Secretary of State and future President James Madison Considers What to Do in the Noted Case of the Ship Anna Maria, Detained in 1800 in Tunis by the Bey of Algiers
It was seizures like this that led to the Barbary Wars
To determine the loss incurred by the Americans, Madison asks: “I have thought it most consistent with justice to the United States and Mr. Cotton that you should enter into an amicable suit with him in the proper tribunal at New York.”
Daniel Cotton owned the barque Ann Maria, and it was...
To determine the loss incurred by the Americans, Madison asks: “I have thought it most consistent with justice to the United States and Mr. Cotton that you should enter into an amicable suit with him in the proper tribunal at New York.”
Daniel Cotton owned the barque Ann Maria, and it was seized in 1800 by the Bey of Tunis. Cotton made a claim to the U.S. government for his losses. The matter was complicated by partnerships and rental for the vessel and cargo between the U.S. consul at Tunis, William Eaton, and the captain; and one between Cotton and Gen. Ebenezer Stephens, a New York merchant.
Letter Signed as Secretary of State, Washington, August 1, 1803, to General Ebenezer Stephens, regarding this noted case, asking that Stephens and Cotton come up with an agreed-upon statement of loss. “Mr. Cotton having waived his claim for the detention of the Ann [Anna] Maria at Tunis and exhibited the enclosed [not present] account against the United States for liquidation, and as the two latter items are founded on representations entirely opposite to your own statements, I have thought it most consistent with justice to the United States and Mr. Cotton that you should enter into an amicable suit with him in the proper tribunal at New York, in which his right to compensation as stated in his account may be litigated and decided. If he chooses to avail himself of the reference to which you were authorized to agree by my letter of the 28th June, 1802 in preference to including it with the two other charges in the amicable suit, he may do it.”
In 1808 Rep. David Holmes, Chairman of the Congressional Committee on Claims, stated that he referred to the House the memorial of Daniel Cotton, that in 1800 he had chartered the Anna Maria to Ebenezer Stephens, then the agent of the U.S. at New York and the ship delivered its cargo to the Bey of Algiers on December 22, 1802; but the ship was then seized by the Bey. Congress authorized Stephens to “freight Mr. Cotton’s ship, the Anna Maria, for Government and pay him at the rate of two shillings sterling per cubic foot…” It was seizures like this that led to the Barbary Wars.
Frame, Display, Preserve
Each frame is custom constructed, using only proper museum archival materials. This includes:The finest frames, tailored to match the document you have chosen. These can period style, antiqued, gilded, wood, etc. Fabric mats, including silk and satin, as well as museum mat board with hand painted bevels. Attachment of the document to the matting to ensure its protection. This "hinging" is done according to archival standards. Protective "glass," or Tru Vue Optium Acrylic glazing, which is shatter resistant, 99% UV protective, and anti-reflective. You benefit from our decades of experience in designing and creating beautiful, compelling, and protective framed historical documents.
Learn more about our Framing Services
