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Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

TO ROBERT SMITH. d. of s. mss. miscl. lets. - James Madison, The Writings, vol. 8 (1808-1819) [1908]

Edition used:

The Writings of James Madison, comprising his Public Papers and his Private Correspondence, including his numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed, ed. Gaillard Hunt (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1900). Vol. 8.

Part of: The Writings of James Madison, 9 vols.

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TO ROBERT SMITH.d. of s. mss. miscl. lets.

Montpelier, July 17, 1810.

Dear Sir,

The letter from Govr. Holmes,1 with that from Mr. Lowry & copy of the answer, which were inclosed to me, are now returned.

I think Govr. Holmes should be encouraged in keeping a wakeful eye to occurrences & appearances in W. Florida, and in transmitting information concerning them. It will be well for him also to be attentive to the means of having his militia in a state for any service that may be called for. In the event either of foreign interference with W. F. or of internal convulsions, more especially if threatening the neighboring tranquility, it will be proper to take care of the rights & interests of the U. S. by every measure within the limits of the Ex. authority. Will it not be advisable to apprize Govr. H. confidentially, of the course adopted as to W. F. and to have his co-operation in diffusing the impressions we wish to be made there?

The anecdote related by Mr. L.1 is interesting in several respects. I take it for granted that the papers to be sent him from the Dept of State will be adapted to the unsettled state of things in Caracas; yet I do not recollect to have recd. for signature any commission varied from the ordinary consular form. Accept my respects & friendly wishes,

[1 ]David Holmes, appointed Governor of Mississippi Territory in 1809.

[1 ]Robert K. Lowry, of Maryland, left for La Guayra, Caracas, towards the end of July, but no regular commission was issued to him until Feb. 3, 1812, when he was appointed Consul at that place. From Baltimore, July 10, 1810, he wrote Secretary Smith: “In the course of conversation two days since, Mr. Bolivar informed me that a considerable order for muskets has been received by him for the Govt. of Caraccas.

“Mr. De Orca, the other deputy, who sailed for Laguayra this morning, has related to me an interview which took place between him & Mr. Jackson last week in Philada. Don Onis, the Span. Consul, & Ex Governor of Caraccas being present. The impression left on his mind is that the British govt. will not be so friendly to them as was expected, especially if, as they appeared to anticipate, the revolution ends in the total rejection of the authority of Ferdinand the 7th.”—Dept. of State MSS., Consular Letters.