University of Virginia Library

TO JAMES BOWDOIN.

Since the event which led to the late Proclamation of
the President, inclosed in the letter to Genl. Armstrong and
yourself, the British squadron in the Waters of Virginia,
has conducted itself in the same insolent and hostile spirit.
Merchant vessels arriving and departing have been challenged,
fired at, examined and detained, within our jurisdiction, with
as little scruple as if they were at open sea. Not satisfied
with these outrages, the British Commodore Douglass advanced
into Hampton Roads with his whole squadron, consisting
of two 74's, a ship of 50 guns, and a frigate; threatened
by his soundings and other preparations an hostile approach

to Norfolk; and actually blockaded the Town by forcibly
obstructing all water communication with it. In a word,
the course of proceeding has amounted as much to an invasion
and a siege, as if an Army had debarked and invested the town
on the land side. It is now said that the whole squadron
has left Hampton Roads, in consequence of a formal notice
of the President's proclamation, and fallen down to their
former position at a small distance within the Capes, probably
awaiting the further orders of the Commanding Admiral at
Halifax.

The spirit and exertions called forth by the Crisis, have
been truly gratifying. Volunteers turned out by thousands.
The situations most exposed to predatory debarkations were
guarded; and Norfolk was soon made safe by a judicious
disposition of the Chesapeake, refitted for the occasion, a
French frigate which happened to be in the harbour, and a
few gun Boats, and by availing the whole of the support of the
fortifications in the vicinity.

The Grand Jury, during the late Session of the Circuit
Court at Richmond, found Bills of Treason and Misdemeanor
against Aaron Burr, Jonathan Dayton, John Smith (Senator
from Ohio) Blannerhasset and several others. Their
trials will take place on the 3d of next month.

I have the honor to inclose a private letter from the President,
which renders it unnecessary for me to say more in
reference to the considerations which personally interest
you, than that he acquiesces in your proposed return to the
United States, but with a wish to avail the public of your
services at Madrid if not disagreeable to you, and if there
be no objection to this arrangement, presented by circumstances
in our affairs with Spain, better known to you than
to us. The way for the arrangement seems to be fairly
opened by the late substitution of the Chevalier de Foronda
as Charge d' Affaires, in place of the Marquis d' Yrujo, and
by the understood purpose of transferring hither the present
Minister Plenipotentiary of Spain at Milan.

In the present posture of our relations to Great Britain
it is prudent to turn them, as much as can be honorably done,
to account in our other foreign relations. In the joint letter
to you and Genl. Armstrong, this policy has been explained
as it applied to the objects embraced by the joint Commission.
But there are other cases in which Spain is counselled by her
own interest to promote that of the United States; particularly
by giving greater latitude and security to our commerce with
her American possessions, above all with the important
and Convenient Island of Cuba. I offer this idea for your
attention and improvement; and I pray you to communicate
it to Mr. Erving, with such of the other matters contained in
the dispatches now forwarded, as it may be useful for him to
possess.