John Quincy Adams to Elias Glenn, August 2, 1820

[143] *Mr. Adams, Secretary of State, to Mr. Glenn, district attorney.

Sir: Information has been given to the President of the United States that the Portuguese ship Montalegre was sold on the 1st of June, purchased by a person named Chase, now under indictment for piracy, and is to be fitted out as a privateer, and to be commanded by Captain Taylor.

It is certain that this purpose cannot be carried into effect but by the grossest violation of the laws of the United States. The execution of the two miserable men who had been induced to join a similar unlawful armament in the port of Baltimore, and the numerous other victims of such expedition whose forfeited lives have been spared only by the clemency of the Executive, have exhibited in the deepest colors the duty of vigilance in all the officers of the United States, to arrest before their accomplishment attempts, the natural and unavoidable consequences of which are thus awful and calamitous. I am directed by the President of the United States earnestly to request your attention to this case, and if by any official interposition of yours, or of any other officer of the Government at Baltimore, the design of this new outrage upon the laws of the country, of nations, and of humanity can *be frustrated, be trusts that no exertion will be wanting on your and their part to that end. [144]

I am, &c.,