Swan, James, 1754-1830 to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03801 Author/Creator: Swan, James, 1754-1830 Place Written: Rouen, France Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 February 1788 Pagination: 4 p. ; 32 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy
Relates the details of his passage to France. Had planned to avoid conversing with people from Boston, but ran into people he knew aboard ship. Received introductions from French nobility during his passage. Asks for news related to the United States Constitution. Discusses his debt, stating his interest in obtaining a consular position to an unspecified location in Europe. Notes that the merchants' wives are the most extravagant in their spending, while the higher order are "very prudent & oeconomical, tho' showy." Discusses letters of introduction, mentioning two previous letters from Washington to Count Rochambeau and the Marquis "Chatleux." Requests new letters to the Marquis [de Lafayette?] and Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson to spare them "the difficulty of recollection, which to me is the most painfull situation I can be placed in..." Bemoans his financial situation.
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