With respect to the usurpation of admiralty jurisdiction by the Consuls
of France, within these States, the honor and rights of the States
themselves were sufficient motives for the executive to take measures to
prevent its continuance, as soon as they were apprized of it. They
have been led by particular considerations to await the effect of these
measures, believing they would be sufficient; but finding at length they
were not, such others have been lately taken as can no longer fail to
suppress this irregularity completely.
The President is duly sensible of the character of the act of opposition
made to the serving of legal process on the brig William Tell, and he
presumes the representations made on that subject to the Minister of
France, will have the effect of opening a free access to the officer
of justice, when he shall again present himself with the precept of his
court.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, your most obedient and
most humble servant,
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CLXIX.--TO MR. GENET, September 9, 1793
TO MR. GENET.
Philadelphia, September 9, 1793.
Sir,
In my letter of June the 25th, on the subject of the ship William, and
generally of vessels suggested to be taken within the limits of the
protection of the United States by the armed vessels of your nation,
I undertook to assure you it would be more agreeable to the President,
that such vessels should be detained under the orders of yourself or the
Consul of France, than by a military guard, until the government of the
United States should be able to inquire into and decide on the fact.
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