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.

Hardships caused by the embargo; he has heard that the embrago may not be taken off "in this city…less than one or two years." The American government will have it so that the "the people of this Country shall suffer all the disadvantages of War & not reap...the advantages of peace." Mentions the specifics of a duel, and feels that it is advantageous to settle in the Ohio country.

Regarding a violation of embargo in Vermont; "you will perceive that a violation of the Embargo laws, is contemplated on the borders of the lake, within the State of Vermont...I am directed by the President of the United States...to request that you will afford such further assistance by the Militia...for suppressing any unlawful combination with an intention, of violating the laws of the United States, by opposing those laying an Embargo, passed in the present of Congress."

Discusses Madison’s election and relations with Britain; "I preceive there will be no other Alternative but War, or a continuance of the Embargo, with such additional provisions for a strict & ridged execution of it…the honor and character of the Nation must forbid any relaxations in our measures until the European Nations shall be disposed to respect our sacred rights."

Regarding the benefits of employing seamen during embargo; "It is intimated to me that there is a probability of the Embargo's being continued. If that should be the case is it not desirable that the seamen...should be engaged in the Service." Speaks on the benefits of employing these men, including the fact that they will not be idle, which contributes to riots in seaport towns. The "Govr. continues & is able to do business.--it is said he will hold out & die with honor" [referring to James Sullivan, who would die on December 10, 1808].

Regarding the political situation and the lack of an American Navy; "I believe Mr. Madison is at present convinced that if he plunges America into a War with England, it will involve the Country in such a scene of espence and misery, or will injure eventually his popularity, and make his administration painful in the extreme." He states that a war with France might be preferable because New England is hostile to Madison "and who have no objection to a War with France."

Some are looking to war; he encloses a report from Mr. [Albert] Gallatin, "I think his views against to War…"

Regarding naval matters; appointment to second Lieutenant and reassignment to a new ship. Captain [Isaac] Hull has taken command of the Chesapeake. Bainbridge sends a message to Biddle's father.

Letter from son serving on a ship; "I have not heard a word from Elkton [Maryland] since my departure." Gives a description of the houses and buildings around New Orleans; "they remind me of old castles I have read of in novels." Mentions the commercial importance of the city.

Letter from son serving on a ship, mentions the embargo; "the news of the removal of the Embargo hindered it from being a proftable one…the situation of many Americans as well as Spaniards & French in the Floridas was truly wretched." Discusses matters relating to the United States' differences with Great Britain and issues regarding search and imprisonment.

Proceedings and condemnation of ship Aristides (in French).