38
Doc. No. 36. JACOB LEWIS'S
CLAIM.
WASHINGTON, March
1, 1821.
During the period that Dessalines was at the head of the Government of Hayti, I entered into various contracts with him, whereby he became possessed of my property to the amount of several hundred thousand dol lars ; but, in consequence of his death and the civil wars raging in Hayti, it was impracticable to obtain payment. I T h e late revolution in Hayti and the death of Christophe opens a pros pect for the recovery of all legitimate claims on the Haytian Government, and more especially a claim situated under the peculiar circumstances of mine. W h e n the late President Petion was elected chief of the Haytian r e public, he recognized my demand against his predecessor Dessalines, and addressed me a special letter, promising payment as soon as the resources of the Republic would admit its being discharged. This acknowledgment is in the handwriting of the present P r e s i d e n t Boyer, who was at that time the private secretary of Petion, and was concurred in by the Senate. Besides, when Boyer succeeded Petion, he issued a proclamation where by he confirms all the acts of his predecessor—a copy of which I had the honor of transmitting to the Department. Consequently, these official r e cognitions of my claim impose a sacred obligation on President Boyer to render me justice, more especially as the Government of Hayti, since the death of Christophe, is now consolidated under Boyer, and the whole resources of the republic placed under his control. I have received a letter from Port-au-Prince, duplicate of which is h e r e with annexed, that, if my documents and a power of attorney were sent out, there was no doubt my claim would be immediately settled. Although it is possible I may recover it without any interposition on the part of the Government of the United States, yet my experience of the character of the Haytian Government has taught me the high importance of having my claim sustained by the interposition of my Government, and more particularly as I am well acquainted with the character of the pre sent chief Boyer, who, I think, will feel some pride in giving his attention to the wishes of the American Government. T h e recovery of this claim is of vital importance to me. I therefore solicit that you will be pleased to submit these facts to the President of the United States, informing him that I have placed my claim under the charge of William Davis Robinson ; and I request that such a letter be addressed to the Haytian Government as will give the proper weight to the repre sentations of my agent, Mr. Robinson.* I feel persuaded that, if the President of the United States accedes to my wishes, I shall promptly obtain from the Haytian Government an equi table adjustment and payment of my claim. 1 have the honor to assure you of my very high consideration and respect, J. L E W I S . Hon.
JOHN Q U I N C Y A D A M S .
A copy of the letter with the papers relating to Gilmor's and Oliver's claim.