Papers of Thomas Jefferson. Volume 7 The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 7: March 1784 to February 1785 9780691184746, 9780691045

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THE

THOMAS

PAPERS

OF

JEFFERSON

THE

PAPERS OF

Thomas Jefferson Volume 7 2 March 1784 to 25 February 1785 J U L I A N P. B O Y D , MINA

R. B R Y A N

EDITOR

AND ELIZABETH

ASSOCIATE

PRINCETON,

L.

HUTTER,

EDITORS

N E W JERSEY

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY 19 5 3

PRESS

Copyright, 1953, by Princeton University Press L . C . C A R D

50-7486

Second Printing, 1993 I S B N 13 : 978-0-691-045-39-9 (cloth)

Printed i n the United States of America

DEDICATED

TO T H E MEMORY

ADOLPH PUBLISHER

S.

OF

OCHS

OF T H E N E W Y O R K

TIMES

1896-1935 WHO BY T H E E X A M P L E OF A PRESS

E N L A R G E D AND

T H E J E F F E R S ONIAN OF A F R E E

RESPONSIBLE

FORTIFIED CONCEPT

PRESS

ADVISORY

COMMITTEE

D O U G L A S S. F R E E M A N , CHAIRMAN FISKE KIMBALL, VICE-CHAIRMAN F R A N C I S L. B E R K E L E Y , JR. G E O R G E A. B R A K E L E Y L. H. B U T T E R F I E L D S O L O N J. B U C K G I L B E R T CHINARD HENRY S T E E L E COMMAGER H A R O L D W. D O D D S L U T H E R H. E V A N S A. W H I T N E Y GRISWOLD BRECKINRIDGE LONG ARCHIBALD MAC LEISH DUMAS MALONE BERNARD MAYO S A M U E L E. MORISON H O W A R D W. SMITH D A T U S C. S M I T H , J R . I P H I G E N E OCHS S U L Z B E R G E R W I L L I A M J. V A N S C H R E E V E N L A W R E N C E C. W R O T H J O H N C. W Y L L I E

CONSULTANTS

AND

STAFF

P R O F E S S O R A R C H I B A L D T . M A C A L L I S T E R , Consultant in Italian P R O F E S S O R R A Y M O N D S. W I L L I S , Consultant in Spanish F R A N C E C . R I C E , Consultant in French D O R O T H Y S. E A T O N , Consultant, The Library of Congress L A U R A B . S T E V E N S , Proof editor DOROTHY M. DEMKO, Secretary

GUIDE TO

EDITORIAL

APPARATUS 1. TEXTUAL

DEVICES

The following devices are employed throughout the w o r k to clarify the presentation of the text. [. . . ] , [ . . . . ] [. . . ] , [. . . .] 1

[ ] [roman]

[italic] (italic) [ ]

1

One or two words missing and not conjecturable. More than two words missing and not conjectur­ able; subjoined footnote estimates number of words missing. Number or part of a number missing or illegible. Conjectural reading for missing or illegible mat­ ter. A question mark follows when the reading is doubtful. Editorial comment inserted i n the text. Matter deleted i n the M S but restored i n our text. Record entry for letters not found. 2. DESCRIPTIVE

SYMBOLS

The following symbols are employed throughout the w o r k to describe the various kinds of manuscript originals. W h e n a series of versions is recorded, the first to be recorded is the version used for the printed text. Dft

Dupl MS N PoC PrC RC SC Tripl

draft (usually a composition or rough draft; later drafts, when identifiable as such, are designated "2d D f t , " & c . ) duplicate manuscript (arbitrarily applied to most docu­ ments other than letters) note, notes (memoranda, fragments, & c . ) polygraph copy press copy recipient's copy stylograph copy triplicate

All manuscripts of the above types are assumed to be in the hand of the author of the document to which the descriptive symbol pertains. I f not, that fact is stated. On the other hand, the followvii

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APPARATUS

ing types of manuscripts are assumed not to be i n the hand of the author, and exceptions w i l l be noted: FC Tr

file

copy (applied to all forms of retained copies, such as letter-book copies, clerks' copies, &c. ) transcript ( applied to both contemporary and later copies; period of transcription, unless clear by implication, w i l l be given when k n o w n ) 3. LOCATION

SYMBOLS

The locations of documents printed i n this edition from originals in private hands, from originals held by institutions outside the United States, and from printed sources are recorded i n self-ex­ planatory form i n the descriptive note following each document. The locations of documents printed from originals held by public institutions i n the United States are recorded by means of the sym­ bols used i n the National Union Catalog i n the L i b r a r y of Congress; an explanation of how these symbols are formed is given above, V o l . 1 : x l . The list of symbols appearing i n each volume is limited to the institutions represented by documents printed or referred to in that volume. CSmH

Henry E . Huntington L i b r a r y , San M a r i n o , California Ct Connecticut State L i b r a r y , Hartford, Connecti­ cut CtY Yale University L i b r a r y DLC L i b r a r y of Congress DNA The National Archives ICHi Chicago Historical Society, Chicago IHi Illinois State Historical L i b r a r y , Springfield MHi Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston M d A A M a r y l a n d H a l l of Records, Annapolis MeHi Maine Historical Society, Portland M H i : A M T Adams Family Papers, deposited by the Adams Manuscript T r u s t i n Massachusetts Historical Society M i U - C W i l l i a m L . Clements L i b r a r y , University of Michigan M o S H i Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis MWA American Antiquarian Society, Worcester NBu Buffalo Public L i b r a r y , Buffalo, N e w Y o r k NHi New-York Historical Society, New Y o r k City viii

GUIDE NN NNP NcD NjP PHC PHi PPAP PPL-R PU RPA Vi ViHi ViU ViWC WHi

TO

EDITORIAL

APPARATUS

N e w Y o r k Public L i b r a r y , New York City Pierpont Morgan L i b r a r y , New Y o r k City Duke University L i b r a r y Princeton University L i b r a r y Haverford College L i b r a r y Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadel­ phia American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia L i b r a r y Company of Philadelphia, Ridgway, Branch University of Pennsylvania L i b r a r y Rhode Island Department of State, Providence V i r g i n i a State L i b r a r y , Richmond V i r g i n i a Historical Society, Richmond University of V i r g i n i a L i b r a r y Colonial W i l l i a m s b u r g , Inc. State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Madison 4.

OTHER

ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations are commonly employed i n the an­ notation throughout the w o r k . TJ Thomas Jefferson T J Editorial Files Photoduplicates and other editorial materials in the office of The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Princeton University L i b r a r y T J Papers Jefferson Papers (Applied to a collection of manu­ scripts when the precise location of a given document must be furnished, and always preceded by the symbol for the institutional repository; thus " D L C : T J Papers, 4:628-9" represents a document i n the L i b r a r y of Congress, Jefferson Papers, volume 4, pages 628 and 6 2 9 . ) PCC Papers of the Continental Congress, i n the National A r ­ chives RG Record Group (Used i n designating the location of docu­ ments i n the National Archives. ) S J L Jefferson's "Summary Journal of letters" written and re­ ceived ( i n D L C : T J Papers) 5. SHORT

TITLES

The following list includes only those short titles of works cited w i t h great frequency, and therefore i n very abbreviated form, ix

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APPARATUS

throughout this edition. Their expanded forms are given here only in the degree of fullness needed for unmistakable identification. Since it is impossible to anticipate all the works to be cited in such very abbreviated form, the list is appropriately revised from volume to volume. of Amer. Hist., Scribner, 1943. James Truslow Adams and R . V . Coleman, Atlas of American History, N . Y . , 1943 Biog. Dir. Cong. Biographical Directory of Congress, 1774-1927 B.M. Cat. British Museum, General Catalogue of Printed Books, London, 1931—. Also, The British Museum Catalogue of Printed Books, 1881-1900, Ann Arbor, 1946 B.N. Cat. Catalogue général des livres imprimés de la Bibliothèque Nationale. Auteurs. Burnett, Letters of Members Edmund C . Burnett, ed., Letters of Members of the Continental Congress Cal. Franklin Papers Calendar of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin in the Library of the American Philosophical Society, ed. I . Minis Hays cvsp Calendar of Virginia State Papers . . . Preserved in the Capitol at Richmond DAB Dictionary of American Biography D A E Dictionary of American English D A H Dictionary of American History D N B Dictionary of National Biography Dipl. Corr., 1783-89 The Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States of America, from the Signing of the Definitive Treaty of Peace . . . to the Adoption of the Constitution, Washington, Blair & Rives, 1837, 3 vol. Evans Charles Evans, American Bibliography Ford Paul Leicester Ford, ed., The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, "Letterpress Edition," N . Y . , 1892-1899 Fry-Jefferson Map The Fry & Jefferson Map of Virginia and Maryland: A Facsimile of the First Edition, Princeton, 1950 Gottschalk, Lafayette, 1783-89 Louis Gottschalk, Lafayette between the American Revolution and the French Revolution (1783-1789), Chicago, 1950 H A W Henry A . Washington, ed., The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Washington, 1853-1854 jcc Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, ed. W . C . Ford and others, Washington, 1904-1937 Atlas

X

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APPARATUS

JHD

Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia (cited by session and date of publication) Jefferson Correspondence, Bixby Thomas Jefferson Correspond­ ence Printed from the Originals in the Collections of William K. Bixby, ed. W . C. Ford, Boston, 1916 Johnston, "Jefferson Bibliography" Richard H . Johnston, " A Contribution to a Bibliography of Thomas Jefferson," Writ­ ings of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Lipscomb and Bergh, x x , separately paged following the Index. L & B Andrew A . Lipscomb and Albert E . Bergh, eds., The Writ­ ings of Thomas Jefferson, "Memorial Edition," Washington, 1903-1904 L.C. Cat. A Catalogue of Books Represented by Library of Con­ gress Printed Cards, A n n Arbor, 1942-1946; also Supple­ ment, 1948 L i b r a r y Catalogue, 1783 Jefferson's M S list of books owned and wanted i n 1783 (original i n Massachusetts Historical Society) L i b r a r y Catalogue, 1815 Catalogue of the Library of the United States, Washington, 1815 L i b r a r y Catalogue, 1829 Catalogue. President Jefferson's Li­ brary, Washington, 1829 MVHR Mississippi Valley Historical Review O E D A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles, Oxford, 1888-1933 PMHB The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography Randall, Life Henry S. Randall, The Life of Thomas Jefferson Randolph, Domestic Life Sarah N . Randolph, The Domestic Life of Thomas Jefferson Sabin Joseph Sabin and others, Bibliotheca Americana. A Dic­ tionary of Books Relating to America Swem, Index E . G . Swem, Virginia Historical Index Swem, "Va. Bibliog." E a r l G . Swem, " A Bibliography of V i r ­ ginia," V i r g i n i a State L i b r a r y , Bulletin, viii, x , xii ( 1 9 1 5 1919) TJR Thomas Jefferson Randolph, ed., Memoir, Correspondence, and Miscellanies, from the Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Char­ lottesville, 1829 Tucker, Life George Tucker, The Life of Thomas Jefferson, Philadelphia, 1837 Tyler, Va. Biog. Lyon G . T y l e r , Encyclopedia of Virginia Biog­ raphy xi

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APPARATUS

Tyler's Quart. Tyler's Quarterly Historical and Genealogical Magazine VMHB Virginia Magazine of History and Biography Wharton, Dipl. Corr. Am. Rev. The Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States, ed. Francis W h a r t o n W M Q William and Mary Quarterly

xii

C O N T E N T S Guide to Editorial Apparatus Jefferson Chronology

vii 2

1784

[To Francis Eppes, 2 March] [ T o John Key, 2 March] [ T o Thomas Mann Randolph, 2 March] [From Francis Eppes, 3 March] To Benjamin Harrison, 3 March From George Washington, 3 March [ T o the Speaker of the Senate, 4 March] To George Rogers Clark, 4 March Report of Committee on Instructions to Indian Commissioners 14 March] Samuel Hardy to Benjamin Harrison, 5 March [ T o Edmund Randolph, 5 March] Report of Committee on Reductions in the Civil List, 5 March To George Washington, 6 March [From John Key, 7 March] [ T o D'Anmours, 9 March] [ T o Richard Curson, 9 March] From David Ross, 9 March [ T o William Short, 9 March] From William Short ca. 10] March [ T o D'Anmours, 12 March] Samuel Hardy to Benjamin Harrison, 12 March From Francis Hopkinson, 12 March [ T o Ralph Izard, 12 March] From John Sullivan, with John McDuffee's Answers to Queries concerning the Moose, 12 March [From Francis Hopkinson, 14 March] [ T o Jacquelin Ambler, 15 March] [ T o Benjamin Harrison, Jr., 15 March] [ T o David Ross, 15 March] To George Washington, 15 March From George Washington, 15 March xiii

3 3 3 3 4 7 8 8 9 11 12 12 15 16 16 16 17 17 17 18 18 19 21 21 24 24 24 25 25 28

CONTENTS From William Whipple, with Answers to Queries concerning the Moose, 15 March To James Madison, 16 March From James Madison, 16 March [ T o the Speaker of the Senate, 17 March] [ T o James McClurg, 17 March] [ T o Eliza House Trist, 17 March] To Isaac Zane, 17 March To Benjamin Harrison, with Extract from Franklin's Letter, 18 March [ T o William Short, 18 March] [ T o the Speaker of the House of Delegates, 18 March] To Martha Jefferson, 19 March [From Edmund Pendleton, 19 March] [ T o James Currie, 22 March] Virginia Delegates in Congress to Benjamin Harrison, 22 March From Benjamin Harrison, 23 March [ T o Benjamin Harrison, 24 March] [From John Key, 24 March] [ T o Abner Nash, 24 March] [From William Short, 24 March] From George Washington, 24 March James Monroe to Benjamin Harrison, 26 March From George Washington, 29 March To Robert Morris, with Draft of a Circular Letter to the States, 30 March [From Martha Jefferson, 30 March] [From James Maury, 30 and 31 March] From Francis Hopkinson, 31 March To George Washington, 31 March [From Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 1 April] [ T o Francis Hopkinson, 1 April] From Mary Jefferson, 1 April [From Walker Maury, 1 April] [ T o John Banister, 2 April] [From Francis Eppes, 2 April] To Benjamin Harrison, 2 April To Edmund Pendleton, 2 April Benjamin Harrison to Samuel Hardy, 2 April [ T o Richard Curson, 3 April] [From John Sullivan, 3 April] To Martha Jefferson, 4 April xiv

28 30 32 40 40 40 41 42 43 43 43 44 44 44 45 46 46 46 46 46 47 49 53 56 56 57 58 58 58 58 59 59 59 59 60 61 62 62 62

CONTENTS From Philip Mazzei, 4 April Report on Arrears of Interest on the National Debt [5 April] From G. K . van Hogendorp [ca. 6 April] To George Washington, 6 April From Robert Morris, 8 April From Eliza House Trist, 8 April From George Washington, 8 April To Benjamin Harrison, 9 April [From Benjamin Harrison, 9 April] To Robert Morris, 9 April To Timothy Pickering, 9 April [From William Short, 9 April] Samuel Hardy to Benjamin Harrison, 10 April [From Martha Jefferson, 10 April] [ T o Walker Maury, 10 April] John Francis Mercer to Executive Council of Virginia, 10 April [From Martha Jefferson, 12 April] [From James McClurg, 12 April] [ T o Carter Braxton, 13 April] From Richard Curson, 13 April [From Francis Hopkinson, 13 April] [ T o David Jameson, 13 April] From Eliza House Trist, 13 April From John Banister, 15 April [From Martha Jefferson Carr, 15 April] Resolution on Steuben's Memorial [15 April] [ T o Benjamin Harrison, 16 April] From Benjamin Harrison, 16 April Benjamin Harrison to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 16 April [From Francis Hopkinson, 16 April] [ T o William Short, 16 April] [From William Short, 16 April] To George Washington, 16 April [ T o Richard Curson, 17 April] To Martha Jefferson, 17 April [From John Tyler, 18 April] [From James Maury, 19 April] [From Edmund Pendleton, 19 April] [ T o Francis Hopkinson, 20 April] [ T o Mary Johnson Hopkinson, 20 April] [ T o Samuel House, 20 April] XV

62 65 80 83 85 86 88 90 91 91 92 92 93 93 94 94 95 95 95 95 96 96 96 98 100 100 102 102 103 104 105 105 105 110 110 111 111 111 111 111 111

CONTENTS From Walker Maury [ca. 20 April] 112 [ T o St. John de Crèvecoeur, 22 April] 113 [ T o Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 22 April] 113 [ T o Francis Eppes, 22 April] 113 [ T o Mary Jefferson, 22 April] 113 [ T o Henry Skipwith, 22 April] 114 [ T o John Banister, 23 April] 114 [ T o James Buchanan, 23 April] 114 From Benjamin Harrison, 23 April 114 [From Benjamin Harrison, Jr., 23 April] 115 [ T o Thomas Mann Randolph, 23 April] 115 [ T o John Christian Senf, 23 April] 115 [From William Short, 23 April] 115 [From Francis Eppes, 24 April] 115 [ T o James McClurg, 24 April] 115 From Edmund Randolph, 24 April 116 [ T o Richard Curson, 25 April] 117 [ T o Joseph Jones, 25 April] 118 To James Madison, 25 April 118 From James Madison, 25 April 121 [ T o Boinod & Gaillard, 26 April] 124 To Robert Morris, 26 April 124 From Timothy Pickering, 26 April 125 [ T o Benjamin Harrison, 27 April] 129 From Ralph Izard, 27 April 129 Report of a Committee concerning Hugh Mercer [27 April] 132 [ T o John Sullivan, 27 April] 132 [ T o William Whipple, 27 April] 132 [ T o James Currie, 28 April] 133 From the Rev. James Madison, 28 April 133 [ T o Philip Mazzei, 28 April] 134 [ T o Edmund Pendleton, 28 April] 134 [ T o Edmund Randolph, 28 April] 134 To Philip Turpin, 28 April 134 From Robert Morris, 29 April 137 To Benjamin Harrison, 30 April 138 Samuel Hardy to Benjamin Harrison, 30 April 140 Report of a Committee to Establish a Land Office [30 April] 140 To William Short (Extract) [30 April] 148 Samuel Hardy and John F. Mercer to Jefferson and James Monroe [April?] 150 xvi

