Auction Date:2009 Jun 24 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Location:6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
7" x 8" visible, matted and framed with an engraving of Adams. Date and place not noted. Addressed to Monsieur Genet. The note quotes an unnamed source:
“The French Fleet, has taken many valuable Prises from the Enemy, among which is a Vessell loaded with military Stores, having among other Things six large mortars, with shells suitable for them. These came very seasonably for driving out of their Holes, those Pests of mankind that have so long plagued America, for which [Pr?]eparations are now making, and if the French Fleet in conjunction with that of the united states should prove superiour to the British, I flatter my self, it will be shortly effected.”
The News of the Prise of military stores, mentioned in the foregoing Extract, I have not seen any where else. The Letter is from a good Authority. You may do with it what you please. Yours affectionately
John Adams
We suspect this is Edmé-Jacques Genet (1726-1781), who was the head clerk in the ministry of foreign affairs during the American Revolution. Part of his responsibilities at that post involved analyzing British Naval strength during the Seven Years' War, so he was certainly a naval expert. It was France's Navy that the nascient United States so badly needed during the Revolution. Adams represented the Republic in Europe in 1777 and 1779. Though Franklin was much more effective in his dealings with France on matters of aid during the war, Adams was particularly determined to protect American fishing rights along her Atlantic Coast in his negotiations with the British. He certainly would have had dealings with the elder Genet.
Genet's better-known son, Edmond-Charles, was the French ambassador to the United States during the French Revolution, arriving in the states in 1793. France was at war with Britain, also. Part of Genet's mission was to arm American privateers to join the French fleet and to draw the United States into the war. Washington refused to be manipulated, having assured Britain that the nation would remain neutral in the conflict (and having few resources to expend in the effort, the nation could ill afford to be drawn back into battle with Britain so soon - although most knew it was coming eventually).
Washington called for Genet's removal, although about the same time the Jacobins came to power and sent an arrest notice calling for him to return. Knowing he would probably be sent to the guillotine, Genet appealed for asylum, which Washington granted. He married New York Governor George Clinton's daughter, Cornelia, in 1794 and settled in New York as a gentleman farmer.
Since the nation was not actively allied with France in this war, the assertion of the "French Fleet in conjunction with that of the United States" in Adams' letter would not apply (or if it did, Adams may have been involved in treasonous dealings with Genet), it is unlikely that the letter dates to 1793 or '94. It is more likely related to late Revolutionary War issues, ca 1779.
Condition: Upper corners singed, with most of the initial "T" missing. Sealing wax over one or two letters at beginning of line 7 (preparations or reparations?). Minor foxing, else fine.
Auction Location:
6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
Previewing Details:
Tuesday, June 23, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday, June 24 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| Ohio |
5.5% |
Ohio State Tax |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
17.5% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
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Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.
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