1From James Madison to Joseph S. Ayers (Abstract), 20 February 1805 (Madison Papers)
20 February 1805, Department of State . “I have received your letter of the 27th. Ult. The injury you sustained by the detention of your vessel is of a nature to be redressed only by your prosecuting the captor or his surety. There is therefore no form in which the Executive can with propriety interpose.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p. No letter of 27 Jan. 1805 from Ayers...