James Madison Papers

Memorandum on a Spoliation Claim, [ca. October 1803–November 1804]

Memorandum on a Spoliation Claim

[ca. October 1803–November 1804]

If the sentence of condemnation was affirmed in the Court of Cassation or Council of prizes at Paris or if the right to appeal to the latter is barred by lapse of time, there can be no expectation of a recovery under the treaty: but if the appeal is still open to the American claimant, his papers ought to be transmitted without any delay to the Agent of claims at Paris, Fulwar Skipwith Esqr.

Ms (DNA: RG 76, Preliminary Inventory 177, entry 125, France, Convention of 1803 [Spoliation], Misc. Records, ca. 1798–1804, box 4). In Wagner’s hand; verso marked in an unidentified hand: “Memo. from Mr. Madison.” Undated; date assigned here on the assumption that the memorandum was written between JM’s being informed of the appointment of the commissioners and the closing of their books.

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