Notes on Tensions with Spain and Great Britain, 31 October 1804
Notes on Tensions with Spain and Great Britain
[October 1804]
If S. strengthens shall we accept the insurrn of Bat. R.
What measures on <Brit.> police of harbors
power to Exve
to forbid entrance of armed vessels altogether
modificns
to lay under our guns.
to give up rudder
to give security
on disobedience.
stop entry in that port
in all ports
cut off intercourse.
gun boats
shall they give us a force of Volunteers in case Spain is refractory
MS (DLC: TJ Papers, 234:41897); undated, but see notes below; entirely in TJ’s hand; follows, on same sheet, Notes on Appointments, [on or before 5 Oct.].
If S. strengthens: see Madison to TJ, 28 Aug., and TJ to Dearborn, 6 Sep.
insurrn: a reference to the Kempers’ actions at Baton Rouge on 7 Aug. (see William C. C. Claiborne to TJ, 27 Oct.). Early accounts of the affair appeared in several eastern newspapers by mid-September, including Relfs Philadelphia Gazette on 5 Sep., the New York Daily Advertiser on 7 Sep., and the National Intelligencer on 12 Sep. Claiborne sent his initial report on the affair to Madison on 30 Aug., enclosing copies of his recent correspondence with the Marqués de Casa Calvo and others “relative to the insurrection at Baton Rouge.” The State Department received the dispatch on 8 Oct. (Madison, Papers, Sec. of State Ser., 7:657-8).
police of harbors: see Bill for Preservation of Peace in Harbors and Waters, at 22 Oct.
sub modo: that is, under a qualification or restriction.
moving artillery: see Horatio Gates to TJ, 19 Oct.
force of Volunteers: see Annual Message to Congress, at 8 Nov., Documents I and V.