government; Explicitly declaring that none such...
9To James Madison from George Joy, 15 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From George Joy. 15 January 1806, London. “I hand you Copy of my dispatches ⅌ packet, except the Case of the Fame of wch I have none but in short hand at present. I was yesterday advised that Government had sent to the Commons for a List of all the late neutral Cases. I have not had time to ascertain, and perhaps I never shall know whether those movements are in any degree influenced by the...
10To James Madison from George Joy, 20 April 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From George Joy. 20 April 1806, London. “I hand you herein the report of a decision lately made in the Court of Appeals [not found]; and the Copy, with correction of typographical Errors, of a letter that I sent on the following day to the Editor of the Chronicle. I also subjoin a few lines written in consequence of his not inserting it; and, by way of Comment on the freedom of the Press, I...
11To James Madison from George Joy, 8 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 March 1809, London. He has written Lord Grenville regarding inconsistencies in the parliamentary debates over the naval blockade, the enforcement of which has exceeded “the rule of the War of 1756.” He attended the debates where Rose and Canning spoke, the latter saying with “the most consummate Impudence” that he would not discuss the state of American negotiations. Joy took “copious Notes”...
12To James Madison from George Joy, 11 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 March 1809, London. Reports that at least eight ships from America have recently arrived in a British port in violation of the Embargo. Seeks appointment for himself and Samuel Williams as commercial agents for U.S. in London. Williams is known as an honorable man on the exchange and would be a valuable representative, particularly if Joy’s business took him elsewhere. RC ( DNA : RG 59,...
13To James Madison from George Joy, 24 May 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 May 1809, London. Reports varied reactions from members of the American community in London to news of the Erskine agreement. In a postscript he adds: “the Committee of American Merchants have been apprised that Mr: Erskine had exceeded his instructions & the Govt: will not ratify his Agreemt:—since confirmed by two of the Committee whom I have seen.” RC , two copies ( DLC ). 4 pp. One copy...
14To James Madison from George Joy, 29 May 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 May 1809, London. Repeats a rumor [mentioned in a postscript to a 24 May letter to JM ] that the British cabinet considered accepting the Erskine agreement, but the king rejected it on the ground that he was “personally insulted.” Encloses copy of a six-page letter Joy sent anonymously to Canning which is critical of the foreign secretary’s American policy. RC and enclosure ( DLC ). RC 2...
15To James Madison from George Joy, 31 May 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 May 1809, London. Has read the parliamentary debates on the Erskine agreement, which “are best reported in the Chronicle.” No doubt JM is better informed “than we can be here.” Encloses a copy of the instructions accompanying the 26 Apr. revision of the orders in council, as well as his letter to Canning in which Joy expresses his disappointment at the foreign secretary’s adamant stand...
16To James Madison from George Joy, 10 June 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 June 1809, London. Joy is upset over Canning’s handling of the Erskine affair. Expresses his own preference for the pleasures of private life over the plagues suffered when one is in the public eye and wishes JM could also withdraw from his political responsibilities. RC ( DLC ). 10 pp.
17To James Madison from George Joy, 27 June 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 June 1809, London. Appointed the American consul in Rotterdam, Joy has not taken his post. He has heard of the difficulties now thrown in the way of travelers trying to reach Holland. Encloses a letter telling of the uncertain status of neutral vessels, including American ships now in the Amsterdam port. Joy has applied for a passport through “the Court of Holland” instead of through Paris,...
18To James Madison from George Joy, 15 July 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 July 1809, London. Encloses copies of his letters to a Colonel Walker and the duke of Cambridge, along with one from Joy’s nephew. In a postscript to his letter, Joy says that some American ships have been captured for violating the blockade of Tönning, a “latent Order” that should have been removed but for “the Mass of blunders with which that measure was replete.” Joy predicts the ships...
19To James Madison from George Joy, 25 July 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 July 1809, London. Joy believes his gadfly efforts have been partially successful and thinks his pro-American endeavors worthwhile, for he realizes “on what small Events the Affairs of nations sometimes hang.” RC ( DLC ). 2 pp.
