§ From John L. Ramage. 20 July 1806, Havana. “Herewith I have the honor to transmit you the returns of this Consulate to the 30th. June [not found] which I believe will be found tolerable Correct.

“Mr. Hill being I presume about this time at Washington will preclude the necessity of my making any remarks upon them, as he will have it in his power to explain more fully the nature of the trade with this Island than my self.

“I have strong reason to believe that the observation made by mr. Hill to this Government prior to his departure have Certainly been productive of a very good effect at any rate the Captures near this Island for the last six months have been very few in comparison to those of the time proceeding. The Business of Privateering by the Spaniards against the Commerce of the United States appears to be discountinanced here; Tho at St. Jago I believe there are several Spaniards who are Interested in privateers sailing under French Commissions, one privateer in particular the General Ferrand is owned wholly by a Spanish resident there one Aguila de la Tenera, but covered by a french man.

“This Vessel has captured Several vessels and after depredations being Committed upon them have been released I presume on payment of a Sum of money or an Engagement not to prosecute for damag⟨e⟩.

“Other Captures have been made which no doubt may be Justified those going to or Cuming from Brigand ports of Hispaniola and from the Coast of africa with slaves: It is said that both the Br⟨i⟩tish & French Tribunals will Consider the latter as good Prizes in consequence of the trade being prohibited by the Laws of the United States and as to the former they must be placed in the Same predicament.

“Respecting two cases of Capture with Slav⟨es⟩ I refer to a memorandum on the list of Vessels Captured.”