SIR: I had yesterday the honor to receive your letter, dated
the 1st instant, in which you observe that you cannot permit
the interference of any application from men on board of His
Britannic Majesty's ships of war, but through their commanding
officers.
Desirous of conforming as far as possible to established
regulations, permit me the honor to inquire of your Excellency,
if by your letter I am to understand that I am not to receive
the applications of seamen declaring themselves citizens of
the United States, who are on board of His Majesty's ships of
war, and communicate the same to you? If this is the meaning,
I shall most certainly conform, though I must lament the
regulation.