CONTENTS Jefferson's Notes on Coinage I . Robert Morris to the President of Congress, 15 Jan. 1782 I I . Gouverneur Morris to William Hemsley, 30 Apr. 1783 I I I . Some Thoughts on a Coinage [ca. Mch. 1784] I V . Notes on Coinage [Mch.-May 1784] V . Robert Morris to Jefferson, 1 May 1784 V I . Notes for Reply to Robert Morris [7-9 May 1784] V I I . Propositions Respecting the Coinage of Gold, Silver, and Copper [13 May 1785] Resolution on Treaties of Amity and Commerce [April?] [From Marbois, 2 May] To Francis Hopkinson, 3 May Resolution of Secrecy concerning Letters of Ministers [3 May] To G. K . van Hogendorp, with Papers [4 May] I . On Tobacco Culture I I . On Finance I I I . On the Port of Norfolk I V . On Slavery V. On Western Territory V I . On Weights and Measures Report concerning Continental Bills of Credit [7 May] [ T o D'Anmours, 7 May] [ T o Martha Jefferson Carr, 7 May] [ T o [Benjamin] Dudley, 7 May] [ T o Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 7 May] To Horatio Gates, 7 May To Benjamin Harrison, 7 May To Benjamin Harrison, 7 May [ T o Francis Hopkinson, 7 May] [From David Jameson, 7 May] [ T o Mary Jefferson, 7 May] [ T o John Key, 7 May] To James Madison, 7 May [ T o William Short, 7 May] To William Short, 7 May [ T o Anne Wayles Skipwith, 7 May] [ T o Henry Skipwith, 7 May] [ T o the Speaker of the House of Delegates, 7 May] [ T o Charles Bellini, 8 May] [ T o Benjamin Harrison, 8 May] From Benjamin Harrison, 8 May xvii

150 160 169 173 175 189 193 194 203 205 205 207 207 209 212 215 216 218 221 221 224 224 224 224 225 225 227 227 227 228 228 228 229 229 229 230 230 230 230 230

CONTENTS [ T o the Rev. James Madison, 8 May] To James Madison, 8 May [From James Madison, 8 May] [ T o Philip Mazzei, 8 May] [ T o James McClurg, 8 May] From William Short, 8 May [ T o George Gilmer, 9 May] From G. K . van Hogendorp, 9 May [ T o Anna Scott Jefferson, 9 May] [ T o John Key, 9 May] [ T o Nicholas Lewis, 9 May] Power of Attorney to Francis Eppes and Nicholas Lewis [9 May] [ T o John Walker, 9 May] List of Books Sold to James Monroe [10 May] Statement of Account with James Monroe [10 May] [ T o Thomas Mann Randolph, 10 May] [ T o James Buchanan, 11 May] [ T o James Currie, 11 May] [ T o Richard Curson, 11 May] From Richard Curson, 11 May Jefferson's Account of Expenses, with Order on Treasurer, 11 May [ T o David Ross, 11 May] To the Speaker of the House of Delegates [11 May] [ T o the Speaker of the Senate, 11 May] From Francis Hopkinson, 12 May [From John Key, 12 May] Virginia Delegates to Benjamin Harrison, 13 May From Benjamin Harrison, 14 May [From James Madison, 14 May] From James Monroe, 14 May From William Short, 14 May From William Short, 14 [15] May From James Madison, 15 May From Henry Martin, 15 May From Edmund Randolph, 15 May From Charles Thomson, with Instructions and Commissions, 16 May [From Edmund Pendleton, 17 May] [From Elbridge Gerry, 19 May] From Charles Thomson, 19 May From Philip Mazzei, 20 May xviii

231 231 235 235 235 235 237 238 238 238 239 239 239 240 241 241 242 242 242 242 243 244 244 245 245 247 248 251 251 251 253 256 258 259 259 261 271 272 272 273

CONTENTS From Thomas Mifflin, 20 May From James Monroe, 20 May From John Tyler, 20 May [From Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 21 May] From Samuel Hardy, 21 May To James Monroe, 21 May To Charles Thomson, 21 May [ T o Ralph Izard, 22 May] [ T o John Rutledge, 22 May] From G. K . van Hogendorp, 22 May From William Short, 22 May [ T o Samuel Hardy, 25 May] From Francis Hopkinson, with Enclosure, 25 May To James Madison, 25 May [ T o James Monroe, 25 May] From James Monroe, 25 [May] To Edmund Pendleton, 25 May [ T o Edmund Randolph, 25 May] Benjamin Harrison to the Virginia Delegates, 28 May [ T o James Monroe, 28 May] [ T o Eliza House Trist, 28 May] Resolution of Congress for the Arrest of Longchamps, 29 May From Francis Hopkinson, 30 May From G. K . van Hogendorp, with Questions concerning America, 30 May [ T o James Madison, ca. 1 June] From James Monroe, 1 June From George Washington, 2 June From Wilson Miles Cary, 4 June Extract from the Diary of Ezra Stiles [8 June] From William Livingston, 10 June To Ezra Stiles, 10 June From Charles Thomson, 18 June Charles Thomson to the American Commissioners, 18 June To John Adams, 19 June To Benjamin Franklin, 19 June To David Humphreys, 21 June From Ezra Stiles, 21 June From John Trumbull, 21 June From John Sullivan, with Memoranda on the Moose, 22 June To David Humphreys, 27 June From William Short, 28 June xix

275 275 277 278 278 279 281 283 283 283 284 285 285 288 290 290 292 293 293 294 294 294 295 296 299 299 300 301 302 304 304 305 308 309 310 311 312 317 317 321 321

CONTENTS Notes on Commerce of the Northern States [May-July] I . Queries concerning Government, Labor, Commerce, &c. II Replies to Queries: New York ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) I I I . Replies to Queries: Connecticut I V . Replies to Queries: Rhode Island V . Replies to Queries: Massachusetts V I . Replies to Queries: New Hampshire V I I . Miscellaneous Notes on Commerce V I I I . Summary of Replies to Queries I X . Jefferson's Abstracts of Gouverneur Morris' Letters on Commerce [ T o St. John de Crèvecoeur, 1 July] [ T o Francis Eppes, 1 July] [ T o Samuel Hardy, 1 July] [ T o Samuel House, 1 July] [ T o Nicholas Lewis, 1 July] To James Madison, 1 July [ T o Philip Mazzei, 1 July] [ T o Charles Williamos, 1 July] To Elbridge Gerry, 2 July From Isaac Zane, 2 July From James Madison, 3 July [ T o Robert Morris, 3 July] To David Humphreys, 4 July From Ezra Stiles, 7 July From Neil Jamieson, 12 July From Neil Jamieson, 14 July From St. John de Crèvecoeur, 15 July Charles Thomson to the American Commissioners, 16 July From Benjamin Harrison, 20 July From James Monroe, 20 July To John Adams, 24 July [To Cabot, 24 July] [ T o Archibald Cary, 24 July] [ T o G. K . van Hogendorp, 24 July] [ T o Alexander Moore, 24 July] [ T o Wakelin Welch, 24 July] [ T o Samuel Hardy, 26 July] From William Short, 28 July From Wakelin Welch, 28 July Philip Mazzei's Memoranda Regarding Persons and Affairs in Paris [ca. July] XX ]

323 324 327 331 337 339 343 347 349 350 355 355 355 356 356 356 357 357 357 359 359 362 363 364 365 375 376 377 378 379 382 383 383 383 384 384 384 384 386 386

CONTENTS From James Monroe, 9 August From Samuel House, 10 August Charles Thomson to the American Commissioners, 13 August [ T o Nathaniel Tracy, 14 August From Beesly Edgar Joel, 15 August [ T o William Carmichael, 16 August] [ T o Francis Eppes, 16 August] From Horatio Gates, 16 August From Horatio Gates, 16 August To Matthew Clarkson, 17 August To William Temple Franklin, 18 August To Benjamin Harrison, 20 August From James Madison, 20 August From Chastellux, 24 August From Elbridge Gerry, 24 August From St. John de Crèvecoeur, 1 September [ T o John Stockdale, 1 September] From John Bondfield, 4 September From James Madison, 7 September From Henry Martin, 7 September American Commissioners to De Souza, 9 September American Commissioners to De Thulemeier, 9 September From James Madison, 15 September [From Francis Eppes, 16 September] Aide-Mémoire from David Hartley, 16 September From Wakelin Welch, 17 September [ T o Henry Martin, 18 September] American Commissioners to D'Ar anda and Others, 22 September De Pio to the American Commissioners, 26 September Riviere to the American Commissioners [26 September] De Scarnafis to the American Commissioners, 26 September D'Aranda to the American Commissioners, 27 September Delfino to the American Commissioners, 27 September From John Christian Senf, 27 September De Souza to the American Commissioners, 27 September American Commissioners to Stael de Holstein, 28 September From Alexander Moore, 28 September [American Commissioners to Favi, 30 Septembe] To Benjamin Harrison [ca. September] From Charles Thomson, 1 October From Robert Crew, 5 October [From Joseph Mayo, 5 October] xxi

391 392 394 395 395 396 396 396 398 398 400 400 401 410 411 413 415 415 416 418 419 421 421 422 422 422 423 423 424 424 425 425 427 427 428 428 429 430 430 431 434 434

CONTENTS Stael de Holstein to the American Commissioners, 5 October From Uriah Forrest, 8 October De Thulemeier to the American Commissioners, 8 October Favi to the American Commissioners, 10 October From Lafayette, 11 October From James Madison, 11 October From Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 13 October From Francis Eppes [14 October] Lease of House in the Cul-de-sac Tatibout, 16 October To John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, 17 October From James Madison, 17 October To Uriah Forrest, 20 October From John Dickinson, 25 October From Charles Thomson, 26 October From Charles Thomson, with Letter from Joseph Wharton, 26 October American Commissioners to D'Aranda, 28 October American Commissioners to Dorset, 28 October American Commissioners to Dorset, 28 October From James Monroe, 1 November [ T o William Carmichael, 2 November] [ T o John Christian Senf, 5 November] Jefferson's "General Form" of a Treaty [4 September to 10 November] I . Summary Notes of Provisions in Treaties with France, the Netherlands, and Sweden I I . Classification of Treaty Provisions I I I . Notes for Consideration of the Commissioners I V . Draft of a Model Treaty American Commissioners to De Thulemeier, with Observations on Treaty, 10 November American Commissioners to the President of Congress, 11 November [ T o Thomas Barclay, 11 November] [ T o Martha Jefferson Carr, 11 November] [ T o James Currie, 11 November] [ T o Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 11 November] [ T o Francis Eppes, 11 November] To Elbridge Gerry, 11 November [ T o Francis Hopkinson, 11 November] [ T o Nicholas Lewis, 11 November] To James Madison, 11 November xxii

434 435 436 437 438 439 441 441 442 444 444 452 453 453 454 455 456 457 459 462 462 463 471 476 478 479 490 493 500 500 500 500 500 501 502 502 503

CONTENTS [To the Rev. James Madison, 11 November] To James Monroe, 11 November To John Page, 11 November To Jacob Read, 11 November To David Rittenhouse, 11 November To Charles Thomson, 11 November From Benjamin Harrison, 12 November From Jacques Le Maire, 15 November From Henry Martin, with Enclosures, 15 November Favi to the American Commissioners, 16 November From Thomas Barclay, 17 November From Francis Hopkinson, with Enclosure, 18 November From James Currie, 20 November [To C. W . F . Dumas, 20 November] Jefferson's Reply to the Representations of Affairs in America by British Newspapers [Before 20 November] To G . K . van Hogendorp, 20 November From Benjamin Franklin, 23 November Dorset to the American Commissioners, 24 November From William Carmichael, 25 November To Benjamin Franklin, 25 November American Commissioners to De Souza, 30 November From C. W . F . Dumas, 1 December To Benjamin Franklin, 1 December From André Limozin, 3 December From Philip Mazzei, 6 December From Henry Martin, 7 December To James Madison, 8 December American Commissioners to Dorset, 9 December American Commissioners to Favi, 9 December To James Monroe, 10 December De Thulemeier to the American Commissioners, 10 December To George Washington, 10 December From Wakelin Welch, 10 December From Marbois, 11 December From Hugh Williamson, 11 December To Horatio Gates, 13 December From James Monroe, 14 December American Commissioners to the President of Congress, 15 December [To Thomas Barclay, 15 December] [To William Carmichael, 15 December] xxiii

508 508 514 515 516 518 519 520 521 533 533 534 538 539 540 545 546 547 548 550 551 552 553 554 555 556 557 560 561 562 565 566 568 568 569 571 572 573 574 575

CONTENTS [ T o Anthony Garvey, 15 December] [ T o Jean Holker, 15 December] The Papal Nuncio to the American Commissioners, 15 December From Anthony Garvey, 18 December To John Lowell, 18 December [ T o John Bondfield, 19 December] From Thomas Barclay, 19 December From Jean Holker, 22 December De Souza to the American Commissioners, 22 December To Chastellux, 24 December From Eliza House Trist, 25 December From Chastellux, 27 December [ T o Anthony Garvey, 29 December] [ T o Jean Holker, 29 December] From Jean Holker, 30 December

575 575 575 576 576 578 579 579 580 580 583 584 586 586 587

From David S. Franks, 1 January [ T o Wakelin Welch, 5 January] From James Madison, 9 January To Benjamin Harrison, 12 January [ T o James Buchanan, 13 January] [ T o Francis Eppes, 13 January] To Francis Hopkinson, 13 January [ T o Neil Jamieson, 13 January] From Thomas Shore, 13 January [ T o St. John de Crèvecoeur, 14 January] To James Currie [14 January] John Jay to the American Commissioners, 14 January To James Monroe, 14 January [ T o Commissioners of the Treasury, 15 January] [ T o Robert Crew, 15 January] [ T o David S. Franks, 15 January] From G. K . van Hogendorp, 20 January From Jacques Le Maire, 20 January American Commissioners to De Thulemeier, 21 January De Pio to the American Commissioners, 22 January From James Madison, 22 January De Thulemeier to the American Commissioners, with Translation of Treaty and Observations Thereon, 24 January

587 587 588 599 601 601 602 603 603 604 604 606 607 608 609 609 609 610 611 612 614

xxiv

615

CONTENTS From Clouet, 28 January To Benjamin Franklin, 28 January [ T o David Hartley, 29 January] [ T o Ralph Izard, 29 January] [ T o Thomas Shore, 29 January] [ T o William Carmichael, 30 January] To Richard Price, 1 February From De Walterstorff, 1 February De Seamans to the American Commissioners, 2 February To De Walterstorff, 3 February From Henry Martin, 4 February [ T o James Currie, 5 February] To Francis Eppes, 5 February [ T o Wilson Miles Cary, 6 February] To James Monroe [6 February] To Hugh Williamson, 6 February To Richard Henry Lee, 7 February [ T o Marbois, 7 February] [From John Banister, 8 February] [ T o Charles Thomson, 8 February] Extract from Proceedings of the American Commissioners, 8 February From John Banister, 9 February American Commissioners to President of Congress, [9] February To the Governor of Virginia, 9 February [ T o John Jay, 9 February] Favi to the American Commissioners, 10 February De Thulemeier to the American Commissioners, 11 February From Lafayette, 14 February [ T o Henry Martin, 20 February] From Elbridge Gerry, 25 February

XXV

628 629 629 629 629 630 630 631 632 633 634 635 635 637 637 641 643 645 645 645 645 646 646 647 649 649 649 650 651 651

I L L U S T R A T I O N S PAGE B A L L O O N A S C E N S I O N , 21

NOVEMBER

1783

132

W a t e r color by an unknown F r e n c h artist, showing the first flight by h u m a n beings, made by Pilatre de Rozier, and the M a r q u i s d'Arlande, from the garden of the Château de L a Muette, P a r i s , to the Butte aux Cailles, i n a balloon constructed by E t i e n n e and Joseph Montgolfier. See Jefferson to T u r p i n , 2 8 A p r . 1784, p. 134-7. (Courtesy of the Wildenstein G a l ­ leries. ) "EXPLANATION OF T H E AIR BALLOON"

132

E n g r a v i n g i n The Boston Magazine, F e b r u a r y 1784, opposite p. 147; explanatory text on p. 147-8. T h i s and similar articles i n A m e r i c a n periodicals probably did more to create the wide­ spread interest in the construction of balloons in A m e r i c a than the F r e n c h publication cited i n note to Jefferson to T u r p i n , 2 8 A p r . 1784. GEORGE WASHINGTON, PORTRAIT BY JOSEPH WRIGHT, FINISHED BY JOHN TRUMBULL

133

Jefferson describes this portrait, in a list of his paintings, as follows: " A W a s h i n g t o n half length of full size or larger, an original taken by W r i g h t (son of M r s . W r i g h t , famous for her works in w a x ) , w h e n G e n i . W a s h i n g t o n attended the meeting of the Cincinnati i n Philadelphia M a y 1784. P a s s i n g then through that city on m y w a y from Annapolis to Boston to embark for E u r o p e I could only allow W r i g h t time to finish the head and face and sketch the outlines of the body. T h e s e and the drapery were afterwards finished i n P a r i s by T r u m ­ bull" ( F i s k e K i m b a l l , "Joseph W r i g h t and H i s Portraits of W a s h i n g t o n , " Antiques, x v [ 1 9 2 9 ] , 3 7 7 - 8 2 ) . See Hopkinson to Jefferson, 3 0 M a y 1784, p. 295-6. (Courtesy of the M a s s a ­ chusetts Historical Society.) T H E PROVIDENCE GAZETTE, AND COUNTRY JOURNAL, 24

JULY

164

1784

T h e first appearance in print of Jefferson's notes on the estab­ lishment of a coinage for the U n i t e d States and the source of all subsequent official printings. See Notes on Coinage: E d i ­ torial Note ( p . 157-8) and Document v u ( p . 1 9 4 - 2 0 3 ) . (Courtesy of Y a l e U n i v e r s i t y . ) S P E C I M E N C O I N S S T R U C K I N 1783

