To James Madison from John Church, 2 January 1808

Sir	Cork 2nd. January 1808

Herewith enclosed I hand you my annual Return of the [Impor]tations of American Produce into this Port & also a statement of my account. Since my [former] communication I have no matter of any Importance to make known for your Government [as com]ing within my Jurisdiction.

The Disbursements I found necessary to enter into during the [past] year were not of any extent. From time to time american Citizens called for & [had] my aid & constant attendance in cases of Inconvenience but the facility afforded for the [accom]modation of such by the presence of Vessels belonging to the United States here & some [consta]ntly moving towards their own Country enabled me (I may say) at most times to make [arran]gements generally for the Return of destitute Citizens & without laying out much of [our F]unds which by suitable management & proper Economy I have heretofore preserved [in g]ood order.

The Trade of this place is becoming more & more Extensive [& the] Dutys attending this office I feel wonderfully encreased & benefitted by the liberty [I enjoy] of my son James B Church acting as my Vice Consul.

I have the Honor to be Sir Your Most Ob Servant

John Church

[Thro]ughout the whole of last year the [American] Flag has been much engaged in [Carrying] from Portugal to this place. The article [Composi]ng most ships Cargo’s was Salt.

DNA: RG 59—CD—Consular Despatches, Cork.

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