James Madison Papers

To James Madison from Louis ([Lewis?] Formon, 15 November 1807

Point Peter Gpe. 15th. Novber. 1807

Sir,

The Foregoing is a Copy of my last respects to you, Since which I have been honoured with Mr. B. Smith’s Letter of the 16th: october ul⟨timo⟩ transmitting to me proofs of the Citizensh⟨ip⟩ & your ord⟨ers⟩ for my application for ⟨the⟩ release, of Thomas Williams, an american Seaman, who had been taken on board of a british vessel, and was detained ⟨in⟩ the prison Ship: I am happy to have it in my power to say that he has been liberated, and Sailed on boa⟨rd⟩ of the brig Echo, of Boston, Farm⟨   ⟩ Master, bound for Lisbon.

An account was sent from St. Bartholo⟨mews⟩ here, of 4 or 5 sails of american vessels un⟨der⟩ Swedish Colors, laying there, & bound either For or From St. Domingo: two privateers the⟨n⟩ in port, were immediately Fitted out, took on board From 150 to 200 troops of the line & artillery. The expedition, under a private name, Sailed from this port the 9th. in⟨st.⟩ and ever since that time, an embargo h⟨as⟩ been laying on every american vessel bou⟨nd⟩ to Sea. The expedition has just returne⟨d⟩ with their prizes: this is the account I had of the business: they arrived at St. Bartholomews in the night; before anyb⟨ody⟩ had Suspected it, they had landed an⟨d⟩ taken possession of every point that would have afforded any defence. The House of one Mr. Israel (I understan⟨d⟩ he is from Philada. and Supposed to be agent for houses of america trading with St. Domingo) was Surrounded: he ⟨was⟩ lucky enough to make his escape, as there were orders to Seize him and bring him here: his Store was Forced and about 80000 ⟨wgt.⟩ of Coffee with a quantity of Goods & Cash taken From it. Two of the three prizes are Said to be american vessels under Swedish Colors. I will try to have the names of the vessels, masters, what ports & houses they belong to, & Inform you of every particular relating to that business. I remain with a great respect and high Consideration Sir, Your most obedient very Humble Servant

Ls: Formon

DNA: RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Guadeloupe.

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