Capt. Eldred, by whom I forwarded my dispatches of the 25th of Octr. having imposed himself as a citizen of the United States, I gave him the recommendatory letter;1 styling him such, which he has doubtless presented to you. Since then it is discovered that very strong presumptions, if not positive proof, indicate him to be a British subject, tho’ born in Rhode Island. The letters from the records of this Department, of which copies are inclosed, will present you with the necessary details respecting his allegiance, and will evince to you, that it is the point on which the success of his claim chiefly depends.2 With great respect & Esteem &c &c &c