To William Jarvis Sir, Department of State, Washington 14 Jany 1803 Since my last of the 17th ult, I have received your letter of the 16th November. The obstruction of our right of deposit at New Orleans still remained on the 25th Novr. the date of our last advices from thence: but the hope that the Intendant will recede is further strengthened by the contents of a letter from the Governor General of Louisiana to Governor Claiborne, stating that the prohibition was imposed against his opinion and without orders from the King of Spain.1 By the arrangement of the Colonial system of that Country, it seems that the Intendant, whose department is that of finance and commerce, is under no official subordination to the Governor. The President has, within a few days, nominated James Monroe Esqr. as Envoy Extraordinary to Paris and Madrid 2 with a view to obtain such arrangements on the Mississippi, as will further secure the right and enlarge the advantages of navigating the River. The inclosed copy of a letter from Mr. Snow, 3 our Consul for Canton, who is now in the United States on a visit, contains a subject for you to present to the Portuguese Government. There will probably be no hesitation in according to us the same favor that is enjoyed by others. Their orders to the Government of Macao, if a more direct opportunity should not offer, may be forwarded through the United States. I remain with much respect, Sir, your most Obt Sert James Madison