Noyes to De Freycinet, April 26, 1880
Mr. Noyes to Mr. de Freycinet.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a communication from Mr. George Walker, consul-general of the United States at Paris, with reference to the estate, or that portion of the estate which is in France, of Theodore Gentil, deceased, an American citizen at the time of his death.
Your excellency will observe that the property of Mr. Gentil was taken possession of by the United States consul-general, and the seals of the consulate were affixed in accordance with the custom heretofore prevailing.
The effects have been advertised for sale on the 29th of the present month. But it seems that the juge de paix of the eighth arrondissement has intervened, and that French seals have been placed over those of the United States consulate-general, for what reason the United States consul-general is not informed.
Feeling that the obstructions above stated are unwarranted, I send this communication calling attention thereto, requesting that the French Government will inquire into the same, and that if possible a solution may be reached in season for the sale to proceed as advertised and fixed, namely, on the 29th instant.
There are many wealthy Americans residing in Paris, and it is of course important for them to know whether, in case of death, their estates are to be administered in accordance with the precedents heretofore existing, or whether another rule will be established. I have entertained no doubt but that the French Government will consider the subject in a friendly spirit when its attention is called thereto.
Mr. Gentil was clearly an American citizen. He left, so far as known, no heirs in France. There are no debts which the consul-general of the United States is not prepared to discharge. I cannot think that the interference of the juge de paix is warranted or that it will be approved by the French authorities under the circumstances.
I beg leave respectfully to urge your excellency to have the matter inquired into as soon as possible, as the case is pressing, and delaying the sale will bring serious loss to the estate, for the reasons pointed out by Consul-General Walker, and as the principle involved is an important one to United States citizens residing in Paris.
I avail, &c.,