Being informed that sundry illegal Ship Papers have been transmitted to you that were issued from the United States Consulate of William Willis at Barcelona,1 I take the earliest opportunity of forwarding you my declaration relative to their existance: it will place this business in its proper light; in thus discharging my duty as a Citizen of the United States, I claim the protection of its Constitution, made, and in this case provided, that no Affadavit shall opperate to the prejudice of, or criminate the person making it; a late indisposition under which I have laboured, has detained me in the country, and prevented me from coming sooner to this place, to make my declaration. I am with much consideration Sir Your Most obedient huml. Servant