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[first column]

but I imagine that it is the proceeds of the cargo of the Ship Arcadia to which you particularly allude. This is herewith furnished, and the salvage, which I conceive was ^the only [underlined: legal] claim that could be demanded or enforced, has been paid - but in addition to that the sale of the Hull &c of the Ship is still in hand. The proceeds of the sales of the cargo after deducting Salvage has been paid to the captain, who with the American Consul
acting

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acting for and with the captain required it to be so done. Had I been aware that the Government could have any demur respecting it, I of course would have notified them, but I really never supposed that they could , and when something was said about reserving the funds I thought that it must mean the [underlined: Salvage], for it never occurred to me, that the property of merchants on board the ship could be taken to pay for the support of passengers.

I am dear Sir
Yours truly
H. Bell

[address at lower left]
Hon.ble
L.M. Wilkins