James Madison Papers

To James Madison from Thomas Auldjo, 20 July 1803

From Thomas Auldjo, 20 July 1803

Cowes 20h. July 1803

Sir

On the 9th. of June I had the pleasure to receive the Laws passed at the last Sessions of Congress, and on the 9th. instt. I have been favored with your Circular of the 9th. of April last, which I shall pay due attention to.

I have drawn out a statement of the light dues payable on Ships putting into our Ports and have also specified the charges that accrue on Ships that land or take away Goods from the British ports, which I hope will be found sufficiently intelligible. Ships putting in here either for orders, in distress, or for conveniency, are only subject to the Light duties for the Light Houses they have passed and intend to pass on the current Voyage. The Tonnage & Countervailing duties &ca, only attach on Ships landing or taking away Goods. The Quarantine duties attach on Ships that choose or are obliged to get Pratick either to Land their Cargoes or repair damages—a Ship may lie at the Quarantine Ground as long as she pleases and go away to a foreign Port without getting Pratick & consequently without incurring Expence at all.

American Seamen are occasionally and unavoidably carryed off among British by the Impress but I have no reason to doubt of complete Justice being at all Times meant to be done to American Citizens under such Circumstances by the British Government when in their power. The Impositions from false Certificates and every sort of deception must always occasion much suspicion and difficulty in procuring the release of American Seamen.

The War has hitherto had the effect of dampen⟨ing⟩ Commerce. Corn has consequently lowered and the appearance of an abundant ensuing Crop, depressed it very much indeed. Wheat is 6/6 ⅌ Bushel weighing 60 ℔s—fine Flour 44/ a 45/ ⅌ Sack of 280 ℔s.

The Blockade of the Elbe has already occasioned Several Ships from America to alter th⟨eir⟩ Voyages from Hambro, their port of Destination to that of Bremen. I have the honor to be with respect Sir Yr. most obd hble Serv⟨t⟩

Thomas Auldjo

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