Description:

(FRANCOIS BARBE-MARBOIS)
(1745-1837) French politician who negotiated the Louisiana Purchase. During the American Revolution he served as secretary of the French legation to the United States under the Chevalier de la Luzerne, and upon his departure, served as charge d'affaires until 1785. PETER S. DU PONCEAU (1760 - 1844) French linguist and philosopher, aide to von Steuben, joined the American Philosophical Society in 1791 and served as its president of it from 1827 until his death, famed for his analysis of Indigenous languages of the American Indians. Good content A.L.S., 2pp. legal folio, Philadelphia, Dec. 29, 1784 being a translation of Marbois' letter to the Governor of Pennsylvania seeking the recovery of a deserter. In part: "A Sailor, a deserter from the Ship Venus, which is under French colours...has complained to a Justice of the Peace of some ill treatment which he says he has received from the mate of the Vessel - a constable was ordered to arrest that Officer, & in fact did bring him before Mr. Isaac Howell, a Justice of the peace -- That Magistrate demanded of him security to appear & answer the charges, but as it is probably that Mr. Howell is not informed that the Vessel is under French colours, I beg your Excellency will be pleased to acquaint him with this Circumstance, that he may dischargge Mr. Antoine Etienne from his arrest..." Usual folds, light toning at extreme margins, else very good condition.

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June 3, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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