To George Washington from James Swan, 12 March 1796
From James Swan
Philadelphia 12 March 1796
Sir
Having finish’d the business with which I was charg’d by France, and being perfectly free & independent, I have determin’d to offer myself to your Excellency.
The late Treaty you have concluded with Spain, may create a Commission of Consul General in that Kingdom, like that which Mr De Viart, holds here under His Catholic Majesty.1 If you shall think proper to appoint me, I engage to execute the office with all the abilities, Credit & industry of which I am capable. with respect Sir Your mo. obd. Ser.
Jam. Swan
ALS, DLC:GW.
James Swan (1754–1831) of Boston went to France early in 1788 and, during the years of the French Revolution, enjoyed a career as a promoter, publicist, and man of commerce. He returned to America in 1794 as the agent of the French government to secure in the United States supplies for France. By late 1795 the acute shortage of foodstuffs in France had eased, and Swan ceased his purchases in 1796. He later went back to France and in 1808 was imprisoned for debt (see Howard C. Rice, “James Swan: Agent of the French Republic, 1794–1796,” New England Quarterly, 10 [1937], 464–86).
1. Swan is referring to the Treaty of San Lorenzo, 27 Oct. 1795 ( 318–45).