To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Söderström, 30 November 1793
From Richard Söderström
Philadelphia Nover. 30. 1793.
Sir
Consistently with what I esteem my duty, I have the honor of enclosing you a translated Copy of a letter dated Algiers 7: Augst: 1793. from the Consul General of Sweden in that Country to me, (which I recieved a few days ago).1 Permitt me to request the favour of you, in acknowledging the receipt of it, to furnish me with Such an answer as you may think can with propriety be given to it. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir Your most Obd: and most Hle. Servt:
Richd: Söderström
RC (DNA: RG 59, NFC); at foot of text: “The Honle. Thos: Jefferson, Secrety. of State for the united States of America”; endorsed by TJ as received 30 Nov. 1793 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: A. Skjöldebrand to Söderström, Algiers, 7 Aug. 1793, asking him to deliver the enclosed letter containing a plea by ten Americans for their deliverance from a slavery of six years, several of whom have fought for their country and do not know of anything it has done to free them from languishing in chains and a raging plague; that a few days ago he saw two die, a fate the others envy; and that if Congress approves he will assume responsibility for ransoming the survivors from captivity (Tr in same; in Söderström’s hand with his 30 Nov. 1793 attestation subjoined). Letter and enclosure enclosed in TJ to George Washington, 30 Nov. 1793, and returned by the President the same day (see 260).
No written answer by TJ to the Swedish consul’s letter has been found.
1. Closing parenthesis supplied.