TO EXEMPLIFY ROBERT

MORRIS' PROPOSED C O I N A G E F O R T H E U N I T E D

S T A T E S . (See p. 189-93.) T h e s e silver coins, struck by B e n j a m i n D u d l e y under the direc­ tion of Robert M o r r i s , were acquired by the late J o h n W . G a r ­ rett in 1923 and bequeathed to T h e Johns Hopkins University. A l l save one ( N o . 1: the 100-unit piece, or cent) appear to be unique. One 500-unit piece, or quint ( N o . 3 ) , and the 1000unit piece, or m a r k ( N o . 4 ) , can be traced back to the estate of Charles T h o m s o n . T h e s e two coins, therefore, m a y possibly

xxvii

165

ILLUSTRATIONS be the identical specimens enclosed by M o r r i s i n h i s letter to Jefferson of 1 M a y 1 7 8 4 . O n e quint ( N o . 2 ) has a variant obverse and is lighter i n weight than the other ( N o . 3 ) ; it is not k n o w n w h y this is so or indeed whether it w a s struck after 1783 from Dudley's dies, one of w h i c h m a y have been the obverse die for the 5-unit copper piece. I t is almost certain that a copper 5-unit piece w a s struck under M o r r i s ' direction i n 1783 (see p . 1 9 2 - 3 ) , but no specimen is k n o w n to be extant. T h e r e is no k n o w n evidence that an 8-unit piece w a s struck, though it w a s included i n M o r r i s ' scheme of coinage. T h e duplicate of the 100-unit piece is i n private possession and is not illustrated, though photographs of it and of the one illustrated here ( N o . 1 ) are i n the A m e r i c a n N u m i s m a t i c Society and, on m a k i n g a comparison of these photographs, M r . W a l t e r H . B r e e n concluded that both specimens were struck from the same pair of dies. T h e four silver Constellatio coins are here illustrated through the courtesy of the T r u s t e e s of T h e Johns Hopkins University and D r . S a r a h E . F r e e m a n , Curator; they were photographed by Charles H . W e b e r . T h e editors are also indebted to M e s s r s . L o u i s C . W e s t , R . H . W i l l i a m s o n , W a l t e r H . B r e e n , and S a w y e r M c A . Mosser for their generous assistance and information respecting these coins, though they should not be held responsible for the editors' conclusions. T H E P O R T O F L E H A V R E I N 1779

420

E n g r a v i n g by Martinet fils, after a d r a w i n g executed i n 1779; from Laborde et a l . , Voyage pittoresque de la France, Normandie, N o . 1. (Courtesy of Cabinet des E s t a m p e s , Bibliothèque Nationale, through H o w a r d C . R i c e , J r . ) BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, PAINTED BYJOHN TRUMBULL

421

E n l a r g e m e n t of T r u m b u l l ' s likeness of F r a n k l i n i n his painti n g , " T h e Declaration of Independence." (Courtesy of Y a l e University. ) CUL-DE-SAC TAITBOUT, JEFFERSON'S RESIDENCE OCTOBER 1784

T O O C T O B E R 1785,

NO. 5 ON THIS PLAN

452

Plate N o . V I I i n Atlas des Plans de la Censive de VArchevêché dans Paris, by R i t t m a n n and Junié, completed i n 1 7 8 6 . F r o m a facsimile of the original i n the A r c h i v e s Nationales, P a r i s , edited by A r m a n d Brette, P a r i s , Imprimerie Nationale, 1 9 0 6 . See lease of house, 16 O c t . 1 7 8 4 , p. 4 4 2 - 3 . I n 1 7 9 9 the C u l de-sac Taitbout w a s extended to the Boulevard and given its present name of the R u e d u Helder. T h e house i n w h i c h Jefferson lived is no longer standing. (Courtesy of H o w a r d C . R i c e , Jr.) MINISTRY O F NAVY A N D F O R E I G N AFFAIRS A T VERSAILLES E n g r a v i n g by Ingouf, c a . 1 7 7 0 , of the building erected 17591762 by J . B . Berthier. T h e offices and archives of the M i n i s t r y of F o r e i g n Affairs occupied the second floor, shown i n this cross section, until the F r e n c h Revolution. T h e building, situated close to the palace, i n a street now called the R u e de l'Indépendance Américaine, is today occupied by the Bibliothèque Municipale de Versailles. (Courtesy of the Bibliothèque de Versailles, through H o w a r d C . R i c e , J r . )

xxviii '

453

VOLUME 7 2 March 1784 to 25 February 1785

J E F F E R S O N VOLUME

C H R O N O L O G Y 7

•

17 84

7 May. Appointed as minister plenipotentiary to negotiate treaties of amity and commerce. 11 May. Left Annapolis. 14-28 May. I n Philadelphia. 30 May-5 June. I n New York. 6-12 June. I n Connecticut. 13-17 June. I n Rhode Island. 18 June. Arrived in Boston. 22 June. I n Salem, Ipswich, Newbury, and Hampton. 23 June. I n Portsmouth, N . H . 24 June. I n Exeter, Hampton and Newbury. 25 June. I n Salem. 26 June. Returned to Boston. 5 July. Sailed from Boston at 4 A . M . in the Ceres, Captain St. Barbe. 26 July. Landed at Cowes and went to Portsmouth, England. 29 July. Visited Titchfield, Fareham and Gosport. 30 July. Crossed the Channel to Le Havre. 31 July-3 Aug. A t Le Havre. 3-5 Aug. A t Rouen. 6 A u g . Arrived in Paris. 6-10 Aug. A t Hôtel d'Orleans, rue de Richelieu. 11 Aug.-16 Oct. A t Hôtel d'Orleans, rue des Petits-Augustins. 26 Aug. Placed his daughter, Martha, in the Abbaye Royal de Pentemont. 30 Aug. First regular meeting of Commissioners at Passy. ca. 13 Oct. His daughter, Lucy Elizabeth, died. 17 Oct. Moved to house in Cul-de-sac Taitbout. 10 Nov. Commissioners submitted new projet of treaty to Prussia. 11 Nov. First report of the Commissioners to Congress. 29 Nov. William Short arrived in Paris.

T H E

P A P E R S

THOMAS

T o

O F

JEFFERSON

Francis Eppes

[Annapolis, 2 Mch. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "F. Eppes. North and Fox resigned—execution of deed for Western lands—dates of all my letters—my health—Chevr. D'Anmours—Fox and North." Not found.]

T o John Key {Annapolis, 2 Mch. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "J. Key. Watson may be discharged when stairs done, or before, i f necessary—settle lost time since I came away as he pleases—keep £8. or £10 in hand for watch unless Wats, chuses money, then give me notice—not tell him I have been consulted—Caractacus and grey horse as he pleases. Qu. i f not better for John to go with Caract. i f hired—better hire per­ son to work with Carpent. while on my bill scantling—broken legged horse to the plough—when Jup. and Chas, done canal build the house between little house and new shop—drop horse sawmill, but keep the stuff—Watson lay off timber yard—press planting grass on l e v e l attend to my memorandums in the spring." Not found.]

T o Thomas M a n n Randolph {Annapolis, 2 Mch. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: " T M R . Sailing of ratification Feb. 17—pacification of Turks and Russ.—resignation of N . and F. [North and Fox]—execution deed of Western country—ill accomodations here—phaeton—P. to Judy." Not found.]

F r o m Francis Eppes {Eppington, Not found.]

3 Mch. 1784. Noted in S J L as received 26 Mch. 1784. 3]

T o

Benjamin Harrison

SIR

Annapolis Mar. 3 . 1 7 8 4 .

M r . Hardy's illness and Colo. Mercer's absence deranged the order i n which the office of corresponding member was to pass; so that M r . Lee exercised i t for January, Colo. Monroe for Feb. and M r . Hardy takes i t for the present month. I mention this that my own correspondence as an individual may not at any time be mistaken as having passed the sanction of the delegation. On re­ ceiving the act of assembly for the Western cession, our delegation agreed on the form of a deed; we then delivered to Congress a copy of the act, and the form of the deed we were ready to execute whenever they should think proper to declare they would accept i t . T h e y referred the act and deed to a committee, who reported the act of assembly to comport perfectly w i t h the propositions of Congress and that the deed was proper i n it's form, and that Con­ gress ought to accept the same. On the question to agree to the report of the Committee 8 . states being present, Jersey was i n the negative and S . Carolina and Pennsylva. divided (being represented each by 2. members) of course there were 5. ayes only and the report fell. W e determined on consultation that our proper duty was to be still, having declared we were ready to execute, we would leave i t to them to come forward and tell us they were ready to accept. W e medled not at all therefore, and shewed a perfect i n differance. N . Hampshire came to town which made us 9 . states. A member proposed that we should execute the deed and lay i t on the table, which after what had been done by Congress would be final, u r g i n g the example of N . Y o r k which had executed their deed, laid i t on the table, where i t remained 1 8 . months before Congress accepted i t . W e replied, no, i f these lands are not offered for sale the ensuing spring, they w i l l be taken from us all by ad­ venturers. W e w i l l not therefore put i t out of our power by the execution of a deed to sell them ourselves, i f Congress w i l l not. A member from Rhode island then moved that Congress should accept. Another from Jersey proposed as an amendment a proviso that i t should not amount to an acknowlegement of our r i g h t . W e told them we were not authorised to admit any conditions or pro­ visoes, that their acceptance must be simple, absolute and unquali­ fied or we could not execute. On the question there were 6 . ayes, Jersey no, S . Carolina and Pennsylva. divided. T h e matter dropped and the house proceeded to other business. About an hour after, the dissenting Pennsylvanian asked and obtained leave to change

A:

3 MARCH

1784

his no, into aye. T h e vote then passed and we executed the deed. W e have desired an exemplification of i t under the seal of the states which we shall transmit you by the post i f no safer opportunity occurs. T h i s shews the wisdom of the assembly i n not tacking any new conditions, which would certainly have defeated their accomo­ dating intentions. W e have just received from the Superintendant of finance a report of the paiments made and the arrears still due on the requi­ sition of Octob. 30. 1 7 8 1 . for 8 millions of dollars. T h i s statement comes down to Jan. 1. 1784.

N . Hampshire Massachusetts Rhode island Connecticut New Y o r k New Jersey Pennsylvania Delaware. Maryland Virginia N . Carolina S. Carolina Georgia

paid. Doll. 3,000 247,676% 67,847 %o 131,577% 39,064%o 102,004% 346,632 %o nothing 89,302% 115,103915 nothing 344,301 %6 nothing

Due Doll 370,598 1,059,919% 148,836.4 615,618y 334,533 %o 383,674%8 774,161%o 112,085 844,693% l,192,490 %o 622,677 29,296 %o 24,905

1,486,511*%5

6,513,488 %o

8

8

2

ô

8

4

3

2

Colo. Harmer w i t h the ratification of the Definitive treaty which was executed i n Congress Jan. 14. got on board the French packet at N . Y o r k on the 2 0 t h of Jan. Colo. Franks took his passage i n another vessel a few days after. Neither sailed t i l l the 17th. of Feb., being blocked up by the ice. They have certainly then not got to Paris to exchange them this day as has been stipulated. I n r i g h t this can make no difference. W e executed the ratification i n time, and it's passage across the Atlantic was prevented by cir­ cumstances not under our controul. T h e accomodation of the T u r k s and Russians, leaving Europe i n Peace and France of course at liberty, keeps us safe. T h i s accomodation is said to have been effected by the interposition of France and Prussia. T h i s does not come from our ministers, from w h o m we have had no late intel­ ligence on this subject, but is told me by Monsr. Marbois who sais he had i t from good information. W e are still further insured 5;

3 MARCH

1784

against any i l l effect from this accident i f the news of the day be true. A n English vessel, arrived at N . Y o r k , brings papers which say that L d . N o r t h and M r . Fox carried their E . India b i l l t r i u m ­ phantly by % of the voices through the house of commons, but lost i t i n the lords, whereon they resigned; and that M r . P i t t and his friends would be at the head of the administration. The Prince of Wales voted against the b i l l and received a reprimand from the k i n g . So far the papers. The change would be fortunate for us, as L d . North's hostility is notorious, and Pitt rather well disposed to us. The movements of the K . of Prussia to emancipate the navi­ gation of the Vistula, and of the emperor to free that of the Scheid do not I beleive threaten the peace of Europe. On the contrary they indicate that they have no great w o r k on hand. T h i s assertion then of the natural r i g h t of the inhabitants of the upper part of a river to an innocent passage through the country below is rather pleasing to us. I t tends to establish a principle favourable to our r i g h t of navigating the Missisipi. W e are now engaged i n making an estimate of the expences of the current year. I t appears that the Commissioners sent to the several states to settle their accounts add so unreasonable a pro­ portion to the expences of the Finance department, that i t is m y opinion Congress w i l l recall them after some not very distant day. I mention this that your Excellency may keep an eye over the prog­ ress of the state settlement w i t h M r . T u r n e r and push i t unre­ m i t t i n g l y to avoid the being obliged to send the vouchers, accounts &c. to Philadelphia for such parts as shall not be completed before the recall. I have the honour to be w i t h sentiments of very h i g h respect & esteem Your Excellency's Most obedt. & most humble servt., TH: R C ( V i ) . T J ' s summary in S J L reads: "[Mar.] 3. T h e Governor. Hardy corresponding member—proceedings of Congress on our tender of deed—it's execution—paiments and arrears of the several states on the requisition for 8. mill.—ratification sailed Feb. 17—Turks and Russns. pacified—Fox and North resigned—Pr. Wales voted against E . I . bill—movements of K . Pruss. to emancipate navigation Vistula, and the Emp. the Scheid.—hasten state settlement with Turner lest he be recalled." T J ' s account of the acceptance of the Virginia cession does not state that on the same day there was presented a petition by Col. George Morgan, agent

6

JEFFERSON

of the state of New Jersey, asking for the appointment of a commission under Article rx of the Articles of Confederation in order to settle a controversy that "now subsists between the said State, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, respecting a tract of land called Indiana, lying on the river Ohio, and being within the United States" ( J C C , x x v i , 110-11). But this effort by members of the Indiana Company to induce New Jersey to sponsor their claim—just as members of the Susquehannah Company had induced Connecticut to assert her western claim as against Pennsylvania (see report on the petition of Zebulon Butler, 21 J a n . 1784, note) —

3 MARCH 1784 was defeated in Congress. A similar proposal by Morgan in 1780 had been summarily rejected by the delegates of Virginia (see Bland to T J , 22 Nov. 1780 and note; Jensen, The Articles of Confederation, 232-5; Abernethy, West­ ern Lands, 2 4 4 ) . A motion to commit the petition was defeated, as was also a motion to appoint a committee "to consider and prepare an answer to the State of New Jersey," the Virginia dele­ gation voting solidly against both ( J C C , XXVI, 111-12). RHODE ISLAND

The was

MEMBER FROM David Howell,

whose motion was seconded by Richard Dobbs Spaight of North Carolina. T h e member F R O M N E W J E R S E Y was John Beatty, whose motion, seconded by John Montgomery of Pennsylvania, was "that the acceptance of the said cession, in manner and form aforesaid, shall not be considered as implying any opinion or decision of Congress respecting the extent or validity of the claim of the Commonwealth of Virginia, to western territory, by charter or otherwise"; the delegates of Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania voted in favor of this motion, all others opposing it ( J C C ,

From George DEAR SIR

X X V I , 116). The D I S S E N T I N G

PENNSYL­

V A N I A ^ was either Montgomery or Mifflin; Burnett thinks it was Mont­ gomery (Letters of Members, v n , No. 528, note 3 ) . On the question of ac­ ceptance, both of the New Jersey dele­ gates voted no and in this were joined by Beresford of South Carolina; Read, his colleague, informed Gov. Guerard that he thought "the Gentlemen lately our Colleagues [Rutledge and Izard] were . . . both decidedly of opinion with the Measure as likely to produce a Valuable fund for satisfying the Army and public Creditors" (1 Mch. 1784; same, v n , No. 5 2 6 ) . T H A T Y O U R E X ­ C E L L E N C Y M A Y . . . PUSH I T UNRE­

M I T T I N G L Y : Harrison acted at once on receiving T J ' s letter; the Council di­ rected the solicitor general to be as expeditious as possible in the settle­ ment of the state's account with the continent "as the board have reason to expect that Congress will recall their Commissioners" (18 Mch. 1784; V a . Council Jour., M S , V i ; Harrison to Solicitor General, 18 Mch. 1784, E x ­ ecutive Letter Book, V i ) .

Washington Mount Vernon Mar. 3d. 1784.

The last Post brought me the enclosed letter under cover from the Marquis de la Fayette. I f you have any News that you are at liberty to impart, i t would be charity to communicate a little of i t , to a body. I t is unnecessary, I hope, to repeat to you the assurances of the pleasure I should feel at seeing you at this retreat, or of the sincere esteem & regard w i t h which I am Dear Sir Y r . Most Obedt. & very Hble Servt., Go: WASHINGTON 1

E S . Has not Congress received a Memorial from M r . De W i t t , now, or lately Geographer to the Northern A r m y ? The propositions which are contained i n the Copy, which he sent me, seem founded in equity. A n d w i t h respect to himself, I can assure you that he is a Modest, sensible, sober, and deserving young M a n , Esteemed a very good Mathematician, and well worthy encouragement. GW. 2

FC

R C ( D L C ) ; addressed and endorsed, ( D L C : Washington Papers). T h e

.7]

texts of R C and F C differ slightly. T h e enclosed letter that had been under

4

MARCH

cover of one from Lafayette to Wash­ ington may have been a letter from Lafayette to T J and was no doubt written in Nov. 1783 (see Washing­ ton's acknowledgment of Lafayette's "favor of Novr.," Writings, ed. Fitz­ patrick, xxvn, 383); if so, neither the letter nor TJ's reply to it has been found. A

MEMORIAL

FROM

MR.

DE

WITT:

1 7 8 4

TJ to Washington, 6 Mch. 1784. DeWitt had written Washington on 12 Jan. 1784 enclosing a copy of his me­ morial; these were acknowledged by the latter on 3 Mch. with this comment: "The propositions . . . appear to me exceedingly reasonable and just: these sentiments I will express to a very valuable and much respected member of that Body to whom I am now writ­ ing" (Writings, ed. Fitzpatrick, xxvn, 348).

