Details
MONROE, James, President. Letter signed ("Jas Monroe") to the "Committee of Finance," Paris, 9 August 1795 (22 Thermidor An 3). 1 page, folio, 295 x 200mm (11¾ x 8in.), framed, in French. Fine.
MONROE AIDS THE MAN WHO PAID FOR JOHN PAUL JONES' WARSHIP
An unusual letter written in support of a family which had conspicuously aided the American cause during its revolution. In his role as Minister to France, Monroe appeals--in the revolutionary phraseology of the time--to the "Representatives of People composing the Committee of Finance": "It is with confidence that...[I] recommend the statement of account of my countryman James LeRay ...to obtain a prompt settlement of the accounts of his father. The important services that they rendered to the United States since the first moments when America took up arms, even before France recognized her independence, the affection which the citizens LeRay have always demonstrated to the cause of Liberty, moves me with sincere interest to obtain the justice which is their due." Monroe often interceded on behalf of persons who had aided the American cause, most famously in the case of Thomas Paine, whose release from prison Monroe was instrumental in securing. The individual in this letter is probably Jacques Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, owner of the Chateau in Passy where Franklin resided, and a strong supporter of the American cause. He spent some two million francs (most of his fortune) on the American cause, and at Franklin's suggestion, purchased the Bonhomme Richard for John Paul Jones.
MONROE AIDS THE MAN WHO PAID FOR JOHN PAUL JONES' WARSHIP
An unusual letter written in support of a family which had conspicuously aided the American cause during its revolution. In his role as Minister to France, Monroe appeals--in the revolutionary phraseology of the time--to the "Representatives of People composing the Committee of Finance": "It is with confidence that...[I] recommend the statement of account of my countryman James LeRay ...to obtain a prompt settlement of the accounts of his father. The important services that they rendered to the United States since the first moments when America took up arms, even before France recognized her independence, the affection which the citizens LeRay have always demonstrated to the cause of Liberty, moves me with sincere interest to obtain the justice which is their due." Monroe often interceded on behalf of persons who had aided the American cause, most famously in the case of Thomas Paine, whose release from prison Monroe was instrumental in securing. The individual in this letter is probably Jacques Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, owner of the Chateau in Passy where Franklin resided, and a strong supporter of the American cause. He spent some two million francs (most of his fortune) on the American cause, and at Franklin's suggestion, purchased the Bonhomme Richard for John Paul Jones.