Title: To James Madison from William Ross, 24 March 1801
From: Ross, William
To: Madison, James

Sir,
City of Washington, March 24, 1801
Trusting you will pardon the Liberty taken, and be disposed to render that Justice which my peculiar hard case may appear to require, I beg leave most respectfully to state, that I have been for some time past honor’d with the printing of the Laws enacted by the Congress of the United States; and that on the removal of the government, I undertook a Journey from Philadelphia to this place, and obtained a promise from Mr Marshal, then Sec. of State, and in whose disposal the Work was, of being continued in that employ—That relying upon this, I removed my family, (Six in number) to Washington, and as it was incumbent on me, and had been usual to furnish the members of Congress with a part of the Laws before their rising, I have incurred an expense of eight hundred Dollars in the purchase of paper to this end—that the Work has been put into my hands—that upon my returning Proof sheets of a part thereof, I received an order to suspend it, and return the copy—that a few Days after, I waited upon Mr Lincoln, by request—that I then stated what I have above related, and received for answer that he would not decide upon the matter, but had written to you upon the subject—that on the Day after my seeing Mr Lincoln, I was informed by Mr. Samuel H. Smith, that Mr. Lincoln had sent him the Laws to print. Believing from this circumstance, that it must have been done without your concerrence, and being a great sufferer by the transaction. I have been constrained to make this representation, in hopes it may not be too late, as Mr Smith appears not to be prepared for the Work, having made overtures to me for the purchase of my paper. With all due respect; I beg leave to subscribe myself, Sir, your very humble Servant,
William Ross

   RC (DLC). Addressed by Ross to JM at Orange Court House, Virginia; postmarked Washington, 27 Mar.; docketed by JM.

   Perhaps this protest reached the proper channels, since the Journal of the House of Representatives for the Sixth Congress, second session, was printed by Ross during 1801. Subsequent printing of the session laws was done by William Duane, publisher of the Philadelphia Aurora, who also established a Washington office in 1801, and printer Joseph Gales, Jr., who was associated with Samuel Harrison Smith at the National Intelligencer (Douglas C. McMurtrie, A History of Printing in the United States [1936; 2 vols.; New York, 1969 reprint], 2:268–70).


Title: To James Madison from David Humphreys, 24 March 1801 (Abstract)
From: Humphreys, David
To: Madison, James

24 March 1801, Madrid. No. 269. Believes recent royal order stipulating that “every recaptured vessel should remain in totality to the profit of the Recaptors” has been revoked “in consequence of my Protest.” Conveys correspondence with Spanish government concerning South Carolina. Council of war has not yet tried the case. Reports king’s renewed confidence in his adviser, the “Prince of Peace,” Don Manuel Godoy.

   RC and enclosures (DNA: RG 59, DD, Spain, vol. 5). RC 4 pp.; docketed by Wagner as received 20 June. Partly in code; key not found. Interlinear decoding in Wagner’s hand. Enclosures 9 pp., in Spanish. See also Thomas Tunno and John Price to JM, 22 July 1801.


Title: To James Madison from William Savage, 24 March 1801 (Abstract)
From: Savage, William
To: Madison, James

24 March 1801, Kingston, Jamaica. Transmits copy of last dispatch, which State Department has not acknowledged. Reports that Lord Hugh Seymour in recent letters assures Savage that persons represented to him as impressed American seamen will be freed if they answer the descriptions given. Names one seaman sought but not located in Seymour’s command and lists six others who have been set free. Transcribes Seymour’s 24 Feb. letter in which he complains of an American schooner at Kingston offering refuge to deserting British sailors. Authorities captured the seamen, along with an American mate who had aided them. Has investigated the incident and found master of schooner innocent of wrongdoing; communicated these results to British and warned American captains against such improprieties. Notes that he does not receive nearly the recompense necessary to meet his expenses.

   RC (DNA: RG 59, CD, Kingston, Jamaica, vol. 1). 5 pp.; addressed to Marshall; marked duplicate; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Savage; docketed by Wagner as received 7 June.

   A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.


Title: From James Madison to Isaac Hite, 25 March 1801
From: Madison, James
To: Hite, Isaac

Dear Sir
March 25. 1801.
I have recd. your favor of  by which we learn that we cannot have the pleasure of your & my sister’s company, in paying the last tribute of our affection & duty, to our deceased parent. It was indeed rather wished than expected, that such a journey would be practicable at this season, & under other existing circumstances. The funeral is to take place on saturday next, and a sermon is to be preached the day after at the Court House. Mr. Maury will officiate on both occasions.
The death of my brother Francis without a Will, & with a number of children mostly under age, had made it very desireable that the Mill in which he held a fourth part should be sold, for paying the debts of the partnership, as well as on other accounts. The state of this property under the will of my father, must, as you will perceive, become so much more perplexed as greatly to strengthen the reasons for selling. It is understood that the object may be accomplished by a suit brought agst. the partnership by a Creditor. Mr. Dunbar was written to for the purpose but has been silent for a lapse of time that forbids reliance on his concurring in the plan. The other creditor Gibson has brought suit, but it was at law, and I believe is already ended. Our only chance now is in your co-operation, to which no imaginable objection can lie, as the suit will be of course a friendly one, as it is unanimously wished by every individual interested who is of age to consent, and is palpably for the advantage of all under that age. Should you view the matter in the light the rest of us do, you will please to drop a line to Mr. Robt. Taylor, stating the amt. of your claim, & authorising him to bring a friendly suit, in such Court & in such form, as he may find most conducive to the purpose in view. My solicitude for despatch in this business arises from the call on me, which you will have observed in the papers, to take a share in the new administration, & from my wish, before I set out, to see some train laid for some general arrangement into which the care of the Mill may perhaps be included. I have not yet fixt the time for leaving home. It will depend in great measure, on that of the President’s return to the City of Washington from a trip to Monticello which he is about making. My route will be direct to the Seat of Govt. Mrs. M. proposes to make a circuit thro’ Berkely, and will we hope be able to include in it a visit to Bellegrove. I sincerely wish I could do the same. We are all in usual health, and unite in affectionate wishes. Yours very sincerely
Js. Madison

   RC (InHi).

   Left blank by JM. Hite’s letter has not been found. JM often visited Isaac Hite (1758–1836), husband of JM’s sister Nelly, on his way to and from New York, Philadelphia, and Washington (Ralph Ketcham, James Madison: A Biography [New York, 1971], pp. 371, 388).

   Little is known of JM’s younger brother Francis Madison (1753–1800), except that he was survived by nine children, “who together with their children” shared JM’s own estate (ibid., p. 370).

   Letter not found.

   The efforts to settle the senior Madison’s estate apparently involved Robert Dunbar, Jonathan Gibson, and Robert Taylor (PJMWilliam T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison (1st ser., vols. 1–10, Chicago, 1962–77, vols. 11—, Charlottesville, Va., 1977—)., 14:146 n. 1; Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790 … Virginia [Washington, 1908], p. 39; Taylor to JM, 24 Oct. 1801 [DLC]). The settlement of the will is explained in Brant, MadisonIrving Brant, James Madison (6 vols.; Indianapolis and New York, 1941–61)., 4:38.

   Belle Grove was Hite’s home near Winchester (PJMWilliam T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison (1st ser., vols. 1–10, Chicago, 1962–77, vols. 11—, Charlottesville, Va., 1977—)., 15:360 n. 3).


Title: To James Madison from Samuel Dexter, 25 March 1801
From: Dexter, Samuel
To: Madison, James

Sir,
Treasury Department March 25h. 1801
The President of the United States has decided to appoint William Davies Collector of Norfolk—to be superintendant of the Light Houses and other Establishments, which are provided within the State of Virginia for the protection of navigation.
I have therefore to request, that you will cause the necessary Commission to be issued & transmitted to this Office. I have the honour to be very respectfully Sir Your obedient Servant
Saml. Dexter

   RC (DNA: RG 59, ML). In a clerk’s hand, signed by Dexter; docketed by Wagner.

   William Davies (ca. 1749–1821) served from 1788 to 1799 as a commissioner to settle accounts between the U.S. and Virginia and then was a state tax agent. Adams had named him collector at Norfolk and Portsmouth in December 1800 (PJMWilliam T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison (1st ser., vols. 1–10, Chicago, 1962–77, vols. 11—, Charlottesville, Va., 1977—)., 3:32 n. 1; Senate Exec. ProceedingsJournal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.; Washington, 1828)., 1:357).


Title: To James Madison from Edward Livingston, 25 March 1801 (Abstract)
From: Livingston, Edward
To: Madison, James

25 March 1801, New York. Introduces and commends to JM’s attention his friend Josef Yznardy, who “has some title to the favor & I think claims on the justice of our government.”

   RC (DLC). 1 p.


Title: From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 25 March 1801
From: Madison, James
To: Randolph, Edmund

Letter not found. 25 March 1801. Mentioned in Randolph to JM, 29 June 1801. Asks Randolph a series of legal questions concerning settlement of father’s estate.


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 26 March 1801
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Madison, James

Th: J. to J. M.
Washington Mar. 26. 1801.
I am still here. Three refusals of the Naval Secretaryship have been re[c]ieved, and I am afraid of recieving a 4th. this evening from mr. Jones of Phila. In that case Genl. Smith has agreed to take it pro tempore, so as to give me time; and I hope the moment it is in either his or Jones’s hands, to get away; but this may be yet three four or five days. Lincoln is doing the duties of your office. He & Dearborn will remain here. Health, respect & affectionate attachment.

   RC (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers); FC (DLC: Jefferson Papers).


