Description:

French-Speaking Revolutionary War Veteran Seeks Lafayette's Help: "…[I am] assured that you will find true pleasure in helping a Citizen of the United States achieve justice"

A contemporary fair copy of a letter sent by James Cole Mountflorence (born ca. 1745 - died after 1817) to Gilbert Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834). The letter copy was written in Paris, France on 3 Brumaire [l'an] 9 or October 25, 1800. Expected paper folds, some brittle, creased, split, and repaired with old tape. A central vertical split is only secured with tape at top verso. Discoloration from tape but otherwise very legible. 7" x 8.75."

James Cole Mountflorence addressed the original of this 1p letter to his fellow Revolutionary War brother-in-arms, the Marquis de Lafayette. Mountflorence had served as an officer, French interpreter, and quartermaster during the Revolutionary War in North Carolina. Lafayette fought with the Continental Army between 1777-1781 at the Battles of Brandywine, Monmouth, Yorktown, and others.

Translated in full, with punctuation silently corrected to enhance clarity:

"To Citizen General La Fayette

Paris 3 Brumaire 9

My General,

I take the liberty to ask for your recommendation in regards to the Minister of the Navy and of the Colonies for the Bearer of these present, my compatriot Captain Clarez, whose American vessel 'la Frederic' was recently condemned by the Conseil des Prises [Prize Court], despite this ship being furnished with all of the papers required, as you will see according to the statement of Capt. Clarez, [who] had the honor to address the First Consul, demanding the revision of the aforesaid judgement. The petition was returned to the Minister of the Navy - But he is [instant?] to solicit a report to the Consuls, and it is to this end that I have the honor to pray you to have the goodness to recommend Capt. Clarez, assured that you will find true pleasure in helping a Citizen of the United States achieve justice.

Be assured, My General, of my Respect and of my high Esteem.

Signed. J.C. Mountflorence."

Diplomatic relations between the United States and France became strained as the new Republic attempted to normalize affairs with other countries. The 1794 Jay Treaty between the United States and Great Britain was perceived by the French as a violation of its 1778 Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the American colonies. The result was the Quasi-War with France (July 1798-September 1800). Hostilities were never openly declared between the two countries, but the French began harassing American shipping, and the Americans retaliated by stopping their Revolutionary War debt repayment to the French. The Quasi-War ended under the terms of the Convention of 1800 signed on September 30, 1800, but we can assume that the war was still raging when Captain Clarez's vessel was seized.

The "Conseil des Prises," or Prize Court, was a special French judicial court tasked with overseeing the seizure and confiscation of enemy ships and cargo during wartime. The Prize Court, which had been on hiatus during the French Revolution, was actually reestablished in late March 1800, just months before the "Frederic" was seized. This Prize Court session would continue throughout the Napoleonic Wars until it was disbanded in January 1815.

James Cole Mountflorence, along with his British father and Irish mother, immigrated to France, where he was educated. After his Revolutionary War service, Mountflorence returned to France. He functioned as Chancellor to the American Consulate and a major diplomatic attaché after 1796.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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