Simeon DeWitt's memorial to Congress of 12 Jan. 1784 proposed the publica­ tion of maps of the Revolution. It was 1 FC reads: "to me." referred on 24 Feb. to a committee composed of TJ, Samuel Osgood, and 2 FC reads: "he is extremely modest, Hugh Williamson ( J C C , xxvi, 97). sensible, sober, discreet and deserving Evidently no report was handed in of favors. He is esteemed a very good (Committee Book, PCC: No. 186); see Mathematician."

T o

the Speaker of the

Senate

[Annapolis, 4 Mch. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: " A . Cary. Proceed­ ings of Congr. on Western cession—execution of deed—refused com­ mit Indiana—Kentucky petition—further cession to meridian mouth Kanhaw.—paiments and arrears of states on requisition of Oct. 30. 1 7 8 1 . for 8. million—ratification sailed Feb. 17—Turks and Russians —Fox and North resigned—Pr. Wales against E. Ind. b i l l — P i t t Adams and Jay in London—Vistula and Scheid." Not found. On the refusal of Congress to "commit Indiana," see T J to Harrison, 3 Mch. 1784.]

T o

George Rogers

D R SIR

Clark

Annapolis Mar. 4 . 1 7 8 4 .

Congress having determined to open treaties with the several nations of Indians North of the Ohio within our boundaries, for the purpose of concluding peace and buying lands, they proceeded to-day to chuse five Commissioners. W e took the liberty of nomi­ nating you, and had the gratification of succeeding in our recom­ mendations. Geni. Greene, M r . Wolcott, Colo. Butler, and M r . Higginson are your collegues. The allowance is not yet fixed and as the post will probably be gone before it is fixed, I thought it best to notify you of your appointment that it may reach you before you set out Westwardly. I think you will be desired to meet in N . York about the 10th. of April but only mention this that it may be a guide to your arrangements and not as a thing yet decided on. I am in hopes it will be convenient to you to act in this appointment, [8

4 MARCH

1784

because you can render essential service i n i t , and because too i t w i l l b r i n g you forward on the Continental stage. Being extremely hurried I can only add that you may expect more particular information immediately & that I am w i t h sincere esteem D r Sir Your friend & servt., T H : JEFFERSON R C ( W H i ) ; addressed: "Geni. George Rogers Clarke Caroline." Entry in S J L reads: "Geni. Clarke. His appointment as Indian Commissioner—put it under cover to E . P . to send by express." Though not separated by punctuation, the last four words in the S J L entry were doubtless added later. Both the present letter and T J ' s letter to Pendleton of 29 Feb. 1784 show that the letter to Clark was intended to go by regular post as an enclosure in that to Pendleton, but was removed (after both had been sealed) and sent by express instead. The other four commissioners were Oliver Wolcott, Richard Butler, Nathanael Greene, and Stephen Higginson. On 6 Apr. Congress added Philip Schuyler to the commission; Greene and Higginson declined and Benjamin L i n coln and Arthur Lee were chosen instead (Burnett, Letters of Members, v n , No. 533, note 2 ) . On 4 Mch. T J , Howell, and Lee were appointed a committee "to consider and report what further arrangements are necessary to carry into effect the proposed treaty with the Indians" (Committee Book, P C C : No. 186; no mention of this committee, which was separate from that which reported on instructions to the Indian commissioners on 4 Mch., q.v., appears in the Journals for 4 M c h . ) . They reported 5 Mch. and recommend-

ed that the president notify the commissioners immediately of their appointment; that the negotiations should begin as soon as possible; that the commissioners should meet at New York on 10 Apr. 1784 "to fix upon the times and places of holding the treaties with the different nations and tribes of I n dians, and give them respectively the speediest information of the time and place determined on"; that all appointments of persons for negotiating with the Indians made prior to 4 Mch. 1784 be revoked; that the secretary be directed to prepare the form of a commission for those appointed to negotiate, making any three competent to do business; and that commissioners "attending the Treaty . . . be allowed dollars a day" exclusive of expences (the report is in P C C : No. 30 and is in the hand of Arthur Lee; J C C , x x v i , 124-5). No less than ten motions concerning the per diem allowance to commissioners were introduced—one to postpone, one to commit, and eight others providing for 4, 5, 6, 6Vè, 6%, 7, 7V£, and 8 dollars; all were defeated (same, x x v i , 125, note). Roger Sherman offered the motions calling for 6 and 6Y2 dollars; when the compensation was finally fixed at the latter figure on 19 Mch., it was Sherman who made the motion (same, x x v i , 1 5 4 ) .

R e p o r t of C o m m i t t e e Indian

on

Instructions

to

Commissioners [4 Mar. 1784]

The Committee appointed to revise the 4 t h . and 5th. of the instructions of Oct. 15. 1782 [ 1 7 8 3 ] given to the Commissioners for negotiating a treaty w i t h the Indians have agreed to the following resolutions. Resolved that the said 4 t h . article be repealed and that instead thereof the following be substituted. 4thly. that a meridian line passing through the lowest point of the Rapids of Ohio to the 9;

4 MARCH

1784

Northern boundary of these United states, shall be proposed as the line of division between the several Indian tribes and these states, so that all the lands comprehended between the said boundary on the N o r t h , the Ohio on the South, the said meridian on the W e s t and Pennsylvania on the East, or so much thereof as the tribes, having title thereto, may be induced to part w i t h , shall be ceded to the United states. Resolved that the said 5 t h . article be repealed and that instead thereof the following be substituted. 5thly. The interests and hap­ piness of the Indians as well as of the inhabitants of the United states requiring that every circumstance should be avoided w h i c h may lead to hostile dispositions between them, and the meeting of several tribes i n one council having a tendency to generate com­ binations for the purposes of w a r , the said Commissioners are i n ­ structed, as far as shall be i n their power to treat w i t h every t r i b e at different times and places; and where necessity shall oblige them to b r i n g two or more tribes together, that they still keep their treaties and conferences distinct: that they make known to the Shawanese and Delawares that these United states consider them as indépendant nations and w i l l protect them as such: that they countenance every disposition i n any one of the six nations to treat and act separately and independantly of their confederacy: and that i n general they discourage every coalition and consulta­ tion which might tend to involve any one t r i b e i n the wars of the others. 1

2

3

4

5

6

4

7

8

9

10

MS ( D N A : P C C , No. 3 0 ) ; entirely in T J ' s hand, but with alterations on other hands as noted below; endorsed in Thomson's hand: "No. 6. Report of M r Jefferson M r Howell M r William­ son On 4 and 5 of instructions of 15 Oct. 1783. to comrs. for negotiating with Indians. E n t d . read. 4 March 1784. passed 19 March 1784." Printed J C C , X X V I , 152-4. The original report of the committee to whom were referred various letters and documents pertaining to Indian af­ fairs was submitted on 15 Oct. 1783 and is in J C C , xxv, 681-94. T h e fourth article is at p. 686; it provided for a boundary line beginning at "the mouth of the great Miami River, which emp­ ties into the Ohio, thence along the said river Miami to its confluence with the Mad river; thence by a direct line to the Miami fort at the village of that name on the other Miami river which empties into Lake E r i e ; thence along the last mentioned river to lake E r i e ,

10

11

comprehending all the lands between the above mentioned lines and the State of Pennsylvania on the East, Lake E r i e on the North and the River Ohio on the South East." T h e fifth article is at p. 687 and provided that the com­ missioners hold one convention with the Indian tribes and their allies and dependents inhabiting the area em­ braced by the northern and middle de­ partments, together with the western territory, "and only yield to seperate conventions in case of inevitable neces­ sity." T h e committee consisting of T J , Howell, and Williamson was appointed 3 Mch. 1784 ( J C C , X X V I , 123; Com­ mittee Book, P C C : No. 1 8 6 ) . T h e Journals do not mention the fact that on the same day there was referred to T J , Howell, and Lee a report of an­ other committee to whom had been re­ ferred the eighth article of the report on Indian affairs; the earlier committee had reported on 24 Oct. 1783 concern­ ing the acquisition and control of sup-

5 MARCH plies to be furnished the Indians at the forthcoming treaty ( J C C , xxv, 747; the endorsement on the report and Committee Book, P C C : No. 186, show that it was recommitted on 3 Mch. 1784). T h e report on this revision of the eighth article, in the handwriting of Howell and Gerry, was handed in 4 Mch. and adopted on 19 Mch.; it pro­ vided for the purchase of goods not to exceed $15,000 in value and for em­ ployment by the commissioners of per­ sons to receive, transport, and have custody of such goods ( P C C : No. 30; J C C , X X V I , 154-5). It was this same committee ( T J , Howell, and L e e ) that reported on 5 Mch. concerning further arrangements necessary for carrying out the treaty (see note to T J to Clark, 4 Mch. 1784). For the cession of lands made by the Six Nations at Fort Stanwix in 1784, see Adams, Atlas of Amer­ ican History, 1943, plate 90; see note to Madison to T J , 17 Oct. 1784. 1 T h e preceding five words were in­ terlined by T J in substitution for the following: "comprehending all the lands between the said boundary on the North, the Ohio on the South, the said Meridian on the West and Pennsyl­ vania dh the East, or so much thereof as the nations having title thereto may be inclined to {consent to) yield, {shall be ceded to the United States) shall be agreed on as the dividing." 2 This word was deleted and "na­ tions" interlined in T J ' s hand. s A t this point the following was

1784

added in another hand, in the margin: "and Possession thereof or of any Parts thereof to be given to the U S at such Times as may be agreed upon at the Treaty." This was probably offered as an amendment in Congress, and that part of it stipulating that possession should be given at such time as might be agreed upon at the treaty was de­ leted, since it does not appear in the Secret (Domestic) Journal ( J C C , x x v i , 153, 154, note). 4 This word was deleted and "Na­ tions" interlined in Thomson's hand. s T h e passage reading "The interests and happiness of the Indians . . . for the purposes of war" was deleted by amendment in Congress. 6 T h i s passage was altered by amend­ ment in Congress (interlineations in Thomson's hand) to read: "as far as they shall find it convenient to treat with the several Nations." 7 T h i s was altered in Congress (in­ terlineations in Thomson's hand) to read: "as distinct as may be." 8 T h e passage "that they make known . . . and will protect them as such" was deleted, probably by amend­ ment in Congress. 9 T h e preceding three words were de­ leted. 10 The following deleted at this point, probably by T J : "these tribes in contests which any one of them may enter into with these United states." 11 T h i s word deleted and "Nation" interlined in Thomson's hand.

S a m u e l H a r d y to B e n j a m i n H a r r i s o n SIR

Annapolis 5th. March 1784.

I have the honour to inform your Excellency that Congress have accepted the Cession of our Western T e r r i t o r y : and we have i n conformity to the A c t of the General Assembly of V i r g i n i a executed a deed for the same. T h i s I trust w i l l pave the way for similar Cessions from other States and lay the foundation for the discharge of our domestic debts. Congress have appointed Commissioners for the purpose of con­ cluding treaties and making purchases for the benefit of the United States, from the Indians w i t h i n the limits assigned us by the treaty. Geni. Clarke, Geni. Green, Geni. Butler, M r . Woolcot and M r . Higgi[n]son were appointed. : il

5 MARCH

1784

Capt. Barne i n the Washington packet has arrived and we have this moment received his dispatches. A letter from Doctr. Franklin dated the 26 Decbr. informs us that the affairs of Ireland are still unsettled. The Irish Volunteers are much discontented that no mention has been made of Ireland i n the commercial treaty forming between England and America. They insist on the priviledge of concluding a seperate treaty of Commerce w i t h us. H o w this w i l l terminate, i t is difficult to conjecture but as their claims seem to enlarge i n proportion to the concessions made by the Crown I think we may conclude that they are ripe for a revolution. A letter from the Marquis Fayette dated the 2 6 t h . Decbr. gives us information that M r . Fox and L o r d N o r t h have resignd, and are succeeded by M r . Pitt and the E a r l of Temple. I have nothing more to communicate than to assure Your Excellency that I am w i t h every sentiment of respect & esteem Your Excellencies M o . Obedt. S. H A R D Y

Servt., RC ( D L C : Virginia Miscellany, A C 2 2 6 6 ) ; endorsed. I n replying to T J ' s letter of 3 Mch. 1784, Harrison said that he had also received Hardy's "favor of the same date with yours,"

T o

but he must have meant that they arrived by the same post; the dates of T J ' s of 3 Mch. and of the present letter are unmistakably clear,

E d m u n d

Randolph

{Annapolis, 5 Mch. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "[Mar.] 5. E. Rand. Hancock's case—journal of 82. I will send but 83. not printed—in­ formation by Barney from D r . F. Dec. 25. that Ad[ams] was gone to Hague, Jay to Bath, Laur. setting out for Amer.—Engld. not recon­ ciled—Marq. Fayette's letter of Dec. 26. Fox and N . out by maneuvre of king—Pitt and Temple to come in—parliament to be called—Marq. coming in spring—to inform Govr. A Cary &c. of this—executed deed —state of Congr." Not found.]

R e p o r t of C o m m i t t e e in

the Civil

on

Reductions

List 5 Mar. 1784

The Committee appointed to consider what reductions may be made i n the civil list have agreed to the following resolutions. Resolved that the following offices be discontinued, to w i t the Chargé des affaires at the Court of M a d r i d whose salary is 4 4 4 4 Dollars 12

5 MARCH

1784

Agent at the Hague 2d Under Secretary of Foreign affairs the Secretary of the W a r office Agent of marine Paymaster Commissary of prisoners the Assistant to the Superintendant of finance 3 clerks i n the office of finance (meaning that 3. shall remain) 1. clerk [to] the Comptroller 2. Auditors 1. Chaplain the establishment of the j a i l door keeper to Congress whereby an annual saving w i l l accrue to the United states of

920. 700. 1000. 1500. 1000. 1200. 1850. 1500 500 2000. 400. 1338V6 400

18,752Vá D o l .

Resolved that the following salaries may be reduced by taking from the allowances heretofore established the following sums. The Superintendant of finance the Three foreign ministers each 1111% D o l l

2000. Doll, 3333 /á x

whereby annual saving w i l l accrue to the United states of 5333^ Resolved that instead of the annual salary heretofore allowed to the judges of the court of appeals, they be allowed on every special occasion wherein they shall be called on the sum of 14. Dollars each for every day they shall sit i n court, and the same for every day necessarily employed i n travelling to and from court. Resolved that after the offices may be discontinued.

day of

the following

Doll. 13. Commissioners for settling the accounts of the U . S. i n the several states. 19,500 9. Clerks to the said Commissioners 4,500 5. Commissioners for settling the accounts of the Staff departments 7,500 9. Clerks to the Commissioners last mentioned 4,500 Whereby an annual saving w i l l thence ensue of 13

36,000. D o l l .

5

M A R C H

1 7 84

Resolved that the duties of Agent of marine be performed by the Secretary at war, who for his assistance therein shall retain a Secretary of marine heretofore allowed i n the office of the agent of marine. A view of the civil list as proposed to be reduced (stated for the satisfaction of the house, but not made a part of the r e p o r t ) . Secretary of Congress Depy. Secretary 2. clerks Messenger

3000. D o l l . 1000. 1000. 400.

Chaplain Secretary of Foreign affairs 1st. Under Secretary 2. clerks

4000. 800. 1000.

5800.

Secretary at W a r Assistant 2 clerks Secretary of Marine Messenger

4000. 1250. 1000. 1000. 300.

7550.

Superintendant of finance Secretary 3. clerks waiter Comptroller Auditor 6. clerks of accounts Register 4. clerks messenger Treasurer clerk

4000. 1000. 1500. 300. 1850. 1000. 3000. 1200. 2000. 192. 1500. 500.

18,042.

5400. 400.

Brought forward 3. Foreign ministers @ 10,000 D . 1. Secretary of embassy

37,192. 37,192.

30,000. 1,3331/3

31,3331/3

68,525 /s 1

3. Judges of Appeals 14

6 MARCH M S ( D N A : P C C , No. 2 6 ) ; entirely in T J ' s hand; endorsed by Charles Thomson: "Report of M r Williamson M r Gerry M r Tilton M r Jefferson M r McHenry Reduction of civil list Entd. read 5 March 1784." On 17 Sep. 1783 Duane moved that, as a duty of Congress at all times, but especially when "their constituents are exposed to heavy taxes, and the fi­ nances greatly embarrassed," economy in public expenditures should be intro­ duced; that with the arrival of peace the business of many officers on the domestic civil list was reduced; that great savings also might be effected by a change in the diplomatic establish­ ment; and that a committee of five should be appointed to consider what reductions might be made in the civil list and "to report specially on each department" ( J C C , X X V , 5 7 7 ) . T h e original committee, which consisted of Duane, Huntington, Williamson, Gerry, and Clark, reported in part on 27 Sep. 1783 (Committee Book, P C C : No. 186). On 18 Dec. 1783 Tilton, T J , and Mc­ Henry were appointed in the place of Duane, Huntington, and Clark; the re­ port of 27 Sep. seems to have been re­ committed on 4 Mch. 1784 ( J C C , x x v ,

T o George

1 7 8 4

577; Burnett, Letters of Members, v n , No. 502, note 5 ) . For Robert Morris' estimates of expenses under the civil list, which afford an interesting com­ parison with what T J recommended, see Morris to T J , 25 Feb. 1784. T h e report was debated on 24 Mch. and 5 May. On 17 May the committee on unfinished business reported that the present report on reductions proposed in the civil list was still awaiting ap­ proval and was classified under those matters requiring action prior to ad­ journment. Under category 6 of un­ finished business, however, which in­ cluded matters requiring "no considera­ tion, being rendered unnecessary by subsequent Acts of Congress, or by alteration of time and other circum­ stances," there was the following: "11. On reduction of the Civil list and con­ cerning W a r department" ( J C C , x x v n , 398, 405, under 17 May 1784). This was no doubt owing to the fact that the report of the Grand Committee, which included $107,525.33 for the civil list, had been adopted on 27 Apr. 1784 ( J C C , X X V I , 297-309). Morris had recommended a budget for the civil list of $184,300 (Wharton, Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev., V I , 779-80).

Washington

DEAR SIR

Annapolis Mar. 6. 1 7 8 4 .

