Madison, James (1751-1836) to William Jarvis
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03329.01 Author/Creator: Madison, James (1751-1836) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Letter signed Date: 14 January 1803 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 24.7 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy
Secretary of State Madison responds to a 16 November 1802 letter from Jarvis, United States Consul in Portugal. States that the United
States' right of deposit was obstructed in New Orleans. Refers to a letter (not included) from Juan Manuel de Salcedo, the Governor General of Louisiana to Governor William Charles Cole Claiborne of the Mississippi Territory, stating that the prohibition against the United States was imposed against Salcedo's opinion. Informs Jarvis of James Monroe's nomination as Envoy Extraodinary to Paris and Madrid to secure rights to navigate the Mississippi River. Instructs Jarvis to present the enclosed copied letter (included as GLC03329.02) to the Portugese Government from Samuel Snow, United States Consul in Canton.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
To William Jarvis
Sir, Department of State, Washington 14 Jany 1803
Since my last of the 17th ult, I have received your letter of the 16th November. The obstruction of our right of deposit at New Orleans still remained on the 25th Novr. the date of our last advices from thence: but the hope that the Intendant will recede is further strengthened by the contents of a letter from the Governor General of Louisiana to Governor Claiborne, stating that the prohibition was imposed against his opinion and without orders from the King of Spain.1 By the arrangement of the Colonial system of that Country, it seems that the Intendant, whose department is that of finance and commerce, is under no official subordination to the Governor. The President has, within a few days, nominated James Monroe Esqr. as Envoy Extraordinary to Paris and Madrid 2 with a view to obtain such arrangements on the Mississippi, as will further secure the right and enlarge the advantages of navigating the River.
The inclosed copy of a letter from Mr. Snow, 3 our Consul for Canton, who is now in the United States on a visit, contains a subject for you to present to the Portuguese Government. There will probably be no hesitation in according to us the same favor that is enjoyed by others. Their orders to the Government of Macao, if a more direct opportunity should not offer, may be forwarded through the United States. I remain with much respect, Sir, your most Obt Sert
James Madison
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