Adams , Secretary of State to John Quincy Adams, November 14, 1817

Mr. Ingersoll, district attorney, to Mr. Adams, Secretary of State.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated the — instant, and will endeavor in the course of a day or two to report a statement of the circumstances of the arrest and detention of the British officers now in confinement here.

In the meanwhile I beg leave to lay before the President the inclosed copy of a note presented to me yesterday respecting the brig Ellen and her cargo, now under seizure.

[69] Every measure being in proper train for *Complying with the views of the Spanish minister, I respectfully submit to the President’s consideration and decision the propriety of releasing this vessel and cargo from seizure and further prosecution, on condition of a discharge of the munitions of war on board of her, and giving sufficient security that her future destination shall be according to law.

I remain, &c.,