(Verte)

p.s. Oct. 15. 1784 Since writing the within, I have been acquainted that Mr. James Hartwell of Salem in New England, being at St. Sebastian with a Cargo of Tobacco, and occasionally going from thence to Bilbao, was seized in the latter Place by the officers of the Inquisition, some Months since, and convey’d to Logrone, being charge’d with having three or four Years ago embrac’d the Catholic Religion and afterwards quitting it. They have also it seems taken Possession of his Tobacco. And it is but lately, that his Friends of Bordeaux from whence he went to meet his Cargo in Spain, have heard of his Misfortune. There are some Americans of Distinction here that know him, who say he is of a good Family, and bears a good Character, but is some times a little disordered in his Mind; and they are exceedingly concerned at his Situation, and anxious that his Release should be obtained. My Colleagues Mr. Adams and Mr. Jefferson join with me in stating this Matter to you, and requesting that you would immediately take the proper Steps for Reclaiming him as a Subject of the United States, and procuring an Order for his Liberty and the Restitution of his Property. This Conduct of the Holy Office, if not rectified, may be attended with bad Consequences to the Commerce and Friendly Correspondence that ought to be cultivated between the two Nations—Yours as ever,