Ball, Alexander (fl. 1806) to Tobias Lear re: thanks for protecting British interests, intro. new diplomat
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02794.111 Author/Creator: Ball, Alexander (fl. 1806) Place Written: Malta Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1806/09/30 Pagination: 4 p. 24 x 18.8 cm Order a Copy
Ball thanks Lear for "the attention you have shewn to [the] interests of the British Government in the absence of their late consuls Falcon and Cartwright." He introduces the new British Consul, "W. Blanckley." Ball also thanks Lear for a gift of a "Horn of a Rhinoceros set in gold," mentions a return gift and the fact that Lear was planning to return to America. Attached to GLC 2794.094. Sir Alexander Ball was the governor at Malta. Docketed on p. 4.
Malta 30 Sept. 1806
recd. Oct. 10th: 1806
My dear sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 27 of June enclosing a copy of one from Bona addressed to Mr. Falcon.
I beg to express to you the high sense His Majestys Ministers will retain of the attention you have shown to their interests of the British government in the absence of their late consuls Falcon and Cartwright.
Allow me to introduce to you Mr. Blanckley the new consul to the State [2] of Algiers, you will find him a powerful gentleman and a very honorable character. He will show you my letter to the Dey in answer to his complaint of the seizure of his Vessel.
I can no longer defer expressing to you how much I felt flattered at the mark of esteem with which you were pleased to honor me on your departure from this Island, by sending me the Horn of a Rhinoceros set in gold. And although you were pleased from motives of delicacy to have it conveyed to me with an anonymous note, I had no difficulty [3] in discovering from whence it came. About this period I had sent a commission to Rome for a mosaic Box with a view of La Valise with this inscription.
From Sir A. Ball to Col. Lear, a tribute of public esteem and private friendship.
Mr. North informs me that the Box has been finished some months and that he expects it daily - report says that you are going to America and as it may arrive too late to send it to Algiers I shall in that event have it delivered to Mr. Bond the British consul general at Philadelphia who will have it safely conveyed to you. [4]
I hope Mrs. Lear enjoys perfect health. I beg to offer my best respects to her. I enclose a letter taken from Lady Ball to her.
I have the honor to be
with the highest esteem
My dear Sir
Very truly and sincerely yours
Alexander Ball
[Docket]:
From
Sir Alexr. I. Ball
30 Sept. 1806
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