From Charles Gadd
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<Marstrand, Sweden, September 10, 1778: American vessels
have been coming here, and there now remain only a brig
commanded by one Capt. Child, and a ship, Capt. Loweth,
both from South Carolina. These addressed themselves to
merchants in Gothenburg which is not a free port, and where
an English consul named Erskine is active. When they need
protection I can only assist them in secret, and at a distance.
This port is the only safe one for American commerce with
Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Poland, and a part of Germany. I
therefore wish you would appoint a consul here who could
openly declare himself a protector of Americans and obtain
the approval of the king of Sweden. The king, I hope, would
not refuse protection to any one in the free port of Marstrand,
which has a different status from the rest of the country.
Please consult the Swedish ambassador to France, count
Creutz. I humbly offer my services, and am willing to serve
without pay for as long as necessary.>
630576 = 027-385a.html