To James Madison from Thomas Newton, 27 November 1806
From Thomas Newton
Collectors Office Norfolk—Novr. 27, 1806
Sir
I Received your Certificates respecting Sweatland the impressed Seaman on board The Albion Capt. Douglas,1 application was made to the Brittish consul on the subject, he has not communicated to my [sic] the result yet, but I have no doubt of his attention as he has generally used his interest in the release of impressed Americans. The Brittish cruising off our Coasts frequently run in & out of the Capes to Hampton road, if any thing Occurs I shall give you notice thereof, they all impress men, I have just sent after one to the Melampus frigate a Native off the Isle of Wight Co. his name is Whitfeild taken from on board of a vessel coming from Cha[rle]ston I am informd. it is probable many American Seamen wd get released if there was a fund to have men to go on board the ships where they are to prove their identity, from this cau⟨se⟩ Many are refused their release. I am respectfully, Yr Obt Servt.
Thos. Newton
Collr
RC (DNA: RG 59, ML).
1. Correspondence not found. The ship where William Sweatland was detained may have been the Bellona, commanded by John Erskine Douglas. The Albion, commanded by John Ferrier, was in the Indian Ocean in the late summer of 1806 (Newburyport Herald, 11 Nov. 1806).