Your favor of the 3d. is this moment put into m y hands, and as the post does not usually stay here above an hour, i t leaves me time to scribble a few lines only, scarcely admitting them to be prefaced w i t h an acknowlegement of the pleasure i t w i l l give me to be per­ mitted to communicate w i t h you occasionnally. W e received dis­ patches from Europe yesterday, by Capt. Barney. There is no news but i n one from D r . Franklin of Dec. 25. and another from the Marquis Fayette of Dec. 26. The Doctor tells us only of the move­ ments of our ministers, that M r . Laurence was about sailing from England for America, M r . Adams about setting out from England for the Hague, and M r . Jay at Bath. He gives a picture of the disposition of England towards us; he observes that tho' they have made peace w i t h us, they are not reconciled to us nor to the loss of us. He calls to our attention the numerous royal progeny to be provided for, the military education giving to some of them, the ideas i n England of distraction among ourselves, that the people 15

7 MARCH

1784

here are already fatigued w i t h their new governments, the possi­ bility of circumstances arising on the Continent of Europe which might countenance the wishes of G r . Britain to recover us, and from thence inculcates a useful lesson to cement the friendships we possess i n Europe. The Marquis tells us the T u r k s and Russians w i l l be kept apart for awhile, probably for another year, but that they must i n the end come to decision. T h a t M r . Fox and L d . N o r t h were both out of the ministry, and this by a maneuvre of the king's, who got them compromitted fairly w i t h their E . India b i l l and contrived to get i t rejected i n the Lords; and that M r . P i t t and E . Temple would come i n . The Marquis himself w i l l sail for America in the spring. The present h u r r y forbids me to write to you on a subject I have much at heart, the approaching and opening the navigation of the Ohio and Patowmac. I w i l l trouble you by the next post. De W i t t ' s petition happens to be i n m y possession as member of a committee who have not yet reported on i t . I was happy to learn from you something of the man. I have the honour to be w i t h the most sincere esteem & respect D r . Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt, T H : JEFFERSON R C ( D L C : Washington Papers): endorsed by Washington: "From T h e Honble. Thos. Jefferson E s q . 6th Mar. 1784." Entry in S J L , which immediately follows that of the letter to Ran-

dolph of 5 Mch., reads: "[Mar.] 6. Go. Washington. News from D r . F . and Marq. Fay. ut supra—that I will write by next post on Patowm. and Ohio—DeWitt's petition."

From John {Monticello, not found.]

Key

7 Mch. 1784. Noted in S J L as received 26 Mch. Letter

T o

D'Anmours

[Annapolis, 9 Mch. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Chevalr. D'Anmours. Spoons." Not found.]

T o

Richard Curson

{Annapolis, 9 Mch. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: " M r Curson. Sun­ dries for houshold from Baltimore." Not found.]

16

From David Ross SIR

Baltimore 9th. March 1784

I W r o t e to you a few days before I left V i r g i n i a w h i c h I hope you've received. I am this far on m y way home from Philadelphia. T h i s letter w i l l be delivered to you by M r . Luke Wheeler a friend of mine of this place who I beg leave to introduce to you. M r . Wheeler intends residing i n H a m b u r g as a Merchant and wishes to go i n the Public character of Consul for the States, not from motives of gain under the appointment, but, as i t would add to his consequence on his first settling there. I can w i t h great sin­ cerity recommend M r . Wheeler to you as a most worthy man and deserving the utmost Confidence. I f you have not any other person in view for this Office I shall be extremly happy that M r . Wheeler meets w i t h your Patronage. I have no doubt but he w i l l meet w i t h the warmest support from the M a r y l a n d Members and all who are acquainted w i t h h i m . I have the honor to be w i t h great respect Your most h u m Servt., D A V I D Ross RC (DLC). The letter that Ross wrote before leaving Virginia was that of 14 Feb. 1784.

T o

William

Short

{Annapolis, 9 Mch. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: " W m . Short. Euro­ pean news—Philada. station." Not found.]

From William DEAR SIR

Short

Richd. [ca. 10] March—1784

I beg Leave to break i n on a few Minutes of your T i m e , which I am sensible ought not to be unnecessarily interrupted. A t Length G i l l i a m &c. have made such Paces towards the final Adjustments of Skelton's Accounts that I think the Business may now be done, of which I confess I formerly despaired. They have agreed to enter into Bond to adhere to what the Commissioners on either Part shall determine, who i f they disagree are to call i n an U m p i r e . M r . W . Heming is objected to as being interested. Baker w i l l not agree the Congress shall be held at Richmond and Osbornes is appointed by M r . Eppes and Gilliam for that Purpose, the Negotiations to be opened on the 22d. Inst. G i l l i a m has repeatedly applied to me by

17

12

MARCH

1784

Letter and i n Person for the Articles of Administration belonging to B . Skeltons Estate. He says you desired h i m to apply to me for them. Hitherto I have parried h i m and have always forgotten to write to you on the subject. I w i l l thank you to inform me whether it was your Intention I should give h i m a Copy of the L i s t i n m y Possession. He desired me a few Days ago to mention particularly what had become of B . Skeltons Glass, a gold W a t c h and some other Articles I forget. I have heard frequently from Eppington lately. Your Part of the Family is i n perfect Health. The Letter to M r . Eppes delivered me by M r . Hawkins was given into M r Eppes' Hands a few Days ago when he was here. Your last Letter has afforded me Subject for much ruminating. I begin to fear that I shall be brought into a Dilemma from w h i c h I know not how to extricate myself, and that I shall have your Judication verified—-'My Office would be a Fall up-stairs.' I have not been able yet to leave m y Room. Currie's salutiferous Hand is w i t h me but I recover slowly. I n whatever Situation, whether i n Sickness or i n Health, believe Sir that I am as I ought to be, w i t h the sincerest Regard Yours & c , W SHORT R C ( D L C ) ; addressed to T J at An­ napolis; endorsed. T h e exact date is uncertain, but it must have been writ­ ten after Short had received T J ' s letter of 1 Mch. (which no doubt was the one Short referred to as "Your last Letter") and may have been written early enough to have been received by T J by 18 Mch., since the (missing) letter of that date from T J to Short would appear to be a reply to Short's comments about the "affair with Gil­ liam." T h e post from Richmond to Annapolis at this time normally re­

T o

quired six to eight days. T h i s , together with the fact that T J in his letter to Martha of 19 Mch. remarked that "Let­ ters by yesterday's post inform me your sisters are well" ( which must have had reference to the present letter from Short), would seem to confirm the con­ jectural date as approximately correct. The

LETTER

TO MR. E P P E S

has

not

been identified. Benjamin Hawkins (if he was the M R . H A W K I N S referred to as the bearer) appears to have left Annapolis in Dec. 1783 (see T J to Hawkins, 29 Dec. 1783).

D'Anmours

{Annapolis, 12 Mch. 1784. Entry in S J L , immediately under the entry for the letter to D'Anmours of 9 Mch., reads: "do. campkettles." Not found.] S a m u e l H a r d y to B e n j a m i n H a r r i s o n SIR

Annapolis 12th. March 1784.

Since m y last nothing material has occurred. The Indiana Com­ pany some days ago preferred a petition to Congress respecting 18

12

MARCH

1784

their Claim. Jersey patronized the Interest of her Citizens and wished a fœderal Court to determine the validity of the purchase. I t was however negatived on this principle; T h a t the lands lay w i t h i n the limits of V i r g i n i a and could be affected by the decision of no other tribunal, but of the Courts w i t h i n the state. A Committee are engaged i n forming a requisition on the states; so soon as they have compleated i t , i t w i l l be sent on to your Excellency. I do myself the honour to enclose your Excellency the extract of a letter we received some days ago. I t comes from a M r . Campbell and relates to a subject which I recollect was taken up by the Executive some time last summer. Should our intervention be thought necessary i n the business, we shall most chearfully carry into effect any measures w h i c h your Excellency and the Council may think advisable. I have the honour to be Your Excellencys M o Obedt hble servt, S HARDY R C ( V i ) ; endorsed in part: "inclosg Copy of L r . from Colo. Jno. Campbell." Enclosure has not been found, but its nature is discernible from Harrison's reply to Hardy of 2 Apr. 1784 q.v., and notes there.

From Francis DEAR FRIEND

Hopkinson Philada. 12th. March 1784

I hope you have, e'er this, recovered from your Indisposition. For m y Part I have been afflicted w i t h a very severe Cold for these three Weeks past nor have I yet got r i d of this troublesome Companion. T h i s Complaint is very general here. I have amused myself during m y Confinement i n various W a y s . I have read Burney on Music which is really a very learned W o r k , but as I cannot subscribe to all his Doctrine, have made some Remarks as I went thro' his W o r k . These I must lay by t i l l I see his 3d. V o l . on popular Music; As m y Remarks tend mostly that W a y . I have also taken our Street Commissioners i n hand as you w i l l see by the enclosed. One m i g h t truly say they stunk for a W h i p p i n g . I expect some good Effects from this Flagellation. I have the assent of the whole City i n m y Favour. Very curious Phenomena have appeared i n our political Hemisphere. A certain Party who have been for these three Years past disappointed i n their Manœuvres, that very Party who were the most zealous and obdurate Enemies to all T o r y i s m , have w i t h admirable Dexterity taken the most decided and unshaken Tories 19 ;

12

MARCH

1784

by the Hand. A Coalition most sudden and most extraordinary has taken place. Y o u may now see those very men who hang'd Roberts and Carlisle hand and Glove w i t h the friends of Roberts and Carlisle. You may see friend McKean, Friend Bryan, friend Serjeant, friend Hutchinson, & c , & c , i n gentle Union and pleasing Converse w i t h friend Pleasants friend Warder, friend Emlan, & c , & c , &c. The first attempt of this Junto was the Establishment of a Bank w i t h a V i e w of rivalling and weakening the Effects of the national Bank, but this Scheme w i l l not succeed, as the House of Assembly seem not disposed to countenance i t by a Charter. The Second Effort was a Petition to the House to repeal the Test Law and admit all Persons to the Right of electing or being elected, be their political Creed what i t may. T h i s had well nigh succeeded; but was finally postponed by the casting Vote of the Speaker. I t was remarkable that not one of the Persons who were to be bene­ fited by this Repeal signed any of the Petitions. T h i s would have implied an Acknowledgement of the present Government, but they had address enough to draw i n some good whigs and a great many half whigs to sign and countenance these Petitions. H a d i t suc­ ceeded we should have seen every Movement of our Government tending to the Restoration of every Prejudice i n favour of British politics. W e should have seen the most partial Acts passed i n favour of British Commerce, and a most disrespectful Neglect of Foreigners. T h i s State would i n the Course of a Year or two [have] been justly branded w i t h Ingratitude. These are m y Apprehensions. I have scarce left Room to tell you that there is a Design on foot to erect two elegant Buildings on the State house Square, one for the philosophical Society the other for the City L i b r a r y , to which is to be united the Loganian L i b r a r y . I yesterday drew up the Petition to the House to grant us the Ground necessary for these Purposes. M r . Rittenhouse's Pension goes on swimmingly. I t is fixed at £ 5 0 0 pr. A n n . and the B i l l I beleive w i l l be pass'd before the House rises. W e have not taken the Affair of the Balloons i n hand. A h i g h flying Politician is I think not unlike a Balloon—he is full of i n ­ flammability, he is driven along by every current of W i n d , and those who w i l l suffer themselves to be carried up by them r u n a great Risk that the Bubble may burst and let them fall from the Height to which a principle of Levity had raised them. Adieu. I hope to see you soon. Your's sincerely, F.

[20

HOPKINSON

12

MARCH

R C ( D L C ) . Noted in S J L as re­ ceived 25 Mch. Enclosure (missing): "Some Account of a New Work E n ­ titled Dialogues of the Dead" pub­ lished in the Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 Mch. 1784, a satire on the unsanitary accumulation of refuse in the Phila­ delphia streets ( G . E . Hastings, Life and Works of Francis Hopkinson, Chi­ cago, 1926, p. 384-6; the "Account" is printed in Hopkinson, Miscellaneous Essays, Phila., 1792, I , 327-39). The

DESIGN . . .

TO ERECT TWO ELE­

did not work out pre­ cisely as Hopkinson hoped. T h e L i ­ brary Company of Philadelphia was in 1784 housed in the second floor of Carpenters' Hall, where it had been since 1773. T h e American Philosophi­ cal Society initiated the proposal that the Library Company join in a peti­ tion to the legislature for permission to erect two balancing buildings on the southeast and southwest corners of the State House Square (Samuel Vaughan to Benjamin Franklin, 8 Mch. 1784, Franklin Papers, Amer. Philos. S o c ) . A committee appointed to consider the proposal reported favorably and the joint petition was approved by both organizations. A copy of the text of the petition is in the archives of the Amer­ GANT

BUILDINGS

T o

1784

ican Philosophical Society, as finally approved 13 Dec. 1784. But both in­ stitutions wanted to be on the east side of the square and the Library Com­ pany withdrew when the Society won out. I n 1789-1790 the Library Com­ pany erected its own building on Fifth street opposite the Hall of the Philo­ sophical Society; it was designed by D r . William Thornton and some of the carpenters, plasterers, stonecutters iron­ mongers, &c. were paid, at least in part, by shares in the Library Com­ pany. At the present time (1952) there is contemplated, in connection with the Independence Hall National Historical Park, a reconstruction of the building designed by Thornton to house the L i ­ brary of the American Philosophical Society (Charles E . Peterson, "Library Hall: Home of the Library Company of Philadelphia, 1790-1880," Amer. Philos. S o c , Procs., x c v [1951], 26685). Vaughan, in his letter to Franklin of 8 Mch. 1784, had urged that the Loganian Library join in the proposal; Franklin before his death in 1790 urged that the Loganian ally itself with the Library Company; and an annex to the Library Company building was made for this purpose and opened in 1794 (same, p. 275-6).

Ralph

Izard

{Annapolis, 12 Mch. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Ralph Izzard. European news—ratification treaty—state of Congr.—S. Carola, will be unrepresented—adjourn in May—no accomodations Annap.—meet in Nov. at Philada. or Trenton—Committee of states sit at Philada.— cession of Virga.—encourage S.C. west of Tug[aloo]." Not found. The Tugaloo and Keowee rivers unite to form the Savannah; on the South Carolina cession of territory west of the Tugaloo in 1787 (which turned out to be a cession of non-existent territory ) , see Paullin, Atlas of the Historical Geography of the United States, 34-5, and Plate 47B; on Izard's attitude on the Virginia cession, see Burnett, Letters of Members, v n , No. 526, note 4, and also T J to Harrison, 3 Mch. 1784.]

F r o m John Sullivan, with John

McDuffee's

A n s w e r s to Q u e r i e s c o n c e r n i n g t h e SIR

Moose

Durham March 12th. 1784

I have now the honor to inclose answers to your Queries respect­ ing the Moose, and beg you w i l l excuse the long delay. I t was late 21 ]

12

MARCH

1784

in February when I arrived at D u r h a m and being deeply impressed w i t h the necessity of having your Queries answered w i t h the great­ est exactness I wrote to persons i n various parts of the Country but have as yet received no answers but the inclosed. M y principal reliance was on the Gentleman who signs the inclosed; and upon a Clergyman one of m y friends settled i n one of the Frontier Towns in the Province of Maine; i n whose parish lives one Jonathan Door taken by the Indians when an Infant, and remained w i t h them t h i r t y Years became one of them and has hunted w i t h them i n every part of America N o r t h of the Ohio. He was w i t h difficulty prevailed upon to return to his Friends about the Year 1764 and has since become a regular sober and Industrious Citizen. I have requested the Clergyman to procure from h i m and forward answers to all your Queries which I w i l l transmit as soon as they come to hand. Colo. McDuffee who signs the inclosed followed the business of hunting for many years i n the E a r l y part of his life, was a Captain of the Rangers i n the last French W a r ; has been i n every part of Canada and Nova Scotia, and i n many other parts of America, was a Colonel i n our service this W a r and is now settled i n a T o w n ( b u t a few Years since) one of the frontier Towns of N e w Hampshire; in which T o w n there are many persons who have been brought up in the business of hunting. The Colonel is himself a man of observa­ tion and of strict veracity. I therefore suppose you may rely w i t h great safety upon Every thing he has said on the subject. I shall however forward the other answers as they come to hand. General W h i p p l e has not as yet given me an answer whether he can procure the Skeletons of a Moose as he waits to see his brother. W h e n he does i f i t should be i n the Negative I w i l l endeavor to procure one myself and lest a disappointment should take place from h i m have already wrote m y friends i n the frontier settlements to procure me one i f possible. I had the pleasure to see Colo. McDuffee yesterday who desired me to add to his observations "That i n the summer season the Moose wades into the ponds and Rivers pulls up and Eats the Roots of Pond Lilleys and other water Flowers, and that the Indians by lying i n ambush k i l l more of them i n such places i n the summer season than i n any other way." Y o u w i l l be so obliging as to make m y most respectful Compliments to Doctor Lee and inform h i m that when I go to A p r i l Court i n the Province of M a i n I w i l l make the proper inquiries respecting the unappropriated Lands i n the Eastern Quarter and give h i m the Earliest informa­ [22

12

MARCH

1784

tion. The subjects of Natural history you may depend on as soon as they can be procured and the rivers (which are now frozen) w i l l admit of their being sent on. I have the honor to be w i t h the most Lively sentiments of Esteem & respect sir Your most obedt & very humble servant, JNO

SULLIVAN

E N C L O S U R E

John McDuffee to John Sullivan, w i t h Answers to Queries concerning the Moose l.

1

2.

3.

