I enclose you the copy of a letter from Messrs. Blow and Milhaddo,
merchants of Virginia, complaining of the taking away of their sailors
on the coast of Africa, by the commander of a British armed vessel. So
many instances of this kind have happened, that it is quite necessary
that their government should explain themselves on the subject, and be
led to disavow and punish such conduct. I leave to your discretion to
endeavor to obtain this satisfaction by such friendly discussions as may
be most likely to produce the desired effect, and secure to our commerce
that protection against British violence, which it has never experienced
from any other nation. No law forbids the seaman of any country to
engage in time of peace on board a foreign vessel: no law authorizes
such seaman to break his contract, nor the armed vessels of his nation
to interpose force for his rescue. I shall be happy to hear soon, that
Mr. B. has gone on the service on which he was ordered.
I have the honor to be, with great and sincere esteem, Dear Sir, your
most obedient and most humble servant,
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CXX.--TO MESSRS. CARMICHAEL AND SHORT, October 14,1792
TO MESSRS. CARMICHAEL AND SHORT.
Philadelphia, October 14,1792.
Gentlemen,
Since my letters of March the 18th and April the 24th (which have been
retarded so unfortunately), another subject of conference-and convention
with Spain has occurred.
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