Unpublished correspondence between Thomas Jefferson and some American Jews
Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826
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A t • A ♦ ^ ,er c °JL* ♦- **o i * + &/T' A ’ _ r j5^ * <A O *■ c*t4£^a*V <} * » • ’ * f 0 »°^. « ^5 A ^ * c. • o 5 ^ VT^ A <> 1*0 C\ a0 vL^w> ^ V * \A %A A aV'^ o ^ VaXANNaj • A vP .» ♦ <$A ^ * ♦ .'°*^r" 4 ' A _> «? /■.V V*« ' . „ V . * # * ^ A -/7-^- •%. C° &', °o> vo^ *u.0« v- o' e^-. % *?*'*&& *» 4V >'k'»-.\ vv ° * V ^ * A * .,s4 A <* '<>•»* «GV o ^ ^*^T* A <\» 'o • » ^ . • 1 " % ^ c0^ ^ % ^oo ^ v ' # % %> UNPUBLISHED CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THOMAS JEFFERSON AND SOME AMERICAN JEWS. Contributed by Max J. Kohler. Reprinted from Publications of the American Jewish Historical Society, No. 20, 1911. UNPUBLISHED CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THOMAS JEFFERSON AND SOME AMERICAN JEWS. Contributed by Max J. Kohler. Several interesting letters exchanged by Thomas Jefferson with Jews of his day have heretofore appeared in these Pub - lications (No. 2, p. Ill; No. 3, pp. 94, 95; No. 4, pp. 221- 222; No. 10, pp. 103 et seq., 167-168), the correspondence between our leading champion of the separation of Church and State and Isaac Harby, Mordecai M. Noah and David S. Franks, being particularly noteworthy. Jefferson’s relations with the Jews of America were also touched upon by the present writer in his paper, “ Some Phases in the History of Religious Liberty with Particular Reference to the Jews.” (Publications, No. 11, p. 71; cp. No. 2, p. 92; No. 3, pp. 97, 98). The publication, since these articles were prepared, of the “ Calendar of Jefferson Correspondence,” issued by the Bureau of Rolls, Library of the State Department, gave evi¬ dence of the fact that there were other letters exchanged be¬ tween Jefferson and Jews of his day, preserved in the col¬ lection of “ drafts of letters ” from Jefferson and letters re¬ ceived by him in the collection referred to. These are now deposited in the Library of Congress, and transcripts have been secured and are published here. Jefferson and Joseph Marx, of Richmond. I. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 62, p. 40.] A. L. S. Marx to Jefferson. Richmond 3d July 1820 Sir I uvail myself of the conveyance afforded me by Governor Ran¬ dolph to transmit and to request your acceptance, of the Volume 11 12 American Jewish Historical Society. containing the proceedings of the Sanhedrin, convened by order of the Emperor Buonaparte. Should any part of their Deliberations, or Sentiments expressed by any Member of that Body, tend to confirm the liberal and en¬ lightened views, expressed by yourself, of that persecuted Race, when last I had the honor and pleasure of an interview, it will prove to me a source of high gratification. I am with Sentiments of profound Respect Sir Your most Obedient Servt. Thomas Jefferson Esqr. Joseph Marx. II. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 62, p. 45.] Jefferson to Marx. Th: Jefferson presents to Mr. Marx his compliments & thanks for the Transactions of the Paris Sanhedrin, which he shall read with great interest, and with the regret he has ever felt at seeing a sect, the parent and basis of all those of Christendom, singled out by all of them for a persecution and oppression which prove they have profited nothing from the benevolent doctrines of him whom they profess to make the model of their principles and practice. He salutes Mr. Marx with sentiments of perfect esteem and respect. Monticello, July 8, 20. III. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 62, p. 36.] A. L. S. Marx to Jefferson. Richmond 8th December 1817 Sir I recently recieved a Consignment of Cloths shipped by Mr. Richard Flower, of Marden, England, for account of his Brother Mr. George Flower, who has the honor of being known to you. that Gentleman lately embarked for Europe, his absence caused the letter from his Brother to be placed in my hands, who therein says “You will recieve 2 y2 yards of my best cloth, which you will present if you please to Mr Jefferson, as a small token oi my Esteem & Gratitude, for his kindness to you ” Thomas Jefferson and American Jews — Kohler. 13 In compliance therefore with that Gentlemans wishes, and in the hope, that the mode he has adopted, of evincing his Gratitude, and the high Respect he entertains for your Character, will not be recieved as taking too great a liberty, I have forwarded the parcel, and avail myself of the occasion, to subscribe myself with the highest Respect Sir Your most obt Servt Thomas Jefferson. Esqr. Joseph Marx. IV. