25276

Albert Gallatin 1802 Autograph Letter Signed "Alb

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 1,800.00 USD
Albert Gallatin 1802 Autograph Letter Signed  Alb
<B>Albert Gallatin 1802 Autograph Letter Signed</B></I> "Albert Gallatin" as President Thomas Jefferson's Secretary of the Treasury, one page, 8" x 10". Treasury Department, June 8, 1802. To "The Auditor." In part: "It appears by the enclosed record of the district court of Pennsylvania that the French prize 'La Magicienne' was a public armed ship. There will... be no objection to paying... proceeds in that case & also in that of the 'Diana' which last vessel appears by the papers in your possession... " In the late 1790s, U.S. relations with France were strained, resulting in an undeclared war between the two countries and a cessation of diplomatic relations. The conflict continued until the September 30, 1800 Treaty of Morfontaine, which went into effect on December 21, 1801. This letter was concerning prize court decisions in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. The operation of U.S. prize courts during the conflict further demonstrated that America and France were really in a state of war. A prize court is an admiralty court that adjudicates wartime captures made at sea and "condemns" lawfully captured enemy vessels, awarding them as prizes to their captors. Gallatin served in the American Revolution, and later represented Pennsylvania in Congress from 1795 until 1801, when he was appointed Secretary of the Treasury by Thomas Jefferson. In fragile condition. Chipped, nicked and worn edges. Lightly creased. Horizontal folds do not touch signature. <I>Accompanied by COA from PSA/DNA.</B></I>