1To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 18 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 March 1801, Bristol. Transmits copy of his 17 Dec. dispatch (since which he has received no letters); encloses accounts of imports and exports by American vessels during six-month period ending 31 Dec. 1800, newspapers, and a price list of London commodities. Food costs continue to rise. Shortage is now critical, and continued war will interfere with supplies from European continent....
2To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 21 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 April 1801, Bristol. Has received no letters from State Department since writing his of 18 Mar. Notes that papers transmitted (which include London prices current) report two great events in northern Europe. Will not conjecture on possible consequences except to say he is not sanguine of peace but fears the contrary. Reports that provisions continue to decline in price; weather has been wet...
3To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 12 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 May 1801, Bristol. Wrote last on 21 Apr. , since which he has received no letters from State Department. Encloses copies of letters just received from Malta. Transmits newspapers with news from Egypt of three battles between French and British. Reports great fall in price of all grains and flour since his last letter; encloses prices current [not found]. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, CD...
4To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 10 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 July 1801, Bristol. Since his dispatch of 12 May, has received no letters from State Department. Encloses accounts of imports and exports by U.S. vessels in his district for first half of 1801, newspapers, and London prices current. Anticipates an abundant harvest; despite this prospect, prices are now advancing after recent fall. Owing to ill health, he must travel to Bath frequently and...
5To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 6 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 August 1801, Bristol. Since his last dispatch, has received no letters from JM. Reports grain harvest probably will be abundant and potato crop is promising. Consequently, grain and flour prices have declined and may go lower. Encloses newspapers, London prices current, and last year’s report on Bristol infirmary. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bristol, vol. 2). 1 p. Enclosures not found. A full...
6To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 27 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 August 1801, Bristol. States that weather has been fine for harvest, which promises to be abundant. In consequence, grain, flour, and potatoes continue to decline in price. Reports indicate that crops on Continent are equally good, which also influences market. Encloses newspapers and copy of prices current. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bristol, vol. 2). 1 p. Duplicate copy (ibid.) bears...
7To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 28 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 August 1801, Bristol. Encloses letter from Marcus Lynch, Jr., member of Lynch, Roberts, and Woodward of Cork, where he is also agent for the British East India Company, and requests JM to obtain for him the post he solicits, if vacant. Firm of Nesbitt, Stewart and Nesbitt, Lynch’s reference, ranks among the first in London. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bristol, vol. 2). RC 1 p.;...
8To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 3 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 October 1801, Bristol. Transmits latest newspapers and encloses a letter from King containing word that peace preliminaries were just signed between Great Britain and France. Though terms are not yet revealed, has been informed that Great Britain will retain Cape of Good Hope and Ceylon but Egypt and Malta will be restored to their former owners. Encloses London prices current but expects...
9To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 10 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 October 1801, Bristol. Reports that, contrary to the information given in his last dispatch, the Cape of Good Hope will be returned to the Dutch but Cape Town will become a free port. Trinidad will be ceded to Great Britain. Encloses newspapers with other peace terms and a London price current. Also encloses a letter from Lynch on the subject Vander Horst earlier wrote to JM about; hopes...
10To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 7 November 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 November 1801, Bristol. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 1 Aug. circular letter . The irregular practices mentioned have not occurred in any port in his jurisdiction. Has transmitted accounts of imports and exports regularly but complains of difficulty in obtaining information due to “perverseness” of American captains in refusing to show manifests, a useless gesture since, for a fee, all such...
11To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 12 February 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 February 1802, Bristol. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s 28 Nov. letter ; has forwarded the letter JM enclosed for Livingston regarding the four casks of indigo belonging to Smiths, DeSaussure, and Darrell that were seized by a French privateer. Has also forwarded JM’s letter to Saabye at Copenhagen. Encloses copy of letter received “some time since” from Latimer, customs collector at...
12To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 2 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 March 1802, Bristol. Transmits copies of his letters of 12 and 13 Feb. , since which nothing worth communicating has occurred. Forwards four letters from Rufus King and encloses newspapers and the latest London price current. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bristol, vol. 2). 1 p. Written at the bottom of Vander Horst to JM, 12 and 13 Feb. 1802 . Copy (ibid.) dated 3 Mar. 1802. Enclosures not found....
13To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 20 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 March 1802, Bristol. Transmits a copy of his letter of 3 Mar. and four letters from Rufus King; encloses newspapers and a London price current. “The Season here for Agricultural pursuits was never more favorable than at present, nor do I recollect the fields at any former period so early in the year, wearing a more promising appearance.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bristol, vol. 2). 1 p. Written...
14To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 30 March 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 March 1802, Bristol. “As the Vessel is now on the point of Sailing I have only a moment left to enclose you the London Gazette Extraordinary, of yesterday’s date, containing an Acct. of the Signing of the Definitive Treaty of Peace, at Amiens, on the 27h. Instt.” Also encloses a few more newspapers and the last London price current. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bristol, vol. 2). 1 p. Enclosures...
15To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 3 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 May 1802, Bristol. Forwards copies of his last letters, which were sent by the Bristol packet via Boston, a letter from Rufus King, and newspapers. “The Season here continues remarkably fine for Vegetation,… in consequence of which, and the late favorable Harvest, the prices of all kinds of Provisions have fallen considerably.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bristol, vol. 2). 1 p. Vander Horst to...
