Rhode Island Republican

FOR THE RHODE-ISLAND REPUBLICAN.

This may certify to all whom it may concern, that about the latter part of August or the beginning of September 1801, I received a letter (handed to me as usual by the post boy,) which said letter I opened, and found it signed by the President at Monticello. It appeared to be an answer to a letter sent before:--Not being well acquainted with the English language, I requested Mr. Stratton, who happened to be present (purchasing some articles out of my shop) to read it, which he did. I was at a loss to know from what principles this letter could be wrote to me. Reprimanding me that I had been too hasty. It appeared to be very cautiously wrote. I was somewhat alarmed at the receipt thereof. My brother-in-law being present, we examined it; and found the seal moist. A plain indication that it was recently wrote. Mr. Stratton observed that I need not be alarmed; for it most certainly be wrote by some person in town, with a design of making sport. Consequently I called the next morning on the post-master, and told him the letter directed to me could not come from Monticello; the seal being moist. And the postage I demanded. He replied, it did come by the mail. I told him I did not believe it. I do not understand this piece of fun. My money I worked hard for, and requested the postage returned: which he did. A few hours after the post-master's son told me (as he was passing by) that he verily believed it came from the President. I soon after went to the post-office, and examined the letter more particularly. During which time Mr. Ellery, Senator to Congress, came into the office. The said letter was handed to him. He told me that he had the President's hand writing at home: and if I would go with him he would compare them, which we did, and found the writings perfectly agreed with the signature of the letter. Mr. Ellery told me somebody in town had made use of my name, and advised me to enquire and seek into it. I told him that I was not very well acquainted with the people's hand-writing in town, and could not neglect my business in a fruitless search. He said that, if I would leave the letter with him, he would endeavor to gain all the information for me that he could. I therefore left it. In about ten or twelve days after, I met Mr. Ellery in the street, he told me it was probable more letters would come, and requested me to let him see them should any come forward. I replied that I was a-going on to New-York, but would leave orders with my brother to send them to him. He told me if I would give him leave, he would take them out of the post-office. I replied that I very often received letters of consequence, and should not wish to have my letters taken up. But if he could be well assured he knew the hand-writing, he might. He replied that he could easily know it, and should take up no other. When I returned from New-York, meeting Mr. Ellery in the street, he told me I've received another letter; and that if I would call at his house, he would read it to me, which I promised I would. However being hurried in my business, and upon serious reflection declined going, not wishing to concern myself any way in the affair. Well knowing my situation as a foreigner, I have ever made it my rule to pay strict attention to my business, and never meddle with politics.

On the 18th day of Sept. 1802, I demanded of Mr. Ellery what he had done with the letter I left in his care; to which he replied, he had made use of it as he saw fit, agreeable to your leave; and finally told me, if you wish to know a true account, I have returned it to the President at Washington; and I have received another, not directed to you but to myself, which he offered to show me, and which I did see, bearing date 26th Sept. 1801: by which I suppose I did mistake Mr. Ellery, when I thought he meant he had received another letter directed to me.

This I certify to be a true and just account of the conversation passed, according to my own recollection; in order to avoid being misunderstood upon my deposition taken before Mr. B. Hazard.

I must confess that my feelings have been greatly hurt, by the different pieces published in the papers, which implicate me in a piece of business whereof I was totally ignorant. I cannot conceive how any man should be so base,
as to use another's name, and especially a foreigner's, in addressing a letter to the first Magistrate.

My conduct for 30 years past that I have lived in this country, can be attested to by all my acquaintance; I have repeatedly been solicited for a vote (as a freeholder) but have ever declined so doing. Since I have been occupied in that line of business I now practice, I boldly assert that no person whatsoever can justly accuse me of fraud or false accusation. Having always been a peaceable inhabitant, a quiet citizen, and friendly neighbor. All this cannot be denied.

I am now possessed of proper and substantial documents and testimonials, to ascertain the character that I bore in my country from my apprenticeship. The following is a copy of the last certificate given me when I left Europe.

NICOLAS GEFFROY.
Newport, October 18, 1802.

WE, Officers of the Municipality of the Commune of Granville, certify that Nicolas Geffroy, residing in this town two years past, hath conducted himself with honesty in his profession; his manners has merited the confidence of the Public: For which occasion we have signed the present.

Delivered at the house of the Commune at Granville, July 2, 1792, 4th year of Liberty.

DELALANDY,
MOULIN.
BOUCHET.
HUGONDELALON.

Par M. M. Officer and Mayor,
J. GERARD BARIERIE.

The original Certificate is to be seen at any person's request.