20To James Madison from George Joy, 3 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 August 1809, London. Encloses draft of a memorial to the king of Denmark and Norway protesting Danish depredations on U.S. shipping. These attacks on “no less than fifty four ships” are the latest object of Joy’s attention and diverted him from taking up his post as American consul in Holland. The American minister in London has advised him “to deviate from his intended Voyage [to Holland]...
21To James Madison from George Joy, 9 September 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 September 1809, Harwich, England. Discusses British attempt to blockade the entire French coast and control U.S. trade. Informs JM of the unfortunate situation of American ships held captive in Denmark and describes his plans to spend time there endeavoring to free them. RC and duplicate ( DLC ). RC 16 pp. Duplicate 21 pp.; enclosed in Joy to JM, 5 Oct. 1809 ( DLC ).
22To James Madison from George Joy, 5 October 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 October 1809, Gothenburg, Sweden. Transmits copy of his letter to JM of 9 Sept. Awaits in Gothenburg the arrival of “the Documents necessary to support my Pretensions,” which have been delayed by irregular mail and wartime interruptions. If he does not receive papers within forty-eight hours, proposes proceeding to Copenhagen without them. The wind and weather make it possible that the...
23To James Madison from George Joy, 28 April 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 April 1810, Copenhagen. The French minister at Copenhagen, Didelot, gave Joy the enclosed papers relating to “a claim or rather a pretension of the heirs of the late Mr. Gerard (first Minister of France to the U.S.) to Some lands or the value of them presented to him by the Illinois & Wabash Company.” The enclosed note of Gérard de Rayneval , brother of the deceased minister, shows that...
24To James Madison from George Joy, 2 September 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 September 1810, Gothenburg. Resumes the discussion of subjects raised in his last letter, in April, and considers the changes that have occurred since then. Declares that the “enormous Duties” imposed by France will annul the effects of the recent revocation of its decrees. Discusses the present state of the trade in colonial goods in the Baltic and the prospects for the repeal of the...
25To James Madison from George Joy, 8 September 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 September 1810, Gothenburg. Recapitulates his activities in the region as well as the contents of the letters to which he has not yet received a reply. Reminds JM that the last letter he had from him was dated 16 Mar. 1809 [not found]. Discusses his dealings with Count von Bernstorff and the decisions of Danish prize courts. Is convinced that the Danish government is doing its best to...
26To James Madison from George Joy, 14 September 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 September 1810, Gothenburg. Has sent “copious Communications” to JM and to the secretary of state but vessels carrying them have been delayed by adverse winds. Requests JM to wait for the receipt of his letters before taking any measures or making any appointments relative to this region. RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
27To James Madison from George Joy, 16 September 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 September 1810, Gothenburg. Has not yet had an answer from Saabye to the enclosure. Reports that he has been mortified by rumors “that Mr. Joy had no authority and could therefore be of no use” in protecting American ships in the Baltic. Discusses the methods of determining commissions paid by mercantile houses and the reasons for his preference of another Copenhagen firm over Saabye’s....
28To James Madison from George Joy, 7 October 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 October 1810, Gothenburg. Reports that his letter of 16 Sept. to JM had not left the port when he received the enclosed letter from Saabye. Finds Saabye’s reply personally satisfactory and is convinced that Saabye is a man of integrity; but is still at a loss how to proceed. Suspects that there is an effort to “conceal from our Countrymen the Object of my residence in these cold Regions.”...
29To James Madison from George Joy, 8 October 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 October 1810, Gothenburg. Continues “the thread of my discourse of yesterday.” Stresses the importance of JM’s appointing good men to office in the region and hopes to recommend, as he promised, a good man for the consulship at Gothenburg. Is going to Copenhagen and regrets not being able to accomplish his purposes here. Believes that Sweden, having elected a French prince to its throne,...
