Bernardo de Hacerda, Jose to Tobias Lear re: loan to relieve the "sad situation" of enslaved Portuguese.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02794.116 Author/Creator: Bernardo de Hacerda, Jose Place Written: Algiers, Algeria Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1808/03/21 Pagination: 1 p. + docket 24.6 x 18.5 cm Order a Copy
Docketed on verso. Written in French.
Monsieur
Le besoin qui j'eprouve actuellement est si puissant qui me fait vainere la honte qui j'ai devous importuner Si Souvent. Je vous prie pourtant de me faire la grase de me preter huit piatres fortes puis que mon age ne me permet pas de me nouririr seulement avec le pain qui me donne cette Regence. Vous n'ignorer pas, monsieur a quelle est la triste situation ses esclaves Portugais a Alger, mais cependant j'ai l'honneur de vous assurer que j'espere encore pouvoir vous rembourser votre argent où soit que mon Prince ne paye mes appointments, où que le Nouveau Possesseur de Portugal me donne quelque paye.
Je suis avec la plus: grande concideration
Monsieu Tobias Lear
Consul General des Etats Unis d' Merique (sic)
Monsieur
Votre tres humble Serviteur
Algerce de Mar 1808 Jose Bernando de Hacerda
[English version]
Sir,
The need that was actually tested was powerful and brings shame that I inconvenience you often. I bed nevertheless to do me the favor to lend me eight strong piastres because my age does not allow me to die only with bread that gives me Regency. Be aware, sir of the sad situation of Spanish slave in Alger, but meanwhile that I have the honor to ensure you that I hope again to be able to repay your money or my Prince will pay my salary or the new Possessor of Portugal will give you some pay.
I am with greatest consideration
Sir Tobias Lear
Council General of the United States of America
Sir
Your humble servant
Alger 21 March 1808
Jose Bernando de Paulo.
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