[4.] 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

Rochester March 5th. 1784 Is not the Caribou and the Black Moose one and the same Animal? The Carabou Calevan or Indian Shovler is an Animal very dif­ ferent from the Moose. His hoofs are like a Horses his Horns are short and have no prongs, is about the bigness of a small Horse, lives in Heaths and Swamps, feeds chiefly on Roots which he digs up with his feet, is seldom seen in this quarter of the Country. Is not the grey Moose and the Elk one and the same Animal and quite different from the former? The Elk is Deer of a large size and is known by the name of the Newfoundland Deer. The Black and Grey Moose are one and the same Animal. The Black are mostly found to the Eastward, the Grey to the South­ ward. What is the heighth of the grey Moose at the weathers, its length from the Ears in the root of the Tail, and its circumference where largest? One of the largest is about SY2 feet high at the weathers, SY2 or 9 feet long, behind his fore legs is about 7 feet in circumference. Has it a Sollid or Cloven Hoof? Cloven. Do their feet make a loud ratling as they run? They do. Is the under part of the Hoof covered with Hair? I t is not. Are they a Swift Animal? They trott exceeding fast and have no other gait. Do they sweat when hard run or only drip at the tongue? Only drip at the Tongue. A t what season do they shed their Horns, and when recover them? They shed their Horns in January, push'd off by the succeeding Horns and recover them gradually 'till push'd off again by Suc­ cession. Has the Doe Horns as well as the Buck? They have not. How many young does She produce at a time? She has but one the first time, ever after two. What is their Food? Brouse and Bark of Trees chiefly of Maple. How far southward are they known? No farther than Hudsons River, to the southward of that the Moose are grey. Have they ever been tamed and used to any purpose? They are Easily tamed, but can bear no labour.

23 :

14 15. 16.

MARCH

1784

Are the Horns of the Elk Palmated, or are they round and pointed? The Horns are the same as a Deers only flatted at the topp. Has the Elk always or ever a white spot a foot in Diameter round the root of the Tail? I never saw but one; that had none.

SIR

The above answers are the best I am able to give to your Queries, would only observe that there is a Moose's Horn in one of the Pigwackett Towns so large that is Used for a Cradle to rock the Children in. A m Sir with due Respects Your Most Humble Servant, JOHN

MCDUFFEE

been inspired by gratitude for the re­ port drawn up by T J and by the hope of having that report adopted. It is evident, at any rate, that Sullivan's anger and T J ' s "rebuke" of 1776 were, if not forgotten, at least smoothed over (see Vol. 1: 478-9). T H E C L E R G Y M A N was one M r . Hussey (see Sullivan to T J , 22 June 1784). Col. John M C D U F ­ F E E was lieutenant-colonel of the 2d New Hampshire regiment (Heitman).

R C ( D L C ) . Noted in S J L as received 13 Apr. 1784. Enclosure ( D L C ) is in the hand of Sullivan. The queries R E S P E C T I N G T H E M O O S E were undoubtedly handed to Sullivan by T J . T h e former had come to Annap­ olis late in Dec. 1783 on the affair of the brig Lusanna (see Sullivan to T J , 6 J a n . 1784 and T J ' s report on the Lusanna case, 8 J a n . 1794) and he de­ parted from Annapolis 17 J a n . (Bur­ nett, Letters of Members, v n , No. 4 9 2 ) . Sullivan's promptness in supplying the information desired by T J may have

i T h e numerals prefixed to the quer­ ies are in T J ' s hand.

F r o m Francis

Hopkinson

[Philadelphia, 14 Mch. 1784. Noted in S J L as received 25 Mch. 1784. Not found. This is probably the letter mentioned in the first paragraph of Hopkinson's letter to T J of 31 Mch., q.v. I t contained a request for certain papers needed in a lawsuit. On 27 Mch. T J made the following entry in his Account Book: "pd Register of land office for Fras. Hopkinson Philada 22/6"; and on 30 Mch.: "pd for great seal to 2. papers for F. Hopkinson 25/6."]

T o

Jacquelin Ambler

[Annapolis, 15 Mch. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "J. Ambler. Receipt of exchange for 433V6 and 333Vá D.—state of Congr.—European news." Not found.]

T o

Benjamin Harrison, Jr.

[Annapolis, 15 Mch. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "B. Harrison junr. Acknol. receipt of bills 433V5 and 333Vá—glad to receive remittances thro' him—state of Congr." Not found.] 24

T o

David Ross

{Annapolis, 15 Mch. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "D. Ross. Receipt of letter permitting to draw—will only use in case of extreme necessity." Letter not found, but see David Ross to T J , 14 Feb. 1784, to which this letter is a reply.]

T o

George

Washington

DR. SIR

Annapolis Mar. 15. 1784

Since m y last nothing new has occurred. I suppose the crippled state of Congress is not new to you. W e have only 9. states present, 8 of w h o m are represented by two members each, and of course, on all great questions not only an unanimity of states but of mem­ bers is necessary, an unanimity which never can be obtained on a matter of any importance. The consequence is that we are wasting our time and labour i n vain efforts to do business. Nothing less than the presence of 13. states represented by an odd number of delegates w i l l enable us to get forward a single capital point. The deed for the cession of Western territory by V i r g i n i a was executed and accepted on the 1st. instant. I hope our country w i l l of herself determine to cede still further to the meridian of the mouth of the Great Kanhaway. Further she cannot govern; so far is necessary for her own well being. The reasons which call for this boundary ( w h i c h w i l l retain all the waters of the Kanhaway) are 1. that within that are our lead mines. 2. T h i s river rising i n N . Carola, traverses our whole latitude and offers to every part of i t a channel for navigation and commerce to the Western country: but 3. i t is a channel which can not be opened but at immense expence and w i t h every facility which an absolute power over both shores w i l l give. 4. This river and it's waters forms a band of good land pass­ ing along our whole frontier, and forming on i t a barrier which w i l l be strongly seated. 5. For 180 miles beyond these waters is a mountainous barren which can never be inhabited and w i l l of course form a safe separation between us and any other state. 6. T h i s tract of country lies more convenient to receive it's govern­ ment from V i r g i n i a than from any other state. 7. I t w i l l preserve to us all the upper parts of Yohogany and Cheat rivers w i t h i n which much w i l l be to be done to open these which are the true doors to the Western commerce. The union of this navigation w i t h that of the Patowmac is a subject on which I mentioned that I would take the liberty of w r i t i n g to you. I am sure it's value and 25

15

MARCH

1784

practicability are both well known to you. T h i s is the moment however for seizing i t i f ever we mean to have i t . A l l the w o r l d is becoming commercial. W a s i t practicable to keep our new empire separated from them we m i g h t indulge ourselves i n speculating whether commerce contributes to the happiness of mankind. B u t we cannot separate ourselves from them. Our citizens have had too full a taste of the comforts furnished by the arts and manufactures to be debarred the use of them. W e must then i n our own defence endeavor to share as large a portion as we can of this modern source of wealth and power. T h a t offered to us from the Western country is under a competition between the Hudson, the Patomac and the Missisipi itself. D o w n the last w i l l pass all heavy commodities. But the navigation through the gulf of Mexico is so dangerous, and that up the Missisipi so difficult and tedious, that i t is not probable that European merchandize w i l l return through that channel. I t is most likely that flour, lumber and other heavy articles w i l l be floated on rafts which w i l l be themselves an article of sale as well as their loading, the navigators returning by land or i n l i g h t batteaux. There w i l l therefore be a rivalship between the Hudson and Patowmac for the residue of the commerce of all the country W e s t w a r d of L . Erie, on the waters of the lakes, of the Ohio and upper parts of the Missisipi. T o go to N . Y o r k , that part of the trade which comes from the lakes or their waters must first be brought into L . Erie. So also must that which comes from the waters of the Missisipi, and of course must cross at some portage into the waters of the lakes. W h e n i t shall have entered L . Erie, i t must coast along it's Southern shore on account of the number and excellence of it's harbours, the Northern, tho' shortest, having few harbours, and these unsafe. Having reached Cayahoga, to proceed on to N . Y o r k w i l l be 970 miles from thence and five portages, whereas i t is but 4 3 0 . miles to Alexandria, i f i t turns into the Cayahoga and passes through that, B i g beaver, Ohio, Yohogany (or Monongalia and Cheat) and Patowmac, and there are but two portages. For the trade of the Ohio or that which shall come into i t from it's own waters or the Missisipi, i t is nearer to Alex­ andria than to N e w Y o r k by 730 miles, and is interrupted by one portage only. Nature then has declared i n favour of the Patowmac, and through that channel offers to pour into our lap the whole com­ merce of the Western w o r l d . B u t unfortunately the channel by the Hudson is already open and known i n practice; ours is still to be opened. T h i s is the moment i n which the trade of the W e s t w i l l begin to get into motion and to take it's direction. I t behoves us 26

15

M A R C H

1 7 8 4

then to open our doors to i t . I have lately pressed this subject on my friends i n the General assembly, proposing to them to endeavor to have a tax laid w h i c h shall b r i n g into a separate chest from five to ten thousand pounds a year, to be employed first i n opening the upper waters of the Ohio and Patowmac, where a little money and time w i l l do a great deal, leaving the great falls for the last part of the w o r k . T o remove the idea of partiality I have suggested the propriety and justice of continuing this fund t i l l all the rivers shall be cleared successively. B u t a most powerful objection always arises to propositions of this k i n d . I t is that public undertakings are carlessly managed and much money spent to little purpose. T o obviate this objection is the purpose of m y giving you the trouble of this discussion. You have retired from public life. You have weighed this determination and i t would be impertinence i n me to touch i t . B u t would the superintendance of this w o r k break i n too much on the sweets of retirement and repose? I f they would, I stop here. Your future time and wishes are sacred i n my eye. I f i t would be only a dignified amusement to you, what a monument of your retirement would i t be! I t is one which would follow that of your public life and bespeak i t the w o r k of the same great hand. I am confident that would you either alone or jointly w i t h any persons you think proper be w i l l i n g to direct this business, i t would remove the only objection the weight of w h i c h I apprehend. T h o ' the tax should not come i n t i l l the fall, it's proceeds should be anticipated by borrowing from some other fund to enable the w o r k to be begun this summer. W h e n you view me as not owning, nor ever having a prospect of owning one inch of land on any water either of the Patowmac or Ohio, i t w i l l tend to apologize for the trouble I have given you of this long letter, by shewing that m y zeal i n this business is public and pure. The best atonement for the time I have occupied you w i l l be not to add to i t longer than while I assure you of the sincerity & esteem w i t h which I have the honour to be D r . Sir Your most obedient & most humble servt, TH:

JEFFERSON

PS. The h u r r y of time i n my former letter prevented m y thanking you for your polite and friendly invitation to M o u n t Vernon. I shall certainly pay m y respects there to M r s . Washington and yourself w i t h great pleasure whenever i t shall be i n m y power. R C ( D L C : Washington Papers); endorsed by Washington. Entry in S J L reads: "Go. Washington. State of Congr.—Western cession—further cession to meridian of mouth of Kanh. and

reasons—communication between Western waters and Patowm.—will he superintend opening it?—will wait on him when in my power."

27:

From George DEAR SIR

Washington

Mount Vernon March 15th. 1784.

The Baron de Steuben informs me that he is about to make a final Settlement w i t h Congress; and to obtain from them that compensation which his Services shall appear to have merited; having entered into no stipulation at the time he engaged i n the Service, either for Pay or emoluments; chusing rather to let his Services point to their own rewards (after they were performed) than to set a value upon them before hand. W i s h i n g , on the one hand, for nothing more than they deserved; on the other, convinced that the honor and dignity of the sovereign power of these states would do h i m justice, i f our cause should be crowned w i t h success, i f not, he would share their fortunes, and fall w i t h them. W h a t the Barons expectations are, i f he should incline to make them known, can be best explained by himself; but this I have heard h i m say, that to be placed i n the same situation he was when he came to this Country, would content him. W h a t this was I know not, but i t should seem that, i f a Foreigner gets nothing by the Service, he ought not to loose by i t . M y Sentiments w i t h respect to the importance of the Barons Services have been delivered to Congress i n so many instances and he himself has received such repeated testimonies of i t , that i t is unnecessary for me i n this place (especially as I have laid aside M y M i l i t a r y character, and am disinclined to trouble Congress any longer w i t h m y application[s)] to give fresh proofs of m y approba­ tion of the Abilities and conduct, tending to the same points. B u t I could wish to see his merit, which is great, and his Services which have been eminent, rewarded to his satisfaction. I am w i t h the most sincere esteem & regard D r Sir Y r . Obedt. Go: W A S H I N G T O N

& very H [ l ] ,

R C ( D L C ) ; endorsed by T J . F C ( D L C : Washington Papers). There is no evidence that T J responded to this appeal. For his part in the warmly contested matter of compensation for the "sacrifices and services" of the Baron, see his motion of 15 Apr. 1784.

From

William Queries

DEAR SIR

Whipple, with Answers concerning

the

to

Moose

Portsmouth the 15th March 1784

T h e only Apology I have to make for not sooner answering Your favor of the 12th Jany. is, that I have been expecting more satis28

15

MARCH

1784

factory information on the subject of the Moose; but dispairing of speedily obtaining the satisfaction I wish; I now inclose you such answers to Your questions as I have been able to procure, also a small parcel of the hair of the Moose sent me by a Gentleman of whom I have been making inquiry respecting that A n i m a l . I have never heard of but one k i n d of Moose i n this Country, whether that is the Black or Grey Moose I w i l l not undertake to decide but i t differs greatly i n size from the Black Moose described by the Naturalists of Europe. Some Years ago I saw one of these Animals which was a female said to be one Year O l d and was then judged to be four feet and a half h i g h but was not Measured when I saw i t . The Caribou is found i n Nova-Scocia and is a very dif­ ferent animal from the Moose of this Country. I t is much smaler and as i t has been described to me answers the description of the Reindeer of Lapland. I have seen the skin of a Caribou, the Colour of the hair is something darker than that of the Moose and as thick and fine as that of the Bear. I have taken Measures to procure a complete skeleton, which i f I fail i n I have no doubt of procuring i n the course of the summer a pair of Horns and some of the principal Bones which probably may be sent to V i r g i n i a or M a r y l a n d i f Y o u should prefer having them at either of those places to Philadelphia. The Gentleman who furnished me w i t h the inclosed answers to Your questions informs me that he never measured a Moose tho' he has seen many. I am inclined to think he is somthing mistaken i n the size. I have heard some hunters say they have seen them more than six feet h i g h . The Pleasure I receive from this Communication w i l l be i n pro­ portion to the satisfaction i t affords Y o u . I am w i t h very great Esteem & Respect D r . Sir Your Most obedt. & Very Humle Servt, W M . WHIPPLE E N C L O S U R E

[Before 15 March 1784] The Moose found in this country I suppose to be a different annimal from the Caribou. The Orignal, the Elk are unknown to me. The Moose is 4 ^ to 5 ^ feet high at the weathers when full grown. Its length from the ears to the root of the tail about SY2 feet. Its circumference just behind the weathers about 5 feet. The hoof is cloven like the Cow and Ox, but rather longer. The Doe has no horns. The time of shedding the horns I cannot at present ascertain. 1

29

16

MARCH

1 7 8 4

When Surpriz'd they go off on a trott with long steps proportion'd to the length of the leg and at the rate of 20 or More Miles $ hour. I never heard of a rattling of the feet as they run nor of the hairs appearing on the under part of the hoof. Their Sweating when pursu'd, or only dripping at the tongue cannot be now answer'd. Browse is their common food. When tam'd they will eat Bread or any thing offerd them. When taken young they Soon become very tame and continue so when grown up. When attemps have been made to employ them in the reins or harness, they are Sulky and not to be prevaild on to move. This may probably be owing to want of skill in the Managers. They are known in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Cannot say whether farther Southward. R C ( M H i ) ; endorsed by T J : "Whip­ ple Geni." Enclosure ( M o S H i ) , in an unidentified hand. Entry in S J L shows that T J received Whipple's letter 16 Apr. 1784. T J ' S F A V O R O F T H E 12TH

J ANY.

has

not been found; it was probably de­ livered by John Sullivan, who left An­

T o DEAR SIR

James

napolis on 17 Jan. T H E G E N T L E M A N who furnished the answers enclosed by Whipple has not been identified, ORIG­ N A L is the Canadian name for Moose (OED).

i Compare with replies in Sullivan to T J , 12 Mch. 1784.

Madison Annapolis Mar. 1 6 . 1 7 8 4 .

