[3956) [GRAYSON to JACK]
Washington [D. C.], Augt. 11, 1836
Dr Sir,
I have just received your unofficial of 15th ulto and was al the moment just silting down to address you further on the subject of the ~lexican brigs, fitting out al Baltimore. In my communication to you, under date of the 30th of July with respect to these Vessells, I stated that the first one would sail between the 1st and the 15th of September and not sooner-on yesterday I learned that extraordinary exertions have been making lo get her ready and that she will very probably sail by the 25th of the present month. If the plan I suggested of taking her at Vera Cruz be received as worthy of attention, l would recommend that our Vessells be in the Waters near there, something earlier, than the 20th of September (the time men- tioned in my last) lo make still more sure of being in good time-say by the 10th if it is possible. As it may be, that my letter lo you of the 30th of July may have miscarried, I will here state briefly lo you, the plan therein suggested. Three or four of our Vessells, to be standing off and on, near Vera Cruz waiting for the Brig, when they see her to hoist American colors, make signal to speak, and gelling near enough, bring her to-etc. She will be in no condition to make resistance; her Guns etc etc being all down in the hold certainly. 1-1 er Captn and crew will be all American and no more than the common compliment of a Merchant Vessell. Having contraband of war, on board, she wi!J be liable of course to search seizure etc etc. As she will not be American property (tho' under American colors[)], we need not care much about any Ii LL le irregulari t)' in the business of taking her. There will be no difficulty in recognizing her,-her color black with a white streak. I hope the trial will be made in the way I have mentioned, if no other plan has been thought of-for I assure you the Vessell is ttuite loo formidable for us at present and would eventualy cut off our intercourse with N. Orleans. As lo the other Vessell, I will observe her progress and give timely notice.
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