To Thomas Jefferson from James Swan, 25 December 1800
From James Swan
Paris 25 Decemr. 1800.
Sir
Having settled my Accots. with the Government here, and being declared Crediter of more than Two Millions of Livres—as well as recognized a faithfull & intelligent Agent, I presume to present myself to the Executive of the United States for the place of Consul General here. May I hope for your influence in my favor?—The acquaintance I have, with many of the administrators in Government—in the Bureaux & with persons of Credit & influence—the manner & appearance I am enabled to live in from my private fortune—the pecuniary support (in case of need) which I may have from my old partner D’allarde, actually Fermer General of the Octrois at Paris—all enable me to believe, that I realy can serve the interest of the United States, if I be honored with the appointment of Consul General. I flatter myself that no one can be of more service to the Citizens of America, than I can at this place; and I presume the Opinion of Mr. Pichon, the new chargé d’affaires, will coincide with mine.
I am with respect Sir Your mo. obdt st
Jam’s. Swan
I make this application to you as Vice President: but I hope & expect, it will fall into your hands when President.
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr.—Vice President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received 18 Mch. 1801 and so recorded in SJL.
The French government appointed Swan its financial agent in 1795, and he arranged the retirement of the U. S. debt to France ().
A letter from TJ to Swan of 27 May 1797 and two letters from Swan to TJ dated 5 June, both recorded in SJL as received from Boston on the 10th, as well as a letter of 15 Mch. 1798, received from Boston on 3 Apr., have not been found.