30To James Madison from George Joy, ca. 20 October 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 20 October 1810, Copenhagen. Reports that he arrived in Copenhagen on 11 Oct. and that he has had discussions and correspondence with the French minister and Danish cabinet officials on the subjects already mentioned in his letters of 7 Oct. and 8 Sept. The French minister asked him what he thought of the extension of the Continental System. Privately the minister admitted the absurdity of...
31To James Madison from George Joy, 16 November 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 November 1810, Copenhagen. Informs JM he has credible information that some of his letters have been put ashore at Gothenburg, including a letter for JM enclosed in one addressed to Warder & Sons of Philadelphia. Cannot account for the captain’s conduct, nor can he discern the fate of the letters. The Eclipse of Philadelphia sailed with a similar set of papers, “but I enclose such Copies as...
32To James Madison from George Joy, 19 December 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 December 1810, Copenhagen. “I am yet unadvised of the fate of my Letters that were put on shore at Gottenburg; and such of the Duplicates that I have sent to replace them … save that these last have passed safely into Sweden. I therefore give this an entirely different direction.” In a postscript lists the papers enclosed: Joy to JM, 8 Oct. 1810 and October 1810; cabinet secretary to Joy,...
33To James Madison from George Joy, 9 June 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 June 1811, Copenhagen. Reports arrival on 30 May of Erving who gave him JM’s letter of 28 Jan. The documents he sent to JM and the secretary of state will show how he protracted the most important cases until Erving’s arrival, and he has no doubt decisions can be delayed “till Mr: Erving has had sufficient opportunity to confer with Count Rozenkrantz.” His own conversation with the latter...
34To James Madison from George Joy, 18 July 1811 (Madison Papers)
Having a Copy of the Letter from the Danish Chancery to the Admiralty enclosed in my Letter to you of the 1st Inst: and hearing very suddenly of an Estafette bound to Gottenborg whence a schooner is about sailing to the U. S. I beg leave to hand you the said Copy annexed and am always very respectfully, Dear sir, Yr. friend & Servt. RC and enclosure ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison Papers)....
35To James Madison from George Joy, 15 August 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have just crossed the Sound in much better Health than when I left this place. You will perceive, in the concluding Paragraph of my letter to my Brother of the 21st. ultimo, that it was not my intention to cross the Atlantic very soon. Some Murmurs that have reached me have induced serious thoughts however of making the Voyage from this place; and further consideration, to take England in my...
36To James Madison from George Joy, 18 October 1811 (Madison Papers)
The Constitution is now daily expected at Cowes; and by her I hope to embark for the U.S. I am just now advised of a Bag at the N. York Coffee House for Letters to be sent by a fast sailing ship from Liverpool, and send this in the presumption that it may arrive before the Constitution. I am advised of the Condemnation of the Julian, Hercules, Catharine & Atlantic, (carried into Dantzic in May...
37To James Madison from George Joy, 6 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
The above is, I believe, the 5th Copy of my Letter of the 15th Aug. I doubt if more than one is yet 10 Degrees westward. For 46 Days there have not been more than 6 Hours of easterly Wind and I have lately heard of a ship being still at Tonningen by which I wrote you before I left Copenhagen; and am now advised of the foundering of the John Atkinson from Gottenburg for Philada. Crew saved....
38To James Madison from George Joy, 14 November 1811 (Madison Papers)
The Constitution is at length arrived, and Mr: Russell informs me that she is to return to France before she will proceed to America; which will not probably be till some time in the Month of Janry. My Plan of embarking in her is by this means disconcerted; and the detail of Communication, that I was desirous of making personally, delayed. I am now strongly persuaded to defer my departure till...
39To James Madison from George Joy, 7 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
As I am prevented proceeding to Liverpool to embark in this ship only by a doubt lately suggested by Mr: Maury whether she will proceed or not; (tho’ I think, (and so does Mr: Russell,) that no conciliatory measures on the part of this Government, are likely to detain her for a freight;) I am not prepared with such Duplicates, and other Communications, as I should otherwise have sent in her....
