To James Madison from William Neilson, 19 May 1806 (Abstract)
From William Neilson, 19 May 1806 (Abstract)
§ From William Neilson. 19 May 1806, New York. “It is with extreme regret that I am obliged to request from you a certified copy of Mr. Merry’s communication of 12 April 1804,1 touching the blockade of Curracoa, from the opinion of Dr. Laurence, employed by our agent in London as counsel in these causes, a copy of which you have annexed,2 you will perceive that this Document is of great importance to us, as it doubtless will in all similar cases to the Citizens of the United States, and this is the only apology we can offer for giving you so much trouble on the occasion.”3
RC and enclosure (DNA: RG 59, ML). 1 p.; signed by Neilson as president of the Marine Insurance Co. of New York. For enclosure, see n. 2.
2. The enclosure (1 p.) is a copy of French Laurence’s 19 Feb. 1806 opinion that there was “a fair prospect” of a particular sentence of condemnation being reversed, and requesting an “authentic copy” of a letter from JM to Neilson, (see ibid., 9:384–85), and of Merry’s letter, together with an affidavit of verification.
3. On 22 May 1806 JM replied: “Agreeably to the request contained in your letter of the 19th. inst:, I enclose a copy of Mr. Merry’s letter of the 12th. April 1804, and of the enclosure referred to in it” (DNA: RG 59, DL, vol. 15; 1 p.).