Collections : [University of Michigan William L. Clements Library]

American cargo ships have been captured by the British and condemned at Ceylon; "it has ever appeared to me that there is a want of attention in the government of the United States towards the Citizens who unfortunately are obliged to follow the seas…they are the only Class of Citizens who are any ways Exposed to personal Insults and it appears to me that they merit a greater share of Government Protection."

Regarding an incident on a schooner; he is not relying on information that he's heard concerning "the prisoners said to have been taken in the Schooners," and will wait on more authentic information. He also congratulates Bidwell, a U.S. Representative from Massachusetts, "on the improved state of the public affairs of Massachusetts."

"On the Advantages of a Navy." Provides an argument on the necessity of a standing army, including the need "to protect our trade as ourselves." A navy is most needed because "we are threatened with invasion and annihilation from a country who are far superior to us in number and a navy is the only means of protecting our coast from them. A commercial country cannot subsist without a navy..."

Concerning the situation with Britain, which "requires so vigilant and so close an attention…"

He communicates that a captain wants "his pilot…to Leave City Point with the Alfred…he shall want More Cash, & a Cable, which I shall have Made for him." He also mentions the impact of attack on the Chesapeake; it has "Left Business at a stand, Supplies to the British Ships are stopped, and we are now waiting to know what Steps will be taken by our Government, tho all is adgitation."

Fitting the garrison; "The present situation of affairs renders it highly necessary…to put your Garrison in the best posible state of defense…" Mentions outfitting carriages, rammers, and cannon. "And as your own reputation and that of the Regiment depends on your efforts, I feel partcularly satisfied that with the means you posess, that nothing will be wanting on your part to be prepared whenever the crisis of defending the American Flagg shall arrive."

Ready for service if the country goes to war; "I feel very anxious for the arrival of the Revenge, in order for the Government to ascertain wither Peace or War is to be the fate of our Country…in the event of the latter I trust they [his services] would be found usefull to our Country & honourable to myself." Discussing issues concerning pay.

Letter to his father regarding hardships caused by the embargo; "our national prospects are daily becoming more and more gloomy…mercantile business more and more declining." He fears the consequences of war with England; "a war with england is as confidently apprehended as ever peace was desired--and that England will not permit us to trade with either of the other European Countries is not pretended to be doubted." Discusses matters relating to his father's western lands.