James Madison Papers

To James Madison from Thomas Appleton, 7 December 1802

From Thomas Appleton, 7 December 1802

Leghorn 7th. December 1802

Sir

I have now the honor of inclosing you several letters I have been Requested to forward.

A few days since arrived here four american seamen who were Captured in the brig Franklin and carried into Tripoli. After having provided them with necessary ⟨c⟩loathing, they have been embarked on board the Brig Syren, and Schooner little Robert, both bound for Philadelphia. The number ⟨o⟩f Tripoline corsairs now out, and possibly ⟨e⟩ven beyond the mouth of the Streights, added ⟨to⟩ the little fear, which most of the Captains ⟨of⟩ our merchant-Ships seem impressed with, are circumstances I Confess, which have much increased my apprehensions for their safety.

The inclosed Copy of a letter I lately received from Mr. Eaton at Tunis, will sufficiently shew the new dangers to which our Commerce is now exposed. On the third of November Como. Morris left the⟨se⟩ roads in the Constitution with Mr. Cathcart on board, bound for Malta and off Tripoli. By a vessel which arrived last evening from Alexandria it seems (for hitherto I have b⟨ut⟩ a very Confused account) that the british either from having discovered a Conspiration of the Turks, or from an open attack, I cannot yet learn, but that they had driven the latter totally from Alexandria, Damietta &c. &c. The brig for Philadelphia being to depart within an hour will prevent my giving you any of the particulars of this important event. I have received and forwarded the Consular Commissions for Mr. J. Barnes of Sicily, Mr. Pulis of Malta, and Mr. W. Riggin of Trieste.

I shall not now Sir further trespass on your time, by transcribing any part of my former letters on the subject of the Navy-Agency in the Mediteranean, presuming it has been sufficiently enlarg’d upon by other Consuls who are equally interes⟨ted⟩ in this event. Believe me Sir with unfeigned Respect Your most Obedient Serva⟨nt⟩

Th. Appleton

Consul

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