To James Madison from Robert Smith, 6 August 1806
From Robert Smith
Augt. 6. 1806.
Sir
A man of fair character has this moment informed me that a Captain Cowper of Norfolk has lately been at St. Augustine and then became a Spanish Subject—that he engage to equip for the Spanish service three privateers—that he has been equipping one at Norfolk—that a person of the name of Robinson is to be one of her Lieutenants. Under the supposition that this may be the vessel mentioned to you by Mr M——y I hasten to communicate it to you—for inquiry.1 Respecty.
Rt Smith
RC (DNA: RG 59, ML). Docketed by Wagner, who sent a copy to Thomas Newton, collector at Norfolk, on 7 Aug. 1806, with the comment that “whilst it may shed some light upon the cases of illegal equipment of vessels of war in the waters of the Chesapeake,” it might also suggest “a more extensive plan of violating the laws” (DNA: RG 59, DL, vol. 15).