40To James Madison from George Joy, 8 January 1812 (Madison Papers)
If this should overtake, at Liverpool, my letter of yesterday, it will serve to correct an Error, which, as I did not read after writing it, escaped my notice. It passed unobserved also by the Copyist, who took it down as I wrote it, whom I asked, in my haste, if he had perceived any Mistake, and who assured me there was none. Instead of “ it would be repugnant,” I should have said “ my...
41To James Madison from George Joy, 15 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed will shew you the cause and the sole cause, of my continuing ’till this time in England. The magnitude of the object and the encouragement of some friends have induced this attempt, against my own opinion of any advantage being derived from it. And to the general discouragement, arising from the prejudices complained of therein, I have an addition in a note this moment received...
42To James Madison from George Joy, 22 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I did not intend troubling you with triplica⟨tes⟩ of these sheets but finding that the Orbit is about sailing in ballast from Liverpool, and may probably arrive before the William & Henry for Boston, or the Friends for Norfolk; I send them herewith to Mr: Maury for that purpose. The Resolution of the Captn: of the Orbit to sail in ballast arises from the News just received, that the Goods...
43To James Madison from George Joy, 24 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have now seen the letter from Mr. Percival which I mentioned to you in the Postscript to Dupl : of my Letter of the 22nd and the following is an Extract of it, written from memory to be sure, but in respect to the emphatical words literal, and in other respects substantially if not verbally correct. Viz: “That the perseverance in the measure of the orders in Council is not grounded in...
44To James Madison from George Joy, 16 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Maury has transmitted to you from time to time in M. S. and print the sheets of a work of which the commencement was enclosed in my letter to you of the 15th. of Feby. and I have given a discretionary authority to Mr. John Atkinson of New York to print it in America. I have since sent Mr. Maury M. S. copy of a smaller work entitled “A letter from a calm observer to a Noble Lord on the...
45To James Madison from George Joy, 19 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
I wrote you on the 16th. instant, 1st. and 2nd. Via: Liverpool, to the care of Mr. Maury, 3rd. Via: Plymouth pr: Mr. Hawker, since then I have had no further intercourse with Lord Sidmouth, except sending him, in its naked form, extract of a letter from one of my brothers in Boston, expressive of the indignation felt there at the interference pr. Henry, while holding out friendly pretensions;...
46To James Madison from George Joy, 25 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
I had not long closed my letter of the 19th when I met Lieut: Brooks who informed me that he believed nothing had been done in France; that such was the common opinion but he could not speak from any authority, as Mr. Barlow was very close. He had indeed told him when he was coming away that he expected to make peace for all the world. It was said in haste and Brooks supposed with a view to...
47To James Madison from George Joy, 13 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have just parted from Mr. Walker of Birmingham whom you will find mentioned in the Chronicle of this date as having received a certain intimation from Lord Castlereagh. Mr: Walker denies altogether the imperious Language of Lord C. which he will require to be contradicted in the Chronicle—he even constructed from his Language that a directly different result would follow. But on repetition...
48To James Madison from George Joy, 19 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
Though the debates of last evening exhibiting the pitiful and undignified manner in which Ministers are retreating from the Orders in Council, after the sordid principles upon which they have endeavoured to sustain them, give little encouragement to the hope of any beneficial consequences; I think it right to inform you that I have an appointment with Lord Sid-mouth at one O’Clock to morrow...
49To James Madison from George Joy, 20 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have just parted with Lord Sidmouth who after the recognition of a meeting some years ago, and the repetition of the same friendly disposition to the United States and reference to the same constitutional analogies, customs &c which I remember to have communicated to you at the time or since, proceeded to assert his right to be considered a friend of the United States, by adding that he had...
50To James Madison from George Joy, 23 June 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have yet received no appointment from Lord Sidmouth since I wrote you on the 20th. Instant. I may have been mistaking in his saying he would write me on Sunday but I am sure he said the appointment would not pass this day and it is now ½ past 3 O’Clock. I have sent him the letter of yesterday of which I enclose copy & which I presume reached his hands within the last hour. Having a letter...