Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-03-02

Many OF the einiglants, or their descendants, in
the United States, believed to be yet anguish
ing in . state of extreme indulgence occasioned by
their misfortunes. From the very nature of the
calamity. to which they became victims, it can
hardly be supposed that they brought off it'll them
very regular and complete proofs Of title to the
estates and property Of which they were deprived.
Of those which they were then able to preserve,
time and accident have, subsequently,, no doubt,
destroyed impaired many. The deficiency
must be supplied frequently by moral proof Under
such circumstances, you will suggest to the French
Government whether it might not conduce to the
ful6lment of the benevolent and Just objects,
which they supposed to have in view, TO es-
tablish a commission in the u. 3. more convent
ent to many ofthe parties interested before which
they might exhibit and substantiate their claims
and whether 1t would not also correspond to the
same objects, that the amount which may be ul-
timateIy awarded claimants, resident in the United
States, should be paid here. You a,e authorized 10
assure that Government that the Government OF the
U. States will afford to such commission any aid
that may be proper to enable it execute its func
tons. am, Sir, your obedient Servant,
HENRY CLAY
-Nr. Brotcn, ENJOY Extraordinary and Minister
Pfenipotentiory to France, to Mr.. Ciay, Sc
cretdry Of State.
PANS, 2Sth Dec 1925.
STR On the 10th instant had the honor to re-
ceive your No. z, and shall now give you such in
formation as have been able to obtain On the sub
jeet to which your inquiries relate.
The royal ordinance for the recognition of the
independence OF ST. Domingo, having stipulated,
in general terms, an indemnity of one hundred and
fifty millions OF francs in favor Of the ancient colo
nsts who had been deprived of their estates by the
ipsurrection in that island became necessary that
provision should be made, by special and precise
regulations, for the application of that indemnityto
particular casrs. With view to this object, a
commission was appointed by an ordinance of the
LIST OF September, published in the Moniteur of the
3D. and transmitted after. by this Legation, 10
the Department of State. This commission was
Instructed to examine into and propose
LIST. The manner in which the ancient colonists
should make their claims. 2dly. The principles
and mode OF making the distribution of the sums
destined for them. Nothing official has been pub
iished by them, except an invitation to The claim
ants TO present their claims, and some rules as to
The manner OF doing 30, which also appears in the
Moniteur, of the 18th of September. Until the
commission shall have terminated its labours. and
law on the subject shall have passed through the
two Chambers, and received the royal sanction, il
IS obvious that precise and conclusive answers to
the questions you have stated. cannot be obtained
In order, however, TO procure all the information
which can be had in the present state of the bust
ness, addressed letter to Mr.. Wante, Director
OF the Bureau of the St. Domingo indemnities, and
requested him to answer the following inquiries:
l. Will the indemnity be confined to the sub
jects of France only. or will it be extended to for
mer colonists OF st. Domingo, citizens or subjects
OF other States?
z What is the proof required Of the nature and
ownership OF the property of which the sufferers
have been deprived. and of its value
8. What proof is required of the identity of the
sufferers
d. In the event Of the death of the colonist who
owned the property, at the time Of the revolution;
to whom Is payment to be made-to the heirs or
to the personal representatives
5. What proof is required of the Succession
Q. When, and how, will payment be made
q. W hat is the limitation of time within which
claims must be exhibited and established
q. What forms are required for au,hentica tins
testimony?
The propriety of making the first inquiry was
suggested BY hint had received from a gentle
man who appeared to be well acquainted with the
views OF the commission, and who was inclined TO
think that, following the precedent established bv
the law making indemnity to the emgrants. ali
those who had renowned forfeited the character
OF French subjects, would be excluded from anv
share IN the distribution BY the laws of France.
the loss OF citizenship does not, as believe occa
SION forfeiture of property, and as the indemnity
was stipulated for as compensation for the pro-
perty taken from the colonists, it would seem blu,
just that ell the sufferers should share in the ais,r
button OF 1t. If all those who have become c,ti-
Gems OF the United States shall be excluded from
inc DEMENT'S OF the indemnity, it is of some mpor
lance that they should be apprzed OF il, in order
that they may avoid the trouble and expense OF
laying in their claims
Mr.. Wante has, with great prompiiude and no.
likeness, favored me with his answer and also sent
me copies OF the rules laid down by the commits
SON. which have now the honor to transmit to
you These will give you all The information on
she subject which, in the present state of the affair
can be obtained. It's future progress shall not.
however escape my attention; and shall no, fail
to apprize you in due time of any Interior measure.
which may be adopted in relation TO it,
l have the the honor 20 be, with great resnec,
cir, your mos, obedent and very humble servant
JAMES BROWN.
lTRANsLAr1oN.]
CLAIMS OF ANCIENT COL0NISTS OF ST.
DOMINGO.