Title: To James Madison from Rufus King, 26 March 1801
From: King, Rufus
To: Madison, James

No. 7.Dear Sir,
London March 26. 1801.
Tho’ the King has recovered, he does not yet hold a Court, nor is it understood that he attends to any but the most pressing and indispensable business. The chief of the new Ministers are in their places, and all of them will be so in the course of a few days. The Duke of Portland remains in the Home Department: Mr. Addington, the late Speaker, is at the Head of the Treasury, Lord St. Vincent of the Admiralty, Lord Hawkesbury of the Foreign Affairs, Lord Chatham of the Ordnance. Lord Hobart is secretary at War, Lord Hardwick Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and Lord Elden will be the Chancellor. With the exception of Lord st. Vincents the new Administration is taken from among the political Friends of the old one, which in retiring has pledged itself to support its Successors.
It is more than a fortnight since the Fleet under Sir Hyde Parker sailed from Yarmouth road for the Baltic for the purpose of disputing the Question of armed Neutrality. No news has been received from it since its arrival in the Cattegat. If I am not mistaken, the expectation here is, that Denmark and Prussia will be detached from the League; tho’ after what has been done it is a little difficult to conceive upon what reputable pretext these Powers can withdraw. England thinks that Denmark and Prussia will decline the issue of force, and from all I hear it is quite likely that both of them believe that England will not, as she certainly has resolved to do, carry matters to that extremity.
In the debates which have lately taken place in both Houses of Parliament, the Doctrine that free Bottoms make free Goods, became a Topic for discussion. The ministerial side of the two Houses treated the question in a high and positive tone; denying the right claimed by Neutrals in this respect, and declaring its importance to be such, that if from notions of expediency it should be given up, the chief means upon which the safety of the Nation depends, would thereby be relinquished. The opposition likewise denied the right; but argued that its importance was overrated, and that instead of forcing the Question to the decision which was now appealed to, it should have been got rid of in like manner as it was in the year 1780. In the course of this debate, which I attended in both Houses, it was broadly denied by Lord Grenville and Mr. Pitt, tho’ little pains were taken to support their opinions either by Argument or authorities 1. that free Bottoms make free Goods. 2. that Neutrals may trade with Blockaded Ports. 3. that naval Stores are innocent Merchandize. 4. that Convoys protect from Search. 5. that Neutrals may carry on during War a Trade from which they were excluded in peace. These Questions, which were treated with great positiveness on one side, were ill understood and feebly discussed on the other. I was curious to hear what could be offered to disprove the last point, the denial of which has always appeared to me to be a limitation of the Rights of Neutrals, inconsistent with the admission of the Equality and mutual independence of Nations; and I was not disappointed in finding that it has no better or other support than the mere Convenience and advantage which it is calculated to procure to the Belligerent.
From the Levant no such intelligence has been received as enables any one to do more than conjecture the result of the Expedition to dislodge the French from Egypt. Little reliance seems to be placed upon the efficacious co-operation of the Turks; and should Gantheaums Squadron have reached Egypt before the Squadron of Lord Keith, the principal part of which wintered in the Bay of Mairi on the Coast of Caramainia, the French Army will have received such Supplies of every sort, as will put them upon an Equality with the forces under General Abercrombie, and tend very much to lessen his best chance of Success, that of inducing the French Army, anxious to return to France, to Consent to a Convention for the evacuation of Egypt. This, should it happen, would remove a thorny point in the way of Peace, overtures for which are understood to have been already made by the New Ministry. The old Questions respecting the Boundaries of France, and the form and Stability of its Government will be kept entirely out of sight. The terms may be difficult to adjust; but not insurmountably so unless France should insist upon the recognition of the maritime Rules laid down in the Northern League to which England will not consent so long as her present Naval superiority shall continue.
In respect to our own affairs, I can do no more than repeat, what I am weary of having repeated to me, that the Kings illness, the change of Ministers, and the attention to more urgent and indispensable business have against the inclination of the Government hitherto prevented it from coming to a decision concerning them. I have been very lately assured that the business shall be soon taken up, and as the several points have been fully discussed, a little time only will be requisite to decide them. I have not thought it necessary to send you Copies of my Correspondence; preferring to transmit it entire, together with the result, whatever it may be, of the negotiation. It will then be seen that I have not been insensible to the disadvantages arising from this delay which, as far as prudence and decorum would permit, I have endeavoured to prevent. With perfect respect & Esteem, I have the honour to be, Dear Sir, Your obedient and faithful servt.
Rufus King

   RC (DNA: RG 59, DD, Great Britain, vol. 9). Marked duplicate; in a clerk’s hand, signed by King; docketed by Wagner.

   George III’s recurrent illnesses, which some contemporaries believed evidence of madness, appear to have been symptomatic of a genetic metabolic disorder (porphyria) that afflicted the ruling families of several European countries. In February-March 1801 the king’s condition nearly brought on a constitutional crisis (Ida Macalpine and Richard Hunter, George III and the Mad Business [New York, 1970], pp. 111–24).

   Members of Addington’s cabinet immediately involved in relations with the U.S. were Robert Banks Jenkinson (1770–1828), Lord Hawkesbury (after 1808 second earl of Liverpool), who served as foreign secretary until 1804, and John Jervis (1735–1823), earl of St. Vincent, admiral and hero of the 1797 British victory over the Spanish at Cape St. Vincent (Watson, Reign of George III, p. 408 and nn.).

   The rights of neutrals were jeopardized by the British Rule of the War of 1756. The complex situation is explained in Samuel Flagg Bemis, A Diplomatic History of the United States (New York, 1942), p. 39, and Bradford Perkins, The First Rapprochement: England and the United States, 1795–1805 (Berkeley, Calif., 1955), pp. 81, 86–89.

   King had been trying for many weeks to break the deadlocked negotiations over American debts and Loyalist claims.


Title: To James Madison from Ebenezer Stevens, 26 March 1801
From: Stevens, Ebenezer
To: Madison, James

Sir
New York 26th. March 1801
On the 13th. Inst. I forwarded you Invoices & Bill Lading of a Cargo I have laden on board the Ship Grand Turk, by order of your late Predecessor, for account of the Tunisian Powers. The Ship is now ready to proceed on her Voyage, and is only waiting for the necessary Certificates and documents, to accompany the Invo. I beg leave to solicit your early attention in forwarding them, as the demurage commences soon.
I wrote you a few days since, advising of my Brig Minerva, Capt Matthew’s, being bound to Isle of France. If you have occasion to forward any letters to that quarter, my son who goes out as Super-Cargo will take charge of them. My friend Genl. Gates has wrote, for a letter, for my son.
I annex you a memorandum of the articles remaining to complete the demand of the Tunisian powers—and would observe that the powder may be got, from the Secry at War as Government has about 300 Tons in their Magazines—and there is a great scarcity of that article at Market. The Cannon also might be obtaind from the Navy Department.
This Cargo will require a Ship of about 350 Tons, to freight it to Tunis. I have the Honor to be Sir with respect Your Hble St.
Ebenr Stevens.

4th. Cargo

26.
Cannon, 12 pounders

26.
Carriages for ditto—

250.
Quintals of Gun
}
Powder, eql. to 20 Tons—

50
  ditto—of Musquet

12
Keel pieces, of 52 feet long

58
Oak Knees

200
Forked dt.

36
Oak plank 4½ In:

112
pieces Scantling

2244.
piene plank, from 14 to 18 feet long: & 4 In: thick

27
Barrels pitch

80
 dt.  Tar.

   RC (DNA: RG 59, ML).

   Letter not found.


Title: To James Madison from Benjamin Stoddert, 26 March 1801
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Madison, James

Sir
Nav Dep 26th March 1801
I have the honor to enclose a list of the French Vessels, captured since the 1st Octr last, & brought into the ports of the United States. There are no documents in this office to shew whether these vessels have been condemned in our courts, or otherwise, except the Berceau, which has been condemned, sold, & purchased by the Public, & is now ordered to be restored, under the Treaty.

I have written to the Clerks of the different District Courts of the United States for an account of such vessels, as had been captured prior to the 1st. Octr but not finally condemned on that day. Several Vessels I have no doubt are included in this discription, which have been since sold, & therefore cannot be restored, but the money which they may have produced, can be, & this I presume will satisfy the Treaty.
A question will arise, & unless it be soon determined, will create some embarrassment & much uneasiness among the officers & crews of our ships, whether the Captors shall lose their shares of the prize money, arising from such captured vessels, as are to be restored.
I made an effort, to get an appropriation made by Congress, to settle this question, & wrote to both the Chairman of the Committee on Naval affairs—& the Chairman of the Committee on ways & means, the latter of which I do myself the honor to enclose a copy. Neither of the Gentlemen, however, paid the least attention to the subject, & I beleive under an idea, that next session would be time enough. I have the honor to be with great respect sir yr mo Obed Sert
Ben Stoddert

   RC and enclosure (DNA: RG 59, ML); letterbook copy (DNA: RG 45, Letters to Secretary of State). RC in a clerk’s hand, except for Stoddert’s complimentary close and signature; docketed by Wagner. Enclosure 2 pp. (see n. 4).

   List not found, but see JM to Pichon, 13 July 1801, and Pichon to JM, 9 Dec. 1801 (DNA: RG 59, NFL, France, vol. 1).

   Article 4 of the convention signed at Morfontaine 30 Sept. 1800 provided for the return of captured merchantmen and cargoes (excepting contraband destined for enemy ports) which courts had not yet condemned and sold or which might be captured before ratification of the agreement (Miller, TreatiesHunter Miller, ed., Treaties and Other International Acts of the United States of America (8 vols.; Washington, 1930–48)., 2:459–62).

   The French warship Le Berceau, captured by Capt. George Little and the crew of the U.S. frigate Boston 12 Oct. 1800 and taken into Boston, had been condemned by the federal district court for Massachusetts. Acting on article 3 of the convention with France, Stoddert ordered the ship restored on 20 Mar. (Knox, Naval Documents, Quasi-WarDudley W. Knox, ed., Naval Documents Related to the Quasi-War between the United States and France (7 vols.; Washington, 1935–38)., 7:373, 210, 150).

   Stoddert enclosed a copy of his letter of 15 Feb. 1801 addressed to the chairman of the committee on naval affairs, Josiah Parker of Virginia. In the letter Stoddert suggested an appropriation of $100,000 to cover the prize money federal law had guaranteed American privateers (ibid., 7:122).


Title: To James Madison from Thomas Bulkeley, 27 March 1801 (Abstract)
From: Bulkeley, Thomas
To: Madison, James

27 March 1801, Lisbon. Acknowledges receipt of State Department letters of 13 Sept. and 21 Nov.—the former regarding the capture of the brig Sea Nymph. Has learned that captors bribed mate to take false oath “declaring the Vessel & Cargo French property.” Later, mate made counterdeclaration, and the ship and cargo have been liberated. Meanwhile, Gavino has obtained court order in Gibraltar “to seal the Hatches.” Declaration of war on Portugal by Spain aided by France and desertion by British allies will cause serious alterations. Because of this alarming situation, postpones sending plan for establishing permanent hospital for American seamen, who are now admitted “and cured gratis” at local hospital; has acted consistently with greatest economy. Encloses documents on U.S. vessels and trade with Lisbon. Repeats request for statements of health in U.S. to alleviate quarantine; routine for issuance of certificates from U.S. customs collectors should be established. Transmits copy of circular from Cathcart.

   RC (DNA: RG 59, CD, Lisbon, vol. 1). 4 pp.; marked “Copy”; docketed by Wagner as received 16 June. Enclosures not found.

   A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.


Title: To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 27 March 1801 (Abstract)
From: Smith, William Loughton
To: Madison, James

27 March 1801, Lisbon. Reports that recent packets from Britain contain no mention of a British plan to aid Portugal. Speculates on reasons for delays in French or Spanish invasion: French may hope Spanish will begin and bear brunt of it, or in the interval Portuguese cabinet may succeed in maneuvering British out of the country without provoking them.

