James Madison Papers

To James Madison from Richard Shippey Hackley, 6 December 1808

San Lucar 6th. Decr. 1808

⟨Sir⟩

I had this pleasure by the Ship ⟨F⟩avorite under date the 28th. Sepr. and 18th. October, ⟨a⟩nd by the Brig Mary, I forwarded you two packets ⟨f⟩rom Mr. Erving, and by the present opportunity two ⟨o⟩thers from the Same Gentleman. My intention ⟨was⟩ to have this pleasure more at length by this Vessel ⟨prov⟩ided my time will permit it, but an Express ⟨havg.⟩ come from Cadiz for my Letters, the Ship ⟨bei⟩ng about to depart earlier than was expected ⟨I⟩ think the following Extract of a letter from Mr. ⟨Erv⟩ing this moment received of too much impor⟨ta⟩nce not to be Communicated. After informing ⟨me of⟩ the determination of the Government to remove ⟨to⟩ Toledo, He adds "Whilst I was yet writing to You ⟨on⟩ the Subject a courrier arived from the Army ⟨of⟩ Castaños, who left it in the midst of a General engagement. The right Wing Composed of Valencia⟨n⟩ and Murcian Peasantry principally, ⟨had⟩ Given ground; but the Centre & other wing were gaining Such great advantages over the Fren⟨ch⟩ as to leave no doubt of a most decided Vict⟨ory.⟩

"This Information induced the Jun⟨ta⟩ immediately to Suspend its resolution of las⟨t⟩ night, of which Suspension we are now als⟨o⟩ officially informed." I have the honor to be Sir Your mo: Ob Sert

Richd: S Hackley

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

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