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 62, p. 42.] A. D. Jefferson to Marx. Monticello. Deer. 25, 17 Th: Jefferson presents his thanks to Mr. Marx for the trouble he has been so kind as to take in forwarding to him the cloth from Mr. Flower, it is safely at hand and it’s highest value is placed in the motives of the giver, whose great personal worth was consideration sufficient for any services it was in the power of Th: J. to render him. He salutes Mr. Marx with esteem & respect. Endorsement: Marx, Joseph. Dec. 25, 17. V. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 62, p. 43.] A. L». S. . Jefferson to Marx. Poplar Forest near Lynchburg Aug. 24, 19 Sir I inclose you a renewal of the two notes of 10,000 / each, for which I am by endorsement responsible to the U. S. bank, for Colo. W. C. Nicholas. I do this on his information that it will be received as sufficient for 60 days; within which term I will execute a bond jointly with him for the amount of these notes, with a third person made acceptable to the bank, in seeking for a 3d. name my reluctance at placing any friend in the state of uneasiness in which this responsibility would place him, is in¬ superable. I greatly prefer therefore what I am told will be acceptable to the bank, to make a 3d name competent by a conveyance of real property abundantly sufficient to cover the 3 14 American Jewish Historical Society. debt. My grandson Thos. J. Randolph is the person whom I should use with the least scruple in this business and I will acc [torn out] ly convey lands amply sufficient for this debt, to him in trust for it’s payment, & as a special security to the bank, applicable to no other purpose. While this makes him sufficient as a security, all the rest of my property is responsible for the same debt, on the ground of my being separately bound. That it is sufficient for many times this amount is probably known, and I assure you on my honor that not a dollar’s worth of it is under incumbrance to any mortal or for any purpose. You shall receive the bond and a copy of the deed immediately after my return to Monticello, which will be within 3 or 4 weeks. Accept the assurance of my great respect and esteem. Th. Jefferson Mr. Joseph Marx. VI. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 62, p. 37.] A. L. S. Marx to Jefferson. Richmond 2d. Sept. 1819 Sir I communicated the contents of your letter under 24th Aug. to the Board of Directors of the office of D & D, at this place, they very readily accepted the security proposed by yourself. I annex a Copy of their resolution. In regard to the discount, I take it for granted, that Colonel Nicholas will embrace that hereafter in his intended general settlement, in the [?] while the Rules of the office require, that the discount be paid, untill the proposed general arrangements be complete. I have applied one of the Notes enclosed in your favor under 24th, to retire the Note upon which form required a Protest, the other will be used to meet the one due the 15th Instant. Whilst I lament the present occasion which has procured me the honor of a letter from you, permit me to add that I shall feel much gratification in being made usefull to you here, upon mat¬ ters more agreable to yourself. With Sentiments of the highest Respect Sir Your most obt Servt Thomas Jefferson Bsqr. Joseph Marx Thomas Jefferson and American Jews — Kohler. 15 [Resolution annexed to letter of Sept. 2, 1819.] Resolved that the Bond & Security proposed by Mr. Jefferson will be considered satisfactory. The Bond being made payable on demand and bearing interest from date, payable semian¬ nually — The parties to the Bond to be jointly & severally bound. The Note discounted this day & any other passed before the Bond is executed will require that the amount of discount be paid by Mr Jefferson unless paid by Colonel Nicholas, as also the cost of Protest on the one Protested. — 15 Sept. 1819— VII. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 62, p. 44.] A. L. S. Jefferson to Marx. Monticeixo Sept. 20, 19. Dear Sir The kind offers of service in your letter of the 2d. in my un¬ fortunate responsibility for Mr. Nicholas, induce me to take the liberty of passing the inclosed papers thro’ you to the bank of the U. S. They are 1st. a joint and several bond for the debt. 2, a plat of the lands I have conveyed to my grandson in trust for securing the debt, certified to be amply sufficient by gentlemen knowing the lands, & known themselves in Richmond. 