   RC (DNA: RG 59, DD, Portugal, vol. 5). 2 pp.; marked private; docketed by Wagner as received 24 May.


Title: To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 28 March 1801 (Abstract)
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Madison, James

28 March 1801, Berlin. No. 187. Encloses copy of Spanish declaration of war on Portugal. Reports thirty-day truce between France and Naples, the terms of which include an embargo on British ships in port of Naples. Expects general European war against Britain. Notes that Nelson has sailed for Copenhagen, that a British refusal to lift embargo of Swedish and Danish ships effectively answers Prussian ultimatum, and that Prussian troops are marching to occupy Hamburg and Bremen. Reports changes in Russian court.

   RC and enclosure (DNA: RG 59, DD, Prussia, J. Q. Adams at Berlin); letterbook copy (MHi: Adams Papers). RC 2 pp. Triplicate (DNA: RG 59, DD, Prussia, Letters of J. Q. Adams) docketed by Wagner as received 19 June. Enclosure 2 pp., in Spanish.


Title: To James Madison from John Knapp, 29 March 1801
From: Knapp, John
To: Madison, James

Dr sir,
City Washington March 29th. 1801
I congratulate you on an event terminating so fortunately for the Republican cause, by the Election of Mr. Jefferson. Permit me to solicit your friendship & support to the attainment of a situation under his Administration, such as my Ability & Integrity will enable me to discharge. I hope there is no assumption of Vanity, when I say, my long services in public life & various Public Offices of which I can produce ample Credentials, entitles me to some attention. It is true my Political Creed held me back under the late Administration, & no Man who dared to express a Republican Idea, could feel the affection of the then Rulers: But thank God, a change is effected, & I may with truth say, the Salvation of our Country depended on that change. I feel satisfied that under the present head of the Nation, those who in the worst of times, uniformly adheared to Principles, calculated to promote the happiness of Man; will not appear in the back ground & their Enemies in front. If necessary I can have the support of Messrs. Giles, Venable & Harrison of your State, the Chancellor of Maryland, Judges Duvall & Kilty united to Mr. R Sprigg of this State, Messrs. Smilie, Muhlenberg Hiester, Brown, Dallas & Leib of Penna. & many others influential Characters in the Union, whose sentiments have ever been in unison with my own. I am aware of the Delicate situation I place you by a requisition of this nature, but the present opening urges me to make every effort to the attainment of an object, so essentially advantagious to the Interest of my family, which I hope the goodness of your heart will pardon. Possibly I may exceed the limits of propriety by this address, but when you reflect on the importance resulting to me from your influence, you will deem it an ample apology for my present intrusion. I have the honor to be with sentiments of the highest esteem & respect Dr Sir Yr. Obt. sert.
John Knapp
PS. Make my best respects acceptable to Mrs. Madison, in which Mrs. Knapp sincerely joins & accept our united wishes for the health & happiness of you both. God bless you
J K.

   RC (DLC).

   William Branch Giles, Abraham B. Venable, and Carter Bassett Harrison were Virginia congressmen.

   Alexander Contee Hanson was the chancellor of Maryland. Gabriel Duvall was chief justice of the general court of Maryland. William Kilty served as a state jurist in 1801. Richard Sprigg, Jr., was a Maryland congressman who served in the House between March 1801 and February 1802, when he was named associate judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals.

   John Smilie, Peter Muhlenberg, John and Joseph Heister, Robert Brown, Alexander J. Dallas, and Dr. Michael Lieb were influential members of the Pennsylvania Republican party (Higginbotham, Keystone in the Democratic Arch, pp. 16–19).

   Knapp was a Philadelphian who had moved to Washington and opened a lumber business. Mrs. Knapp apparently was Dolley Madison’s longtime friend (Knapp to JM, 9 July 1800 [DLC]; Mrs. John Knapp to Dolley Madison, n.d. [DLC: Dolley Madison Papers]).


Title: To James Madison from Anthony Haswell, 30 March 1801
From: Haswell, Anthony
To: Madison, James

Respected Sir,
Bennington, March 30th. 1801.
For many years past I have edited and printed a public paper in this town, on the proceeds of which I have brought up a large, and expensive family, having been greatly afflicted with sickness. The unhappy political divisions which for some years past have afflicted our country, have been peculiarly injurious to me—the state business has been taken from me: the advertising for the public offices of the Union diverted from my press; and the laws of the Union ordered for publication, in the Rutland Herald, a paper that previously circulated but about 400 weekly, while the circulation of mine surmounted 1400. I have likewise been draged from my home and tried for sedition for publishing an advertisement for Col. Lyon’s Lottery, furnished to me by citizens well known, and an extract from Mr. M’Henry’s Letter, with subjoined remarks, from the Aurora, the notoriety of which publications prevents my reciting them—and my fine and imprisonment is equally notorious.
You will excuse my freedom in thus intruding on your patience, and if you deem it consistent, will please to order the insertion of the laws in my paper, and while the administration retains, in my view, the virtuous character it has begun to assume, my labors, my property, and my life shall freely be risked, at the call of duty for its support, as it was in its original production, by the revolutionary war; and as it has been in the late political dissentions, in which, by the machinations of men, who profess friendship as neighbors, but enmity as poli[ti]cians, I have been reduced to distress, and almost to penury. With due respect, I am, Sir, Your fellow citizen
Anthony Haswell.

   RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1801–9).

   Anthony Haswell was editor of the Bennington Vt. Gazette.

   The Federalist Rutland Herald was published in 1801 by the Congregationalist minister Samuel Williams (Clarence S. Brigham, History and Bibliography of American Newspapers, 1690–1820 [2 vols.; Worcester, Mass., 1947], 2:1091).

   Haswell championed Matthew Lyon’s cause during the congressman’s sedition trial and in January 1799 published an advertisement for a lottery promoted by Lyon’s friends to raise the $1,100 needed to pay his fine and court costs. Haswell’s own troubles multiplied when he reprinted attacks on the Adams administration that had first appeared in the Philadelphia Aurora, and he was indicted under the Sedition Act for the remarks in the lottery advertisement and in the Aurora reprint. In May 1800 Haswell was found guilty, fined $200, and sentenced to two months in a federal prison (Smith, Freedom’s Fetters, pp. 361–70).

   Haswell continued his requests for aid from the new administration. Jefferson referred to JM Haswell’s 10 May letter (DLC), which repeated the request for designation as a public printer.


Title: To James Madison from John Minor, 31 March 1801 (Abstract)
From: Minor, John
To: Madison, James

31 March 1801, Fredericksburg. Recommends Henry Coleman of Caroline County for a federal office. Expresses surprise that Thomas Newton has not kept him informed concerning the order for cigars but believes the Norfolk merchant seeks the “best possible for us.”

   RC (DLC). 2 pp.; docketed by JM.


Title: To James Madison from Moses Robinson, 31 March 1801 (Abstract)
From: Robinson, Moses
To: Madison, James

31 March 1801, Bennington, Vermont. Offers congratulations on election and JM’s appointment. Recommends Anthony Haswell to publish U.S. laws in Vermont in place of Samuel Williams of Rutland, who has opposed Republican sentiments. Recounts Haswell’s tribulations under the Alien and Sedition acts. Suggests misconduct in post office has interfered with delivery of newspapers from Philadelphia and Washington, while Federalist newspapers from those places have arrived. Suggests appointment of Haswell as deputy postmaster in Bennington. In postscript, notes that he has not yet received reply to a letter to Jefferson.

   RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1801–9). 2 pp. Robinson, a former governor of Vermont, was a Republican in the U.S. Senate from 1791 until his resignation in 1796.


Title: To James Madison from Benjamin Thompson, 31 March 1801 (Abstract)
From: Thompson, Benjamin
To: Madison, James

31 March 1801 “Christa. Bridge State of Delaware.” Recollects past association with JM; complains of ill fortune and losses “as a Canadian Refugee.” Despite unsuccessful request for consular post during Washington’s administration, renews his application for a position. Believes few Americans possess knowledge of the French language and customs superior to his.

   RC (DLC). 2 pp.; docketed by a clerk: “Benja. Thompson of Delaware pressing application for an office as the means of subsistence.”


Title: To James Madison from Israel Whelen, 31 March 1801 (Abstract)
From: Whelen, Israel
To: Madison, James

31 March 1801, Philadelphia. Encloses a copy of the charter party for the Grand Turk. Stevens has drawn on him for $6,556.60. Requests that he be remitted that sum. The insurance is carried by the owner at 5 percent.

   RC and enclosure (DNA: RG 59, ML); letterbook copy (DNA: RG 45, Purveyor’s Office, Philadelphia). RC 1 p. Enclosure 3 pp.


Title: To James Madison from Francis Brooke, 1 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: Brooke, Francis
To: Madison, James

1 April 1801, Fredericksburg. Recommends Henry Coleman to JM as a person worthy of a clerkship. Coleman has letters of introduction from John Taylor of Caroline and others, so the sole reason for an extra testimonial is the applicant’s “Solicitation and the liberality of your Character.”

   RC (ViU). 1 p.; docketed by JM.


Title: To James Madison from Robert Ritchie, 1 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: Ritchie, Robert
To: Madison, James

1 April 1801, Port Républicain. Encloses copy of a pamphlet from Toussaint on measures for taking possession of Spanish part of the island, with attendant correspondence.

   RC (DNA: RG 59, CD, Cap Haitien, vol. 3). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 2 May. Enclosures not found.

   A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.


Title: To James Madison from Charles Peale Polk, 2 April 1801
From: Polk, Charles Peale
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir,
Frederick Town, April 2d. 1801.
In addressing to you the subject of the following letter, I hope that the presumption may not be thought too great. The established philanthropy of your Character, but especially the Honor of your friendly deportment towards me, have encouraged the Undertaking.
It is known to you, Sir, the languid State of the fine Arts in this Country, particularly that of Painting; and it has been my misfortune to meet but with little encouragement for several Years past, owing to a variety of Causes. In the County where I reside, ’tho vastly wealthy, that wealth lies in the hands of a Class of Citizens, whose political principles seem to have forbidden not only the encouragement of those who dared to differ in Opinion from them, But they have even gone so far as to cherish a Spirit of persecution against every man who presumed to Opposed [sic] them; Principally owing to this, a numerous family, who depend on my labour, have been deprived of that support, which, under more favourable Circumstances they might Otherwise have Obtained.
It is then, Sir, under the reluctant pressure of necessity, that I venture to Solicit your Patronage in Obtaining Any Situation, Here or Elsewhere, under the General Government, that may answer the purpose of Affording any comfortable subsistance to my family.
Although I believe that a healing hand is greatly wanted to close the wounds of domestic discord, and I firmly rely that this hand will be extended by Mr Jefferson; Yet, as it is expected by the Public that a variety of vacancies under the different departments, must take place, especially in those in the hands of Such as have avowed the Most Obnoxious principles and Opposition to the present Administration; In such an event Sir, perhaps I may be thought capable of discharging the duties of some Subordinate Station. My Character and Conduct, must be determined by those who have had the best Opportunity of knowing me, and no doubt will be enquired into through the proper channels. I beg leave Sir, to refer you to John Thompson Mason, Esquire, who is intimately Acquainted in this County, through him, any information may be Obtained. My longest residence however, has been in Baltimore and Annapolis, where I was born.
Having Sir, thus presumed upon your goodness, I will intrude no farther than to beg your Acceptance of the Assurance of the high respect and esteem with which, I am, in any event Dr Sir, Your Obliged Hbl Servt.
Charles Peale Polk

   RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.

