11To James Madison from William Jones, 26 February 1813 (Madison Papers)
The existing instructions from this Department rendering the Naval Commanders on certain stations subordinate and obedient to the Military Commanders is in my judgement fraught with consequences extremely injurious to the service and to the public interest. The first direct effect is that officers of talent character and spirit will not submit to the degradation and will decline or resign. The...
12To James Madison from William Jones, 27 March 1813 (Madison Papers)
You will perceive by the enclosed letters that the note you sent for my perusal was written under a mistaken idea that the firing of the British Barges on the schooners captured in the mouth of James River was an action between our Gun Boats & the enemy Frigate. I am satisfied that the object of an attempt to ascend James River is solely with a view to draw the Gun Boats from Norfolk. I shall...
13To James Madison from William Jones, 1 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
If water alone is their object they can get it with facility in the Potowmac without hazard, but I think the greater probability is that being correctly informed of the state of preparation of our ships at New york they may have gone to the Hook and to the East end of the sound in order to watch their movements. In the last New york paper it is said a Spaniard spoke a 74 with 7 other ships of...
14To James Madison from William Jones, 17 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
I returned at 6 this evening much fatigued having overset but without injury. The roads are intolerably bad. My visit has produced a good effect—our friends at Baltimore are particularly gratified by the arrangements I have made, and those who are not of that character appear satisfied. It happened very opportunely as the enemy anchored off the mouth of the river yesterday, sent their Barges...
15To James Madison from William Jones, 26 April 1813 (Madison Papers)
I feel that as a member of your Cabinet I ought to avoid adding to the number of solicitors on the subject of appointments and I promise you not to tresspass often. Permit me to say that I believe the appointment of Doctor James Rush as successor to his illustrious father would give as general satisfaction as that of any other; both on account of the merits of the candidate and the profound...
16To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. May 1813] 1813 (Madison Papers)
Will the President please to say what answer I may give to Mr Gray and if the prayer of his petition cannot be granted what reasons I may assign. I recollect that the distinction in Gerards case was that he had entered the waters of the US not knowing of the War and was taken and detained there until ransomed. I do not recollect the merits of the other cases to which Mr Gray alludes, but I...
17To James Madison from William Jones, 11 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
Agreably to a Resolution of the Legislature of this State, pass’d at their Session the last week, I do myself the honour to forward you the enclosed Memorial, and beg leave to observe— That as the War in which the United States are engaged is particularly distressing to this State, and as the danger of an Invasion most certainly increases as War progresses, and the distressing privations of...
18To James Madison from William Jones, 12 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
It is probable you may have seen the attack upon Commodore Murray in the Democratic Press and as he is the senior officer in the Navy of the U. States I deem it but just that he also should be heard and therefore enclose his letters and its enclosures for your perusal. The gentlemen to whom he alludes as being present I know very well they are worthy men and our political friends. Murrays...
19To James Madison from William Jones, 15 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
I return the proceedings of the Court Martial at Sackets Harbour for your decision on the Sentence of dismission, of sailing master Hutton which forms an exception to the power vested in the commander of the fleet. See act. April 23. 1800 Vol. 5. page 121. art. XLI. I believe the Sentence to be perfectly correct. I am very respectfully Sir your Obdt Servt Permit me to observe that the sentence...
20To James Madison from William Jones, [18–20 May] 1813 (Madison Papers)
Extract from a letter of Capt. Sinclair dated Norfolk. May 16. 1813. I was yesterday evening at the Capes—where there were 4–74s. 5 Frigates—1 Ship, apparently a merchantman—2 Brigs of War—and armed Schooners, making in all 22 Sail. They are moored, forming a line up the Bay Channel and also a line across the Channel to Hampton Roads—just at the tail of the Horse shoe. These are the Squadron...