JOHN QUINCY ADAMS 
SEEKS REPAYMENT FROM CHINA
FOR THE GOODS STOLEN OFF AN AMERICAN SHIP WRECKED ON A CHINESE ISLAND

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS ( 1767 – 1848). Sixth President of the United States (1825-29).

 Manuscript Letter Signed, "John Quincy Adams". One page, quarto. "Department of State, Washington", May 1, 1822. Traces of mounting on verso, else very fine condition. To "Benjamin C. Wilcocks, Esq., Consul of the United States, Canton". Headed "Duplicate".

Adams writes:

"Sir, Mr. Philip Ammidon, who was the Supercargo of the ship President Adams, belonging to Citizens of the United States, which is stated to have been wrecked about ten years ago upon a small Island, called Fumo Chow under the jurisdiction of the Vice Roy of Canton, and to have been then robbed of much money and property by Chinese subjects, goes to Canton for the purpose of seeking the indemnity to which the owners of this vessel and property think themselves entitled; and

he carries with him a letter from the President of the United States to the Emperor, and one from this Department to the Vice Roy of Canton, soliciting, in behalf of the claimants, the measure of justice to which, as citizens of a friendly state, they are entitled from the subjects of the Celestial Empire.

I accordingly recommend Mr. Philip Ammidon to such good offices as are proper and it may be in your power to render him, in the execution of his Commission, and am with much respect, Sir, your obedient servant, John Quincy Adams".