[To JA or Timothy Pickering] [ca. 17 Dec 1799] XLIX 343 We have examined the papers in relation to Mr Pintard, in the hands of the Sec^y of State, including his exculpatory letters to the President, and to the Sec^y of State. It appears that M^r Pintard while acting as Consul, carried on trade with parts of the Domini- ons of the Emperor of Morocco, at that time in Rebellion — and that he persisted in this trade after our Minister M^r Humphreys had given notice, that the Emperor of Moroc- co had determined to consider such conduct in the Citizens of the United States, as cause of War, against the United States — thereby risking the Peace of his Country, contrary to his Duty not only as an Officer of the United States, but as a Citizen. M^r Pintard's conduct appears to have been greatly reprehensible, considering his Official situation, in covering as American the property belonging to the subjects of Nations at War — particularly in the trade to Cadiz, during the blockade of that place by the British. We therefore take the liberty of advising, that M^r Pintard be not appointed Consul for Malaga — and to add our opinion, that he ought not to be continued Consul at Madeira. James McHenry Ben Stoddert.