Adams, John (1735-1826) [Pardon of George Rice for piracy].
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00043.01 Author/Creator: Adams, John (1735-1826) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Manuscript document signed Date: 19 May 1800 Pagination: 1 p. 41 x 26 cm Order a Copy
Countersigned by Acting Secretary of State Charles Lee. Rice had been convicted of piracy aboard the ship Unicorn in Maryland in 1797. Pardoned by Adams because circumstances had shown that a pardon could be extended in a way that was consistent with the public good.
Philadelphia May 19, 1800
John Adams, President of the United States of America. To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting:
Whereas at a Circuit Court of the United Stats, for the District of Maryland, held at November term in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven, George Rice, late of the same District was presented by the Grand Inquest for unlawfully and piratically acting on board the armed ship Unicorn, otherwise called Sanscrilotte Lavoe, as a privateer, under pretence of authority form the French Republic, as is more fully set forth in the said presentment: And Whereas such circumstances have been made to appear to me, as shen that a pardon may be extended to the said George Rice, consistently with the public good: Therefore I John Adams, President of the United States of America, do in consideration of the premises herby grant to the said George Rice a full, free entire pardon of the offence aforesaid, whereof he has been presented a aforesaid; willing and requiring all prosecutions and judicial proceedings against him by reason thereof to be withdraw and discharged.
In testimony whereof; I have caused the seal of the United States to be affixed to these presents and signed the same with my hand. Done at the City of Philadelphia this nineteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred, and of the Independence of the United States of America the twenty fourth.
John Adams, By the President
Charles Lee, Now executing the office of Secretary of State
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