To James Madison from Louis ([Lewis?] Formon, 15 November 1807

The Foregoing is a Copy of my last respects to you, Since which I have been honoured with Mr. B. Smith’s Letter of the 16th: october ul[timo] transmitting to me proofs of the Citizensh[ip] & your ord[ers] for my application for [the] release, of Thomas Williams, an american Seaman, who had been taken on board of a british vessel, and was detained [in] the prison Ship: I am happy to have it in my power to say that he has been liberated, and Sailed on boa[rd] of the brig Echo, of Boston, Farm[] Master, bound for Lisbon.

An account was sent from St. Bartholo[mews] here, of 4 or 5 sails of american vessels un[der] Swedish Colors, laying there, & bound either For or From St. Domingo: two privateers the[n] in port, were immediately Fitted out, took on board From 150 to 200 troops of the line & artillery. The expedition, under a private name, Sailed from this port the 9th. in[st.] and ever since that time, an embargo h[as] been laying on every american vessel bou[nd] to Sea. The expedition has just returne[d] with their prizes: this is the account I had of the business: they arrived at St. Bartholomews in the night; before anyb[ody] had Suspected it, they had landed an[d] taken possession of every point that would have afforded any defence. The House of one Mr. Israel (I understan[d] he is from Philada. and Supposed to be agent for houses of america trading with St. Domingo) was Surrounded: he [was] lucky enough to make his escape, as there were orders to Seize him and bring him here: his Store was Forced and about 80000 [wgt.] of Coffee with a quantity of Goods & Cash taken From it. Two of the three prizes are Said to be american vessels under Swedish Colors. I will try to have the names of the vessels, masters, what ports & houses they belong to, & Inform you of every particular relating to that business. I remain with a great respect and high Consideration Sir, Your most obedient very Humble Servant