Reply to questions on the claims of British debts [Pickering to John Jay,
13 Dec. 1797, NNC:9503]. Is not prepared to answer on the subject of interest since he
does not have relative notes or books in Albany. The doubt "on which Side of the
Question lays the onus probe cundi respecting the Solvency or Insolvency of the Debtor"
appears an extraordinar y one. Plaintiff or Demandant must show right to the thing he
demands, and the case must fall within the provisions of the statute or treaty in
question. Creditor must show that the debt is actually due and payable, that the amount
cannot now be obtained, that any presenting solvency is chargeable to impediments
contrary to the Treaty of Peace, and that he was solvent before the impediments took
place.
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Format
correspondence
Genre
correspondence
Date
1797 December 23
Physical Description
2
Note
The entire content of the original has been digitized.