   As a resident of Frederick, Maryland, Polk served as secretary of the county Republican citizens’ committee in 1800 (Lillian B. Miller, ed., The Collected Papers of Charles Willson Peale and His Family: A Guide … to the Microfiche Edition [Millwood, N.Y., 1980], p. 65).

   John Thomson Mason (1765–1824) was a Georgetown attorney involved in western Maryland affairs. Jefferson had named him U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia in March (Jefferson’s list of appointments, 1801–3 [DLC: Jefferson Papers]; Senate Exec. ProceedingsJournal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.; Washington, 1828)., 1:402, 405).

   Charles Peale Polk, orphan nephew and foster son of Charles Willson Peale, was the least successful member of that family of famous artists. His works included portraits of JM’s parents and the Isaac Hite family, which hung at Belle Grove (Miller, Peale Family Papers Guide, pp. 65–66; “Belle Grove in Shenandoah Valley Becomes a National Trust Property,” Historic Preservation, 16 [1964]: 130–31).


Title: To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 3 April 1801
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Lancaster Pennsa. April 3rd. 1801
I have this evening a letter from Mr. Beckley in which he communicates to me the information, that the office of Supervisor of the Revenue of Pennsa. will probably be assigned to General Muhlenberg. There are I believe two offices in this state which will neat more than that—each I mean will. But from long observation and experience you may rely on my information, that to execute both of them well by one person, would be more easy than to perform well the duties of the office of Supervisor. It is, in this state, an office of extreme difficulty, and I am convinced that any gentleman beginning executive business with that office at a late time of life, will fail to do credit to the Presidents Administration & to himself. I advise therefore that Genl. M. be rather offered any office in the State. If any be thought of for me, I advise that he be offered it, rather than commit this arduous office of endless vigilance and exertion to a gentleman unaccustomed as he is to the fatigue duty of a difficult executive station. I do not know what offices are to be vacated, nor do I wish to excite or persuade to such measures, but if there are just causes to vacate the naval office, it is a very handsome object, which no man would refuse, which I would prefer to any other in America, and which Genl. Muhlenberg could fill well, and without any extreme exertion. If the collectorship of the customs is to be vacated, Genl. M. would find that a very profitable office and one of no difficulty, tho of great trust. It is the best in the Government within this state—but it is simple, limited to a single building to which the merchants must repair, and not to be pursued in every Township in the State, like the Office of Supervisor. From the year 1791 it has been found impossible to fill well the office of supervisor, and this gentleman will find it a scene of confusion, and relaxed discipline worse than the original difficulty of the business. In the states distilling from domestic materials, & having sugar refineries, auctions, carriages, and retailers there never were but three or four good supervisors out of 20, who have held the office. It is now much more complicated and extended than it was at first. As our vast tracts in Virga. Pennsa, New York, Vermont Maine, Kentucky, Tennessee, the Caras. & Georgia settle, the business will become more and more difficult and call for more discipline, and exertion. Be assured that if the Government does not place all the new appointments to that office in proper hands, it will be felt to the last hour of the Presidents first term. I cannot be too emphatic on this point, considering what I have seen, and believe upon the subject. I believe the supervisorship of Pennsa. more difficult than that of any state in the Union, and more so than the superintending office of the Commissioner of the Revenue.
You will not suppose that I am an enemy to Genl. Muhlenberg, or doubt his pretensions. I do not believe he has a more sincere friend, and I mention for him superior objects.
There is another point to be considered. If Genl. Muhlenberg is taken from the Senate of the United States, I am by no means certain we shall have a republican senate of Pennsa. to replace him with another republican. We may have a refusal of election upon some party views till the fedl. Senate has risen. Intrigue and indiscretion are working great evils in Pennsa. These things however we must see with temper and counteract with caution, firmness, and energy. I have found in office, that to be blameless and never to be weary of well doing, to qualify myself to do well, were the sources of comfort, and reputation. Mr. Jefferson’s administration may have every advantage secured to it by a proper selection, if the Senate do not thwart his nominations. It has been my calculation, that his enemies would try to negative his most efficient men, and leave him, as far as possible men of respectable name without qualifications for executive power. Tho they have passed your name, yet I perceive they have occasioned it to be believed, that they would not have passed Mr. Gallatin’s.
I have written to you, from real conviction, quite in confidence, yet my opinions will do no good if not known to the President, and to Mr. Gallatin, to whom you are at liberty to shew my letter. I hope the nature of the Office will be well considered. My ideas about it are fully known. I am, dear Sir, yr. respectf. &c. Servant
Tench Coxe

   RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.

   The switching of one vote by a Federalist in the state legislature had led to Peter Muhlenberg’s election to the Senate on 18 Feb. and opened a breach in the party between supporters of the Revolutionary hero and those of George Logan, the Republican Quaker famous for his self-appointed peace mission to France in 1798. On 30 June Muhlenberg resigned his Senate seat. The legislature having recessed, Governor McKean appointed Logan to the vacancy (Higginbotham, Keystone in the Democratic Arch, pp. 32–34).


Title: To James Madison from Winthrop Sargent, 3 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: Sargent, Winthrop
To: Madison, James

3 April 1801, Mississippi Territory. Acting with permission earlier received from the Adams administration and in the belief that ratification of the French treaty afforded an opportunity for a leave of absence, Sargent proposes to visit the Atlantic states. Expresses hope that on his arrival he might meet with JM and the president. Mentions the discredit enemies have cast on his reputation and congressional investigation under way in his case. Encloses attestations of supporters, which he asks JM to lay before the president.

   RC and enclosure (DNA: RG 59, TP, Mississippi, vol. 1). RC 3 pp. Enclosure (3 pp.) is from the citizens of Natchez to Sargent, 28 Mar. 1801. Also filed with RC are copies of Sargent’s letters to the citizens of Natchez (3 pp.) and to Henry Gaither, commandant of Fort Adams, and “Gentlemen in its Vicinity” (3 pp.), both undated. All are printed in Carter, Territorial Papers, Mississippi, 5:121–25.


Title: To James Madison from Tench Coxe, 4 April 1801
From: Coxe, Tench
To: Madison, James

private letterDear Sir
Lancaster Pa. Apl. 4. 1801.
Knowing the attachment to freedom and humanity, which mark your character I feel a solicitude to bring into your view the Situation of the people of Ireland in the United States. You will not understand that I recommend any measures in regard to them or their unhappy country. But, if any in Authority here have forgotten our engagements of 1775, if they have denied them the proferred rights of hospitality and Asylum, it is not improper for more virtuous men in power to review the former relations of America and Ireland. Some of the people of that country had determined to address Congress upon the subject of the Alien law, and consulted me upon a draught of a petition. I found it better adapted to other countries than to this and was convinced it would render their situation worse. At their request I drew a substitute and gave it to them under the condition, that they should consult two Gentlemen of the law lest my limited acquaintance with the doctrines of Sedition &ca. might lay them open to prosecutions. The draught was approved, and was generally signed, & presented without alteration. Having long felt for the people of Ireland, and examined their relations to this Country with candor, I believe a perusal of the petition will place their claims to what may be prudent and practicable upon interesting ground. The petition itself will be found on the 2d. and following pages of the enclosed paper between the crosses. The introduction, and conclusion were written in order to circulate it upon a late occasion through those settlements of the U. S. in which our old revolutionary citizens & the descendants of the Irish live. I am, dear Sir, your respectful hble Servant
Tench Coxe

   RC (DLC). Docketed by JM. Enclosure not found.

   The 18 June 1798 Naturalization Act stated that no alien would be admitted to U.S. citizenship unless he had declared his intention to become an American citizen five years previously and had resided in the U.S. fourteen years (U.S. Statutes at LargeThe Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America … (17 vols.; Boston, 1848–73)., 1:566).


Title: To James Madison from James Maury, 4 April 1801
From: Maury, James
To: Madison, James

Sir
Liverpool 4th April 1801
I had the Honor of presenting you a price current on the 11th past. In this is one also for the present month.
I am concerned to observe to you that the annexed vessels have lately been seized in this port for having on board parcels of tobacco with the view of smuggling. Four of them have been restored, two of which paid a fine to the seizing officers. The others remain under seizure, & I wish they may also be released on as easy terms; but this practice is so much encreased of late that I have good reason to believe in future similar cases, they will be proceeded against with much more rigor. I would therefore wish all our ship-owners & masters to be apprized of the necessity of guarding against the consequences. With all due deference I submit to you the propriety of having this published. I have the Honor to be with perfect Respect Sir Your most Obedient Servan⟨t⟩
James Maury

Columbus
John Dishon.
@ Baltimore
}
restored

Rose
Reuben Jones.
New York

Peggy
W Latimer.
"

Warren
Jonath. Packer.
"

Perseverance
D. Sterling
"
}
under seizure

Citizen
C. Blakeman
"

   RC (DNA: RG 59, CD, Liverpool, vol. 2). 2 pp.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Maury; docketed by Wagner as received 25 May. Enclosure not found.

   Letter not found.

   Maury was acquainted with JM through business dealings as early as 1785. He served in Liverpool as U.S. consul, 1790–1830 (PJMWilliam T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison (1st ser., vols. 1–10, Chicago, 1962–77, vols. 11—, Charlottesville, Va., 1977—)., 8:260, 262 n. 2).


Title: To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 4 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Madison, James

4 April 1801, Berlin. No. 188. Reports Danish occupation of Hamburg on 20 Mar. and Prussian plans to seize territories belonging to Hamburg. Conveys news, just received, of Czar Paul’s sudden death. “What its effect will be upon the politics of Europe it would for the present moment be presumptuous to conjecture.” Notes that Prussians have received British reply to Count von Haugwitz’s message of 12 Feb. and that British refuse to release Danish and Swedish shipping.

   Letterbook copy (MHi: Adams Papers). 1 p. RC not found, although cover sheet (DNA: RG 59, DD, Prussia, Letters of J. Q. Adams) was docketed by Wagner as received 19 June.


