Dejean, Phillipe, fl. 1736-1809 to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03327 Author/Creator: Dejean, Phillipe, fl. 1736-1809 Place Written: Middletown, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 November 1786 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 22.6 x 18.2 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Captain Dejean, agent for the French Navy. Writes that he has enclosed a letter from the Marquis de Lafayette. Hopes that the letter from the Marquis, as well as Knox's prior knowledge, will testify to his good character. Relates that he has had a dispute with a Mr. De Letombe, the French consul in Boston, who is now accusing him "of having judged the Americans brought prisoners at Detroit, during the war, with the greatest cruelty," as well as of answering "Comte d'Estaing's Manifesto to the Canadiens" impertinently. Writes that should "that be the case; I am a bad man, unworty of the Marquis's protections, yours, or any of the americans." Asks that Knox confer with several of his associates to ascertain his good character, and urges him to "forsake me intirely [sic], cast me of as an imposter," if their testimony does not convince him. If it does, asks that he speak on his behalf to Governor [James] Bowdoin and several other important figures, including the Marquis [Lafayette], [Thomas] Jefferson, then minister at the French Court, and [J. Hector] St. John de Crevecoeur, the French consul for New York.
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