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

Document sworn before William Jarvis, American Consul to Lisbon, testifying to William Dolliver being an American citizen.

Regarding impressment of four men; "The Men names in the Margin, claimed by Americans by Mr Green, Deputy Consul of the United States of America, are now on board His Majesty's Ship under my Command." One of the men was "impressed from a Portuguese Merchant Ship, not being on her Muster Rolls; the two latter were sent on board...from His Majesty's Ship...and have American Protections."

Regarding the Little Belt Affair, including eyewitness accounts of the skirmish between an American frigate and British sloop off the coast of North Carolina (with a six-page contemporary folio copy).

Muster Roll of Capt. George Nelson's company in the United States Sixth Infantry Regiment.

Regarding the Little Belt Incident; "You have probably seen Capt. Hinghams Letters giving account of the affair of the Little Belt which is totally different from that of Comod. Rogers. It is anxiously believed here that the affair will result in War."

Regarding difficulty of getting promotion in the army; "The Doctors letter I enclosed…with Such remarks as were I deemed proper & I trust according with his wished to procure promotion in the present army." He senses "much difficulty as every one seems jealous of his own particular rights." He mentions that Congress is talking about raising 25,000 additional troops.

Regarding tensions between U.S. and Britain and anticipating the U.S. declaration of war. Discuses matters pertaining to cotton, turpentine, wheat, flour, and other crops. Includes a table with information pertaining to the stock and prices of American, Russian, and West Indian produce.

Regarding the sentiment in Congress for war against Britain; "The Great Question now before us is the War with G. Britain. If we could draw any Safe Conclusions from the noisy, blurbering Speeches of our Kentucky & Tenesee Brethren…we might as well Say that war...[might] be the result." [presumably referencing War Hawks like Henry Clay and Felix Grundy.] He also mentions those opposed to a potential war on the facts that it would take too many men and too much money.

Referring to a November agreement with Henry Poor for Poor to take the Schooner Anson to Eastport to retrieve a load of wood then split the customary freights evenly with Coffin. Copy of the agreement with Poor is included. Poor had been seized in Portland for carrying English goods and for having sailed on the English side, both actions had been forbidden by Coffin prior to the voyage. “For his base villany [sic.] in proceeding contrary to promise he deserves the pillory – if he has any property of any am’t that you can obtain, I wish you to get it from him towards indemnifying me.”

News from America makes him suspect hostilities; "The information received from America gives reason to expect measures of hostility towards this country - altho it is not here believed that any such measures will be adopted…we are considered incapable of making any very formidable effort..." He makes brief reference to circumstances surrounding the British Regency; "The famous epoch of the cessation of the restrictions on the Regent [George IV] has passed..."