Bayard, Samuel, U.S. Agent for Claims and Appeals in Britain

Autograph letter signed ("Sam^{l Bayard"), 4 1/2 pages folio with integral address leaf (13 1/4 x 7 7/8 in.; 330 x 200 mm), Hatton Garden [London], 27 January 1795, to John Jay, Royal Hotel, Pall Mall, acknowledging Jay's instructions of 5 January and reporting his progress in prosecuting American claims in the British admiralty courts; seal tear and discoloration to address leaf. Together with: Autograph document in John Jay's hand, 2 pages folio (13 x 8 in.; 330 x 205 mm), n.p. [London], n.d. [5 January 1795], being a retained draft detailing instructions to Bayard on protocol for prosecuting American claims in the British admiralty courts. Blue linen folding case with multicolor grosgrain trim, red morocco spine, blue morocco lettering pieces.}  

Maritime retribution. In 1794, immediately following ratification of Jay's treaty with Great Britain, President Washington appointed Samuel Bayard, then clerk of the Supreme Court, agent to prosecute American claims before the British admiralty courts. For four years he and his family lived in London in this capacity.  On 5 January 1795, Jay sent Bayard detailed instructions on how to prosecute these cases. Bayard wasted no time and responded on 27 January acknowledging Jay's instructions and reporting on his progress in the courts. By the end of his tenure, Bayard had obtained from the British Government the staggering sum of $10,345,000 for losses incurred by illegal and unauthorized captures of American ships on the high seas by English cruisers.