Key, Francis Scott (1779-1843) to John H. B. Latrobe
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07100 Author/Creator: Key, Francis Scott (1779-1843) Place Written: Georgetown (Washington, D.C.) Type: Autograph letter signed Date: April 2, 1828 Pagination: 4 p. 25.2 x 20.4 cm + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 17.5 x 12.8 cm Order a Copy
Concerning an American Colonization Society legal settlement arising from the transportation of cargo and colonists. Francis Scott Key, a lawyer and member of the society, brainstorms ideas for diminishing their liability. Latrobe was also a lawyer. 1 black and white bust engraving of Key included.
G.T.
Apl. 2-28
D. Sir
I have been requested by our Board to advise them what to do about the threatened suit of Graff's. He, or his Counsel (Mr. Glenn I understand) have said something about a compromise.
I think therefore it would be desirable you should see him & know on what terms it can be settled: & as you know the facts & the evidence we can get, I should be glad to know your opinion of the expediency of adjusting it, or standing a suit.
Our Co[u]n[s]el were very hasty & imprudent. The written contract with Graff I have not seen & know not whether it contains, or whether he made otherwise, any representations of his vessel, which we could show to have been false. I believe you have the charter party. Something has been mentioned to me about his not being ready at the appointed times &that [2] his vessel was in such a state that she could not have been ready in time- Perhaps we may find some excuse in this-
I have a letter [inserted: to W. Gurley] with the papers given me, from John Hanson ( a colored man I presume) dated Oct. 3. -27 saying that the Susan is ready and can take the passengers as comfortably as the Doris, &proposing to go out in her.
It has been also intimated to me that the Susan's passage was so long, that it is now apparent she could not have taken the Colonists & cargo, & the necessary provisions for so many during so long a voyage. Would not this, if correct, greatly diminish the damages.
I am glad your advice prevailed & that we gave up the contracts even if we have to pay the 1000$ for it. But we should like to get off as lightly as we can.
At your convenience, when you have satisfied yourself what we can do and what we had best do, I will thank you to let me know.
Your very respy.
F. S. Key
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