1809 Letters

Albany, NY -

On the subject of unanimity permit me to remark, that we are alarmed with late reports from New York. We are told that our friends there are divided into two parties

New York, NY - 5 January 1809

We daily receive alarming rumours, from the seat of Govt

Falmouth, ENG - 8 January 1809

The news from Spain is contradictory ; it is generally understood here that the French are again in possession of Madrid after some severe partial struggles on their march and a vigorous opposition

Washington, MD - 8 January 1809

I requested some time ago information about the intrigues of Count Vergennes, when Mr. Jay was negotiating with Mr. Oswald on the terms of the Treaty of Peace.

Treasury Department, MD - 10 January 1809

It is necessary to prepare instructions in conformity with the 10th Section of the new Embargo Act.

New York, NY - 15 January 1809

By reason of his sagacity and fidelity Mr. Jay incurred the displeasure of the French Court, which did not fail to show itself here afterwards through the French Ministers.

Washington, MD - 21 January 1809

I have long entertained the opinion that Mr. Jefferson determined, at the outset, not to form a treaty of unity and commerce with G. B., and therefore insisted on some terms which he believed she would never admit.

Waltham, MA - 27 January 1809

No office has been asked for one of the opposite party & refused, yet the Chronicle, in its malignant & lying spirit, complains that none but Federalists have been appointed to office, and among these one of the most rancorous temper, alluding probab

unknown - 31 January 1809

With regard to Mr. Jefferson's sincerity in seeking a good understanding with Eng., I will mention a fact, that has appeared to me of great significance.

Washington, MD - 2 February 1809

From the mouth of a reputable gentleman... whose name I am not at liberty to mention, Mr. Jefferson, last Summer, said he would rather the U. States should sink than that any alteration in his system should be made.

Treasury Department, MD - 4 February 1809

Since I saw you I have received the two enclosures, - one from Hodge, surveyor of Newburyport, a Federalist, who had always done his duty, and whom we meant to preserve

New York, NY - 7 February 1809

If the Law be repealed, which forbids our merchants to arm their vessels, every one will be at liberty, as he ought to be, to arm or not to arm

London, ENG - 12 February 1809

the Spanish Army was defeated & Madrid occupied before the British troops had joined. Bonaparte appears then to have directed his entire force against the British.

New York, NY - 15 February 1809

The Law wh. authorized the Pr. to interdict our ports to the Br. Navy expires with the present session of Congress ; it will not be revived.

unknown - 22 February 1809

Have you obtained the name and character of the son of Madame Bonneville ? I believe there remains a single vacancy of a cadet.

Boston, MA - 22 February 1809

After duly weighing the Circumstances of the times & the great Apprehensions of all the Petitioners that the Government intended a war with England and Alliance with France...

London, ENG - 5 April 1809

The affairs in Spain are by no means to be considered desperate. The French have made but little advance since the affair of Saragossa

New York, NY - 9 April 1809

perhaps the Eng. Cabinet may desire to resume the negotiation, upon the belief, or supposition, that Mr. Madison will act with more impartiality than Mr. Jefferson

unknown - 27 April 1809

Should you think of the establishment of a check upon your Treasury, I shd. think it might be done by the establishment of a Comptroller

London, ENG - 30 April 1809

Austria has commenced Hostilities and the Force of France will be so engaged on that side as to give breathing time to the Spaniards and Portuguese.

London, ENG - 2 May 1809

I reply to your other questions, as they may be interesting from the knowledge you actually possess of men and things here.

Bedford, NY - 22 May 1809

The information it conveys cannot fail of being grateful to all who prefer the wise and upright policy which distinguished the administration of Washington, to that which of late has distressed and disgraced our country.

Quincy, MA - 5 June 1809

It is said, if riches increase, those increase that eat them ; but what shall we say, when the eaters increase without the wealth ?

London, ENG - 12 June 1809

the conduct of Mr. Erskine on this occasion meets the disapprobation of Ministers here to such a degree, as to be the occasion of his recall, and of the appointment of Mr. Jackson to be his Successor.

Philadelphia, PA - 21 June 1809

My young friend Mr Walsh whom you may recollect in London has just returned in the Pacific.

unknown - 23 June 1809

The peculiarity of my situation will justify me in renewing to you, individually, the appeal which has repeatedly been made to the honorable body of which you are a member.

Montpelier, VA - 28 June 1809

The conduct of the British government in protesting the arrangement of its minister surprises one, in spite of all their examples of folly.

