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...
21To James Madison from William Jones, 28 May 1813 (Madison Papers)
I enclose 11. letters received by the mail of this day from Commodore Chauncey. Nos. 17. to 27. The most material are Nos. 22 to 27. inclusive some surgeons and mates have gone on and others are going. Captain Sinclair is here and goes on in the mail tomorrow to take the command of the New Ship at Sacketts Harbour. We have had no Marines to send on and have not succeeded in recruiting any on...
22To James Madison from William Jones, 6 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed report is prepared in consequence of a call from the Chairman of the Naval Committee of the Senate for a return of the number of Gun Boats in service and their Stations, with a view as I understood him in conversation to propose an additional special defence for Baltimore of a number of Barges or Galleys which the City of Baltimore during the late excitement built and now wish to...
23To James Madison from William Jones, 6 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
I send the enclosed letters for your perusal. James T Leonard was next in command to Com Chauncey until arrested upon charges of misconduct and is now under arrest waiting the investigation of a Court martial. I know not who was the commanding naval officer that so precipitately destroyed the stores, nor is it possible to anticipate the consequences as it respects the equpment of the New Ship....
24To James Madison from William Jones, 8 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
I enclose for your perusal the official letters of Commodore Chauncey 27, 28, 29. June which the bearer will take to the printers after you have perused them if you think proper. I also enclose a letter from Com Bainbridge covering Commodore Brooke Challenge which I am happy Captain Laurence did not receive as the post mark is the day after the Battle. I also enclose Com. Decaturs letter. The...
25To James Madison from William Jones, 21 June 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have pleasure in sending the enclosed letters which show that com. Chauncey has determined upon the course which you were so solicitous he should have done, and has thereby in my mind greatly elevated his Character as perhaps there are few Naval officers who would have resisted the temptation to exalt their fame! Have the goodness when you have perused to send the letters to my Lodgings....
26To James Madison from William Jones, 15 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
At 4 AM I received the enclosed from Captain Morris and immediately came to this place to order the three scows armed with 32 & 24 pounders to take a position at Greenleaf Point and to order some heavy Cannon from the Yard to that place with every other means of defence in preparation. My opinion is that though the force is formidable the real object is to menace this place and to get Water...
27To James Madison from William Jones, 21 July 1813 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 July 1813, Navy Department. “The appointments, & nominations on the enclosed paper, are required to fill existing vacancies.” Letterbook copy and letterbook copy of enclosure ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). Letterbook copy 1 p. The copy of the enclosure (5 pp.) lists 122 promotions and appointments in the navy. Notes near the end of the list read: “Transmitted to the President 23. July 1813” and “The...
28To James Madison from William Jones, 24 July 1813 (Madison Papers)
My duty to the Nation, solicitude for the prosperity of your administration, for yourself a sincere personal regard, and anxiety for my own reputation; demand of me to state to you frankly my conviction of the absolute impracticability of my discharging the high and responsible trust of acting Secretary of the Treasury combined with the duties of Secretary of the Navy. The accumated [ sic ]...
29Draft of a Naval General Order, [ca. 29 July] 1813 (Madison Papers)
The palpable and criminal intercourse held with the enemys forces blockading and invading the waters and shores of the United States is in a military view an offence of so deep a die as to call for the vigilant interposition of all the Naval Officers of the United States. This intercourse is not only carried on by foreigners under the specious garb of friendly flags who convey provisions water...
30To James Madison from William Jones, 11 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed is copy of a letter received this morning from Capt Perry. Thus Sir you see the vessels that were “built in a pond from whence they could not be removed” are afloat in safety on the broad Lake having passed the Bar in the presence of the enemy without interruption which I take to be an acknowledgement of inferiority. You will observe that the eight vessels which had passed the Bar...
31To James Madison from William Jones, 12 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
Last night Coll Duval of Annapolis came up from that place in haste to see the Secretary at War who had left this place the preceding day. Col D. states that the enemy in great force are approaching Annapolis with the evident intention of attacking it and that Colonel Carbery had received orders from Gen Smith to repair immediately to Baltimore the execution of which had been suspended merely...
32To James Madison from William Jones, 14 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed extracts and copies from Com Chauncey & Captn Perrys letters and from the private letters of General Williams to the Secretary of War will convey to you the state of things on the Lakes. The prospect is propitious whatever may be the result. The presence of the British fleet on the Lake is I take it a desperate (but successful) effort to relieve the forces at the head of the Lake...
33To James Madison from William Jones, 16 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
Mr Osgood the Naval Officer of New York is dead. The offices of Surveyor & Naval Officer are of course to fill. You mentioned Furguson Coffin and Heath. I enclose a letter from Mr Lefferts MC. to Mr Gale. Mr Alexr McComb father of Col McComb and former great Speculator is also an applicant for the Naval Office. Will you please to say which of the Candidates or what other shall fill the...
34To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 16 August] 1813 (Madison Papers)
I enclose for your information copy of a letter from Mr Anderson Navy Store keeper New York who has been with Commodore Chauncey from the commencement of the Lake service. He is a judicious active man whose services have been very important and being in Chaunceys confidence he has a perfect knowledge of the past and present state of things in that quarter. I am very respectfully Your Obdt....
35To James Madison from William Jones, 17 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
I herewith transmit the proceedings of a Court Martial held at Point Petre 19th July for the trial of Lieutenant Alexander Sevier Commanding a detachment of Marines serving with the Army of the UStates in that quarter—which resulted in a sentence of dismission from the service of the U States. I have reason to believe that an impartial enquiry into the general character and conduct of Lieut...
36To James Madison from William Jones, 18 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
A letter from Genl Boyd and a private one from Genl Williams states that Com Chauncey lost two of his smallest vessels by upsetting in a squall and that by a sudden shift of wind the enemy were enabled to get between two more of his smallest vessels and the squadron but it is not known whether they were captured or escaped. They state however that Chauncey was still pursuing the enemy in order...
37To James Madison from William Jones, 21 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
I return the proceedings of the court martial in the case of Lieut Sevier and upon reflection I think it will be better to remit than to reverse the Sentence and will be in conformity with General Pinckneys letter. Indeed as he has confirmed the sentence though stayed the execution I believe there is no other regular course but to remit. If you think to please say at the foot of the...
38To James Madison from William Jones, 23 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
On the day of your departure from this City you directed the Removal of Josiah Weston Collector of New Bedford which upon looking into the Department I took the liberty of suspending for a few days as the usual course in cases of complaint against Collrs. had been adopted in this Viz to direct some trusty person to investigate the alleged grounds of complaint and report to the Depmt. The...
39To James Madison from William Jones, 23 August 1813 (Madison Papers)
I have received a Despatch from Com Chauncey dated the 13th. at Sacketts Harbour where he had that day arrived with the Gen Pike, Oneida, Madison, Gov Tompkins, Conquest, Ontario, Pert, & Lady of the Lake; having left the Fair American and Asp at Niagara. He would that day take in five weeks provision and sail in the evening in pursuit of the Enemy. The aspect of this Despatch is unfavorable...
40To James Madison from William Jones, [ca. 26 August] 1813 (Madison Papers)
Extract from a letter from Fort George U. C. Augt. 17. 1813 By a despatch last night at Taptoo we learn that the enemys fleet had come to Just off the Creek (12 mile Creek) handed his Sails & was preparing to land, when Com. Chauncy’s fleet appeared in Sight & was, when the express left, in chase of the Enemy. Unfortunately the weather is this day very boisterous & therefore the Comre. will...