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given him all the information and guidance which my several years of acquaintance with the United States naturally enabled me to transmit to him, and on the most elaborate and warmest recommended him to reliable friends and to a navy officer in office and with influence, commodore Rodgers, and in that way expect that his mission will meet with Your Majesty’s satisfaction.-
I have, on St. Thomas obtained 10.000 Ps., as a voluntary contribution to the outfitting of an armed vessel and shall not fail dutifully to use all avenues in my powers to realize Your Royal Majesty’s wish as in the supreme edict to me dated the 9th of March last year regarding the coverage of one part of the expenses caused by the strengthening, and I have reason to hope that my efforts in that regard, in a better year, would not be without fruit, however, in this year of miserable crop failures, where even the wealthiest feel pressed, and those who are in more average condition fear absolute ruin, much may not be dared to be expected, possibly, it even might not now be wise to broach the matter, concerning which, I will, however, counsel with the most reliable and most influential men and, everywhere, test the sentiments before I take any pronounced step.-
I will, next month, go to St. Thomas and acquire personal knowledge of the standing of the matters there and the condition of the temperaments. It will negatively impact the progress of this matter that I do not reside there permanently, but I shall do everything I can in absence, provide the regulations and precautions I consider suitable to reach the objective, and I remain hopeful that such regulations will be closely and wisely executed.-
The collectors of the contributions required on St. Thomas are G. C. Deville, C. Goodmann, O. I. Bergeest and James Wright. It should have an encouraging effect if Your Majesty were to extend to the above merchants your supreme applause on the occasion of their patriotic endeavors.- |