Treasury Department, MD - 29 June 1809

I have no other knowledge of the circumstances connected with the naval agency of Degen and Purviance than what is derived from their account as stated by the accountant of the Navy Department.

Montpelier, VA - 30 June 1809

If the sketch of Erskine's instructions be faithful, it shows as clearly that Canning was determined to prevent an adjustment as that Erskine was to effect it.

London, ENG - 6 July 1809

The Spaniards are busily and successfully profiting by the occupation of the Emperor at Vienna : in several partial actions they have been successful and their enemies are everywhere retiring

Bedford, NY - 24 July 1809

I was called to Albany by the death of the only remaining child of my daughter, whose grief for the loss of her son and of her husband was still fresh and severe.

East Bourne, ENG - 1 August 1809

Though so many years have passed since we saw or heard from each other, I hope I do not deceive myself when I presume that we continue to retain each other in friendly remembrance

East Bourne, ENG - 1 August 1809

Even your abolition Law, if we are rightly informed, is so far defective, unlike in this respect to ours, that it does not prohibit Vessels under foreign flags, or being ostensibly foreign Property, fitting out or sailing from your ports.

Jamaica, NY - 3 August 1809

The War on the Continent is too complicated for me, without more information to form a correct opinion respecting it.

Jamaica, NY - 6 August 1809

I ... send you the following Extract of a Letter from our old friend D. P. dated Paris July 1st 1809.

Ramsgate, ENG - 12 August 1809

I wish this part of the globe afforded any news that could be agreeable to me to relate or to you to hear. But everything is dark & desperate in the extreme, at least they are so to men of my opinions here

Washington, MD - 13 August 1809

I do not believe that in the conversations we have had respecting the practicability of an adjustment of the differences between the United States and Great Britain we ever have misunderstood one another.

Waltham, MA - 15 August 1809

Your letter of the 6th confirms accounts received here from Paris. One Letter, as late as July 3d, says Mr. A. told the writer that the Project of a Treaty was gone to the Emperor, & would be returned within a certain number of days

Bedford, NY - 16 August 1809

A proper history of the United States would have much to recommend it : in some respects it would be singular, or unlike all others

Washington, DC - 17 August 1809

James Madison letter to wife.

London, ENG - 26 August 1809

We anxiously hope that Mr. Jackson's negotiations may be successful, and that good sense may once more direct the conduct of the two nations towards each other.

unknown - 11 September 1809

The lameness of my horses and the late season have induced me to give up my Western excursion, instead of which I will treat Mrs. Gallatin with a short visit to her mother in New York.

Montpelier, VA - 25 September 1809

I had entered into the same train of ideas with yours as to the probable state of Jackson's situation and wishes.

Washington, MD - 27 September 1809

I was and still am decidedly opposed to the introduction of slavery into any part of the Union where it does not exist or can be checked.

London, ENG - 30 September 1809

Lord Grenville has been sent for & arrived in Town yesterday ; we shall know in a few days the new arrangement.

Considerable Distance From London, ENG - 4 October 1809

In our political speculation we must combine the general state of the World, which is almost divided into three parts, Europe, England & America, and which has introduced opinions & systems solely applicable to the present times.

Philadelphia, PA - 8 October 1809

I cannot but believe, perhaps merely because I hope, that Mr. Madison will display a more manly & magnanimous policy than either Adams or Jefferson

Boston, MA - 19 October 1809

Should Mr. Madison come to an understanding with the Brith. Govt., we shall do well in Massts. Should the former System be followed, we may be in a Minority

London, ENG - 3 November 1809

The news which had reached America of the state of our negotiations in France was incorrect. No Treaty is concluded, or likely to be, on terms which we ought to admit.

Bedford, NY - 8 November 1809

The patrons of the abolition act, and of the African Institution, certainly do honour, and will probably do more than ordinary good to Great Britain

Washington, MD - 8 November 1809

I perused your affectionate letter of the 11th ult. with lively sensations of pleasure, excited by that additional evidence of your continued kindness and partiality.

Washington, MD - 8 December 1809

Every engine which the views of unprincipled partizans could employ, has been set to work to excite popular odium against the British Minister, Mr. Jackson.

Washington, MD - 20 December 1809

At the same time American vessels were captured & condemned for attempting to carry on the same trade with the Spaniards.

New York, NY - 25 December 1809

In respect to Mr. Jackson, it is true that I opposed his being sent to this Country as the successor of Mr. Liston

Boston, MA - 25 December 1809

No one here can learn what Course Congress will adopt ; but our Merchants, Mechanics & Farmers, and especially the inhabitants of Maine, are extremely averse to war with England.