3, a copy of the deed to my grandson, the original being retained to be recorded, of which record I will send the bank a certificate as soon as the forms will admit. The lands conveyed comprehend my best plantation in Bedford — every foot of them is or has been tobacco lands, & still in good condition, some of the certifiers were of opinion that when the regular intercourse of buying & selling shall be restored at fair prices, they would sell for 40 D. the acre, & none thought less than 30 D. I will add that these are not a fourth in value or quantity of my property in that county, and that what I hold there is not equal to my possessions here. I do not say this vauntingly, but to satisfy the bank that if I am ultimately to meet this loss they will be safe in any in¬ dulgences they may extend to me to lessen the sacrifice by giving time to obtain a fair price for the property which would be to be sold for that purpose. I was not aware that one of the notes 16 American Jewish Historical Society. fell due on tlie 15th hut I have given that date to the bond, to prevent any chasm in time. I salute you with great esteem & respect. Th. Jefferson. Mr. Marx. P. S. my express of this morning to Mr. Nicholas for his signature to the bond, not being returned and the mail-hour at hand, I close my letter without it. if it does not come in time, it shall follow by the mail of Saturday. Note it arrived & was sent in the evening under another cover. VIII. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 62, p. 39.] A. L. S. Marx to Jefferson. Richmond 27th Sept. 1819 Sir The papers enclosed in your letter under the 20th as also the Bond, have been delivered at the office of the United States Bank. The members of the Board of Directors are fully satisfied of the ample security offered, and of the promptness with which the call has been met. The Counsel for that Institution has pointed out some desirable alterations, which however appear to be matter of Form, not affecting the substance, particulars of which the President or Cashier will hand you by the next Mail, in the mean it were probably best to postpone recording the Deed as intended. I have the honor to be Respectfully Sir Your most ob St. Thomas Jefferson Esqr. Joseph Marx. IX. [Letters of Jefferson. Series 2, Vol. 62, p. 41.] Marx to Jefferson. Mr. Marx unites with Mr. Brown in presenting their Respects to Mr. Jefferson, their attendance at Court being required this morning, and their anxiety to return so soon as dismissed, will Thomas Jefferson and American Jews — Kohler. 17 prevent their accepting Mr. Jefferson’s Invitation of which they will be happy to avail themselves at some future Period. Friday morning. Endorsement: Marx & Brown, June 8, 21. Jefferson and Moses Myers, of Norfolk. X. [Letters of Jefferson. Series 6, Vol. 8, p. 40 (105).] A. L. S. Myers to Jefferson. Norfolk June 1st, 1802 Sir Permit me the Honor to Introduce Admiral Hartsinck (Com¬ manding the Squadron of the Batavian Republic in Hampton Road, & for which I am agent) to your Civilities. The object of the Admiral’s Journey is to pay you his Personal respects & I am happy Sir to Inform you that the Impressions on his mind are very favorable indeed as relates to our Country — which has been very flattering to me — The Admiral will be extremely Gratified in the honor of Your personal acquaintance & I have taken the Liberty to assure him you would be glad to see him. I have the Honor to be with much respect Sir Your very obt. St. Thomas Jefferson Esq. Moses Myers XI. [Jefferson Papers. Series 1, Vol. 5, p. 298.] A. C. S. Jefferson to Myers. Germantown [Date illegible.] Sir According to my engagement I now inclose you 186 Doll, thirty six cents = £55 — 18 — 3 Virginia money to be passed to the credit of Mrs. Carr. You will readily perceive that your endorsement on the inclosed bank note will make it cash to any person wishing to remit to Philadelphia. The Custom house officers particularly take up these notes by a general arrangement. I am Sir Your most obedt. Servt. Thos: Jefferson. 18 American Jewish Historical Society. Jefferson and the Cohen Family. XII. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 17, p. 78.] A. L. S. Cohen to Jefferson. His Excellency Thos. Jefferson. Honored Sir Regarding you as the Patron of Arts & Sciences in our Infant Country, I am Led to take the Liberty of offering to your Notice an Institution which If favoured with your approbation will I flatter myself produce a Publick Good, as Such am Confident it will Need no other Commendation to Merit your Patronage. — The Beneficial Effects derived from the Use of Mineral Waters, which have become celebrated by affording relief in cases were most other remedies have failed, has Induced the most Celebrated Chemists to ascertain by a correct Annalysis those Beneficial properties & by Chemically combining those parts, to produce by Art, what Nature hath so bountifully bestowed and so far have they Succeeded, as to Merit a decided preference of the Artificial to the Natural Waters by Increasing their Active properties and Excluding foreign particles not Necessary but rather detrimental to Health — you respected Sir who are so well Acquainted with the principles of Philosophy are well aware of the difficulties at¬ tending this process in order to Sufficiently Impregnate the Waters with the Gaseous & which is Indeed the most Active prin¬ ciple in most of the Celebrated Waters, how far I have succeeded in this difficulty have Taken the Liberty of submitting to your Inspection by forwarding you a Specimen of the Balls Town, Pyrmont Soda-Water, and also refer you to the Hon. Lemuel Sawyer (to whom we had the Honour of forwarding an assort¬ ment) for some of the Seltzer, of which am at present out of a Supply. This being the most highly Impregnated Water contain¬ ing from 250 to 300 p. ct. of the Carbonic Acid Gas, a Quantity seldom attained or Exceeded by any attempt in Europe. — The Happy Effects derived from their Use have been already Evinced by an approving Publick & Testimonies of the most Celebrated & Eminent Chemists & Medical Characters in this City— yet in order to Give it all the Advantage that might result It requires the aid of a Larger Capital than in my power to afford. To ren- Thomas Jefferson and American Jews — Kohler. The above Sum to be divided into shares of 50 doll, each, payable in Installments, the Subscribers to be entitled to Exclusive privi¬ leges & receive the amount to themselves or order in Mineral Waters, at a deduction of 20 p. ct. from the selling price, your approval & patronage, joined to the respectable characters in this City will fully enable me to accomplish this object & dedicate an Institution to you Whose Virtues an applauding world will Never cease to Emulate and which the Voice of Envy cannot Tarnish — Nor shall any Exertion on my Part be Wanting to Render the Establishment Worthy of the Honour & prove the Gratitude of Yr Respectfull Obt. Serv. Phil: Deer. 21, 1807. Abraham Cohen. No. 31 So. 2d. Street. XIII. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 17, p. 79.] Jefferson to Cohen. Washington Feb. 10, 08. Sir I have not been able sooner to acknolege the receipt of your letter of Dec. 21. which did not come to hand till Jan. 27 nor to return you my thanks for the mineral waters which came with it. I am happy to learn that these productions of nature can be suc¬ cessfully imitated by art, and that something may thereby be 20 American Jewish Historical Society. added useful to mankind. Of the degree of that utility, I ac¬ knowledge myself not a judge, being little acquainted with the composition of these waters, and still less with their effects on the human body, a consciousness of this would make it too pre¬ suming in me to suppose that any connection of my name with an establishment for their preparation would be a recommenda¬ tion of them to the public. They would be sensible that it is out of my line and would view it as neither favorable to myself or the medecine. The names of the celebrated Physicians of Philadelphia are those which would give a just reputation to these waters, and present them with authority to the notice of the public. Giving every just praise therefore to the efforts you have so meritoriously exerted in perfecting a preparation which may relieve the afflicted from some of their sufferings, I feel it a duty to leave it’s fortunes & it’s direction in the hands of those so much better qualified to promote it’s success: and I pray you to accept my best wishes for that, & my respectful salutations. Th: Jefferson Mr. Cohen. XIV. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 73, p. 17.] A. L. S. Cohen & Bros, to Ritchie. Baltimore, Feb. 16, 1826. Chas. Ritchie Esq., Richmond Va. Sir Noticing that a proposition is before the legislature of Vir¬ ginia having for its object a grant to Thos. Jefferson Esq. to dis¬ pose of property by letters we take the liberty of tendering the services of this office as well as our Offices in Newyork — Penn¬ sylvania, Virginia & South Carolina and our agencies in the sev¬ eral other States of the Union in furtherance of the views of Mr. Jefferson should the General Assembly of Virginia accede to the memorial. You will please communicate the purport of this to such friends of the memorial as you may deem proper. Very Respectfully, Cohen & Bros. Thomas Jefferson and American Jews — Kohler. 