James Madison Papers

From James Madison to William Billings (Abstract), 12 March 1805

§ To William Billings

12 March 1805, Department of State. “In answer to the letter in which you make certain enquiries respecting the Agency of Mr. Jacob Sheafe1 in claiming restitution for the Capture of the Brig Philanthropist, I can only inform you, that he appears to have had a business of that sort; but the name of the Vessel not appearing, it is uncertain whether it respected the one above named. The Philanthropist is not even mentioned in the Official lists of claims on the French Government in the possession of this Department. Any information you may have to give of a nature to promote justice between the Government and the claimants will meet with proper attention, but as the communication may be conveniently made in writing, it would be unnecessary for you to take so long a journey as would enable you to do it in Person.”

RC (ViU: Madison Papers); letterbook copy (DNA: RG 59, DL, vol. 14). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Cover sheet franked by JM; offered for sale by Gallery of History Auctions (www.historyforsale.com), Las Vegas, Nev., April 2010, item 43747.

1See Billings to JM, 17 Jan. 1805, PJM-SS description begins Robert J. Brugger et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison: Secretary of State Series (9 vols. to date; Charlottesville, Va., 1986–). description ends , 8:482.

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