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Virginia Argus
Richmond, Virginia
What is this article about?
Letter from Hamburg reports French confiscation of American merchant's 46 seroons of bark (4628 pounds) on September 21, 1807, despite remonstrances. Certified by French customs director P. Eudel and US Consul J.M. Forbes. Commerce ruined due to lack of colonial produce; recovery doubtful without US alignment against Britain.
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Extract of a letter dated Hamburg, April 9, 1808, to a merchant in New-York, received by yesterday's mail, via Baltimore.
"Since our last of the 29th October we have waited with much anxiety for the certificate we requested of you, in order to save your property, if possible, from confiscation. We are now sorry to inform you that iniquity has prevailed; for without producing any proof, and disregarding all remonstrances, here as well as in Paris, the French commissaries have thought proper to confiscate your goods. Such treatment amongst civil people is without example; but it is not the only instance of injustice of which the French have been guilty, and which calls for vengeance. These unjust confiscations are carried to such a shameful extent, that the chief French commissary for a long time hesitated whether he would furnish us with the act of condemnation of your property. Happily for us, however, after all hopes of saving these goods had vanished, we with much trouble prevailed on that man to order a formal act of condemnation to be made out, which enables us to furnish you the regular and official evidence of the fact. However, not being allowed a duplicate of the said act of condemnation we have thought best to have the same recorded in the American consul's office, a certified copy of which you will find annexed to this.
«There is no other method of recovering any thing, than by means of the said copy of condemnation and to apply to the French government direct through your ambassador at Paris—The success is however doubtful; at least as long as your government does not come into the views of the French emperor with respect to Great Britain."
Inclosed you will find account of charges on our goods, amounting to flo. 804 13. It is extremely hard that besides the loss of your property you should be subject to this extra charge. The cost of the condemnation act we have charged you with on the postage account.
"Our commerce has been totally ruined. As we receive no more supplies of colonial produce, the prices advance daily."
HAMBUG, April 4th, 1808.
Imperial Customs.
The Director of the French Customs certifies that forty six seroons bark, weighing ct. 4628 pounds have been seized by the Superintendant of the customs, on the 21st of September, 1807, that the seizure has been confirmed by his imperial and royal Majesty.
(Signed) P. EUDEL.
A True Copy,
(Signed) J. M. FORBES.
Consul of the United States of America.
COPY
These are to certify that the annexed is a true and faithful copy of an original certificate signed by Mr. P. Eudel, Director of the French Imperial Decrees or customs. for the district of Hamburg and its Dependencies carefully collated by me.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the consulate aforesaid, the sixth day of April, 1808.
(Signed) J. M. FORBES,
Consul of the U. S. of America
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Hamburg
Event Date
21st Of September, 1807
Key Persons
Outcome
confiscation of forty six seroons bark, weighing ct. 4628 pounds; commerce totally ruined; no supplies of colonial produce; prices advance daily; recovery doubtful without us alignment with french views on great britain
Event Details
French commissaries confiscated American merchant's goods in Hamburg without proof, disregarding remonstrances in Hamburg and Paris. Act of condemnation obtained and recorded by US Consul. Charges on goods amount to flo. 804 13.