21 (3 [Jefferson Correspondence. Vol. 6, p. 119.] Jefferson to Dr. De La Motta. [September 1, 1820.] Th. Jefferson returns his thanks to Dr. De La Motta for the eloquent discourse on the Consecration of the Synagogue of Savannah, which he has been so kind as to send him. It excites in him the gratifying reflection that his country has been the first to prove to the world two truths, the most salutary to human society, that man can govern himself, and that religious freedom is the most effectual anodyne against religious dissension: the maxim of civil government being reversed in that of religion, where its true form is “ divided we stand, united, we fall.” He is happy in the restoration of the Jews, particularly, to their social rights, and hopes they will be seen taking their seats on the benches of science as preparatory to their doing the same at the board of government. He salutes Dr. De La Motta with sentiments of great respect. XVI. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 30, p. 8.] A. L. S. Delamotte to -. Havre 7 Juillet 1819 Monsieur J’apprends par M. Short que vous avdz fait une maladie dange- reuse dont vous etes entierement retabli. cel& me fait penser £ mon age & au votre, et ne voulant par quitter ce monde sans vous avoir donne quelque temoignange du respect que j’ai pour vous, je m’empresse £ vous fdliciter de votre retablissement, & vous remercier des bontds que vous avds efl pour moi et de celles que vous series encore disposd & avoir si j’en dois croire le rapport de quelques personnes avec lesquelles j’ai eu en differents terns l’occasion de parler de vous. receves done, Monsieur, l’expression de mon respect & de mon affection, si vous voules bien me per- mettre ce dernier sentiment. Vives longtems, vivds heureux, & soyds assurd que mon coeur vous est tout ddvoud. J’ai l’honneur de vous saluer. B [?] Delamotte. 22 American Jewish Historical Society. Jeffeeson and David S. Pranks.1 XVII. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 33, p. 1.] Franks to Jefferson. Bordeaux 1. Jany. 1785. Dear Sir I did not intend doing myself the honor of writing to you until my arrival at Marseilles, from whence you were so kind as to permit me to correspond with you. A variety of circumstances have combined to keep me from thence much longer than I ex¬ pected; and I will not any further deprive myself the Pleasure of enquiring after your Health, and of wishing you many returns of the present season, attended by every blessing you can desire for you and yours. As you were allways kind enough to interest yourself in my little Concerns, I have to inform you that my expectations are far from being answered in my Business at Marseilles; the Let¬ ters I have re!cd. from America respecting the situation of her trade, those I have from London and Paris; all seem to point out the improbability of succeeding there at present, and as no Salary is allowed to Vice Consuls I shall really be in a very disagreeable situation at that place. Every account from Paris confirms me in the opinion that a war will soon break out between the Em¬ peror and the Dutch and their allies; if there was a possibility of being employed in the french Army, I should with pleasure join it — I do not wish to follow the profession of a Soldier of Fortune, but I do assure you my dear Sir that my circumstances are such as to induce me to accept of any thing that would be honorable and profitable. I should certainly perfer being em¬ ployed in the Service of my Country to all others, but I do not see any immediate prospect of so pleasing a circumstance — I beg Sir you will pardon the Liberty I take in opening myself to you in this manner, as I know no one in whose indulgence I can so fully confide and you will confer an additional obligation by informing me what prospect I may have of succeeding in an application — The Marquis de Chatelux, we hear is appointed one 1 Gp. Publications of the American Jewish Historical Society, No. 1, pp. 76-86; No. 4, pp. 81-87; No. 10, pp. 101-108, 166-168; No. 16, pp. 25-27; No. 18, p. 210; “The Jewish Encyclopedia,” Vol. V, article “ David S. Pranks”; Jewish Comment, September 29 and October 6, 1899; Magazine of History, August, 1906. Thomas Jefferson and American Jews — Itohler. 