A letter from John T. Norton acknowledging Lewis Tappan's letter from February 6. Norton claims he does not expect any actions by a judge regarding a writ of habeas corpus while the Supreme Court is considering the Amistad Case. Norton infers from Judge Williams that he would not interfere if the Court decides that the Amistad Captives should be delivered to Spain, but if not, he "might view it differently." He reports that Governor William W. Ellsworth maintains an "excellent spirit" but does not agree with Tappan "that it was best to act immediately." William Hungerford may not be able to appear as counsel for Jose Ruiz and Pedro Montes. He also mentions that "There are many here who are ready to forcibly interfere on behalf" of the Captives. Norton discourages such actions, but would feel justified in providing for the Captives' safety "if they should turn their backs upon their prison as I understand they can do easily." He goes on to write that if the Captives are kept in court a few months longer it might be "more favorable to their escape." He writes about publications in The Journal of Commerce and The Washington Globe are "bringing ab[out] great principles, which were once well understood by [illegible] in our law, but which had well nigh been forgotten." He comments that Mr. Burgess can be relied on fully.