To James Madison from John Martin Baker, 28 August 1805 (Abstract)
From John Martin Baker, 28 August 1805 (Abstract)
§ From John Martin Baker. 28 August 1805, Palma, Majorca. “With the expectation that the port of Mahon, will be considered, and prove useful at some period, to the Navy of the United States, within the Mediterranean—I have taken the liberty, and do herewith solicit your acceptance of a perspective view thereof, which I have had taken purposely; with the pleasing hope that it may meet your favorable acceptan⟨ce⟩;.”
Adds in a postscript: “Permit me, sir, to observe, that the case contains two views—one of which, with the inclosed letter, I beg leave to solicit the favor of your having delivered to the President of the United-States of America.”1
RC, two copies (DNA: RG 59, CD, Port Mahon, vol. 1). First RC 3 pp.; docketed by Wagner. Second RC marked “Triplicate,” with an additional paragraph to the postscript: “I beg leave to remark sir that the mentioned Case, containing the two Views, I sent per the Amer⟨ican⟩; Galliot Fortune, Captn. Thomas Sav⟨ille⟩; bound to Boston; to the particula⟨r⟩; care of General Benjamin Lincoln, Collector for said port &c.” The Fortune arrived at Gibraltar on 9 Nov. 1805 and left there for Boston on 20 Nov. The ship arrived at Charleston, South Carolina, on 1 Feb. 1806, bound for Boston (Boston Independent Chronicle, 16 Jan. 1806; New-York Gazette & General Advertiser, 5 and 11 Feb. 1806). For enclosure, see n. 1.
1. The enclosure was presumably Baker to Jefferson, 28 Aug. 1806, presenting him with a view of Port Mahon (DLC: Jefferson Papers; docketed by Jefferson as received 11 Feb. 1806).