LETTER XXI.--TO MONSIEUR DE REYNEVAL, June 25, 1786


TO MONSIEUR DE REYNEVAL.

Paris, June 25, 1786.

Sir,

I have received letters from two citizens of the United States, of the
names of Geary and Arnold, informing me, that having for some time past
exercised commerce in London, and having failed, they were obliged to
leave that country; that they came over to Dunkirk, and from thence to
Brest, where, one of them having changed his name, the more effectually
to elude the search of his creditors, they were both imprisoned by order
of the commandant; whether at the suit of their creditors, or because
one of them changed his name, they are uninformed. But they are told,
that the commandant has sent information of his proceedings to your
office. I have some reason to suppose, their creditors are endeavoring
to obtain leave to remove them to England, where their imprisonment
would be perpetual. Unable to procure information elsewhere, I take the
liberty of asking you, whether you know the cause of their imprisonment,
and of soliciting your attention to them, so far as that nothing may
take place against them by surprise, and out of the ordinary course of
the law.

I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble; servant,