2711To James Madison from Joseph Habersham, 31 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
Upon further consideration I have concluded it would not be adviseable for me to undertake the office of District Judge which you was so good as to say the President was disposed to confer upon me. As the business before that court may suffer through the want of a Judge it appeared expedient for me to mention this before Your return that a new appointment might be made in time to prevent any...
2712To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 31 August 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor to receive, in due time, your letter of the last post. I have written to Mr. Helmbold, to inform me of his terms for printing the laws in German, and, if they prove reasonable, shall direct him to proceed. The enclosed two letters, which I have written to the Collector of New York, will shew the footing on which the business of the Ragusan Brigantine stands. I expect in a...
2713To James Madison from George Davis, 31 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 August 1801, New York. Reminds JM of letters from Edward Livingston, DeWitt Clinton, and Samuel Mitchill recommending him for the post of consul for Algiers, which he forwarded on 23 July. Wrote JM on 6 Aug. [letter not found] requesting to be considered for post at Tunis or Tripoli. Dr. Kemp of Columbia College has also written to Jefferson on his behalf. Reports that the frigate...
2714To James Madison from John J. Murray, 31 August 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 August 1801, Staten Island, New York. Announces that a few days earlier, in Aaron Burr’s presence, he made necessary alteration in his commission for consul at Glasgow as authorized by Wagner’s 6 Aug. letter. Burr endorsed certificate. Transmits bond and requests permission to delay departure until winter, as he wishes to visit principal trading towns, particularly those farther south, and...
2715To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 1 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 September 1801, Amsterdam. Encloses Leiden Gazette with news that Cairo has fallen to the British but Alexandria still holds out. This event should hasten an Anglo-French peace settlement. Murray sails for U.S. within a fortnight. Withdrawal of American minister from the Netherlands may require additional consular powers and instructions; suggests his recommendations of 20 June. Recounts...
2716To James Madison from John Mathieu, 2 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 September 1801, Naples. Refers to his 10 July dispatch, which enclosed semiannual shipping statement. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 21 May. Complains that, contrary to his instructions and U.S. laws, captains Ramsdell and Davis of Philadelphia left sailors on shore. He has had to send them to Leghorn by land to be embarked; encloses account of their expenses totaling $115.59. Has never applied...
2717To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 2 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 September 1801, The Hague. No. 135. Reports conference with foreign minister and audience of leave with president of Batavian Directory, at which he stressed friendly intentions of American government. President expressed much regret on the occasion of the interview. Encloses copy of a letter from the government regarding American merchant vessel Mary ; believes isolated location of Curaçao...
2718To James Madison from Francis Preston, 2 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 September 1801, Abingdon. Has learned from newspapers that General Davie declined his appointment to negotiate with the Southern Indians and that General Pickens has replaced him. Supposes because of Pickens’s delay in leaving and because of his age and distance from meeting site he will also decline. Offers himself for post but asks JM not to present his name if a more qualified candidate...
2719To James Madison from Wyllys Silliman, 2 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 September 1801, Marietta. Trusting in his belief that the administration wishes the laws of the national legislature to be generally promulgated, suggests their publication be extended to the Northwest Territory, even though the strict letter of the act of 1798 does not cover territories. Owing to expense of importing books, a newspaper is the main source of information for the populace, and...
2720To James Madison from DeWitt Clinton, 3 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
You will pardon the liberty I take when you know that it proceeds from a Sincere desire to promote the popularity and stability of Mr. Jefferson’s administration. I do not hesitate to say that I consider its success as intimately connected with the destiny of republican governm’t and that heretofore it has received the unqualified approbation of the real republican party of this State. The...