John Jay Papers
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From John Jay to the President of Congress (Richard Henry Lee), 3 September 1785

To the President of Congress (Richard Henry Lee)

Office for foreign Affairs 3d. September 1785

Sir

I have the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency herewith enclosed, a Memorial and Petition of Pierre du Calvet of Montreal and a Letter of 14th. June last from Dr. Franklin recommending him to me.—1

He presented to me the Account mentioned in it and the Vouchers he has to authenticate it—But as both the one and the other must be referred to the proper Department to report, I advised him to keep them for the present, and offer them to those to whom his Memorial may be referred.—

From some original Letters and Papers which he put into my Hands, there is Reason to believe that this Gentleman is not without Influence and Importance with the republican Party in the Province of Quebec, and in my Opinion Policy as well as Justice recommends ^that^ Mr. du Calvet as well as ^the^ other Canadians who are well disposed towards us should have the highest Reason to confide in the Faith and Friendship of the United States.—2 I have the Honor to be with great Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s Most obt. and very hble Servt.

John Jay

His Excellency The President of Congress

LS, DNA: PCC, item 80, 1: 381–83 (EJ: 137). Endorsed “… Du Calvet’s memorial / Read 5. Septr. / Referred to the board of / treasury to liquidate the / claims of Mr Du Calvet and / report.—” Dft, NNC (EJ: 5766). LbkC, DNA: Domestic Letters description begins Domestic Letters of the Department of State, 1784–1906, RG59, item 120, National Archives (M40). Accessed on Fold3.com. description ends , 1: 443 (EJ: 1760).

1Calvet’s memorial and petition is in DNA: PCC, item 41, 2: 196; DNA: Domestic Letters description begins Domestic Letters of the Department of State, 1784–1906, RG59, item 120, National Archives (M40). Accessed on Fold3.com. description ends , 1: 438–42. Calvet, a French merchant in Montreal imprisoned as an American supporter for three years by General Haldimand, was seeking compensation for goods provided to the Americans during the Canadian campaign in 1775. His case was referred to the Board of Treasury. Calvet petitioned again on 26 Sept. 1785, and 28 Feb. 1786. DNA: PCC, item 41, 2: 205; and item 42, 2: 194–97. BF’s letter of 14 June 1785 has not been found; see, however, his letter to the President of Congress, 1 Nov. 1783, DNA: PCC, item 82, 3: 225–26.

2On affairs in Canada at this time, see also JJ’s letter to the President of Congress, 2 Sept., above.

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