To James Madison from David Montagu Erskine, 18 February 1807
Feby. 18, 1807
Sir
I have the Honor to acknowlidge the receipt of your letter of the ⟨ ⟩th Inst. respecting John White, who is stated to be an American Citizen, now detained on board His Majesty’s Ship ⟨E⟩lephant, & about to undergo a Trial ⟨b⟩y Court Martial for Desertion.
I will immediately ⟨fo⟩rward an application to the admiral ⟨on⟩ the Jamaica Station, to suspend ⟨thi⟩s trial until the facts stated can ⟨be⟩ investigated; but I much fear that it must arrive too late, as it appears his Trial was to have taken place in August last. With the highest Respect & Consideration I have the Honor to be Sir Your most obedt. Servt.
D. M. Erskine
DNA: RG 59-NFL-Notes from Foreign Legations, Great Britain.