16To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 13 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 May 1802, Bristol. Transmits a copy of his letter of 3 May. “In some of my former Letters I mentioned, that from the great extent of Sea-Coast within my Consular District, I had found it necessary to appoint five different Agents to act for me at the principal Ports.” Lists them and requests that five sets of U.S. laws be sent “to guide them in the execution of the duties of their Office.”...
17To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 15 May 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 May 1802, Bristol. Reports the case of Mason Ryan, an American seaman discharged from the Bristol infirmary, for whom he booked passage on the ship Alexander , Capt. Ebenezer McIntosh. The captain refused to accept the infirm sailor, preferring to pay the $30 penalty once in the U.S. “Having no power to compel him either to receive the Man or to pay the penalty,” reports the case to JM so...
18To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 13 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 July 1802, Bristol. Wrote last on 15 May . Fears uncommonly cold weather will harm crops, especially wheat. Encloses accounts of all imports and exports by American ships in his district for the six months ended 30 June, a report on the Bristol infirmary, newspapers, and a London price current. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bristol, vol. 2). 1 p. Enclosures not found. A full transcription of this...
19To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 24 July 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 July 1802, Bristol. Transmits a copy of his letter of 13 July . Despite cold, wet weather, reports of approaching harvest are “not unfavorable.” “You will no doubt before this can reach you have heard that the Emperor of Morocco has compelled Mr. Simpson the American Consul, to quit his dominions & declared War against the United States.” Forwards a letter from Rufus King and encloses...
20To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 7 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 August 1802, Bristol. Transmits a copy of his last letter of 24 July . “Warm weather has at length commenced here,” and crops are expected to be “of fine quality as well as plentiful.” Encloses newspapers and a London price current. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bristol, vol. 2). 1 p. Enclosures not found. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
21To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 13 September 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 September 1802, Bristol. Since his last letter of 1 Sept. [not found], has received JM’s of 26 July “and thank you for the order you have been so kind as to give Mr. King for payment of my small demand.” Reports that the harvest is near completion “and is undoubtedly very abundant, & which is said to be the case also on the European Continent in General.” Begs reference to the enclosed...
22To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 25 September 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 September 1802, Bristol. “On the other side is a Copy of my last respects of the 13t. Instt.… Our Harvest is now nearly closed and as the weather for gathering it has been very fine, there remains no doubt of its being excellent in quality as well as very abundant.” Encloses newspapers and a London price current. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bristol, vol. 2). 1 p. Enclosures not found. A full...
23To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 7 February 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 February 1803, Bristol. Last wrote on 25 Sept. by the Cornelia , Captain Bliss. Has since received no letters from JM. Has been unable to obtain “the least satisfaction” for Messrs. Smiths, DeSaussure, and Darrell of Charleston for indigo plundered from the Commerce by the French privateer Tiger at St. Malo in May 1793. Quotes a 3 Feb. 1802 letter from Skipwith to Livingston stating that the...
24To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 10 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 March 1803, Bristol. Transmits duplicates of his dispatches of 7 and 13 Feb., sent via New York, since which he has received nothing from JM. Has nothing to communicate beyond what is found in the enclosed newspapers and price current [not found]. Adds in a postscript that he is forwarding two letters from Rufus King for JM. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bristol, vol. 2). 1 p. Written at the foot...
25To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 10 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 July 1803, Bristol . Since his last letter of 10 Mar. has received JM’s circular of 9 Apr. , enclosing the laws of the U.S. passed in 1802. Was charged £2 16 s . 10 d ., as the volume was sent by post from Liverpool; if it had been sent by coach, it would have cost £2 6 s . Mentions this circumstance so that “the like may be guarded against in future.” Observed by a 3 Mar. resolution of the...
26To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 28 July 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 July 1803 . Has not heard from JM since he last wrote on 10 July . Encloses newspapers and a London price current; “the picture they draw is not the most exact resemblance of truth, yet they serve in some degree to shew the State & course of Public affairs.” “One would suppose from them that the War is popular but I must confess to you that my judgment fails me greatly if this is really the...
27To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 8 August 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 August 1803, Bristol . Has written already by “this conveyance” on 28 July . Adds a few more newspapers, “which will in some degree serve to communicate to you what has since occurred in this quarter, much of which you will find not a little Interesting.” “Public affairs look more & more serious and my apprehensions for their result is truly painful.” Harvest prospects continue “extremely...
28To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 12 September 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 September 1803, Bristol . Has received no favors from JM since his last letters of 28 July and 5 Aug., carried by the ship Black River . Encloses “the last State of the Bristol Infirmary” through the end of 1802. Also encloses some newspapers and the latest London price current. “The Harvest in this Country is nearly closed, and is not only abundant, but of excellent Quality.” RC ( DNA : RG...
29To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 1 October 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 October 1803, Bristol . Encloses a copy of his last letter, dated 12 Sept. , since which he has received nothing from JM. Encloses also “an Acct. of the charges made for lights, Quarantine &cc. at this & the other Ports” in his district “on British & on foreign Vessels entering them,” as JM desired. Encloses also some newspapers and the latest London price current, to which he refers JM “for...
30To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 10 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 February 1804, Bristol. Last wrote on 1 Oct. 1803 enclosing a duplicate. Has received nothing from JM since then. “I am now sorry to inform you that the act intitled ‘An act supplementary to the Act concerning Consuls & Vice Consuls & for the further Protection of American Seamen,’ and from which a fund for the purpose therein mentioned was intended to have been created, has wholly failed...