24 May 1802, Havana. Notes that he last wrote on 17 Mar. “Shortly after that date I repaired to the Baths of St. Diego, in the interior of this island, for the benefit of my health; leaving the business of the Department in the charge of Mr. Vincent Gray,1 an American Gentleman who has been a considerable time employed therein.” Nothing of moment occurred in his absence, except for the brief imprisonment of shipmasters who entered the port against regulations. Since then, however, several American vessels have been allowed to remain in port “in expectancy of a further permission to dispose of their Cargoes of provisions; but which notwithstanding the great scarcity of every Article both of foreign & domestic growth, has not yet been granted.” Government has apparently relied on receiving supplies from Spain and Mexico. Transmits a local paper of 20 May containing a second order prohibiting the residence of strangers in Cuba; doubts that this will be enforced, although the edict “is couched in severe terms.” At present there are few Americans remaining at Havana to be affected. Will soon be departing the island, leaving the department in Gray’s charge. “The circumstance of my departure, and nomination of an Agent to remain, will probably bring the Question as to the residence of an Official character, in time of peace, to a decision. It has not yet, with regard to myself, been made the Subject of any explanation.”