Alexander Hamilton Papers

From Alexander Hamilton to William Lindsay, 21 June 1794

To William Lindsay

T. D. June 21th 1794

Sir

Your letter of the 12th instant1 has been duly received.

What you mention about the Ship Scorpion induces me to request that you will inform me particularly, what was the precise position of that vessel, when the intelligence of the embargo2 arrived, and what were the circumstances subsequent thereto. It has been alleged that something like a forcible extrication of her took place.3 I wish to be informed how far there is any truth in this, and what happened on the occasion. I hope your reply will be precise & circumstantial.

I am with great consideration   Sir   Your obedt Servt.

William Lindsay Esqr.
Collr Norfolk

Copy, Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford.

1Letter not found.

3The ship Scorpion, belonging to the East India Company and bound for London, had arrived in Norfolk on February 10, 1794. After leaving Norfolk, the Scorpion was captured by the French fleet and sent to France (The Counter Case of Great Britain as Laid Before the Tribunal of Arbitration, Convened at Geneva… [42d Cong., 2nd Sess., Ex. Doc. No. 324], 612).

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