Benjamin W. Crowninshield to James Monroe, 25 July 1816
Benjamin W. Crowninshield to James Monroe
Salem July 25th 1816
Dear Sir
It has taken me more time than I was aware of1 obtain any information respecting the Fisheries; the Paper marked (a) is from our Friend Judge Story and the information or facts from a Marblehead practical Man, and may be I think fully relied upon but you should look at a good chart to understand it.2
The Paper marked B. is from Mr Bentley and rather shews what value we and other Nations have put upon the Fisheries, and a possitive, better than a doubtful Right.
My own opinion is that it would be wise to settle the question if any thing can be gained: the right to fish I conclude we have, to cure on their shores doubtful, therefore if we can cure as paper (a) suggests I would give up the rest.
signed
BW Crowninshield
Tr (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers). In John Graham’s hand, with his note: “Copies for the President.” Docketed by JM. Enclosures not found, but see n. 2.
1. Crowninshield evidently omitted the word “to” here.
2. On 7 July 1816 James Monroe wrote to JM to inform him about his discussions with British minister Charles Bagot concerning the fisheries and the Great Lakes, adding that he had also written to Navy secretary Crowninshield on these subjects. Crowninshield replied to Monroe on 13 July 1816, stating that he was making inquiries among his friends about the fisheries and that he would write again within a few days. He also promised to write about the Great Lakes (DNA: RG 59, ML). Filed near this letter is a three-page description, dated 22 July 1816, of the fishing grounds off the Labrador coast and adjacent islands sent by Marblehead, Massachusetts, resident J. Prentiss Jr. to Navy Department clerk Benjamin Homans (ibid.).