James Madison Papers

To James Madison from Stephen Cathalan, 13 August 1802

From Stephen Cathalan, 13 August 1802

Marseilles August 13th. 1802.

Sir.

I have the honor of Confirming you my last of the 2d. ulto. inclosing a State of the American Vessels Entered and Cleared out from this district to the 30th. last June with a General account of my disbursements on account of the United States Government down to That day amounting to Frcs. 900.

On the 4th. inst. arrived in this Road the Und. States Fregate Boston under the Command of Danl. MacNeil Esqre. who sailed with 4 american Merchantmen under his Protection on the 6th. ditto for Barcelona, Alicant &ca. down the Streights. The same Day after they Sailed I recd. a packett of Dispatches from Jams. Lear. Cathcart Esqre. at Leghorn for you, which I have Sent to our Minister Plenipotentiary Robt. R. Livingston Esqre. at Paris to be forwarded to you.

Here inclosed a Packett for you from Consul William Eaton Esqre. at Tunis, which I Received yesterday with his Letters to m⟨e⟩ of the 9th. & 10th. July last; It is very unfortuna⟨te⟩ indeed that Capn. Andrew Morris of the Aman. Brig Franklin has been taken by the Tripolines—I have Since the beginning of the war with Tripoly prevented as much as in my power the American Masters to Venture at sea without the protection of an American or Sweed Freegate, but I was not authorized to Lay their Ships under an Embargo which measure would be, however, Necessary till Convoys Should offer; more so, Since the declaration of war by The Emperor of Morocco to the Und. States.

We the American Consuls or Agents in the Mediterranean, keep ourselves regularly advised of all the news or Events interesting our navigation and safety during this Barbarian War. In order to prevent any Misfortune or accident to our Ship⟨s⟩ and Seamen on board. This will reach you Viâ Bordeaux by the american Agent Will⟨iam⟩ Lee Esqre. In Haste I am with Great Regard, Your Most hble. obt. serv⟨t.⟩

Stephen Cathalan Jr

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