Leaving Charleston, a few weeks ago, with the view of appointing a Vice-Consul for this city, I learned soon after my arrival here, that almost immediately after I had left charleston, a Man by the name of John King, from whom I had rented a house for the term of one year, had distrained upon my Furniture, and other chattels in the House, to Satisfy house rent, then due him. He came to the House, without ever having made, an application to my self, or my Secretary, whom I had left in possession of the house, for the rent due, accompanied by an officer, at six o Clock in the morning, Surprized my Secretary in bed, and putting a Pistol to his breast, prevented his making any resistance, to their illegal, and violent proceedings. They moreover tore down my coat of Arms, placed at the front of my Door, and offered every other indignity to my office, their malice could suggest.

As the sum due my Landlord, was very inconsiderable, and would have been immediately satisfied, if it had been properly demanded, of my Secretary in my absence, I am therefore induced, under these circumstances to believe, that the whole of Kings conduct, as well as that of the Magistrate, who granted the warrant of distress, and of the officer who executed it, has resulted, from the machinations of a Faction inimical to my nation, and those who have the honor to represent it. Under this impression, I feel it to be my duty, and an obligation to the Station I hold, to demand from the Government of the U. S., that reparation which the Municipal, as well as the Law of Nations, may offerd me.

As a Minister, my Person and my effects, are protected, and Exempted, from the Ordinary course of Justice, of the place in which, I may happen to fix my residence, and I am particularly protected, in both, by the Laws of the U. S. In order, that there may be no doubt, as to the extensive nature of my Functions, or of the capacity, I ought to be recognized in, I take the liberty Sir, of enclosing a Notarial copy, of my Instructions, with the translation of them, annexed to it1 which I have to request, you will lay before the President, and have such measures adopted, as may promise me, an ample redress, for the insults and injuries I have received; a Sevare indisposition, has detained me here, and prevented me from executing this before. I have the honor to remain with respect Your humble & obt. Servant