To James Madison from Thomas Newton, 12 [13] December 1806
From Thomas Newton
Custom House Norfolk Decr 12. [13] 1806
Sir
I wrote you last mail that I had heard Capt. Douglas of the Brittish ship of war Belona had purchased two Schooners,1 the information I find was not correct & having wrote the Brittish Consul on the subject I enclose you his answer;2 whether such vessels can be permitted you will please to determine and instruct me how to act, I have not a doubt but the Consul will perform as he promises, as I have ever found him averse to any measures infringing our neutrality. Can these vessels sail in our waters for the purpose of supplying the Brittish men of war, some [of] our Citizens are I am informd imploy’d on board them, are they permitted to do so. Only one Schr is fitted at present the other was one of those complaind of by the Brittish as belonging to Cooper, they have now purchased her but I have no suspicion, she will be fitted here as an Arm’d vessel. Inclosed are several letters received from impressed American Seamen,3 it is impossible we can identify them here, their freinds no doubt will send proper vouchers for them. I shall apply to the Consul in every instance & he seems desireous to have Such as are real American’s released, but he has no power to do it, it rests with the Capts who detain them & he can only use his interest to obtain their lebirty. I am with the greatest respect Yr Obt Servt
Thos Newton
Collr.
RC and enclosure (DNA: RG 59, ML). Cover docketed by Wagner as received on the “19th.” Corrected date based on the date of this letter’s enclosure, 13 Dec. 1806. For surviving enclosure, see n. 2.
2. The enclosure is a copy of John Hamilton to Newton, 13 Dec. 1806 (1 p.), in which Hamilton acknowledged receipt of Newton’s letter “dated yesterday” and promised to “immediately communicate” its contents to the senior commander of the Royal Navy vessels at Hampton Roads, Capt. John Erskine Douglas. Hamilton reported that only one of the two schooners in question had been used to carry letters and supplies to the vessels of the Royal Navy in the port and that officials did not intend to employ either schooner to carry cargoes or contravene U.S. law.
3. Enclosures not found.