To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 7 September 1801
From James Leander Cathcart, 7 September 1801
Leghorn Septr. 7th: 1801
Sir
I embrace the earliest opportunity to forward the enclosed dispatches which I have copied in order to multiply their conveyance: their being no vessel here ready to sail for the United States I have enclosed them to Mr. Cathalan at Marseilles.
By the enclosures A & B you will be inform’d of our actual position; the Capture of the Tripoline Cruiser in its tendency is equal to a victory, & reflects the greatest honor on Mr. Sterrett & his brave officers & men. A few more actions will effectually establish our national character in this sea, & prove to the Tyrants of Barbary that the government of the United States will not suffer indignitys with impunity.
Let what will be the result the President may be persuaded that he shall never see the name of Cathcart at the foot of a dishonorable treaty
Impatient for instructions & living in hope that my conduct will meet the approbation of the President I have the honor to be with great respect & esteem Sir Your most Obnt. Hbe Servt.
James Lear. Cathcart
The preceding is the full transcription of a document that was previously abstracted in The Papers of James Madison, Secretary of State series. The original abstract contains additional annotation and source information.