June 30, 1790
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Autograph letter signed
Title: to Messrs. Duchesne, de Barth, Thiebaud & Assoc.
Washington responds to French settlers who had invested in the Scioto Company, which had obtained an option on 5 million acres in the Northwest Territory. The company sold the lands to French citizens fleeing the Revolution. Unfortunately the Scioto project began to collapse in 1790 and was defunct by 1792. When the fraud was uncovered, the settlers had already arrived at Alexandria, so they petitioned Washington for redress. Ultimately, land was found for the settlers in Gallipolis, Ohio. The sellers were addressed as Messrs. Duchesne, de Barth, Thiebaud & Assoc. indicating multiple…
GLC00311