1To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 14 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to inform you that I have this day drawn upon you, in favor of John Gavino Esqr. at 30 days sight, for five thousand dollars, on account of the United States of America, for their Barbary Affairs. With the highest respect & consideration, I have the honor to be Sir, Your mo. ob. St. Privately owned.
2To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 14 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that I have this day drawn upon you, in favor of John Gavino Esqr. for ten thousand dollars, at 30 days sight, on account of the United States of America for their Barbary Affairs. With the highest respect & consideration, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your mo. Ob. St. Privately owned.
3To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 30 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
Exchange for $12,000 dollars. At thirty days Sight of this my first of Exchange (second and third of the same tenor and date not paid) please to pay to the Order of Richard OBrien Esqr. the Sum of Twelve thousand Dollars, value received on account of the United States of America for their Barbary Affairs, and place the same to account, as per Advice from, Your Most Obedt Servt. Privately owned.
4To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 12 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have the honour to inform you that I have this day drawn upon you, in favor of John Gavino Esqr. at 30 days sight, for ten thousand dollars, on account of the U. States of America, for their Barbary Affairs. With the highest respect & consideration I have the honor to be, Sir, your mo. ob. St. Privately owned.
5To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 30 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have this day drawn upon you for Twelve thousand dollars, at 30 days Sight, in favor of Richard OBrien Esqr., for value received here, on Account of the United States of America, for their Barbary Affairs, which I pray you will have the goodness to honor and pass the same to Account. With Very Great Respect I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obedt. Servt. DNA : RG 59--CD--Consular...
6To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose an Arrêté of the Governor of this Island, opening certain Ports to Neutral Vessels. The Governor has been for about 3 weeks in the Southern part of the Island. I intended, before this time, to have made a tour to Port Republican; but I have found so many things to call my attention here that it has as yet been out of my power. I shall, however, set out in a few...
7To 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,...
8To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 7 February 1790 (Madison Papers)
In obedience to the command of the President of the United States, I have the honor to enclose you a letter from Peyton Short Esquire resigning his Commission of Collector of the Port of Louisville in Kentuckey, and to request that you will be so good as to consult with Mr. Brown, and any other Gentlemen from Virginia who are acquainted with characters in that part of the Country, upon a...
9To 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...
10To 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...
11To 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...
12To 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...
13To 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...
14To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 20 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
As the Honorable, the House of Representatives has been pleased to refer to you, for your report thereon, a Memorial which I laid before that Body, stating the circumstances attending my residence in the Island of St. Domingo, as Genl. Com. Agent of the United States, and the losses which I sustained in consequence of continuing there until the destruction of the City of Cape François; I take...
15To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 15 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to enclose duplicates of my two last letters Nos. 9 & 10. Since writing the last nothing new has occurred here. The Governor has not yet returned to this place; but is expected in 5 or 6 days. Mr. Dandridge has arrived here this day from Aux Cayes, and informs me that everything is tranquil in that quarter. Industry and good order prevail there, and the crops promise to be...
16To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 8 April 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have taken the liberty of drawing upon you this day in favour of Colo. Clement Biddle of Philadelphia, for one hundred dollars, to be placed to my Account with the U: States, for money advancd for distressed Seamen in this place. My advances on this account exceeds this sum; but I should not have drawn had it been permitted to send money out of this Island; or could a bill be had on...
17To 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...
18To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 19 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
It is with extreme regret I learn, that the British Prisoners, detained in Kentuckey and Ohio, and who were to have been released and delivered, by the Convention concluded on the 16th of July, are still retained within the United States. As I was the Agent, on the part of the U. States, in concluding that Convention, which I beleive was highly advantageous to our Country, I feel a deep...
19To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 31 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
A Copy of what I had the honor of writing to you on the 28th. instant, with its enclosures, accompanies this. The Vessel which took the aforesaid letter did not sail ‘till the 29th. Yesterday I sent my Drogerman to the Pala ce to know of the Dey what were his ultimate intentions (if he chose to declare them) respecting the business mentioned in my last; and to request that I might be allowed...
20To 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...
21To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 27 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I embrace a favourable opportunity offered by Mr. D’Arcy, who goes passenger in the Schooner Fox to Philada. to write you a few lines, and enclose a Copy of my last of the 25th. inst. which covered a Copy of the Constitution formed for the Island. I would forward another Copy by this Opporty., was it practicable for me to get it; but that seems to be out of the question at present. I hope to...
22To 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...
23To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 13 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
In consequence of the arrangement made with this Regency, in pursuance of the Instructions which I have had the honor of receiving from you under date of the 7th. of June 1806, &c. (a particular detail of wch negotiation and arrangement is given in my letter to you of the 25th. of January) I have found it necessary to draw upon Wm. Higgins Esqr. of Malta, for money to pay the reimbursement...
