Description:

Jefferson Thomas 1743 - 1826 Citizen Genet to Thomas Jefferson regarding the 1793 Genet Affair precipitated by the capture of British vessel Little Sarah



Original signed (in the text and possibly with initials too) draft of single page letter written on both sides of cream paper in bold uniform script, measuring 8" x 13.25". Citizen Genet penned this July 9, 1793 letter to "M. Jefferson" from Philadelphia. Expected wear including expertly restored edge roughness, creases, and tear near bottom third of letter does not extract from riveting account of erstwhile emissary's explanation of his actions.


Citizen Genet aka Edmond-Charles Genet (1763-1834) was a diplomat who oftentimes alienated himself from his host countries. He was expelled from the imperial court of Catherine II in 1789, and George Washington threatened to recall him from the United States four years later. "Citizen Genet", as he was known by American Francophiles, was charged with encouraging France's former ally, the newly liberated United States, to repay its debts. Another more dubious diplomatic goal was to ensure support for France's war with Britain, either through obtaining credit or supplies in the United States, or as Genet would attempt, by entangling the new nation in the conflict.

Sometime in the spring of 1793, the French frigate Embuscade commandeered the British vessel Little Sarah and dragged it into Philadelphia. The ship was there outfitted as a French privateer and renamed La Petite Démocrate. On June 22nd, the Washington administration began to investigate the disturbing claims coming from the nation's capitol. Thomas Jefferson prevented a public relations disaster by dispersing a local militia that had mustered in response to fears that La Petite Démocrate would leave Philadelphia without presidential approval.

This letter, written in the middle of the Affair, was written by Genet in response to Jefferson's request for further information. Jefferson and Genet met in person just two days before this letter was written, discussing some of the same points later addressed in written form. In his missive, Genet explains that the ship, which featured a copper hull, four cannon, and catapults, could employ many stranded French sailors who were "exposed to danger" in Philadelphia. "Acquisition of this vessel [thus proved] advantageous to the Republic", Genett blithely explained. The confiscation of the ship, Genet assures Jefferson at the end of the letter, "should not present any difficulties to your government." Three days after receiving this letter, Jefferson received Genet's assurance that La Petite Démocrate would remain in Philadelphia until further notice.

Following the Genet Affair, Citizen Genet was threatened with arrest in France and dishonor in the United States. Ultimately Genet changed republics, marrying the daughter of George Clinton, Governor of New York, and living out Alexis de Toqueville's dream of the life of the American farmer until his death some forty years later.

Translation from French:

"Note pertaining to la Petite Démocrate captured by frigate Ambush ci-devant* la Petite Sarah that [illegible] Genet has had armed on behalf of the Republic [abbreviated] and to which the exit was being opposed [Initials?]

Philadelphia July 9, 1793

2nd year 2 of the Republic

Lieutenant Commandant General [abbreviated] to Monsieur [abbreviated] Jefferson

Monsieur [abbreviated],

You have asked me details about the Brigantine la Petite Démocrate ci-devant la Petite Sarah found presently armed and ready to leave Delaware. She is [see note in margin: British property and armed with 4 canons .] This warship, Monsieur [abbreviated] [see note in margin: with several catapults and other arms] was captured [by] the Republic's Ambush ... The construction being light and strong, her body lined with copper, her molding superior [see note in margin: her rigging and her masts in good shape] I have judged to act on [the]Ambush Captain's report and [that provided by] other sailors ...

Acquisition of this vessel [was deemed] advantageous to the Republic and this consideration, added to the wish I had to procure employment for a rather large amount of French sailors being there exposed to [scratch] the danger which often comes by being idle and miserable, made me determined to take her on behalf of the State. I had it repaired right away ... I have to confine, Monsieur [abbr.], that relating these facts which are not susceptible for discussion from me and which should not present any difficulties to your government."

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