Title: To James Madison from Laurence Muse, 4 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: Muse, Laurence
To: Madison, James

4 April 1801, Tappahannock. Has heard rumor that the supervisor and inspectors in Virginia are to be replaced. Muse wishes to be considered for the position now held by W. F. Gaines, presuming he may retain his present post as well. Refers to his service as collector of customs at Tappahannock since 1794.

   RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1801–9). 3 pp.; docketed by Wagner as received 17 Apr.


Title: To James Madison from Cyrus Griffin, 5 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: Griffin, Cyrus
To: Madison, James

5 April 1801. Indisposition prevented his going to Richmond when JM was last there. Encloses a medal as token of friendship and “high consideration,” knowing JM has a collection of them.

   RC (DLC). 1 p.; in Stuart Griffin’s hand (see Cyrus Griffin to JM, 29 July 1801); docketed by JM. Cyrus Griffin served with JM in the Continental Congress in 1780 and was a district court judge in Virginia, 1789–1810 (PJMWilliam T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison (1st ser., vols. 1–10, Chicago, 1962–77, vols. 11—, Charlottesville, Va., 1977—)., 2:13 n. 3).


Title: To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 5 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: O’Brien, Richard
To: Madison, James

5 April 1801, Algiers. Reports prime minister’s reminder earlier in the day that the U.S. is nearly three years behind in annuities; recounts his own assurances that scheduling shifts, problems of procurement, and the like account for the delays. Notes that “This looks Squally.” Adds on 11 Apr. that dey ordered him to ask U.S. for 500 barrels of gunpowder and 4,000 rounds of ball ammunition for 24-, 18-, and 12-pound cannon.

   RC (DNA: RG 59, CD, Málaga, vol. 1). 1 p.; addressed to secretary of state and William Loughton Smith. Sent as enclosure in Kirkpatrick to JM, 28 May 1801. For a similar letter, addressed solely to Smith, see Knox, Naval Documents, Barbary WarsDudley W. Knox, ed., Naval Documents Related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers (6 vols.; Washington, 1939–44)., 1:428.

   A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.


Title: To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 6 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: Murray, William Vans
To: Madison, James

6 April 1801, The Hague. No. 129. Reports that a general embargo was laid on ports on 30 Mar. but taken off U.S. ships 2 Apr. after his protest. Encloses copies of notes on this matter. (No notification had been given to foreign ministers of the action.) Believes embargo was in reaction to appearance of British fleet off the Meuse and was directed almost exclusively against American trade. On 29 Mar. British fleet forced passage through Danish sound. Concludes that Denmark will find that its actions have been premature, for Sweden and Russia cannot assist the Danes. Once dispute with Denmark is settled, the next British attack will probably be against Kronshtadt. Transmits Leiden Gazette with news on Danish occupation of Hamburg. Is anxious to know fate of the convention with France.

   RC and enclosures (DNA: RG 59, DD, Netherlands, vol. 4). RC 4 pp.; docketed by Wagner as received in June. The enclosures (4 pp.) are (1) a copy of Murray’s 31 Mar. complaint to foreign minister Maarten van der Goes, seeking to know officially the cause of the detention of U.S. vessels, (2) van der Goes’s 2 Apr. informal reply (in French) that the embargo was being lifted that day, (3) van der Goes’s official reply of 3 Apr. (in French) announcing lifting of the detention, and (4) Murray’s 5 Apr. note of appreciation. Murray’s 7 Mar. dispatch is also numbered 129.


Title: To James Madison from John Dickinson, 7 April 1801
From: Dickinson, John
To: Madison, James

Dear Friend,
Wilmington the 7th of the 4th Month 1801
Accept my heartiest Congratulations on thy advancement to the secretary’s office.
My Mind has for several Years been deeply distressed, by the artificial Storm that has agitated this Land.
The late Changes open a cheerful Prospect to those who love their Country; and one of the most pleasing Circumstances is thy holding thy present station.
I am too old, and, I believe Myself too independent to flatter, yet I think it not only excuseable, but a sort of Duty to testify the lively Hopes entertained of public Blessings to be derived from the existing Administration.
That thy share in it may be in the highest Degree advantageous to these states, and agreable to thyself, is the fervent Prayer of thy truely affectionate Friend
John Dickinson

   RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.

   After his service at the Federal Convention in 1787 Dickinson eschewed an active role in politics, but this allusion to “the artificial Storm” indicates his concern over the drift of events during John Adams’s administration.


Title: To James Madison from Timothy Pickering, 7 April 1801
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Madison, James

Sir,
Middletown, in Connecticut, April 7. 1801.
When in Philadelphia, last winter, Mr. James Yard of that city, reminded me of an assurance given to Edward Stevens Esqr. Consul General for St. Domingo, that he should be indemnified for becoming bail for Mr. Bunel, the Agent of General Toussaint.
The facts were these. After General Toussaint took upon himself the administration of the Government of St. Domingo, being desirous of renewing its commercial intercourse with the United States, he sent Mr. Bunel to Philadelphia as his agent for accomplishing that object. In the session of Congress, at that time, an act passed, authorizing the President to open a commercial intercourse with any of the French possessions with which, in his opinion, it could be done with safety and advantage. An arrangement was then made for renewing our commerce with St. Domingo. Dr. Stevens was appointed Consul General, for superintending the commercial interests of our citizens in that Island. Preparations were made for his departure, to be accompanied by Mr. Bunel: But just as they were ready to embark, Mr. Bunel was arrested, on a claim against him for about six thousand dollars. Application was made immediately to Mr. Wolcott, secretary of the Treasury, and myself. Mr. Bunel represented the claim to be unfounded and vexatious. We thought it very important that his return, to report to Genl. Toussaint the circumstances and issue of his mission, should not be prevented, or delayed: and therefore recommended to Dr. Stevens to become his bail; giving him an assurance, That if, eventually, he should thereby sustain any injury, he should be indemnified by the United States. Early in February I wrote to Mr. Wolcott on the subject; but my letter did not reach him until he had left the city of Washington. I have called upon him at this place; and find he perfectly recollects, with me, the facts here stated. And in justice to Dr. Stevens, we have thought it to be our duty to leave this memorial of them. The cause for which Mr. Bunel was arrested is understood to be yet pending; and it may happen that no demand on the United States may be made for an indemnity: but it seemed right to make this statement, of which Dr. Stevens might avail himself, in case he should sustain any loss by his becoming bail, as beforementioned. I am, sir very respectfully, your obt. servt.
Timothy Pickering
Having perused the foregoing Statement I concur perfectly therewith.

Oliv. Wolcott.

   FC (MHi). Docketed by Pickering, who noted: “on the engagement to indemnify Doctor Edwd. Stevens. N.B. Gave the original to James Yard, for his brother-in-law Dr. Stevens.” Endorsement in Wolcott’s hand.


Title: To James Madison from Hans Rudolph Saabye, 7 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: Saabye, Hans Rudolph
To: Madison, James

7 April 1801, Copenhagen. Transmits duplicate of his dispatch of 16 Feb. Recounts deterioration of Anglo-Danish relations. After a British fleet of fifty-eight ships appeared in the Kattegat, a truce vessel arrived on 20 Mar. with dispatches for British chargé. Englishman demanded recognition as British minister; the Danes declined as long as the embargo on Danish ships continued. When the Danes refused the British request for free passage through the sound, the British admiral said this action amounted to a declaration of war. Describes in detail resulting naval conflict between British and Danes on 31 Mar. News of Czar Paul’s death has arrived and may have favorable effect on the situation. Though Danes were defeated, the British have suffered tremendous losses and may be unable to undertake operation against Russia.

   RC (DNA: RG 59, CD, Copenhagen, vol. 1). 4 pp.; docketed by Wagner as received 6 July.

   A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.


Title: To James Madison from William Loughton Smith, 7 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: Smith, William Loughton
To: Madison, James

7 April 1801, Lisbon. Conveys news of British blockade of Toulon and discusses different accounts of Abercromby’s expedition. Reports that Portuguese church patriarch had published a vehement attack on Spanish and called for defense of the country before government realized no British aid would be available to it; the statement now has been suppressed. Portuguese prefer to negotiate peace with French, Smith notes, out of jealousy of Spain and probably will not agree to peace terms hostile to Britain until French are near Portuguese frontiers. “The Spaniards they are not afraid of.”

   RC (DNA: RG 59, DD, Portugal, vol. 5). 2 pp.; marked private.


Title: To James Madison from Frederick Jacob Wichelhausen, 8 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: Wichelhausen, Frederick Jacob
To: Madison, James

8 April 1801, Bremen. Acknowledges receipt of Marshall’s 4 Jan. letter. Danish troops have taken possession of Hamburg, Lübeck, and nearby territories to obstruct British communications with continent. On 7 Apr., Bremen senate received letter from Prussian cabinet informing them of the necessity for Prussian troops to march through city to occupy Elbe, Weser, and Ems rivers; some soldiers will be quartered in Bremen. Convention has been concluded between Hanover and Prussia whereby the former will be taken under administration of king of Prussia and occupied by Prussian troops. Reports death of Russian czar Paul on 24 Mar. and succession by Alexander.

   RC (DNA: RG 59, CD, Bremen, vol. 1). 2 pp.; addressed to Marshall.

   A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.


Title: To James Madison from John Strode, 9 April 1801
From: Strode, John
To: Madison, James

Dear Sir
Culpeper 9 April 1801
As Our beloved president past this place the last time on His Way to Montecello, He gave me reason to believe it was probable that You wd. about the time He returnd go this Rout on Your way to the Seat of Government also? If so, pray be good enough Once more to make my hble. house Your Stage; I hope the Amiable Lady will be With You & that it will be convenient to Rest here and in the Neighbourhood a day or two. I wd. not wish altogether to deprive my Worthy friend and Neighbour, if it lay in My power, of the Company of His most inestimable relations, but their New House is not Yet completed, and my family is much less than His; after this I Shall freely Submit, that He may not Suffer me to come into competition with Him in a case Wherein His Affections & that of His Lady & family are so closely & intimately engaged & united; Yet I will beg leave to say I shall be as proud & happy to see You both here as the human Heart is capable of feeling.
I presume it is probable that Mr. Randolph & Mr Eppes, the Sons in Law of Mr Jefferson may possibly pass this Rout sooner [or] later to the Federal City, Should You see them sir pray make my Name Known to them & say that my House will be a tollerable Stage & their proud & Welcome home. Pray be pleased to favourably Commend me to Your Amiable Lady and believe me with every possible Sentiment of esteem & respect to be (good & Worthy Sir) Yr. Most Obdt.
John Strode

   RC (DLC). Docketed by JM.

   JM and Jefferson frequently stayed at Fleetwood, the Culpeper County estate of John Strode (PJMWilliam T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison (1st ser., vols. 1–10, Chicago, 1962–77, vols. 11—, Charlottesville, Va., 1977—)., 12:248 n. 1, 14:337 and n. 3).


