James Madison Papers

From James Madison to James Sullivan, 10 May 1802

To James Sullivan

Department of State May 10. 1802.

Sir

The establishment with the British Government of a proper boundary in the jurisdiction of the Islands in Passamaquody Bay and of proper regulations in navigations in navigating the channels between the same, is an object which for some time has engaged the attention of the Executive, and which, it appears by a late Resolution of the Legislature of Massachusetts is much desired by that State.1 The inquiries into which you have been led particularly, as an agent on the part of the United States Under the  2 Article of the Treaty of 1794. induce me to ask of you the favor to communicate whatever information or observations you may think will be of use to Mr. King in vindicating our rights where they are covered by the Treaty, or in adjusting, advantageously, our interests, where the obscurity of the treaty may require a compromise. To give you full possession of the subject I take the liberty of enclosing you a copy of what was said to Mr King thereon in July last3 and of requesting that you will be good enough to let me have your communications at as early a day as you can make convenient. I have the Honor &ca.

James Madison.

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