To Thomas Jefferson from William Eustis, 13 April 1805
From William Eustis
Boston April 13th. 1805.
Sir,
Mr Thomas Lewis Junr. goes to Washington to explain to the department of State and to ask assistance in recovering a claim for captured property which appears to me to be attended wth. circumstances equally novel and extraordinary. He will be anxious to have the honor of paying his respects to you, and I have assured him of the pleasure with which you will receive one of our most respectable and constant friends.
At the same time I offer you the respect and esteem of your obedient Servt.
William Eustis.
RC (DLC); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received 9 May and so recorded in SJL.
novel and extraordinary: in 1800, a ship owned by Thomas Lewis & Son was captured by French privateers and condemned at Guadeloupe. Although the firm successfully appealed to the Council of Prizes in Paris for restitution, the government in Guadeloupe refused to honor the award of $17,862 “untill the publication of Peace between France and England be Officaly declared” (, Sec. of State Ser., 9:336-7; 10:560-1).