ROBERT SPROAT was a judge in Pennsylvania, associated with Philadelphia. Sproat was likely aligned with Federalist political ideals in line with many legal officials in Pennsylvania at the time. As a judge, he played a role in civic affairs during the Revolutionary War.

1 1/8 pp, 7 1/2 x 9, ALS, November 28, 1793, in which Sproat remarks about “the ultimate results respecting the affair with Monsieur Laborde.” He also writes of depositing and concealing money on board a ship, heading to Europe, most likely France, during the French Revolution.  His discussion of depositing money could have been for a personal investment or helping to make payments resulting from money borrowed by the American government during the Revolutionary War.

Laborde was JEAN JOSEPH DE LABORDE, MARQUIS OF LABORDE (January 29, 1724 - April 18, 1794) a French businessman, slave trader, and banker to the king who turned politician. He was guillotined in the French Revolution.

Sproat writes to what appears to be Monsieur Bupy. 

“A violent cold, with which I have been afflicted for some days, now growing worse, prevents me from going out and deprives me of the pleasure of waiting on your to know the ultimate results respecting the affair with Monr Laborde; and having to embark tomorrow for Europe, I shall not have an opportunity of another interview with you; therefore, have used the liberty of deputing the bearer, Monr. Newton, who will be happy to show how much I am obliged to you Sir for having so far interested yourself on my account; and believe me how sorry I am that cause should have been given — my ready compliance in depositing the money when the Pilot was on board, when I might have concealed it without any difficulty clearly proves that I entertained the same honorable opinion of him as I do of the nation in general to which I profess a sincere attachment…Robert Sproat”

Laborde was charged with being a “suspect” under the Law of Suspects, a vague and sweeping law passed in September 1793 during the Reign of Terror. This law allowed for the arrest of anyone who was considered an enemy of the French Revolution.  Laborde’s immense wealth, ties to the monarchy and aristocratic title made him a target. He had also held positions under Louis XV and Louis XVI.  He was arrested in 1793 and executed on April 18, 1794.

Toning. Otherwise very good, quite readable and intriguing letter during the French Revolution when American ties to France had been disrupted..

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