John Dortic to Thomas Jefferson, 16 May 1811
From John Dortic
New York May 16th 1811.
Sir
On the 11th inst I had the favour of advising you of the invoice made to mr McMahon according Your direction
I am about to sail again for France; should you have any command to trust me with You may rely upon my Exactness as much as on the pleasure I would have to Execute1 them.
Circumstanced as We are the travellers2 must take as much security as they can have. Therefore I take the liberty of solliciting Your patronage to make me to have some dispatches from the Secretary of State Either for the charge d’affaire of the U.S. at Paris or for the French minister any Kind of dispatches will be a good passeport against the British Cruisers. Last Year I had some from the secretary of the Treasury3 which undoubtedly4 prevented the vessel from being turned off.
The Brig Catherine Ray will sail on ballast and with passengers only when coming home it will be a good opportunity for distressed seamen to reach their Families: Last voyage I took 18 out L’orient
I beg Your pardon, sir, for the liberty I take to sollicit your patronage for such a thing should you grant it to me I am Certain I cannot fail on my purpose and I Will be for ever with Gratfulness
John Dortic
N.B. I intend to be back in about 6 months
RC (DNA: RG 59, MLR); at foot of first page: “Mr Thomas Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 22 May 1811 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosed in TJ to James Monroe, 23 May 1811.
1. Manuscript: “Exectue.”
2. Manuscript: “the travellers they travellers.”
3. Manuscript: “Treasurery.”
4. Manuscript: “undoubtely.”