1. This law also directed the agents “to render an account of all impressments and detentions whatever, from American vessels, to the executive of the United States” (1 Stat. description begins Richard Peters, ed. The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America, from the Organization of the Government in 1789, to March 3, 1845 . . .. 8 vols. Boston, 1845-67. description ends 477–78). John Trumbull declined his appointment (see Trumbull to Timothy Pickering, 27 Aug., in Sizer, Trumbull Autobiography, description begins Theodore Sizer, ed. The Autobiography of Colonel John Trumbull: Patriot-Artist, 1756–1843. 1953. Reprint. New York, 1970. description ends 194–95).

Maryland congressman Gabriel Christie wrote GW from Philadelphia on 3 June: “By an Act which passed the last legislature of the United States it’s contemplated that an agent for the Releff & Protection of American Seamen will be appointed to reside in Great Britain Should the President of the United States think me qualify’d to fill that trust and would honour me with the Appointment it shall be executed to the best of my ability” (ALS, DLC:GW).

2. Jacob Mayer (d. 1802) was a merchant who resided at Cap Français.

Sharp Delany had written Secretary of State Timothy Pickering on 20 May: “Mr Jacob Mayer who will have the Honour of delivering this note—has resided for a considerable time at Cape Francois—a considerable number of the Merchants of this City, informs him it would be of great benefit to them in having a Consul resident at the Cape for the North side of Hispaniola—Mr Mayer is well known to the Merchants—and I beg leave to mention him as long known to me as an industrious intelligent Young Gentleman—and I make no doubt of his capability for the Office” (DLC:GW). Andrew Bayard wrote Pickering on the same date to repeat his recommendation of Mayer for consul made “in a conversation a few days ago.” Bayard presented Mayer “as a person well qualified for the appointment from his long residence in Cape Francois & from his acquaintance with the principal Officers of the government in that quarter as well as from his general knowle[d]ge of the business of the Island, both as it respects the American & French Citizens” (DLC:GW). Twelve Philadelphia merchants and firms signed a recommendation docketed 28 May that lamented frequent “inconveniences and delays in their business for want of an American Consul, or some representative of the United states to whom the American masters of vessels may resort for advice and assistance.” The signers desired Mayer as “a Native Citizen of Pennsylvania” (DLC:GW).

Mayer was removed as consul in 1800 (see Pickering to George Cabot, 16 June 1800, in Lodge, George Cabot, description begins Henry Cabot Lodge. Life and Letters of George Cabot. 1878. Reprint. New York, 1974. description ends 275–78).