This series contains correspondence.

Barraud comments on the Little Belt Affair. Has letters from home through May 23rd. Has not been out much since he and John went to Kensington Gardens. He was at the House of Commons when Burdett proposed his resolution. Can't go to Paris with John.

John's letter found Barron and family in deep gloom. Mrs. Barron is very ill and Barron is apprehensive of her fate. Buller Cocke wrote from Washington but without helpful news about Barron getting a government job, as Cocke is a supporter of Jeffersonian politics.

Barron writes on the third day of his trial, and expects a favorable result judging from the members' disposition towards him. Rodney agrees with this. Thinks the Pernambuco Charge will be put down. Norfok should recognise Rodney for his voluntary efforts. Tell Elliott to be moderate.

Barron is recovering at the spa from the rigors of the court. "If there is no confidence to be placed in man, and there is no guide for their action but sordid interest, it is of but little consequence what character a man sustains in this country."

Barron returned to New York on the 26th and has read the interogatories. Showed them to Mr. Emmoth who sees them as favorable. Detests "system of corruption in practice now." President can't know the low character of the sycophants he has elevated.

Barron received John's letter and passed it along to Rodney. Barron's friends in Washington are doing all in their power to promote his interest. His health continues to improve. He demonstrated the anchor windlass to Commodore Dale. Works late on the bench in his room.

Scope and Contents

Barron has heard that the man who now holds the job that John wants for his father is quite ill. Barron has been arranging supporters in case of vacancy. Barron visited Rodney who feels there is influence against Barron but "the Big Man" is friendly.

Barron is in Washington to seek an end to the intrigue against him. Attention in Washington is focused on who is to be the next President and not on the interests of the nation. Tell Elliott to come to Washington if he wants a ship. "Tell him to bring his peacemakers with him."

Barron's experiment on the windlass of Mr. Sparkman's ship the Delaware at New Castle went well. Maury now has the model. He is sorry to see Travers gave proceeds of sale of his canvas to Tabbs. The officers of the John Adams will tell John of Barron's health.

"Mr. Broghton might in answer to some infamous insinuations made here, that in all my works I never displayed any talents valuable as a Navy officer." 20 years ago, Broughton printed signal books that Barron drew up for the Navy.

Since writing previous letter on this same date, Barron received a letter from Thomas Gatewood about debts from a deal with Brodie for lamps and lanterns for a light vessel. Barron now told all of Collector's money spoken for. Will John ask General Taylor and Dr. Barraud to help fix the problem?

[Tuesday morning]  Barron wished he could have seen John before his departure.