Madison, James (1751-1836) to William Pinkney
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03419 Author/Creator: Madison, James (1751-1836) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Letter signed Date: 19 February 1808 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 25 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Indicates that he is sending a series of gazettes reporting on congressional proceedings, which "will give you a view of our internal affairs." Explains the route by which Mr. Nourse will deliver them to London so that Pinkney can arrange other correspondence to Paris and his own government. Discusses a previous letter concerning the Embargo Act of 1807 and a British decree made on 11 November 1807. Also comments on communications from David Erskine, the British Minister Plenipotentiary, concerning Napoleon's Berlin Decree, the British retaliation, and their effects on neutral maritime commerce. Page three has a decoded cypher attributing the letter's brevity to ill health and the need to expedite communication. Madison signed on page two as Secretary of State. Pinkney was serving as Minister to Great Britain.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
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