1804-March-09: French chargé Pichon sent a formal protest to James Madison after learning that Bunel was actively soliciting American merchants for arms and …

1804-March-09: French chargé Pichon sent a formal protest to James Madison after learning that Bunel was actively soliciting American merchants for arms and ammunition. He argued that the presence of a “diplomatic representative” from a rebellious colony was an insult to the dignity of the French Republic. Pichon suspected that Madison was using Dr. Stevens to sound out British policy toward Haiti before committing to a specific American course of action. He warned that any American attempt to mediate between France and its “rebellious subjects” would be viewed with high suspicion in Paris. Despite these threats, the American government remained unwilling to take legislative action to stop the highly profitable arms trade.