Marshall, John. Letter signed to David Lenox, Washington, [D.C.], 28 January 1801

MARSHALL, JOHN

LETTER SIGNED ("J. MARSHALL") TO DAVID LENOX, DISCUSSING THE BRITISH IMPRESSMENT OF AMERICAN SEAMEN

One page (10 x 7 7/8 in.; 252 x 200 mm) on a bifolium, integral address leaf, Department of State, Washington, [D.C.], 28 January 1801, with two engraved portraits; old folds, very minor soiling, tape along top edge of integral address leaf not affecting text, some offsetting to first leaf.

The British Royal Navy's primary recruiting method from approximately 1790 to 1815 was to board foreign neutral vessels and remove any seamen considered to be British (in practice, any who spoke English). It is suspected some 9,000 American men were seized wrongly during this period, and only those whose native-born citizenship could be established were grudgingly returned. Here Marshall writes to Lenox, the U.S. Agent in London who dealt with such matters, and provides proofs (not present) for several victims.

Condition Report:
One page (10 x 7 7/8 in.; 252 x 200 mm) on a bifolium, integral address leaf, Department of State, Washington, [D.C.], 28 January 1801, with two engraved portraits; old folds, very minor soiling, tape along top edge of integral address leaf not affecting text, some offsetting to first leaf.

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.