23 of the Generals, he knows me and would perhaps interest himself in my favor; if his military family is not compleat I should be hhppy to serve under him — Mr. Barclay is here and intends soon going to Paris; I waited at Nantes nigh two months for him, to come to this place and to take my final instructions from him — I pray my Compts. to Miss Jefferson and Col. Humphries and that you would believe me to be Dear Sir, with the greatest Respect, Your most obt. and obliged humble Servt. Davd. S. Franks. XVIII. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 33, p. 4.] Franks to Jefferson. Mr De Chateaumon the Gentleman who Mr. Carmichael desired me to present to your Excellency has been with me this morning to know if it would be agreeable to you to receive him this after¬ noon I should be glad to know your Excellency’s pleasure and will act accordingly — My Trunks are not yet arrived as soon as they are shall be ready to go immediately I hope that two or three days more will bring them, I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Most obt. obliged Svt Dav’d. S. Franks XIX. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 33, p. 6.] Franks to Jefferson. I wished Your Excellency to have accepted of the Moorish Coins as a very small mark of the attachment which I have allways had for you and when I presented them it was with that Inten¬ tion — Besides I owe you two hundred livres which you kindly lent me at a time when I very much wanted it and for which tho’ I can repay you I shall not think myself quit of the obliga¬ tion — I shall have the pleasure of seeing you when we will Settle and at the same time I may have an opportunity of assuring you how much I am my dear Sir Your Excellency’s most obt. and obliged Sevt. Davd. S. Franks I have retained the money having opened the packet first — Mr. Chateaumont lives at the Hotel de Valois Rue Vantadour 24 American Jewish Historical Society. XX. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Yol. 33, p. 7.] Franks to Jefferson. Paris 17th. June 1785 Dear Sir A disappointment in my expectations of remittances from America has brought me into great distress; My time I find will be lost in waiting untill affairs are settled with ye Algiereens etc., I wish therefore to return as soon as possible, this cannot be effected untill my debts are paid, if you will kindly assist me in doing it, I will immediately on my arrival at Philadelphia transmit you the Money you may advance for me or pay it to any one there you may order — It is in confidence of your goodness that I am induced to apply to you, fully conscious that on, or shortly after my arrival at Philadelphia, I shall be able to repay you and shall allways acknowledge the obligation with gratitude I am Dear Sir with much respect Your very humble sevt. Honbl. Thos. Jefferson Esqr. Davd. S. Franks XXI. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 33, p. 8.] Jefferson to Franks. Paris June 17. 1785. Dear Sir Your letter of this day distresses me not a little as it finds me utterly unable to give you the assistance needed, my outfit here, for the articles of furniture, clothes and carriage only has cost me fifteen hundred guineas, no allowance of this kind being made I have been obliged to run in debt for it. the uneasiness which this has given me for some time past has preyed on my spirits night and day. and indeed my situation is not a little delicate, the laws not giving remedy against me, the first creditor whom I can neither pay nor prevail on to wait, carries his com¬ plaint to the king immediately, and exposes me of necessity to censure and recall, these circumstances have not only reduced me to a rigid economy, but render it impossible for me either to advance money or further hazard my credit. I am fully sensible that this information may be distressing to you, and this in¬ creases the pain with which I communicate it. I am unhappily Thomas Jefferson and American Jews — Kohler. 25 in a condition to feel much for your difficulties without a power to lessen them, nothing would have been more pleasing to me than the exercise of such a power, as I am with real esteem Dr. Sir Your most obedt. humble servt. Th: Jefferson XXII. [Jefferson Papers. Series 1, Yol. 2, p. 199.] Jefferson to Franks. My anxiety, my dear Sir, on the detention of the Marocco treaty, is inexpressible however cogent and necessary the motives which detain you, I should be deemed inexcusable were I to let so safe an opportunity as that by Colo Blackden pass without sending the papers on to London, mr Jay complained that a treaty signed in June was not ratified in October, what will they say when they shall observe that the same treaty does not reach them till March, nine months? in the mean time our whole commerce is paying a heavy tax for insurance till it’s publication, can you fix a day as early as Monday or Tuesday for your departure whether your baggage arrives or not? or would you rather de¬ cline the going with the papers? in the former case, if your baggage does not arrive before your departure, any orders you may think proper to leave respecting it shall be punctually exe¬ cuted. I can send it to Mr Limosin at Havre so that it may go to America in the February packet. I shall see you at the Mar¬ quis’s to-day and we will speak about this matter. Thursday Jan. 11. 