French-born diplomat (1763–1834) who served as French Ambassador to the United States during the French Revolution, in which capacity he incited controversy by attempting to recruit American privateers on behalf of France in its wars with Spain and Britain. ALS signed “E. C. Genet,” one page both sides, 7.5 x 9.5, June 9, 1816. Letter to a banker. In part: “As soon as I was informed by your friendly notice that I had overdrawn the amount of my deposits…I have directed my friend Mr. Stafford to sell some wheat that I had in Albany and to collect some money due to me in order to relinquish the deficiency of my account.” Intersecting folds, mounting remnants and slight paper loss to left edge, and lengthy pencil notations at conclusion, otherwise fine condition. RR Auction COA.
