James Madison Papers

To James Madison from John Morton, 12 December 1801

From John Morton, 12 December 1801

Havana. Decr. 12th: 1801.

Sir,

Under date of yesterday I have addressed you on the situation of Affairs in this quarter. And altho’ the communication was necessarily ⟨dr⟩awn to considerable length, I trust that the im⟨p⟩ortance of the subjects will compensate for the time they may engage your attention.

Possessing the same disposition that I have ever had, for promoting by every means in my power a good understanding between our respective Nations, and the security & welfare of my fellow-citizens in this quarter, I have on this, as on former occasions detailed no Circumstance but what can, & will, be supported by the strongest evidence; and in no degree disguised my sentiments on their present & future effect & tendency.

An Embargo having been laid on our Vessels for the whole time since my arrival, untill yesterday, in consequence of ⟨the⟩ sailing of a Spanish Squadron, I have had ⟨of⟩ course, no opportunity, before this, of forwardi⟨ng⟩ any communications.

From the situation of my affairs in this quarter, I find it impossib⟨le⟩ to ascertain the probable time it may s⟨till⟩ be necessary for me to remain to effect t⟨heir⟩ completion. I have therefore on⟨ly⟩ to say that if the President should be ⟨dis⟩posed to appoint any other person to thi⟨s⟩ station, that my resignation thereof may ⟨be⟩ considered as having been tendered. I wi⟨ll⟩ continue to endeavor to discharge its D⟨uties⟩ to the best of my ability untill I am info⟨rmed⟩ of the Presidents pleasure in that respect, ⟨or⟩ untill a successor, if appointed, shall arri⟨ve.⟩ With sincere respect, I am Sir, Your Ob. & Hl. Serva⟨nt⟩

Jno: Morton.

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