24To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 2 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that I have this day drawn upon you, in favor of John Gavino Esqr Consul of the U. States in Gibraltar, for twenty thousand dollars, in four sets of Exchange, each set in five Bills, at 30 days sight, vizt, One set for $3000. One do for 4000. One do for 6000. One do for 7000 $20,000 value received from him on account of the U. States, for their Barbary Affairs;...
25To 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....
26To 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...
27To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 28 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Tobias Lear. 28 March 1806, Algiers. “I have the honor to inform you that I have this day drawn upon you, two Setts of Exchange as follows. “$500 } at 30 days Sight in favor of Mr John Wingate. “2500 } “3000—Say for three thousand Dollars, for Value received in the freight of the Ship Raleigh in bringing a Cargo of Wheat from Malta to this place, on Account of the Regency, and which...
28To 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...
29To 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...
30To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 25 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
Together with a duplicate of my letter of the 21st. inst (No. 16) I herewith enclose the Copy of my correspondence with the Governor, relative to an outrage committed on the rights of Commerce, by a french Citizen residing in this place. You will have the pleasure to see that the Governor has, in the most explicit manner, declared his determination to pursue that line which justice and...
31To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 28 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed has this moment come to my hands, and I embrace the present opportunity to forward it, in addition to my letter of the 25 inst. which goes by the same vessel. What the effect of this may be I cannot tell; but in the present temper of things I have no doubt it will be carried into operation. With the highest respect I have the honor to be Sir, Your most Obedt. Servt. The preceding...
32To 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...
33To 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 ,...
34To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 16 December 1807 (Madison Papers)
You have undoubtedly, before this heard, that three American Vessels had been detained by a Frigate of this place, in consequence of the Annuities for two years past, not having been sent from the United States, in Naval and Military Stores, as stipulated by Treaty, notwithstanding the Amount thereof had been repeatedly offered in Cash. These Vessels are the Ship Eagle of New York; Nathaniel...
35To 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...
36To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 4 January 1808 (Madison Papers)
The Courier, for Alicante having been detained two days longer than was expected, give s me an opportunity of adding these few lines to my dispatches herewith (which are covered to Mr. Montgomery Consul in Alicante, with a request to forward them by the first opportunity); and to say, that it is reported this day, that the French Consul is in a fair way to settle the differences between his...
37To 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...
38To 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...
39To 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...
40To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 11 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor to write to you on the 25th. ultimo by the Brig Clarissa, Capt. Crisswell, viá Phila. and a duplicate by the Schooner Eleanor, Captn. Wickham viá Baltimo. since which nothing of moment has occured here excepting the accounts of peace between France &c. and Engd. This has caused a total suspension of business—and we wait with anxiety the official account from France, and the...
41To 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...
42To 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...
43To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 19 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Dr. Stevens’ departure being delayed two days beyond the time he expected to sail, gives me an opportunity of writing this, in addition to my letter of the 17th. Two British frigates appeared off this harbour on the 17th., and continued there until last evening. One was the Trent—the other not known. The latter boarded the Am. Schooner Commerce, Capt Ingersoll, from Salem, coming into this...
44To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 25 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
In consequence of the arrangements made with this Regency, in pursuance of the Instructions which I have had the honor of receiving from you, under date of the 7st. of June 1806, &ca. (A particular detail of which negociation and arrangements is given in my letter to you of this day) I have found it necessary to draw upon Mess: Degen Purviance & Co. in Leghorn, for money to pay the...
45To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 July 1808 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of putting under cover to you a letter for my mother and one for my son, from neither of whom have I heard anything for two years past. You will readily con ceive the anxiety I feel to know of the welfare of persons so near and dear to me. As I have not heard from the Gentleman (Captn. George Lang of Portsmouth N. H.) with whom I left my pecuniary concer ns for the support...
46To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment been able to procure a Copy of the Organic laws, framed by the Central Assembly of this Island, and have an opportunity of forwarding the same immediately by the Schooner Good Intent, which will sail tomorrow morning for New York. You will also receive, by the same Vessel, a duplicate of my letter No. 11, which was delivered to the Captain yesterday. With sentiments of high...
47To 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....
48To 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...
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, 15 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
The public dispatches which accompany this, will give a full detail of all my transactions and negociations at Tunis; And I shall feel peculiarly happy if the issue thereof meets the Approbation of the President and yourself. The base and false aspersions which have been cast upon my conduct in the Tripolis business, in some of our unworthy public Prints, give me some pain; but I was conscious...