LS signed “H. Knox, Sec’y of War,” one page, 7.5 x 11.75, August 16, 1793. Letter to the governor of New Hampshire, Josiah Bartlett. In part: “The President of the United States has instructed me to request your Excellency that in case any of the Privateers specified in my letters of this day should bring or send any prizes into any harbour or port of the State of New Hampshire that you will please to cause such prizes to be restored to the persons who were Masters or Owners at the time of their being captured.” Matted and framed with an unsigned engraving of Knox to an overall size of 20 x 17. In fine condition, with light edge toning. This historically important letter alludes to the Citizen Genet Affair, in which the French ambassador Charles Genet began to issue privateering commissions to Americans, allowing them to seize British merchant ships and their cargo for personal profit under the approval and protection of the French government. These were then brought to American ports and refitted as French ships used to attack the British. This violated President George Washington’s wish to remain neutral between all international parties, thus this request issued to governors of the coastal states to return any prizes brought back by privateers. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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