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.
1. Letter not found.
2. See the introductory note to H to George Washington, March 8, 1794; “Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on the Best Mode of Executing the Embargo,” March 26, 1794; “Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs,” March 26, April 18, 23, 1794.
3. The 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).