1787 Colo. Franks — XXIII. [Jefferson Papers. Series 1, Vol. 2, p. 228.] A. L. S. Jefferson to Franks. Paris Feb. 8. 1787. Dear Sir I suspect that among the papers you took from hence were two letters, the one intended for a joint one from Mr. Adams and myself to Mr. Barclay, and the other intended to be joint like¬ wise to the Marocco minister. I think you will find these stuffed in between the red marocco of the treaty box and the lid of the box. pray search for them and return them to me by the first post, perhaps there may be in the same place some other papers 26 American Jewish Historical Society. not intended for America; tho I recollect no others, health, happiness, and a fair passage to you and am with esteem Dr Sir P S. be as good as to write me a your friend and Svt. line of your safe arrival the moment Th: Jefferson you land in America. Colo. Franks XXIV. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 33, p. 5.] Franks to Jefferson. Havre le 10th. Feb. 1787 Dear Sir We came here late last night the roads and a broken Carriage having retarded us on the way longer than we had any reason to expect — In looking over my Papers this morning I found that the ratification of the Treaty together with the letter to Taker Fennish to be sent to Morocco were in the Box — I therefore take the offer of Mr. Lemosin to send them to you by the first safe hand. Permit me my dear Sir at parting to assure you that my Heart feels every sentiment of gratitude and attachment to you for the many marks of Friendship which you have shown me since my stay in France and that it will always be my endeavor to merit the good opinion I flatter myself you have of me — I pray you would be so kind as to present my best Respects to Mr Short and believe me Dear Sir Your Excelly. most obt. obliged Svt. D: S. Franks I believe we shall sail in a few hours — beg you would forward the enclosed letter — I do myself the pleasure of inclosing you a Note which may by an accident serve to acquit my pecuniary obligations to you — His Excelly. Mr. Jefferson XXV. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 33, p. 3.] Franks to Jefferson. Havre de Grace 11th. Feby. 1787 Dear Sir, Before I had received your Excellency’s Letter of the 8th. I had made up the inclosed Packet and had given it to Mr. Limousin Thomas Jefferson and American Jews — Kohler. 27 who had promised to send it by the first safe hand, hut as you desire the papers may be sent by Post I now forward them to you; I mean the Copy ratified of the Treaty with the letter to Taker Fennish, That, intended for Mr. Barclay is not among my Papers, I have made the most exact search for it in Vain, I think it must be where the Box containing the Treaty used to stand, nigh the fire place in your Study. I do myself the Honor of sending you a rough draft of a Letter I had written to Mr. Jay; fortunately I have not now any occasion to send it, as by contrary winds the Packet is detained and we have got (with much difficulty) Permission to embark. It appears that after the Ships Books are closed at 5 oClock in the Evening of the 9th. of every Month, that no person can be admitted on board even tho’ the Vessel should be detained a day or two by any accident; dispatches from any foreign Min¬ ister coming under the same circumstances unless accompanied by an order from the Marl, de Castries would be rejected — The Letter I intended for Mr. Jay I would have been obliged to have smuggled into the Ship. This Regulation must be productive of many disappointments and must serve to disgust our Countrymen from embarking in French Packet-Boats. Capt. Daboville informs me that at L’Ori- ent no such rule was followed and that before the ship left the Coast any Passenger or Packet might be put on board. I thought it my Duty to inform Your Excellency of this Circumstance as it might have occasioned you some disappointment If the French Ministry mean to encourage this communication between the two Countries they should remove every natural impediment in their power, and avoid throwing any Bans in the way — Bad Ships and but indifferent Seamen I reckon among the former