I received yesterday by M r . M a u r y your favor of Feb. 17. T h a t which you mention to have written by post a few days before is not yet come to hand. I am induced to this quick reply to the former by an alarming paragraph i n i t , which is that Mazzei is coming to Annapolis. I tremble at the idea. I know he w i l l be worse to me than a return of my double quotidian head-ach. There is a resolu­ tion reported to Congress by a Committee that they w i l l never appoint to the office of minister, chargé des affaires, consul, agent &c. (describing the foreign emploiments) any but natives. T o this I think there w i l l not be a dissenting vote: and i t w i l l be taken up among the first things. Could you not, by making h i m acquainted w i t h this divert h i m from coming here? A consulate is his object, in which he w i l l assuredly fail. B u t his coming w i l l be attended w i t h evil. He is the violent enemy of Franklin having been some time at Paris. F r o m m y knolege of the man I am sure he w i l l have emploied himself i n collecting on the spot facts true or false to impeach h i m . You know there are people here who on the first idea of this, w i l l take h i m to their bosom and t u r n all Congress topsy turvy. For god's sake then save us from this confusion i f you can. 30] 1

16

MARCH

1784

W e have eight states only and 7. of these represented by two members. Delaware and S. Carolina we lost w i t h i n these t w o days by the expiration of their powers. The other absent states are N . York, Maryland and Georgia, W e have done nothing and can do nothing i n this condition but waste our time, temper, and spirits i n debating things for days or weeks and then losing them by the negative of one or two individuals. W e have letters from Franklin and M a r q . Fayette of the 24th. and 25th. of Dec. They inform us that N o r t h and Fox are out, Pitt and Temple coming i n , that whole nation extremely indisposed towards us, and as having not lost the idea of reannexing us, the T u r k s and Russians likely to be kept quiet another year, the Marquis coming to America this spring, M r . Laurence then about sailing for America, M r . Adams leaving England for the Hague, M r . Jay at Bath but about returning to Paris. Our ratification tho' on board two different vessels at N . York i n the hands of officers as early as the 20th. of Jan. d i d not sail thence t i l l the 17th. of Feb. on account of the ice. I w i l l attend to your desire about the book­ sellers. I am considerably mended i n m y health and hope a favour­ able change i n the weather which seems to be taking place w i l l reestablish me. I wish you would keep a diary under the following heads or columns. 1. day of the month. 2. thermometer at sunrise. 3. barometer at sunrise. 6. thermom. at 4. P . M . 7. barometer at 4. P . M . 4. direction of w i n d at sunrise. 8. direction of w i n d at 4. P . M . 5. the weather viz. rain, snow, fair at sunrise, &c. 9. weather at 4. P . M . 10. shooting or falling of the leaves of trees, of flours, and other remarkeable plants. 1 1 . appearance or disappear­ ance of birds, their emigrations &c. 12. Miscellanea. I t w i l l be an amusement to you and may become useful. I do not know whether you have a thermometer or barometer. I f you have not, those columns w i l l be unfilled t i l l you can supply yourself. I n the miscel­ laneous column I have generally inserted Aurora boreales, and other unclassed rare things. Adieu Adieu Yours affectionately. 2

2

3

The above columns to be arranged according to the order of the numbers as corrected. R C ( D L C : Madison Papers); unsigned; addressed to Madison at Orange, "to the care of M r . Maury Fredsbgh T h Jefferson"; endorsed. Summary in S J L reads: "[Mar.] 16. Jas. Madison. T o dissuade P.M.'s visit—résolution of committee to employ natives— his enmity to F . will do mischief—state

of Congr.—European news viz. E n g . ministry and disposition, Turks and Russns. accomodated, Fayette coming, Laurence, Adams, Jay, ratification— will see about booksellers—my health better—to keep diary under these heads, 1. day. 2. thermometer sunrise. 3. barometer do. 4. wind do. 5. weather

si ;

16

MARCH 1 7 8 4

do. 6. thermometer 4. P . M . 7. barometer do. 8. wind do. 9. weather do. 10. shooting: or falling: of leaves, flours, plants. 11. appearance or disappearance of birds, their emigration &c. 12. miscellaneous." T J ' s almost frantic desire to keep Mazzei away from Annapolis was due, no doubt, to the fear that among those who

WOUld T A K E HTM T O T H E I R BOSOM

because of his enmity to Franklin was

Arthur Lee. Madison's letter B Y P O S T was that of 11 Feb. 1 T h i s and subsequent words in italics are in code, except as noted below; they have been decoded by the editors, employing Code No. 3. 2 Not in code; underscored in M S . 3 This and subsequent numbers have been altered by overwriting; the final order is shown in sequence in the S J L summary quoted above.

From James DEAR SIR

Madison Orange March 1 6 . 1 7 8 4

Your favour of the 2 0 . U l t . came duly to hand a few days ago. I cannot apprehend that any difficulties can ensue i n Europe from the involuntary and immaterial delay of the ratification of the peace, or i f there should, that any imputations can be devised which w i l l not be repelled by the collective force of the reasons i n the intended protest; some of which singly taken are unanswerable. As you no doubt had recourse to authorities which I have no opportunity of consulting, I probably err i n supposing the r i g h t of the Sovereign to reject the act of his plenipotentiary to be more circumscribed than you lay i t down. I recollect well that an implied condition is annexed by the usage of Nations to a Plenipotentiary commission, but should not have extended the implication beyond cases where some palpable and material default i n the Minister could be alledged by the Sovereign. W a v i n g some such plea, the language both of the Commission and of reason seems to fix on the latter as clear an engagement to fulfil his promise to ratify a treaty, as to fulfil the promises of a treaty which he has ratified. I n both cases one would pronounce the obligation equally personal to the Sovereign, and a failure on his part without some absolving circumstance, equally a breach of faith. T h e project of affixing the Seal of the U . S. by 7 States to an A c t which had been just admitted to require nine, must have stood self-condemned; and tho' i t m i g h t have produced a temporary deception abroad, must have been immediately detected at home, and have finally dishonored the fœderal Councils everywhere. The competency of 7 states to a Treaty of Peace has often been a subject of debate i n Congress and has sometimes been admitted into their practice, at least so far as to issue fresh instructions. The reasoning employed i n defence of the doctrine has been ''that the cases which require 9 States, being :32

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exceptions to the general authority of 7 States ought to be taken strictly; that i n the enumeration of the powers of Congress i n the first clause of art. 9. of the Confederation, the power of entering into treaties and alliances is contradistinguished from that of deter­ mining on peace and war and even separated by the intervening power of sending and receiving ambassadors; that the excepting clause therefore i n which Treaties and Alliances' ought to be taken i n the same confined sense, and i n which the power of determining on peace is omitted, cannot be extended by construction to the latter power; that under such a construction 5 States m i g h t continue a war which i t required nine to commence, though where the object of the war has been obtained, a continuance must i n every view be equipollent to a commencement of i t ; and that the very means pro­ vided for preserving a state of peace might thus become the means of preventing its restoration." The answer to these arguments has been that the construction of the fcederal articles which they main­ tain is a nicety which reason disclaims, and that i f i t be dangerous on one side to leave i t i n the breast of 5 States to protract a war, it is equally necessary on the other to restrain 7 states from saddling the Union w i t h any stipulations which they may please to inter­ weave w i t h a Treaty of peace. I was once led by this question to search the files of Congress for such lights as the history of the Confederation m i g h t furnish, and on a review now of m y papers I find the evidence from that source to consist of the following cir­ cumstances: I n Doctr. Franklin's "Sketch of Articles of Confedera­ tion" laid before Congress on 2 1 day of July 1775. no number beyond a majority is required i n any cases. I n the plan reported to Congress by the Committee appointed 1 1 . June 1776. the general enumeration of the powers of Congress i n A r t : 18. is expressed i n a similar manner w i t h the first clause i n the present 9 t h art:, as are the exceptions i n a subsequent clause of the 18 art: of the report, w i t h the excepting clause as i t now stands; and yet i n the M a r g i n of the Report and I believe i n the same hand w r i t i n g , there is a "Qu: I f so large a majority is necessary i n concluding a Treaty of Peace." There are sundry other marginal queries i n the report from the same pen. Hence i t would seem that notwithstanding the pre­ ceding discrimination between the powers of "determining on peace" and "entering into Treaties" the latter was meant by the Committee to comprise the former. The next form i n which the articles appear is a printed copy of the Report as i t had been previously amended, w i t h sundry amendments, erasures and notes on the printed copy itself i n the hand of M r . Thomson. I n the printed text of this paper 33

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art: 14. the phraseology which defines the general powers of Con­ gress is the same w i t h that i n art: 18 of the manuscript report. I n the subsequent clause requiring nine States, the text as printed ran thus: "The United States i n Congress assembled shall never engage in a war nor grant letters of marque and reprisal i n time of peace, nor enter into any Treaties or alliances except for peace," the words except jor peace being erased, but sufficiently legible through the erasure. T h e fair inference from this passage seems to be 1. that without those words 9 States were held to be required for conclud­ i n g peace, 2. that an attempt had been made to render 7 States competent to such an A c t , which attempt must have succeeded either on a preceding discussion i n Congress or i n a Committee of the whole, or a special Committee, 3. that on fuller deliberation the power of making Treaties of peace was meant to be left on the same footing w i t h that of making all other Treaties. The remain­ ing papers on the files have no reference to this question. Another question which several times during m y service i n Congress exer­ cised their deliberations was whether 7 States could revoke a Com­ mission for a Treaty issued by nine States, at any time before the faith of the Confederacy should be pledged under i t . I n the instance of a proposition i n 1781 to revoke a Commission which had been granted under peculiar circumstance i n 1779 to J . Adams to form a treaty of Commerce with G. B. the competency of 7 States was resolved on ( b y 7 States indeed) and a revocation took place accordingly. I t was however effected w i t h much difficulty, and some members of the minority even contested the validity of the proceeding. M y own opinion then was and still is that the pro­ ceeding was equally valid and expedient. The circumstances which had given b i r t h to the commission had given place to others totally different; not a single step had been taken under the commission which could affect the honour or faith of the U . S. and i t surely can never be said that either the letter or spirit of the Confederation requires the same majority to decline as to engage i n foreign trea­ ties. T h e safest method of guarding against the execution of those great powers after the circumstances which dictated them have changed is to l i m i t their duration, trusting to renewals as they expire, i f the original reasons continue. M y experience of the un­ certainty of getting an affirmative vote even of 7 States had deter­ mined me before I left Congress always to contend for such l i m i ­ tations. 1

I thought the sense of the t e r m "appropriation" had been settled by the latter practice of Congress to be the same as you take i t to be. 34

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I always understood that to be the true, the parliamentary and the only rational sense. I f no distinction be admitted between the "ap­ propriation of money to general uses" and "expenditures i n detail" the Secretary of Congress could not buy quills or wafers without a vote of nine States entered on record, and the Secretary to the Committee of the States could not do i t at all. I n short unless one vote of appropriation can extend to a class of objects, there must be a physical impossibility of providing for them, and the extent and generality of such classes can only be determined by discretion and conveniency. I t is observable that i n the specification of the powers which require 9 States, the single technical w o r d "appropri­ ate" is retained. I n the general recital which precedes, the w o r d "apply" as well as "appropriate" is used. You were not mistaken in supposing I had i n conversation restrained the authority of the fcederai Court to territorial disputes, but I was egregiously so i n the opinion I had formed. Whence I got i t I am utterly at a loss to account. I t could not be from the Confederation itself for words could not be more explicit. I detected the error a few days ago i n consulting the articles on another subject, and had noted i t for my next letter to you. I am not sure that I comprehend your idea of a cession of the territory beyond the Kanhaway and on this side the Ohio. As all the soil of value has been granted out to individuals a cession i n that view would be improper, and a cession of the jurisdiction to Congress can be proper only where the Country is vacant of settlers. I presume your meaning therefore to be no more than a separation of that country from this, and an incorporation of i t into the Union; a work to which all three must be parties. I have no reason to believe there w i l l be any repugnance on the part of V i r g a . The effort of Pena, for the western commerce does credit to her public Councils. The commercial genius of this State is too much i n its infancy I fear to rival the example. W e r e this less the case, the confusion of its affairs must stifle all enterprize. I shall be better able however to judge of the practicability of your hint when I know more of them. The declension of George T o w n does not surprize me tho' i t gives me regret. I f the competition should lie between Trenton and Philada. and depend on the vote of New Tork i t is not difficult to foresee into which scale i t w i l l be thrown, nor the probable effect of such decision on our Southern hopes.— I have long regarded the Council as a grave of useful talents, as well as objectionable i n point of expence. Yet I see not how such a reform as you suggest can be brought about. The Constitution, tho' readily overleaped by the Legislature on the spur of an occa2

2

2

: 35

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sion, would probably be made a bar to such an innovation. I t directs that 8 members be kept up, and requires the sanction of 4 to almost every act of the Governor. Is i t not to be feared too, that these little meliorations of the Government may t u r n the edge of some of the arguments which ought to be laid to its root? I grow every day more and more solicitous to see this essential w o r k begun. Every days delay settles the Government deeper into the habits of the people, and strengthens the prop which their acquiescence gives i t . M y field of observation is too small to warrant any con­ jecture of the public disposition towards the measure; but all w i t h w h o m I converse lend a ready ear to i t . M u c h w i l l depend on the politics of M r . H . which are wholly unknown to me. Should they be adverse, and G . M . not i n the Assembly hazardous as delay is, the experiment must be put off to a more auspicious conjuncture. The Charter granted i n 1732 [ 1 6 3 2 ] to L o r d Baltimore makes, if I mistake not, the Southern Shored of the Potowmac the boundary of Maryland on that side. The constitution of V i r g i n i a cedes to that State "all the territories contained w i t h i n its charter w i t h all the rights of property, jurisdiction and Government and all other rights whatsoever,* which m i g h t at any time have been claimed by V i r ­ ginia, excepting only the free navigation and use* of the Rivers Potowmac and Pokomaque &c." Is i t not to be apprehended that this language w i l l be constructed into an entire relinquishment of the Jurisdiction of these rivers, and w i l l not such a construction be fatal to our port regulations on that side and otherwise highly i n ­ convenient? I was told on m y journey along the Potowmac of several flagrant evasions which had been practised w i t h impunity and success, by foreign vessels which had loaded at Alexandria. The jurisdiction of half the rivers ought to have been expressly reserved. The terms of the surrender are the more extraordinary, as the patents of the N . Neck place the whole river potowmac w i t h i n the Government of Virginia; so that we were armed w i t h a title both of prior and posterior date, to that of M a r y l a n d . W h a t w i l l be the best course to repair the error?—-to extend our laws upon the River, making M a r y l a n d the plaintiff i f she chooses to contest their authority—to state the case to her at once and propose a settlement by négociation—or to propose a mutual appointment of Commissioners for the general purpose of preserving a harmony and efficacy i n the regulations on both sides. The last mode squares best w i t h m y present ideas. I t can give no irritation to M a r y l d . I t can weaken no plea of V i r g a . I t w i l l give M a r y l a n d an oppor­ tunity of stirring the question i f she chooses, and w i l l not be fruit3

[36

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MARCH

1784

less i f Maryland should admit our jurisdiction. I f I see the subject in its true light no time should be lost i n fixing the interest of V i r ­ ginia. The good humour into which the cession of the back lands must have put Maryland forms an apt crisis for any négociation which may be necessary. Y o u w i l l be able probably to look into her charter and her laws, and to collect the leading sentiments relative to the matter. The winter has been so severe that I have never renewed m y call on the library of Monticello, and the time is now drawing so near when I may pass for a while into a different scene, that I shall await at least the return to m y studies. M r . L . Grymes told me a few days ago that a few of your Books which had been borrowed by M r . W . M a u r y , and ordered by h i m to be sent to his brother's the clergyman, on their way to Monticello, were still at the place which M r . M . removed from. I desired M r . Grymes to send them to me instead of the Parson, supposing as the distance is less, the books w i l l probably be sooner out of danger from accidents, and that a conveyance from hence w i l l not be less convenient. I calcu­ lated also on the use of such of them as may fall w i t h i n m y plan. I lately got home the T r u n k which contained m y Buffon, but have barely entered upon h i m . M y time begins already to be much less my own than d u r i n g the winter blockade. I must leave to your dis­ cretion the occasional purchase of rare and valuable books, disre­ garding the risk of duplicates. Y o u know tolerably well the objects of m y curiosity. I w i l l only particularize m y wish of whatever may throw light on the general Constitution and droit public of the several confederacies which have existed. I observe i n Boinauds Catalogue several pieces on the D u c h , the German and the Helvetic. The operations of our own must render all such lights of conse­ quence. Books on the L a w of N . and N . [Nature and Nations] fall w i t h i n a similar remark. The tracts of Bynkershoek which you mention I must trouble you to get for me and i n french i f to be had rather than latin. Should the body of his works come nearly as cheap, as these select publications perhaps i t may [be] w o r t h considering whether the whole would not be preferable. Is not Wolfius also w o r t h having. I recollect to have seen at Pritchards a copy of Hawkin's A b r i d g t . of Co: L i t t : I would w i l l i n g l y take i t if i t be still there and you have an opportunity. A copy of Deane's letters which were printed i n New York and which I failed to get before I left Philada. I should also be glad of. I use this freedom in confidence that you w i l l be equally free i n consulting your own conveniency whenever I encroach upon i t ; I hope you w i l l be so 37

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particularly in the request I have to add. One of my parents would be considerably gratified w i t h a pair of good spectacles w h i c h can not be got here. The particular readiness of Dudley to serve you inclines me to think that an order from you would be well executed. W i l l You therefore be so good as to get from h i m one of his best pebble and double jointed pair, for the age of fifty five or there­ abouts w i t h a good case; and forward them by the first safe con­ veyance to me at Orange or at Richmond as the case may be. I f I had thought of this matter before M r . M a u r y set out, I m i g h t have lessened your trouble. I t is not material whether I be repayed at the bank of Philada. or the Treasury of V i r g i n i a , but I beg i t may be at neither t i l l you are made secure by public remittances. I t w i l l be necessary at any rate for £20 or 30 [to] be left i n your hands or in the bank for little expenditures w h i c h your kindness is likely to b r i n g upon you. The Executive of S. Carolina, as I am informed by the Attorney, have demanded of V i r g i n i a the surrender of a citizen of V i r g a . charged on the affidavit of Jonas Beard Esqr. w h o m the Executive of S. C. represent to be "a Justice of the peace, a member of the Legislature, and a valuable good man," as follows: that "three days before the 25th. day of Octr. 1783 he ( M r . Beard) was violently assaulted" by G . H . during the sitting of the Court of General sessions, without any provocation thereto given, who beat h i m ( M r . B ) w i t h his fist and switch over the face head and mouth, from which beating he was obliged to keep his room u n t i l the said 2 5 t h . day of Octr. 1783. and call in the assistance of a physician." Such is the case as collected by M r . Randolph from the letter of the Executive of S. C. The questions w h i c h arise upon i t are 1. Whether i t be a charge of h i g h misdemesnor w i t h i n the meaning of the 4 art: of confederation. 2. Whether i n expounding the terms h i g h misdemesnor the L a w of S. Carolina, or the British L a w as i n force i n the U . S. before the Revolution, ought to be the Standard. 3. I f i t be not a casus foederis what the law of Nations exacts of V i r g i n i a . 4. I f the law of Nations contains no adequate provision for such occurrences, Whether the intimacy of the Union among the States, the relative position of some, and the common interest of all of them i n guarding against impunity for offences which can be punished only by the jurisdiction w i t h i n w h i c h they are committed, do not call for some supplemental regulations on this subject. M r . R. thinks V i r g i n i a not bound to surrender the fugitive u n t i l i she be convinced of the fact by more substantial i n ­ formation, and of its amounting to a h i g h misdemesnor, by inspec­ 38

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tion of the law of S. C. which, and not the British law, ought to be the criterion. His reasons are too long to be rehearsed. I know not m y dear Sir what to reply to the affectionate invitation which closes your letter. I subscribe to the justness of your general reflections. I feel the attractions of the particular situation you point out to me; I can not altogether renounce the prospect; still less can I as yet embrace i t . I t is far from being improbable that a few years more may prepare me for giving such a destiny to m y future life; i n which case the same or some equally convenient spot may be commanded by a little augmentation of price. But wherever m y final lot may fix me be assured that I shall ever remain w i t h the sincerest affection & esteem Y r . friend and servant, J. RC ( D L C : Madison Papers); endorsed; a number of words and phrases were deleted and others substituted by interlineation, some of them perhaps many years later when Madison received the letters he had written to T J (see notes below). Madison probably did not know that T J himself was the author of the provisions in the Virginia Constitution of 1776 which confirmed the territories and jurisdiction granted by charter to Maryland, Pennsylvania, and North and South Carolina, except for the reservation of navigation rights (see Vol. 1: 383, 385, note 19). These T E R M S O F T H E S U R R E N D E R (an "error" as Madison regarded them) were ultimately confirmed by arbitration and approved by Congress a century later when the Maryland-Virginia boundary in the Potomac was fixed at the south or right bank at low water; the grant to Baltimore included the Potomac river to high water on the south shore, but the United States Supreme Court in Maryland v. West Virginia, 217 U . S . 57780, found that "the evidence is sufficient to show that Virginia, from the earliest period of her history, used the South bank of the Potomac as if the soil to low water mark had been her own." See T J to Madison, 25 Apr. 1784, and also Paullin, Atlas of the Historical Geography of the United States, Plate 100 D . An immediate result of Madison's concern was a Virginia-Maryland conference at Mount Vernon in 1785 which, in turn, led to the Annapolis Convention of 1786 (Washington, Writings, ed. Fitzpatrick, x x v n , 375; Brant, Madison, I I , 375ff.). I A M I N F O R M E D B Y T H E A T -

39

MADISON J R .