Title: To James Madison from William Eaton, 10 April 1801
From: Eaton, William
To: Madison, James

Dispatch No. 35.Sir,
Tunis 10th. April 1801
The dispatches herewith inclosed from the Consul of the United States at Tripoli seem to me of so much consequence to the safety and interests of our maritime and commercial citizens, and, in the event, to the revenue of the government, that I not only feel myself justifiable but constrained by duty to use extraordinary means to communicate them to the department of State: I have therefore chartered a ragusee brig to proceed directly with them to the United States on conditions expressed in a translated copy of the charter party, herewith inclosed. I prefer this flag as least liable to be turned out of its course; and I dispatch the vessel in ballast to prevent all possible annoyance. The expense of this expedient bears so small a proportion to the interests it aims to secure that I cannot doubt it will recieve the President’s approbation. It is now more than nine months since the alarm passed through this office from Mr. Cathcart; it would seem some fatality must have intercepted it in its passage to America: possibly Mr. OBrien’s construction of the cause of the Bashaw’s demand may have betrayed Government into a security. Facts are now indubitable. The Bashaw’s corsaires are actually out and fitting out against Americans—And the Agent of our Government at Tripoli is taking measures for the safety of himself and family. I have advised him not to give his passports to the corsaires except the Bashaw will explicitly declare they are not destined against Americans; and, in case of refusal of such explicit declaration, to make haste to get himself and family to Tunis. I advance this counsel because it is become a stratagem of these Bashaws to decoy their game with Consular passports; and because, in case of war, Mr. Cathcart’s remaing in the hands of Tripoli would tend rather to embarrass than to assist any measures Government should take to reestablish the peace. The Bashaw demands, as a condition of sparing us, Two hundred and twentyfive thousand dollars, prompt payment, and Twentyfive thousand annually: Terms to which the Swedes have agreed, and which will be demanded of the Danes. But if our Government yield these terms to the Bashaw of Tripoli it will be absolutely necessary to make provisions for a requisition of double the amount for the Bey of Tunis. Algiers also will be to be respected according to rank. If the United States will have a free commerce in this sea they must defend it: There is no alternative. The restless spirit of these marauders cannot be restrained. There is not, at this moment, a vessel on the Mediterranean except American which they can touch. The king of the Two Sicilies has strictly prohibited any of his vessels going to sea—Spain is embargoed by a dread of the English—Denmark and Sweden are in friendship with the regencies—Against the French they dare not cruise—A⟨nd⟩ England is in Alliance with them. Our commerce is rich; it is defence⟨less⟩: these are good causes of war. Five days ago the Bey of Tunis let me know that he wanted a number of 24 pound iron guns to mount castle batteries; and desired his friend, the President of the United States, would send them to him: his object in calling me to the palace was, through me, to make this communication to the President. After three hours discussion I decidedly refused to write the President on the subject: but believed, if the Bey would propose to change the guns, due to him by treaty, for larger calibers, and if those guns had not already left America, the President would have no difficulty in making the exchange. The Bey thought it very hard that the United States gave frigates to the Dey of Algiers to indemnify him for delays; but that himself, who had waited four years for his treaty stipulations, could not prevail on the Agent of that Government to state his demand for a few guns on the same consideration: He would write the President himself. I refused to write, because, I find, when these Bashaws prevail on a Consul to state a demand to his Government they consider it as an assumpsit. I shall recieve the Bey’s letter tomorrow—and give it a passage in this express. It may be considered as the prelude to outrage. In this way the rupture with Denmark had its origin—But here is no immediate danger, I believe. It is to be hoped, however, the President will return an answer: it will be flattering to the Bey. It was one article of aggrievance on the part of the Danes that the King did not answer his letter directly. This Highwayman is much the most Gentlemanlike of the three. He seldom robs a man without first creating a pretext. He has some ideas of justice and not wholly destitute of a sense of shame. He is vain of the notions of integrity and honor which he imagines the nations accord to him—and in this point he is vulnerable. I state these observations that the President may form an answer on them. While we are in difficulty with Tripoli it seems to me good policy to be on good terms with Tunis: But if Govt. should think differently; and, in lieu of a ship with presents, will consign to me a transport with One thousand marines, between twenty and thirty eight years of age, native Americans, and properly officered, under convoy of a 44 gun frigate, I pledge myself to surprize Portofarina and destroy the Beys arsenal. Again, I repeat, something must be done: And, we must ultimately rely alone on the strength of our own arm. Why should we be any longer amused by the sink of Jewish perfidy in Algiers? Has not the Dey declared, by his minister, that he will never interpose other than his advice in favor of Christians? His Guarantee notwithstanding. Is it not enough that one of our ships of war has already been more than six months in the service of Bocri and Busnah as a transport? And after all the assurances of the influence and good offices of Algerine Jews in our favor what have they availed at Tripoli? What have they availed at Algiers? What will they avail? Their influence goes only to decieve the Dey and Cozen us into their own measures. I assert that the expedition of the Washington to Constantinople was a project of that house. What man in his senses will believe that a british frigate, expressly prepared and then in port for the purpose, had not capacity to carry 100 Algerines and 100 negro women and children? It was a diffidence of the Jews in the good ⟨fa⟩ith of the Englishman and their interest in the French peace which pointed out the expedient of sending the American on that service—and it was OBrien’s sympathy in their interest which created this ridiculous pretext. It was the same commercial policy which gave birth to the humane project of sending the Washington to Europe with the French commissary and Citizens. OBrien himself asserts, by way of giving them consequence, that the peace smuggled with the republic was effected by the “Jew Directory.” But when a transport is demanded for Constantinople, the necessary consequence of that peace, the act becomes altogether the “Potent Dey’s.” I am impatient to know whether OBrien finds as little difficulty in reconciling these absurdities to the understanding of Government as to his own principles; because it shall serve as a guide to my own conduct: for as a citizen of the United States, I will not act on the same stage with a man whose performance I foresee will inevitably damn the whole farce. When therefore Government announce to that Agent their approbation let them send a Consul to replace me and consider this my resignation. Has it never occurred that it is the policy of the Jews to foment difficulties and increase exactions of these regencies against us, rather than to aid our measures of tranquility, with a view of increasing their own commissions and interest on loans? This is the case: They embroil our affairs and make us pay for the friendly office! Is it the case that all Ireland cannot produce an Agent of adequate talents to transact the affairs of the United States in Algiers without the intervention of Jews? Or, if this intervention be indespensable, does it follow that they must be admitted to a confidence in the most secret communications of Government? Such communications are actually confided to them and betrayed to the Bashaws, even before the proper agents of the Government at Tunis and Tripoli are intrusted with them. This may serve as a caution against passing any thing through Algiers which may indicate coercion against the Bashaw of Tripoli. It gives me pain to present these facts. I would willingly suppose them the effect of a blind confidence had not so many demonstrations offered to evince the perfidy of the Jews, and did not OBrien nevertheless persist in his attachment to them. He alleges for his reason that Government affords him no adequate support and he is consequently compelled to this resort—If true it is hoped Government will remidy that difficulty.
Permit me again to repeat my request of visiting my family and friends as soon as I shall find our affairs with this regency definitively settled on a rational prospect of permanent tranquility. This, I am persuaded, cannot now take place until after an accommodation with Tripoli; because, as I have before said, Tunis will take its tone from the result of our discussions with that regency. I have the honor to remain with perfect respect, Sir, your most obed. servt.
William Eaton
NB. The letter herewith inclosed to Mr. Eben Parsons of Boston covers an affidavit which goes to convict Samuel Graves of the robbery of the Schooner Eliza, at Cette, in the year 1796. It amounts at least to violent presumptive evidence of the fact.
I have not heard directly from America since the arrival of the Anna Maria—And it is eighteen months since I have recd. any letters from my friends. Letters from them should come through the favor of the department of State: I have no other channel of communication. Don’t know the President.
W. Eaton.
P. S. April 14. The vessel has been detained three days for the Beys letter: it will be ready tomorrow morning. From an interview with the Bey this morning I am persu[a]ded his letter will be dressed rather in terms of friendship and respect than otherwise—I venture to inform Gov. that we may rely on a perfect tranquility with Tunis this summer. The Bey this morning expressed a pointed disapprobation of the conduct of the Bashaw of Tripoli, and, gratuitously, offered me his passport to any vessels I have or may have in port.
About eight months ago I commissioned Docto Geo. Gallissy of Philadelphia, in behalf of the Sapatapa, for five hundred pieces of pine timber 7 inches square 14 feet long. I have never heard from the Commission—If it be not forwarded, I desire you will cause it to be shipped by this occasion, placing the amount to my debit. I have also promised the Sapatapa, gratis, two bulls three cows and a yoke of oxen, the largest to be found in America—Hope they also may come forward by this occasion—If by little Attentions like these I have kept and keep these people amused, notwithstanding the delays of our stipulations, I trust Government will not only have no reason to complain, but will second my measures. I believe I shall obtain an equivalent for the cattle in Barbary Horses to be embarked for America.
W. Eaton.

   RC (DNA: RG 59, CD, Tunis, vol. 1); letterbook copy (CSmH). RC addressed to Marshall; docketed by Wagner as received 13 Aug. (see Wagner to JM, 17 Aug. 1801 [first letter] [DLC]). Enclosures (23 pp.) filed with copy marked duplicate (DNA: RG 59, CD, Tunis, vol. 2, pt. 1).

   The packet of twelve enclosures included copies of: Cathcart to Eaton, 11 Jan. 1801, giving the terms of Carl Gustaf Tornquist’s settlement with the pasha of Tripoli; Cathcart to Eaton, 5 Feb. 1801, complaining of deteriorating relations; Cathcart to pasha of Tripoli, 19 Feb. 1801, proposing an eighteen-month truce (printed in Knox, Naval Documents, Barbary WarsDudley W. Knox, ed., Naval Documents Related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers (6 vols.; Washington, 1939–44)., 1:420–21); Cathcart’s 21 Feb. circular letter (printed ibid., 1:421–22).

   Eaton’s instructions to the captain of the Benvenuto were inadvertently omitted (see his 18 Apr. letter to JM). Filed with this dispatch are Eaton’s 15 Apr. letter to “any Agent of the Government of the United States of America at New York or Philadelphia,” announcing that the bearer, Michaele Burish of Ragusa, was carrying important dispatches to the U.S. government that should be forwarded, and a copy of Giovanni Jercovich’s 15 Apr. attested receipt of the dispatches.

   Micaiah Baccri and Nettali Busnach were wealthy Jewish traders who migrated to Algiers from Leghorn. Baccri was said to be “the richest man in Algiers and … one of the most influential” (H. G. Barnby, The Prisoners of Algiers: An Account of the Forgotten American-Algerian War, 1785–1797 [London, 1966], pp. 243–44).

