Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) to Don Jose de Viar and Don Joseph de Jaudenes
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02709 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 March 1792 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 23.5 x 19.4 cm. Order a Copy
Jefferson, Secretary of State, requests that Spanish officials Viar and Jaudenes recognize reimbursement of funds from the Spanish Government to American Oliver Pollock. States that he has full confidence that Spain will "do full justice to Mr. Pollock, according to the truth of his case." Requests that Viar and Jaudenes interfere to have Pollock's case examined at the proper place.
Pollock was a merchant operating in New Orleans and Havana, Cuba. During the American Revolution he supplied the Americans with military provisions, many of which he obtained from the Spanish.
Philadelphia Mar. 4. 1792.
Gentlemen
The bearer hereof, mr Oliver Pollock, a citizen of the United States, has stated to me that a sum of 9574¼ Dollars due to him at the Havanna, was attached by his Catholic majesty's government there to secure certain sums due to Spanish subjects from the s[ai]d Oliver Pollock, that he has since otherwise paid the sums he owed to those persons, & to all others within his majesty's dominions, and therefore he is entitled to a reimbursement of the sum so attached, with interest. I am too well acquainted with the way of thinking of the Spanish government [inserted above: on subjects like this] to doubt that they will do full justice to mr. Pollock according to the truth of his case as it shall be found to be: and I take the liberty therefore of doing nothing more than asking the favor of your interference to have his case duly examined into at the proper place.
I have the honour to be with sentiments of the most perfect esteem & respect, Gentlemen,
Your most obedient
& most humble servant
Th: Jefferson
Don Joseph de Viar, & Don Joseph de Jaudenes
[address leaf:]
Don Joseph de Viar
Don Joseph de Jaudenes
Commrs. of Spain
[docketing by recipient:]
Philada. 4 de Marzo 1792
Mr. T. Jefferson Secretario de estado
Repda. el 7 de Jlo [? Julio?]
[additional clerical docketing:]
Suplica la interceccion de los Sres Viar y Jaudenes, a favor de una creencia debida en la Havana al ciudadano Oliver Pollock-
Notes: Boyd 23: 191-92, who does not indicate the outcome of this letter.
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