United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
Robert French was arrested upon the complaint of a St. Croix merchant, to
whom certain goods on French's ship had been consigned. French at first refused to
deliver the goods, and then left St. Croix on a vessel bound for Tortuga. French gave
the excuse that he left to pay a debt to a resident of Tortuga, but he actually left to
avoid prosecution at St. Croix, and took with him merchandise belonging to St. Croix
consignees. Lower court discharged the prosecution for lack of jurisdiction, on appeal
this was reversed. Having made an example of French, the Governor is recommending
clemency upon appeal to the King.