Saunders to John Quincy Adams, July 1, 1818

Captain Saunders to Mr. Adams, Secretary of State.

Sir: I pray you to lay before his Excellency the President of the United States the inclosed documents. I submit the case of the Corony to his consideration *under the belief that it is a proper subject for the interposition of the Government, and that his excellency, under the representations made, will be pleased to direct the United States officer to release the vessel from the present arrest and process. The Corony is regularly commissioned, and has done no act since that period that could upon any ground support a libel against her in an admiralty court of the United States, unless it is determined to doubt the authority to cruise under the flag and commission of Venezuela. This vessel has sailed in company with the United States vessel, the Hornet, and until the seizure under the vague and unsupported allegation of being fitted out and armed within the limits of the United States, her flag and commission have been respected wherever she has been. A reference to the custom-house of this district will show that she was permitted to sail from this port with the munitions then on board; that she had no guns mounted or was in a state or condition to commit hostilities. She received her armament and commission at Margaritta, and sailed in the full confidence (particularly as she brought dispatcties from Captain Reid to this Government) of not being molested in the United States. The Oorony is now in possession of the marshal, and with this expense is incurred the very serious one *of supporting the crew until some decision is obtained from the court or the Government. There is no acting district judge, and consequently I am compelled to wait for the judgment of the court, which may not be expected before December, the period assigned for the session of the circuit court. Unless, then, it is in the power of the President to afford me the relief solicited, the vessel and her armament will be abandoned, and redress sought for against the arresting officer. [91] [92]

I have the honor to be, &c.,