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(Heirs of French Spoliation Claims - click here)

TO:Federal & State Elected Officials

Dear Elected Official:

I am writing to you to express my disappointment with regard to the United States government's failure to pay the judgments against it in the case of "French Spoliation" claims. French spoliation claims were started by United States citizens against France, Spain and Holland for vessels and cargo owned by them and taken by privateers prior to September 30, 1800, and condemned at ports controlled by those countries. The majority of these vessels were captured between 1797-1801 during a time when US relations with France were strained due to United State's political position during a war between France and Great Britain.

In November 19, 1794 the Jay's Treaty was signed in an effort to improve relations with Great Britain. Unfortunately, this Treaty was viewed by the French as an attempt by the United States to choose sides in its battle with Great Britain. The French government promptly passed several decrees permitting privateers off the coast of North and South America and the West Indies to capture American vessels. Relations between the United States and France continued to be hostile until the signing of the Convention of Mortefontaine on September 30, 1800. This document provided for the settlement of claims by US citizens for loss of property to be paid at some point in the future.

Several attempts to resolve these claims occurred in the early 1800's. Finally, as part of the consideration for the Louisiana Purchase treaty, the United States government agreed to assume the responsibility for compensating its own citizens for these claims. A three-member commission was established to examine and settle claims. After the claims were evaluated they were turned over to the French government for final approval. Most of the claims were approved, yet the United States government still has not paid them.

On January 20, 1885, Congress passed an Act (23 Stat. L. 283) allowing the Court of Claims to hear and examine outstanding French spoliation claims that originated before July 31, 1801. Those claims that were approved were referred to committees for further review instead of to the Department of Treasury for immediate payment. Congress made at least four appropriations to pay these claims, but unfortunately many claims are still outstanding. Many attempts have been made to obtain payment from the government without any success.

As a United States citizen, I do not believe that our government officials should have ignored their responsibility to the French spoliation claimants. It appears that delay tactics were used to pass this issue on to the claimant's heirs in the hope that they would give up. I am asking that you review this matter and begin efforts to provide payment to the heirs of the unpaid claimants.

Please acknowledge this message and let me know what you can do to resolve these claims and how you will proceed to ensure that claimants will be compensated, with interest owed, in the near future. You may e-mail me if I have provided an e-mail address below.

My personal message to you is:

Sincerely,

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