From James Madison to Thomas Newton, 7 February 1807
To Thomas Newton
Department of State, February 7th: 1807.
Sir.
The enclosed letter from the Collector of Chester, respecting Edward Herren, containing the most satisfactory proof of his being a Citizen, as well as ample means of confirming it further, if necessary to remove the scruples of Capt. Douglass;1 it is scarcely possible that he should not be discharged. You will therefore be pleased to apply for him through the British Consul at Norfolk. I am &c.
James Madison.
Letterbook copy (DNA: RG 59, DL, vol. 15). Enclosure not found, but see n. 1.
1. On 24 February 1807 the Easton, Md., Republican Star or Eastern Shore General Advertiser printed a notice: “We are requested to inform the friends of Edward Herren, born in in the county of Kent state of Maryland, near Chester-Town, Quaker neck, that he has been impressed by the British, and is now on board the ship Mermaid lying in Hampton-Roads.”