1. By the May 1796 Act for the Relief and Protection of American Seamen, Congress authorized the president to appoint two or more agents—one in London—”to inquire into the situation of such American citizens or others, sailing, conformably to the Law of nations, under the protection of the American flag, as have been, or may hereafter be impressed or detained by any foreign power,” to endeavor to obtain the release of such persons, and to render periodic accounts of all impressed Americans to the president. In March 1797 Washington named David Lenox, formerly U.S. marshal for Pennsylvania, to the London post (U.S. Statutes at Large description begins The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America … (17 vols.; Boston, 1848–73). description ends , 1:477–78; Senate Exec. Proceedings description begins Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.; Washington, 1828). description ends , 1:143, 229). In 1801 JM or State Department clerks sent Lenox similar instructions on 21 May, 16 June, and 6 July (PHi); 27 and 29 May and 5 June (NjP); 1, 20, and 25 June, 21 July, and 18 Aug. (DNA: RG 59, IC, vol. 1).

2. Following this entry in the letterbook the clerk wrote:

“☞The same to William Savage Esqr. with the exception of ‘English Station,’ Jamaica being inserted, and the following names instead of the preceding.

Benjamin Darrell—on board the Decade

John Fosset—York

Bagwell Custis Gavitson—Grey Hound

Henry Green—Queen

Robert Warnock—Prince of Wales

Stephen Griffin—Surprise.”

William Savage was agent for American seamen, Kingston, Jamaica. Letters concerning similar cases of possible impressment went to Savage on 5, 8, 16, 20, and 25 June, 6 and 21 July, and 3 Nov. 1801 (DNA: RG 59, IC, vol. 1).