To James Madison from John M. D. Laurance, 16 May 1805
From John M. D. Laurance
New York May 16t 1805.
Sir
By directions of the Columbian Insurance Compy of this City I transmit you certain papers relative to the Capture of the American Schooner Mariner.1 Many other Vessels have been captured under similar circumstances—being insured however at other offices the proper documents will be forwarded by them.
It is the wish of the Underwriters of this City in submitting these documents to your consideration that Government may adopt such measures under all the circumstances as they may think proper for redressing the injuries they have sustained and guarding in future against similar depredations upon our Commerce by British Cruizers. I hav[e] the <h>onor to remain with respect Your obd svt.
John M D Laurance2
RC (DNA: RG 76, Preliminary Inventory 177, Great Britain, Treaty of 1794 [Art. VII], entry 180, British Spoliations, ca. 1794–1824, box 4, folder M).
1. The Mariner, Captain Clay, was bound from New York to Curaçao when it was seized by the Royal Navy frigate Franchise and carried into Kingston, Jamaica, where the vessel and cargo were condemned. The captain bought the ship back and returned to New York, where the Mariner was offered at auction (Charleston City Gazette, 8 Mar. 1805; New York Daily Advertiser, 26 Mar. 1805; New York Morning Chronicle, 30 Mar. 1805).
2. John M. D. Laurance was an attorney in New York City (John Langdon and Son’s New-York City Directory [New York, 1804; 6558]).