   Upon its arrival in Algiers in September 1800 carrying America’s annual presents for the dey, the George Washington was commandeered to carry presents, passengers, and the dey’s ambassador to the sultan in Constantinople (to mollify that potentate, who had been offended by the Algerine peace treaty with France). The dey’s mission was carried out despite protests from Capt. William Bainbridge and O’Brien, but the sultan refused the dey’s gifts and insisted that Algiers declare war on France. The dey complied, but during a brief truce, Bainbridge loaded and transported fifty-six French refugees to Alicante aboard the George Washington (Thomas Harris, The Life and Services of Commodore William Bainbridge, United States Navy [Philadelphia, 1837], pp. 43–59).

   Letter and enclosure not found.

   In Tunis as sahib at-taba (“sapitapa”), Yusuf combined the duties of prime minister, treasurer, and keeper of the seals (Abdesselem, Les historiens tunisiens, p. 69).


Title: To James Madison from Rufus King, 10 April 1801
From: King, Rufus
To: Madison, James

No. 9.Dear Sir,
London April 10. 1801.
The unexpected occupation of Hamburgh by the Danes, and the Treaty between France and Naples have nearly completed the exclusion of the Ships of England from the Ports of the Continent: if the King of Prussia take possession of Hanover, as it is believed he will do, the Ems and the Weser will in like manner be closed; and as Portugal is unable to resist the measures employed against her, the Ships of England must very shortly be excluded from every Port of the Continent from Archangel to Venice.
Notwithstanding these impediments, Goods of all descriptions have been sent and in unusually large quantities, in neutral Ships, directly from England to France. The difficulty in procuring neutral Flags since the misunderstanding with the northern Powers has somewhat checked this Commerce, which will, however, be now resumed with fresh vigour in American Bottoms. French Merchants have openly attended the Sales of the East India Company, and their purchases are shipped directly to France under Licences granted by the Privy Council which, although they do not specify the ownership, protect the Property in its Passage. Each Country seems disposed to encourage this intercourse; France by opening her Ports to Vessels coming immediately from England, and England by protecting French-men, who come hither as Swiss Merchants, in their purchases, and assisting them by taking off the sequestration upon Debts due to Persons residing in France, on condition that the money be laid out in the purchase of Goods to be exported to the Continent.
Tho’ frequent Couriers pass and repass between Paris and London, Peace continues to be the subject of doubtful expectation, and will remain so ’till the uncertainty which hangs over the expeditions against Egypt and the Baltic shall be removed. It is quite probable that something decisive has by this time taken place in Egypt. Accounts are hourly expected of the proceedings of the Fleet under Sir Hyde Parker: the delay which occurred in attempting the passage of the Sound, after the fleet reached the Cattegat has given rise to the belief that negotiations were still going on, notwithstanding the English Legation has left Copenhagen, and the Danish Envoy leaves London tomorrow; but the delay is more naturally explained by the fact that a steady and leading wind is necessary to enable the fleet to proceed.
If Egypt be evacuated by the French, a very thorny point in the way of negotiation will be overcome, and Malta in this event might be given to Russia as the price of reconciliation with that Power. France will doubtless put forward a demand that England shall acknowledge the Principles of the northern League, but may perhaps be willing to abandon the Claim when every other difficulty in the way of Peace shall be got over. With perfect respect and Esteem, I have the honour to be Dear sir, Your obedt. & faithful Servant
Rufus King

   RC (DNA: RG 59, DD, Great Britain, vol. 9). In a clerk’s hand, signed by King; docketed by Wagner as received 24 May.


Title: To James Madison from David Lenox, 10 April 1801
From: Lenox, David
To: Madison, James

Sir
London 10th April 1801.
Since my Letter of the 15th. January which was accompanied with Abstract of my Applications for the discharge of Seamen for the Quarter ending the 31st. Decemr. last, I am honored with yours of the 17th. December & 28th. of January, enclosing Documents in the cases of eleven Seamen whose situations are as against their names expressed on the other side hereof. In McDonalds case on a former Application, his having been found on board an Enemy’s Privateer was assigned as a reason for not discharging him, in addition to the want of Evidence of his Citizenship, but I conceived it my duty to renew the Application on being furnished with such Evidence.
The only cases which remained unanswered on former Letters are those of Hezekiah Hale Junr. & James McLean, the former of whom has been Ordered to be discharged, & the Ship on board of which the latter is detained is expected daily in Port, when he will be discharged, provided he is under the usual restrictions.
I have now the honor to send you enclosed Abstract of my Applications for the discharge of Seamen to the 1st. Instant & am With great respect Sir Your most Obedt. Servant
D. Lenox

[First Enclosure]

Letter of the 17th. December
Hercules Whitney
}
Ordered to be discharged

John Hunt

Edward Snead
}
Unanswered

Samuel Russell

Robert Warnock

David Henslor. Not on board the Zealand as represented

Letter of the 28th January.

Presley Thornton Cocke.
Ordered to be discharged, & most probably is so. Ship having arrived in Port.

Thomas Morris
Not found.

John McDonald
}
Unanswered

Phineas Toody

Philip Sharp

[Second Enclosure]
Abstract of Applications made by David Lenox for the Discharge of Seamen representing themselves to be Citizens of the United States of America, & detained on board His Britannic Majesty’s Fleets, from the 1st. day of January, to the 1st. day of April 1801.

Cases unanswered ⅌ last Abstract

12

Applications since

83

Renewed Applications

28
123

Discharges
11

Ordered to be discharged & are supposed to be so
24
35

Detained, having no Documents to prove their Citizenship

33

Entered & have received the Bounty

3

Detained as British Subjects

2

________ as Prisoner of War

1

Not on board Ships Represented

6

Not answering description in Certificates

5

Made their Escape

2

Invalided

1

On board Ship on Foreign Station

1

Dead (Benjamin Eastman)

1

Cases Unanswered

33
123

D. Lenox

Agent of the United States of America residing

in Great Britain for the relief & protection of

London 1st April 1801.
American Seamen

   RC and enclosures (DNA: RG 59, CD, London, vol. 8). RC addressed to Marshall; marked duplicate; docketed by Wagner as received 14 July.


Title: To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: Bourne, Sylvanus
To: Madison, James

10 April 1801, Amsterdam. Transmits continuation of Leiden Gazette. Reports local belief that relations between Great Britain and northern powers will be adjusted in a short time, though expectations of general peace are not as strong. In postscript, announces news of death of Czar Paul of Russia; succeeded by Alexander I. Reports rumor that British fleet was repulsed in attack on Copenhagen with much loss.

   RC (DNA: RG 59, CD, Amsterdam, vol. 1). 2 pp.

   A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.


Title: To James Madison from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 10 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: Cathalan, Stephen
To: Madison, James

10 April 1801, Marseilles Transmits copy of his 8 Apr. letter, sent to Barnet to forward. Also transmits, through Mountflorence, another packet from Tunis.

   RC (DNA: RG 59, CD, Marseilles, vol. 1). 2 pp.; docketed by Wagner.

   A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.


Title: To James Madison from David Humphreys, 10 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: Humphreys, David
To: Madison, James

10 April 1801, Madrid. No. 271. Notes that Treaty of Lunéville permits France “to act with its accustomed celerity against Portugal,” but none of the troops supposedly intended for invasion of that country have appeared in Spain. Reports inability to decode message from Mountflorence using key provided by State Department; relays part of letter pertaining to French plans in event exchange of ratifications [of Convention of 1800] is delayed: French government will “postpone all decision respecting our captured vessels, ’till the difference between the two nations be ultimately amicably adjusted.” In postscript of 13 Apr. [misfiled with Humphreys’s no. 272] encloses copy of official announcement that hereditary prince of Parma is made king of Tuscany; reports the “definitive Declaration” of France that Portugal—unless it agrees within eight days to close its ports to the British and admit French or Spanish garrisons—will become a province of Spain.

   RC and enclosure (DNA: RG 59, DD, Spain, vol. 5). RC 5 pp. Enclosure 1 p., docketed by Wagner.


Title: To James Madison from Simon Forrester, 11 April 1801
From: Forrester, Simon
To: Madison, James

Honorable Sir,
Salem April 11th 1801
Permit me to send you some particulars of two Vessels the British Captured from me, which Captors distressed me and my Family very much, with submission I request you to lay the matter before the President of the United States, if you think proper.
The first of these Vessels was the Brigt Sukey Nathaniel Brown Master, sailed from Salem August 30t 1800 Bound for La Guira, was taken on the 13t of October by a tender belonging to his Majestys Ship Decade, William Gordon Rutherford Commander, and sent to Curaco, from thence was sent by Capt Rutherford to Kingston in Jamaica, Libelled there, and the General Cargo Condemned, the Vessel and adventures acquited, but when my Capt. appealed for the Cargo, the Captors appealed for the Brigt and adventures, and my Captn. was under the necessity of drawing on me for fifteen hundred dollars, and gave heavy bonds for meeting their appeal for Vessel and adventures, therefore what they do not immediately condemn, they eat up in expences. The Sukey was Loaded with Dry Goods imported from the Gulf of Venis (say Triest) Oil & soap from Leghorne, some sheeting from Russia, Lumber & other articles the produce of our Country, accompanyed with regular papers and furnished with Certificates where the Loading was imported from, and I got the English & Spanish Consuls Certificates to the papers, there was no pretence of Contraband aleged in the Condemnation, indeed the Judge very prudently gives no reason for Condemning the Cargo. As soon as my Captn. Arrived home I sent on the appeals to our Consul in London, with directions to prosecute the appeal.
The second is the Brigt. Washington, Jno. Barton Master, sailed from Salem November 10t 1800, bound for Port Republic, where she arrived, meeting with dull markets there Captn. Barton consulted our Consul there, he advised him to go round the south side, he got his pass, arrived at Aux Cays, and there Bartered his Cargo for Coffee, and sailed for home; and was taken as you will see by the enclosed (a Copy of his Letter to me).
The Washingtons Cargo out was similar in part and imported from the same ports as the Sukeys was, She had Considerable provisions, and fish staves &c, the groth and produce of the United States.

The Washingtons Cargo out from Salem Amo to
$28.000.

Vessel Valued at
8 000.

The Sukeys Cargo out was
19 271.

Vessel Valued at
   4 000.

