American lawyer from Virginia (1758–1815) who served as United States Attorney General from 1795 until 1801. ALS, one page, 7.25 x 9, February 3, 1797. Letter to the French Consul General, in full: "Your letter of the 27th of last month which you were pleased to deliver to me relative to certain persons on board the frigate Medusa at Norfolk in Virginia supposed to have committed piracy and murder on the High Sea, has been laid before the Secretary of State for the purpose of communicating it in the usual course to the President of the United States that he may direct what shall be done. With your letter I sent to the Secretary of State all the papers which were received from you concerning that subject. This is all that belongs to me in my official character to do, until I receive orders from the President." In fine condition, with a few light spots to top right, and missing top portion of second integral page.Format: ALS