Madison, James, 1751-1836 to David Erskine
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01096.02 Author/Creator: Madison, James, 1751-1836 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Manuscript letter Date: March 29, 1807 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Clerical copy of a letter written by Madison to Erskine, the British minister plenipotentiary. The letter was sent to James Monroe, the American minister plenipotentiary, along with GLC1096.01. Secretary of State Madison criticizes tactfully and at length the British order made in Council on 7 January 1807 prohibiting neutral nations from trading with France. Considers the measure too extreme and discusses its consequences for trade and international relations. Stresses that President Jefferson seeks to "cultivate harmony, and beneficial intercourse." The British order was a response to Napoleon's Berlin decree, and led to the Embargo Act of 1807 (and eventually to the War of 1812).
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