59,271

It is unnecessary for me Sir, to bring to your view the great loss of having this property restrained, and deprived of its use, even if we calculate on restitution, in defeating these two Voyages, even if the outsets was paid is loosing a great deal for the revenue, and fortune for me. I took every precaution I could to avoid having any contraband Goods, and to avoid pursueing any Voyage, that was contrary to Law, or would give offence to any Foreign Power contrary to the will of my Government. In making this communication to you Sir, I hope I have not offended, I feel it a hard case, and suppose I ought to look to my Government for redress, therefore if it is proper for my Government to take any further notice of my case, please to command me, and I will send you such documents respecting these premises as you will please to direct me to send you, and authenticated to prove what I assert here. With submission I Remain Your Humbe Servt.
Simon Forrester

   RC and enclosure (DNA: RG 76, British Spoliations, 1794–1824, box 10); Tr (CSmH). Tr marked “(Copy).” For enclosure, see n. 2.

   The Sukey was a private armed vessel captured by the British frigate Nereid while en route to La Guaira, Venezuela, in 1800 (Knox, Naval Documents, Quasi-WarDudley W. Knox, ed., Naval Documents Related to the Quasi-War between the United States and France (7 vols.; Washington, 1935–38)., 7:432).

   John Barton to Forrester, 3 Mar. 1801 (2 pp.). Writing from Kingston, Barton related the details of his capture. He predicted the vessel or cargo would be libeled, and in that event he would hire an agent. “There is 30, or 40, Americans under adjudication and there is not more than one out of ten acquitted.”

   Irish-born Simon Forrester was a Salem merchant and privateer. He married Rachel Hathorne, aunt of Nathaniel Hawthorne (B. F. Browne, “An Account of Salem Common and the Levelling of the Same in 1802, with Short Notices of the Subscribers,” Essex Institute Historical Collections, 4 [1862]: 82; James Duncan Phillips, “Salem in the Nineties,” ibid., 89 [1953]: 302; Hubert H. Hoeltje, “Captain Nathaniel Hathorne, Father of the Famous Salem Novelist,” ibid., p. 332).


Title: To James Madison from Joseph Pitcairn, 11 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: Pitcairn, Joseph
To: Madison, James

11 April 1801, Hamburg. His last dispatch informed the State Department of his bills for clothing and other relief offered distressed American seamen, and he enclosed two copies of account and two lists of ships arrived from July to December 1800. Recounts politics of northern Europe. Great Britain was to be compelled by limiting its trade and losing Hanover to acknowledge principles of armed neutrality. Reports on British naval conflict with Denmark and ensuing negotiated truce. Death of Russian czar will ensure peace. Alexander has lifted embargo against British ships. Pursuant to arrangements suggested by Napoleon and approved by Paul at St. Petersburg, Danes took possession of Hamburg on 29 Mar. American produce has been in great demand throughout Europe. City hospital is disagreeable to U.S. sailors, but expenses are high for those who remain in other lodgings; suggests alternate arrangement.

   RC (DNA: RG 59, CD, Hamburg, vol. 1). 6 pp.; postmarked New York, 16 July; docketed by Wagner as received 21 July.

   Pitcairn’s 29 Jan. dispatch had indicated a drastic decrease of American vessels in port, from 135 in 1799 to 45 in 1800 (DNA: RG 59, CD, Hamburg, vol. 1).

   Section 3 of the 1798 “Act for the relief of sick and disabled Seamen” authorized the president to “provide for the temporary relief and maintenance of sick and disabled seamen” (U.S. Statutes at LargeThe Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America … (17 vols.; Boston, 1848–73)., 1:606).

   A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.


Title: To James Madison from William Savage, 11 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: Savage, William
To: Madison, James

11 April 1801, Kingston, Jamaica. Acknowledges letter of 28 Jan. and notes that nine days ago he submitted the six proofs of citizenship therein to Lord Seymour, from whom he has no reply. Speculates on reasons for delay. Comments on burden of office and suggests a just compensation might be $1,500 per year, drawn quarterly, with another $200 per annum for office expenses. Reports that since 15 Jan. thirty ships, apparently American and probably worth $716,000, have been brought into Kingston and detained; notes that “some few” have been released after paying required fees of at least $1,500 [see JM to Rufus King, 15 June 1801]. Believes his services in securing their freedom make some recompense due him. Encloses quarterly accounts through 31 Mar.

   RC (DNA: RG 59, CD, Kingston, Jamaica, vol. 1). 4 pp.; docketed by Wagner as received 7 June. Enclosure not found.

   A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.


Title: To James Madison from Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard, 11 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: Willink, Van Staphorst, and Hubbard
To: Madison, James

11 April 1801, Amsterdam. Firm has advanced fl. 79,805.11.8. Holland currency to pay State Department accounts and has received fl. 22,000 remittance. The money advanced was mainly used to pay salaries of Adams and Murray. The “large amount lately received from the Treasury, proves that Bills on Amsterdam had grown more plenty and were obtainable in the months of January and February.”

   RC (DNA: RG 59, Letters Received from Bankers). 2 pp.; addressed to Marshall; docketed by Wagner as received in June; postmarked Philadelphia, 9 June. A similar letter (ibid.), dated 20 June and addressed to Lincoln as acting secretary of state, acknowledged receipt of fl. 35,000.


Title: To James Madison from Rufus King, 12 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: King, Rufus
To: Madison, James

12 April 1801, London. No. 10. Encloses copies of correspondence with Lord Hawkesbury about seizure of American vessels carrying articles of Spanish origin to Spanish colonies. Decree from Vice-Admiralty Court at Nassau regarding the case of the Leopard is the first document precise enough to use as grounds for a remonstrance. Suggests that these copies be published in American newspapers as the most expeditious form of communicating the information to ships operating in American waters.

   RC and enclosures (DNA: RG 59, DD, Great Britain, vol. 9); Tr (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers). RC 1 p.; marked duplicate; in a clerk’s hand; docketed by Wagner as received 13 June. The four enclosures (10 pp.) are filed with King’s no. 11. RC and three enclosures printed in Charles R. King, ed., The Life and Correspondence of Rufus King (6 vols.; New York, 1894–1900), 3:426–29. Enclosures include an extract from the advocate general’s 16 Mar. report that overturned an earlier decision of the Vice-Admiralty Court in the Leopard case. The report concludes that “the Produce of the Colonies of the Enemy may be imported by a Neutral into his own Country,” but “direct Trade … between the Mother Country and its Colonies” was illegal (ibid., 3:428). The enclosures appeared in the National Intelligencer, 27 May 1801.


Title: To James Madison from Henry Hammond, 13 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: Hammond, Henry
To: Madison, James

13 April 1801, Cap Français. Complains of declining health and requests the president’s permission to return at once to the U.S.

   RC (DNA: RG 59, CD, Cap Haitien, vol. 3). 2 pp.; docketed by Jefferson: “resigns Consulship Cape François.”

   A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.


Title: To James Madison from William Vans Murray, 13 April 1801 (Abstract)
From: Murray, William Vans
To: Madison, James

13 April 1801, The Hague. Relates details of Danish losses at Copenhagen. Reports rumors that Alexander of Russia is seeking peace with British. Notes that Dutch embargo continues to exempt American vessels. Asks JM to forward enclosed letter from John Quincy Adams to his father.

   RC (DNA: RG 59, DD, Netherlands, vol. 4). 2 pp.; marked private; postmarked Philadelphia, 29 May; docketed by Wagner as received 2 June.


Title: To James Madison from David Humphreys, 14 April 1801
From: Humphreys, David
To: Madison, James

No. 272Sir,
Madrid April 14th: 1801.
I think I cannot display too much eagerness in communicating to you, by different conveyances, the news this moment received by me from Algiers. I hasten then to transmit copies of Consul O’Brien’s letters to the 6th instant, which came to me thro the Department of the first Minister of State of His Catholic Majesty. From the last of these letters you will learn, that the Bey of Tripoli, having refused the mediation of Algiers, the Presents sent from thence and the Bills of Consul Cathcart, was determined upon war against the United States and was sending his Cruizers to Sea accordingly. It is devoutly to be wished that he may soon have reason to repent this wicked and rash proceeding at his leisure. As it is a considerable time since Consul Cathcart (whom I consider a very faithful and vigilant public officer) took the wise precaution of giving extensive advice of the great probability of this event, I cannot but hope that our unarmed merchant vessels will not be exposed to the hazard of falling into the possession of these Pirates, but that they will rather be retained in port (however inconvenient or expensive it may be) until they can be protected by armed vessels of the United States adequate to the purpose. On the policy of repelling force by force and of blocking the ports of this aggressor, I can add little to the motives which I have already had the honour to offer. I may, however, just be allowed to say, that the circumstances seem more than at any former time to reduce us to the alternative of having a few frigates and light armed vessels in the Mediterranean, or of relinquishing our Trade in it. To be at war with one of the Barbary Powers subjects our commerce to nearly the same risk as to be at war with all of them. To chastise that haughty but contemptible Power which now dares first to insult us by its aggression would certainly serve, not only as a salutary example to the other piratical States, but it would produce an almost incalculable effect in elevating our national character in the estimation of all Europe. National Character and public opinion are far from being unimportant objects, and more particularly as they respect a rising People. The manliness of this conduct of nobly defending our commerce from piracy, so different from that which has been pursued by all the civilized nations towards these Barbarians, would raise the reputation of our nascent marine in our own judgment, at the same time that it would strike with astonishment those who for a succession of Ages have submitted to the most humiliating indignities wantonly inflicted upon them by a handful of Banditti; and you may rest assured that it would form, as it were, a new æra in the naval history of Mankind. With sentiments of perfect respect and esteem I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble servant
D. Humphreys.
P. S. April 16th. M. de Urquijo continues to be confined at Pampluna. Dn. Gaspar Melchor Jovellanos, ex Minister of Grace and Justice, whom I mentioned to have been arrested, has been sent to a Convent in the Island of Majorca. Genl. Gregory Garcia de la Cuesta, a friend of Mr. Urquijos & Governor of the Council of Castile, has two days ago been sent from this Capital into a kind of exile at St Ander.
None of the motives for these disgraces are assigned to the Public.
I have recd a letter from a friend at Copenhagen, giving an account of the critical position in which that Cabinet found itself placed, at the time when the English fleet arrived at the entrance of the Sound & demanded permission to pass. Intelligence has since been recd that it was refused. Denmark, tho’ the first to suffer, could neither withdraw from the coalition or hope for timely succour. Three hundred of its vessels had been arrested by the English, & two hundred more were exposed to the same fate in Norway, in case the English fleet should enter the Baltic. The supposition was that it would attempt to pass the great Belt. It was also expected that the King of Prussia would occupy Hanover & Hamburg.
D. H.

   RC and enclosures (DNA: RG 59, DD, Spain, vol. 5). RC in a clerk’s hand, except for Humphreys’s signature and postscript; docketed by Wagner as received 28 May. Enclosures 2 pp.

   O’Brien to William Loughton Smith, 5 Apr., and O’Brien to Humphreys, 6 Apr. 1801. These letters, along with most of Humphreys’s dispatch, were printed in the National Intelligencer, 29 May 1801.