To James Madison from Thomas FitzSimons and Others, 2 June 1806 (Abstract)
From Thomas FitzSimons and Others, 2 June 1806 (Abstract)
§ From Thomas FitzSimons and Others. 2 June 1806, Philadelphia. “The Port of St. Iago de Cuba being now much frequented by American vessells, and Property of great value brought there by them.
“It being likewise a general rendezvous for the small French Privateers, who carry in there a great number of their Prizes, where they dispose of them clandestinely without Condemnation or even Trial It appears to be of vast importance, that an Agent appointed by the Government of the United States, should be resident there, to whom Americans Could apply, and whose Character would give weight to his Applications to the Officers at that place.1
“Strongly impressed with a belief that such an appointment would be highly beneficial to the American Commerce, and be the means of rescuing much valuable property from illegal Depredators
“The Subscribers, Merchants of Philadelphia beg leave to request that the Secretary of State, will submit the Subject to the President of the United States, and if he shall think proper to appoint a person for that Service
“They take the liberty of recommending Mr. Maurice Rogers, a native of this City, to them well Known, as one who would execute the Duties with Ability and Integrity.”
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1801–9, filed under “Rogers”). 3 pp.; signed by FitzSimons and fourteen others, including James S. Cox, Charles Pettit, Joseph Ball, David Lewis, and Samuel W. Fisher, identified with FitzSimons as “Presidents of the Insurance Offices.” Other signatories included Clement Biddle and Robert Waln.
1. For vice-consul Josiah Blakely’s departure from Santiago de Cuba under sentence for fraud, see Henry Hill Jr. to JM, 10 Nov. 1805, 10:519, 521 n. 2. Thomas Jefferson nominated Rogers for the consulship on 15 Dec. 1806, and the Senate confirmed the appointment one week later (, 2:44–45).