James Madison Papers

To James Madison from Richard Shippey Hackley, 31 March 1808

Consulate of the United States San Lucar de Barras. 31st. March ‘8

Sir

This will accompany my respects of the 15th since the date of which Interesting events have passed in this country. On the 18th the power of the Prince of peace terminated, his fall being as Sudden and unexpected, as his advancement ⟨to⟩ power had been astonishing. His property has been confiscated and his person is now in Confinement at Madrid. He is ⟨a⟩ccused of many enormities. Howfar They merit Credit is ⟨m⟩ore than difficult to give an opinion on. But a directing ⟨h⟩and is certainly visible in the fate of this man. Charles ⟨the⟩ 4th has retired from Public life, and his son the Prince of Austurias was proclaimed King at Madrid, on the 20th ⟨as⟩ Ferdinand the 7th. The first division of the French Army on the Command of the General in chief, the Grand Duke ⟨of⟩ Berg & Cleves entered Madrid about the 20th, and the Em⟨pero⟩r Napoleon, was expected before the 26th. We may ⟨expe⟩ct the Troops of the Emperor of France in this Neighbour⟨hood⟩ about the 10th Next month. With Sentiments of E⟨nt⟩ire ⟨resp⟩ect & Esteem I am Sir Your mo: Ob Sert.

Richd: S Hackley

Tobacco pr Quintal of 106 lbs. 30 to 35$ hard Ds.

Flour 15$ Per Barril

Cocoa Carraccas 46$ pr Ql: of 106 lbs.

Havanna ⟨   ⟩ssels 21$ Do. of 106 lbs.

Do. Brown 17$

R. S. H.

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

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