I had the honor to write you the 15 Instant by the Barque Columbia Captn. Day for Boston, encloseing a Copy of Mr. Gavino’s letter to me of the 30th. Ulto. & of my Note to this Government of the 14th. Instant the answer to which goes herewith. I am very sorry it was not given in season to enable us generally to profit by the explanation, but I am inclined to think that the delay was intended to prevent large orders being given & large quantities being sent; Notwithstanding, from the Spirit of adventure which characterizes our Merchants, I hope they have made large shipments, as they would prove highly beneficial; Flour haveing risen in consequence of the prohibition, from seven & a half to ten doll’s ⅌ barrel.

I have nothing new to communicate concerning Barbary affai⟨rs.⟩ The only news that I am desirous of hearing from thence, is that they wish a Peace, for every other, in a War with a power whe⟨re⟩ We have every thing to lose & nothing ⟨to⟩ gain, is likely to be unfavourable.

A letter was recently hand⟨ed⟩ me by Mr. Hyatt the Supercargo of the Pilgrim from a Mr. John Mackay da⟨ted⟩ in Rio Janeiro the 2nd. May 1802 ment⟨ion⟩ing the arrival there of an English Brig from St. Helena, with her clearance mad⟨e⟩ out from the Coast of Brazil. The Gov⟨mt.⟩ there siezed & kept possession of her two days, putting the Captain & Crew ⟨in⟩ prison, then sent them on board again & releas’d the Brig, saying in excuse for giveing her up that the Water was bad This Vessel was under precisely the same circumstances that were the Samuel & Pilgrim. When the Samuel’s case comes on for a final decision, what ⟨I⟩ am inform’d will be the next month, it will be a strong point to urge in her favour.

The French Charge des Affaires left here two days since. It is said that this Govmt. acceded to all the demands that Genl. Lannes made by order of the French Government. Whatever the business may be that he was charged with, the fact is that he transacted it with Lewis Pinto (now Viscount Balsemaon) Minister of the Interior, whereas by custom & etiquette it ought to have been with Don John de Almeida, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

This circumstance some insinuate forebodes Don John no good, but probably it ⟨is⟩ not sufficient ground to justify the conclusion.

Accompanying this you will receive a letter from Mr. Willis With much Respect I have the honor to be Sir your Mo: Hble Servt.