Letter from Amos Townsend Jr. to Lewis Tappan
Description
Amos Townsend acknowledges Tappan's letter of February 8. In his letter, Townsend writes that he has heard nothing from John T. Norton and that Brother [John W.?] Hill is satisfied that nothing is intended by the Marshal [Norris Willcox] at present. He reports that Hill has gained the confidence of Stanton Pendleton and "knows all about matters & will be able to give us the information we desire." Hill has informed him that Willcox and Pendleton will travel to Washington on Monday. Townsend believes if the Supreme Court rules "to give up the victims of cruelty to the Spaniards" efforts will be made [by the U.S. government] "to get the Africans away before the decision is publicly known." He writes that Tappan is now aware of all the judges on the subject of the writ of habeas corpus and asks "if any responsibility is to be laid upon me." He goes on to state his unwillingness to attempt any "illegal interference." He also reports that Pendleton's difficulty in receiving payment for the Amistad Captives' bills led to a reduction of their allowance. Townsend then provides a summary of the captives' meals and informs Tappan that he has communicated to Marshal Willcox protesting such treatment and public exposure may result.