James Madison Papers

To James Madison from William Buchanan, 30 May 1802 (Abstract)

§ From William Buchanan

30 May 1802, Ile de France. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s standing instructions under date of 9 July 18011 as well as a copy of his commission as U.S. commercial agent for Ile de France and Bourbon; “the Vessel by which the Original was forwarded is unquestionably lost.” Will follow JM’s instructions “respecting returns of the American Vessels which may arrive within my district … tho’ I am apprehensive it will be difficult to execute that part, which regards Cargoes, as most of our Countrymen are unwilling to give the necessary Information.” Notes that the two blank forms mentioned in JM’s instructions were omitted.

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