and the regu¬ lation before mentioned and some others among the Latter — The Ship we are now going to imbark in is by no means a bad one in point of strength, but as to sailing I suppose that no Ship in France can be much more dull — We have seen the Vessel built in America and which is to sail next month for the West Indies — it is hardly possible to form at a distance a proper Idea of the difference on Comparison — she is the most beautiful Vessel I ever saw. Another Circumstance I beg leave to mention to Your Excel¬ lency and which will not a little contribute to throw our Country¬ men farther at a distance from sailing in French Packets, I mean the impertinence of the Director Mr. Ruillan, whose conduct to 28 American Jewish Historical Society. us under any other Circumstances would have procured him a proper Chastisement — I am informed that he has also on several Occasions treated the American Crews in a very arbitrary and unbecoming manner and that many of them thereby have deserted from their Ships. He Seems to enjoy an universal bad Character. We have repacked your Acorns as you directed and with great Care — I pray my best Compliments to Mr. Short and am Dear Sir With much Respect and Esteem Your Excellencys most obt. obliged Servant His Excellency Davd. S. Franks Tho. Jefferson In all probability we shall be detained some days more as the wind is contrary and very violent should be glad of a line from your Excell — XXVI. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 33, p. 2.] Draft. Franks to John Jay. Havre de Grace 10th. Feby. 1787 Sir I came here last night at 11 oClock in Consequence of the advice and Permission of their Excellencies Mr. Adams and Mr. Jefferson charged with the Treaty made by Mr. Barclay with the Emperor of Morocco and on applying this morning to Capt. Dabo- ville for a Passage on board his Paquet Boat to New York, he told me that I must address myself to Mr. Ruilland director of the P. B and pay my passage money to him — Then he would receive my things and me on Board — I went immediately to Mr. Ruilland who gave me for answer “ that all the expeditions for the ship were made out and that unless I could get a positive order from Mr. Mistrael intendant of the Marine he could not permit me to embark — in consequence I went to this latter Gentleman who told me that it was not in his Power to give any such order and that I must again apply to the Director of the Paquet Boats Mr. Ruilland who on my second application peremptorily refused me — I communicated my Busi¬ ness to both these Gent, and at same time represented the ill consequences which might arrise from the Treaty not going in this Paquet and with all the arguments that I could possibly make use of urged them to allow me to embark — Mr. Lenogin a Capital Thomas Jefferson and American Jews — Kohler. 29 Merchant and who acts as American Consul here went with me to Mr. Mistrael and made use of all his influence to as little purpose the Vessell does not go off till 3 oClock this afternoon, I thought it my Duty to inform Your Excellency of the Reason for my not embarking, with the Treaty by this opportunity — I could draw no other from the director of the Paquets than that the Dispatches for the Ship were made out and that he positively would not give the order (without which the Capt) could not receive me on board — I hope your Excellency will be assured that every thing was done on my Part and that no detention of the Paquet Boats was requested or desired by me, being in every point at 6 oClock this morning ready to embark, I shall write immediately to Mr. Jeffer¬ son and follow his orders have to act in Consequence and ansr. etc. etc. XXVII. [Jefferson Papers. Series 2, Vol. 6, p. 10 a.] Butler to Jefferson .2 Ship Della ware March ye. 27th /92 — Dear Sir I call’d this morning to take a personal leave, and also to re¬ quest your friendly interference in behalf of Major Franks, whose present situation is far from elligible — If you find it consistent to place Him on a better Establishment I shall feel myself under an Obligation to You I have the honor to be with sentiments of real Esteem and regard Dear Sir — Yr Most Obedt. Servt. P Butler — Will you at your leisure think of the Bristol Consul? 2 This letter is of special interest as it refers to David S. Franks after the Scioto settlers had left for Ohio, and seems to be the last documentary evidence regarding him, unless he can be identi¬ fied with the David Franks who was assistant cashier of the Bank of North America at Philadelphia in 1791. Gp. 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