Port Royal. Duckworth wrote from aboard the Shark.

“Aboard His Majesty’s ship Shark, Port Royal, 2 September 1804. Admiral Duckworth to His Excellency Captain-General Dessalines. Sir, I have had several communications with Your Excellency in which we as good as agreed that you would have no need of armed vessels to cruise around the island, and I promised you, as a duty, to order the vessels under my command to protect your commerce. I am sorry to tell you that at the very moment when the vessels under my orders are cruising with orders to protect your commerce against the depredations of French privateers, these same vessels have met in the course of their cruises several armed vessels under your flag which have shown hostile dispositions. Considering that Your Excellency cannot approve such conduct, I take this first occasion to make my representations and at the same time to beg you to stop these measures, which are contrary to your promises, for they may disturb the harmony that has existed between us, and that would lead to inconveniences. This letter will be handed to you by Captain Perkins, commanding the frigate Tartar, who has the honor of your acquaintance. I have the honor to be, etc. DUCKWORTH.”