Marshall, John (1755-1835) to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05632 Author/Creator: Marshall, John (1755-1835) Place Written: Bordeaux, France Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 April 1798 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 22.2 x 18.1 cm. Order a Copy
Describes his journey from Paris to Bordeaux, where he waits to return to America. Writes with a vein of humor. Mentions that two wheels broke on the journey, but says such a fact does not need to be communicated to the Secretary of State, so the broken wheels can be saved a circuit around the United States. Will take the ship "Alexander Hamilton" home and says it "a very excellent vessel but for the sin of the name which makes my return in her almost as criminal as if I had taken England in my way." Hopes to make "an eternal adieu to Europe" as well as its crimes. Wishes for better health for his daughter. Written on his journey to America after the XYZ affair. Pinckney would soon leave France, but their fellow commissioner Elbridge Gerry would remain. Red wax seal with initials "JM" preserved.
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