Mary Tenant Mactier Latrobe papers
Abstract
Insurance, accounts for the ships, "Catherine" and "America", 1805-1822; Correspondence from Alexander Mactier, 1823-1831; correspondence between John E. Semmes and Richard Steuart Latrobe, Baltimore attorneys, 1885-1888; Correspondence, accounts of Mary Tenant Mactier Latrobe, 1891-1907; News clippings re: French Spoliation.
Dates
- 1805-1907
Creator
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research use.
Conditions Governing Use
The reproduction of materials in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine and satisfy copyright clearances or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information visit the MCHC’s Rights and Permissions page.
Historical Note
During 1798-1800, the United States engaged in a “quasi-war” with France. Neither country officially declared war; but, ordered by their government; French privateers captured many American cargo ships as a result. A variety of events led to the naval stand-off. The United States declared neutrality during France’s revolution, in an attempt to better relations with the crown, and refused to repay its debt to the newly formed republic.
The incident was resolved in 1800 with the Treaty of Montrefontaine, but American merchants had already lost significant revenue. The affected merchants could petition the United States government for repayment for cargo captured before 1800, but many claimants were unsuccessful. The issue of French Spoliation claims went unresolved until 1885. That year, Congress ruled that the United States Court of Claims could rule on the cases, which were heard into the 1920’s.
Extent
0.21 Linear Feet (1 half Hollinger box)
Language of Materials
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Captain Claibourne Latrobe, USN (ret.), May, 1969.
Scope and Contents
The papers are organized chronologically. The correspondence is listed by sender to recipient, and other items are categorized by topic.
The collection focuses primarily on Mary Tenant Mactier Latrobe’s attempt to receive compensation under the French Spoliation Claims for losses incurred to her father. The bulk of the correspondence reflects this work, and the collection also includes several petitions to Congress from Alexander Mactier, regarding the property loss. Insurance policies for the ships, “America” and “Catherine,” may also be of interest. The policy for the “America” covers all potential losses, except in the case of capture by the British.
Creator
- Latrobe, Mary Tenant Mactier, 1849-1915 (Person)
- Latrobe, Richard Stewart, 1845-1900 (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the Mary Tenant Mactier Latrobe papers
- Status
- Under Revision
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Revision Statements
- 2019-11-25: Manually entered into ArchivesSpace by Mallory Herberger.
Repository Details
Part of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library Repository
H. Furlong Baldwin Library
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Avenue
Baltimore MD 21201 United States
4106853750
specialcollections@mdhistory.org