T O R N E Y : On 27 Jan. 1784 Randolph wrote to Madison enclosing the tenpage rough draft of his letter of 21 Jan. to Gov. Harrison concerning the Hancock case; Brant, Madison, n, 453, note 11, is mistaken in supposing the first of these letters to be lost, for both are in D L C : Madison Papers. That letter was not, as M r . Brant also supposed, similar to the one written by Randolph to T J on 30 Jan. 1784; for, having enclosed his long opinion on the case, Randolph only needed to remark in his letter of 27 Jan. to Madison that he was transmitting a paper "sent to the governor." T h e "extraordinary letter . . . from the Governor of South Carolina" demanding that Hancock be surrendered for trial was turned over to Randolph on 17 Jan. 1784. He recognized at once that the case involved "a question of delicacy and danger. I f it be unduly refused, it may produce a rupture of fœderal harmony; if unduly gratified, it will furnish cause for the most bitter complaint against that authority, which shall transport a citizen to a foreign tribunal, for trial on a penal accusation. . . . T h e demanded citizen himself, who has mixed his fortunes with those of the commonwealth, may well ask in what page of the social compact it is found, that protection can be withdrawn from him, before the proper jurisdiction, within the commonwealth, shall determine that he has forfeited his claim thereto"; but Randolph finally concluded that the "intelligence transmitted by the Governor of South Carolina either in point of fact or law, does not warrant delivery of George Hancock." Madison thought that fugitives from justice should be surrendered

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in all but a few cases, but Gov. Har­ rison informed Gov. Guerard that he considered Hancock's crime as "nothing more than a common assault and . . . by complying with the demand to de­ liver up the body of a citizen on such grounds and for such an offense with­ out his ever being heard would be betraying the trust reposed in me of governing the state by its laws and supporting the individuals of it in their just rights and liberties." He added, however: " I would not be understood to mean, that the confederation is not a part of the law of the land. I only differ with your excellency on the con­ struction of it, and the manner of fix­ ing guilt on a criminal before such a violence is committed on the common rights of mankind as the seizing a per­ son and sending him in an ignominious manner to another country to be tried would be" (Randolph to Harrison, 21 Jan. 1784; Madison to Randolph, 10 Mch. 1784, both in D L C : Madison Papers; Harrison to Guerard, 16 Feb. 1784, Executive Letter Book, V i ) . But Harrison was far more troubled by the difficulty of the case than he admitted to Guerard, and when the General Assembly met in May, he requested that a law be enacted to direct the method of complying with the terms of Article I V of the Confederation. "Hap­

1784

pily," he concluded, "his [Hancock's] offense was not of such a nature as to come either within the meaning or in­ tention of the Confederation. I f it had been otherwise I should have found my­ self in difficulties and embarrassments which the legislature could only free me from" (Harrison to Speaker of the House, 3 May 1784, Executive Letter Book, V i ) . A s a result, Bill No. 59 of the Révisai of the L a w s was adopted, with amendments (Hening, x i , 408-10; see Vol. 1: 481-5, especially notes 12 and 1 3 ) . 1 A l l italicized words preceding this point were underscored in M S , but this and subsequent words in italics were (except as noted below) written in code and decoded interline ally by Madi­ son late in life. T J no doubt decoded these passages on a separate (and miss­ ing) paper as was sometimes his cus­ tom. T h e editors have verified Madi­ son's decoding, employing Code No. 3. 2 T h i s word was not written in code and was underlined in M S . Madison completed the initials by interlineation, making them read "Hen­ ry . . . and G . Mason"; this, of course, was done late in life. * These words were not written in code and were underlined in M S . 3

T o the Speaker of the

Senate

{Annapolis, 17 Mch. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: " A . Cary. D r . F's letter extract. Marq. Fay. A d . Jay. Laurence.—-Turks and Russns— state of Congr." Neither the letter nor the enclosed extract of Franklin's letter of 25 Dec. 1783 has been found; but see T J to Harrison, 18 Mch. 1784.]

T o James

McClurg

{Annapolis, 17 Mch. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Mc.Lurg. Ballons —Fox and North—Secy. F.A. [Foreign Affairs]—Mrs. Cary." Not found.]

T o

Eliza House

Trist

{Annapolis, 17 Mch. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Mrs. Trist. Condole on her sufferings—envy her voiage—Mrs. House Philada. or Trenton— 40 ;

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1784

probable course of Congr.—ill accomodations here—I shall probably be in Phila. this summer either as astronomer or [as a member of the] Committee [of the] states—horrid winter—Hawk. [Benjamin Hawkins] Merc. [John Francis Mercer]—[Joseph] Reed.—Madis[on].—European news." This was obviously written in reply to one that had been re­ ceived from Mrs. Trist. I n his letter to Martha of 19 Mch. T J wrote: "we have received a letter from her by a gentleman immediately from Fort Pitt," and from this it is clear that the letter was to T J himself, despite his guarded use of the plural. But neither Mrs. Trist's letter nor TJ's of 17 Mch. to her has been found.]

T o

Isaac Zane

DEAR SIR

Annapolis Mar. 17.

1784.

I wrote you about the 10th of Nov. from Philada. by Colo. Bland who was going directly to Richmond. B y h i m I sent you a thermometer. I hope you received i t safely. I am anxious to hear whether you d i d and whether you have been able to make those trials w i t h i t to which the Queries i n m y letter asked answers. You w i l l probably have heard that Fox and N o r t h are out of the British ministry. W e learn this by letters from D r . Franklin and the M a r q . Fayette of Dec. 25. as also that P i t t and Temple are to be i n the administration, that the disposition of that nation towards us is very hostile, and that the T u r k s and Russians are likely to keep the peace a year longer. W e have executed to Con­ gress a deed of cession for the Western country. The winter here has been severe beyond all memory. Congress has been so thin that little could be done. W e are constantly tantalized w i t h the expecta­ tion of new members. A full house would enable us to rise i n 6. weeks and not meet again t i l l November. Hopkinson writes me w o r d that by a b i l l before their assembly Rittenhouse w i l l be turned out of all h[is] offices, having been duly convicted of Astronomical and philosophical a[bi]lities against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth and w i l l [be] appointed Astronomer to the state of Pennsylva. w i t h a salary of £600. or £750. per ann. T h i s w i l l be a singular instance of a republic's encouragement of science. I wish you much happiness & am D r . Sir Your friend & servt, TH:

JEFFERSON

R C ( P P A P ) ; endorsed. Entry in S J L reads: "Zane. Thermometer—answer to my queries—European news—executed deed—state Congress—Rittenhouse." I W R O T E Y O U A B O U T T H E 1 0 T H O F N o v . : See

41

T J to Zane, 8 Nov.

1783.

T o

Benjamin Harrison, with

Extract

from Franklin's Letter SIR

Annapolis Mar. 18. 1784.

I n m y letter of the 3d inst. I mentioned to you the gazette ac­ count of a change in the British ministry. Just i n the moment of the departure of the post we received a letter from the Marquis Fayette confirming the account of the change and rectifying that of the vote of the Prince of Wales. The letter which had come here supposed the k i n g a friend to the E . India b i l l and that the Prince voted against it. The Marquis sais that the k i n g by a special maneuvre got Fox and N o r t h committed on the fate of their b i l l which they carried thro' the commons, but by his practices were disappointed i n the Lords, in which latter stage the Prince voted for the b i l l , i n opposition to his father. D r . Franklin's letter containing an interesting paragraph I have copied i t and take the liberty of inclosing i t . W e have had no post since that which carried my letter of the 3d., nor are we certain when to expect one. I am therefore obliged to have letters i n readi­ ness, to seize the moment of his coming as he does not stay above an hour here. Hence i t happens that m y letters are sometimes a week or a fortnight old before they leave the post office. I have the honor to be w i t h great respect & esteem D r [ S i r ] Your most obedt. & most humble servt. E S . The Marquis Fayette is coming [out] this spring. M r . Laurence is supposed to be on his way to America. M r Adams left England for the Hague and M r . Jay at Bath but about to return to Paris. E N C L O S U R E

Extract of a letter from Dr. Franklin to the President of Congress dated Passy Dec. 25. 1783. W i t h respect to the British court we should, I think, be constantly on our guard and impress strongly upon our minds that tho' it has made peace with us it is not in truth reconciled either to us or to it's loss of us; but still flatters itself with hopes that some change in the affairs of Europe or some disunion among ourselves may afford them an oppor­ tunity of recovering their dominion, punishing those who have most offended, and securing our future dépendance. I t is easy to see by the general turn of the ministerial newspapers (light things indeed as straws and feathers, but like them they shew which way the wind blows), and by the malignant improvement their ministers make in all the foreign courts of every little accident or dissension among us, the riot of a few souldiers at Philadelphia, the resolves of some town meetings, the reluctance to pay taxes, & c , & c , all which are exag42 ;

1 9 MARCH

17 84

gerated to represent our governments as so many anarchies of which the people themselves are weary, the Congress as having lost its in­ fluence, being no longer respected. I say it is easy from this conduct to see that they bear us no good will and that they wish the reality of what they are pleased to imagine. They have too a numerous royal progeny to provide for, some of whom are educated in the military line. I n these circumstances we cannot be too careful to preserve the friendships we have acquired abroad, and the Union we have estab­ lished at home, to secure our credit by a punctual discharge of our obligations of every kind, and our reputation by the wisdom of our councils, since we know not how soon we may have a fresh occasion for friends, for credit and for reputation.' R C ( V i ) ; unsigned; addressed and endorsed. Enclosure ( V i ) is in T J ' s hand; it differs in punctuation and capitalization from the text in Whar­ ton, Dipl. Corr. Am. Rev., v i , 740-1 and gives the correct reading of what

T o

that source presents as "our govern­ ment [sic] as so many anarchies." E n ­ try for letter in S J L reads: "[Mar.] 18. Govr. Rectified vote of P r . W a . - i n ­ closed paragraph of D r . F.'s letterirregularity of post—Fay.Laur.Ad.Jay."

William

Short

{Annapolis, 18 Mch. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: " W . Short. Affair with Gilliam." Not found, but see Short to T J , ca. 10 Mch. 1784.]

T o

the Speaker of the H o u s e of

Delegates

{Annapolis, 18 Mch. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Speakr. H . Del. Fox. North. Extract Franklin's letter—Fayette, Laur. A d . Jay.—state of Congr.—penurious keeping 2 delegates—hope of adjournment— paiments and arrears of states—Virga. will be called on for between 8. and 900,000 D.—proceedings on deed of cession—Indiana—Kentucky —draw boundary by meridian mouth Kanhaway—make act of people." Neither letter nor enclosed extract has been found, but the latter, no doubt, was the same as that printed above (see T J to Harrison, 18 Mch. 1784).]

T o

Martha

DEAR PATSY

Jefferson Annapolis Mar. 19.

1784.

I t is now very long since I have had a letter from you. I hope you continue i n good health, and attention to the several objects for which I placed you i n Philadelphia. I take for granted you go on w i t h your music and dancing, that when your French master can attend, you receive his instructions, and read by yourself when 43

19

MARCH

1784

he cannot. Let me know what books you have read since I left you, and what tunes you can play. Have you been able to coax Cimetière to continue? Letters by yesterday's post inform me your sisters are well. I inclose you a letter I received from Dear Polly. I send herew i t h M r . Zane's present of the looking glass w h i c h I dare say he intended for you. W a i t upon M r s . House and let her know, i f she should not have heard from M r s . T r i s t lately, that we have received a letter from her by a gentleman immediately from Fort Pitt. She is very well and expects to leave that place about the first of A p r i l . Present me i n the most friendly terms to your patroness M r s . Hopkinson & be assured of the love w i t h which I am D r . Patsy Yours affectionately, T H : JEFFERSON M r . M a u r y w i l l deliver you this, who is lately from V i r g i n i a and is m y particular friend. R C ( N N P ) . T h e enclosed letter from Polly ( M a r y ) Jefferson has not been found. Summary in S J L , under date of 20 Mch. 1784, reads: "Patsy. W i t h Zane's looking glass." The L E T T E R S B Y Y E S T E R D A Y ' S P O S T must have included that from Short, printed above under 10 Mch. 1784. Zane's P R E S E N T O F T H E L O O K I N G G L A S S

was probably accompanied by a letter from Zane in the post of 18 Mch., for T J had not heard from him since Dec. when he wrote on 17 Mch. 1784; if there was such a letter, it has not been found. T h e letter from M R S . T R I S T which T J said "we have received" was clearly one to him and to which he replied on the 17th.

From E d m u n d

Pendleton

{Caroline [?], 19 Mch. 1784. Noted in S J L as received 2 Apr. 1784. Not found.] T o James

Currie

{Annapolis, 22 Mch. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Dr. Currie. Enclosing silver book—health better—present of book." Not found, but see Currie's acknowledgement of 20 Nov. 1784.]

Virginia Delegates in

Congress

to B e n j a m i n H a r r i s o n SIR

Annapolis Mar: 22. 1784.

W e inclose to your Excellency by the bearer M r . McAlister an Exemplification of the deed of Cession executed according to the directions of the act of assembly transmitted us, and have the 44

23

MARCH

1784

honor to be w i t h very h i g h respect Your Excellency's Most obedt. & most humble servt. T H : JEFFERSON S: H A R D Y J O H N R. M E R C E R ARTHUR

LEE

JAS. M O N R O E . Text from facsimile in Amer. Art Assoc. Catalogue, Turner-Munn Sale, 21-22 J a n . 1926, Lot 271, where it is erroneously described as being ad­ dressed to "Thomas Mifflin, President of the Continental Congress." Also sold by Parke-Bernet, Hearst Sale, 16-17 Nov. 1938, Lot 304. M S now (1952) in possession of a dealer in autographs; the text is entirely in T J ' s hand and signed by the five Virginia delegates; docketed by a clerk. This M S , together with its enclosure, was sent to the Gen­ eral Assembly by Gov. Harrison in his letter to the Speaker of 3 May 1784 (Executive Letter Book, V i ) . T h e en­ closed "Exemplification of the deed of

Cession" is in V i (as is also a con­ temporary copy made by the clerk of the House of Delegates); it is described above in the notes to Document n in the group pertaining to the Virginia cession printed under 1 Mch. 1784. Both the letter and the exemplification are printed in Hening, x i , 571-5. The news that Congress had accepted the Virginia cession reached the state some days before this official notifica­ tion; on 20 Mch. the Va. Gaz. (Hayes) stated: "We are happy to inform the public, that Congress have accepted the cession of our Western territory, and that our delegates have executed a deed for the same."

From Benjamin Harrison DEAR SIR

Mount Vernon March 23d 1784

I am pleased to find Congress have accepted your Deed of Cession. W h y any one member should hesitate to do i t cannot be accounted for unless like our former tyrants they had rather take by force what they had no right to than accept the same thing as a free gift. I most heartily wish you would lay the lands out into States immediately and agree on terms of purchase w i t h the indians. I f i t is not done they w i l l fall on our frontiers from every quarter and distress us exceedingly. I have cause to think the Chickasaws w i l l attack Kentucky this Spring notwithstanding they are at present on good terms w i t h us, and have just concluded a treaty of peace. They w i l l have too much reason for this change and to think there is no faith to be held w i t h us, for at the very time of holding the Treaty the Assembly were giving to our Officers a part of their Lands which lay on the Tenesee which they had before refused to sell. I t is the Opinion of every person that I have seen that is acquainted w i t h those Indians that they w i l l attack the Surveyors as soon as they begin to lay out their lands and that i f they do the Creeks and other Nations w i l l join them and b r i n g on a general Indian W a r . The treaty proposed by Congress may 45

24

MARCH

1784

perhaps put a stop to the war for the present, tho' I cannot think a peace can continue for any length of time under present Govern­ ment, as there is not energy enough i n any of them to restrain our people from incroachments on those poor creatures Lands. M y compliments to M r . Hardy. I received his favor of the same Date w i t h yours but having nothing to communicate to the Dele­ gation but the above conjectures I hope he w i l l excuse m y w r i t i n g t i l l m y return to Richmd. I am & c , B. H . F C ( V i ) . Recorded in S J L as received 26 Mch.

T o

Benjamin Harrison

{Annapolis, 24 Mch. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: "Govr. Introducing McAlister." Letter not found; see Virginia delegates to Harrison, 22 Mch. 1784.] From John Key {Monticello, Not found.]

24 Mch. 1784. Noted in SJL as received 10 Apr. 1784.

T o

Abner Nash

{Annapolis, 24 Mch. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: "Abn. Nash. State of Congr—canal thro' Dismal—European news—to join in getting lands in Eastern part N . Carola." Not found.]

From William

Short

{Mount Vernon, 24 Mch. 1784. Noted in SJL as received 26 Mch. 1784. Not found.]

From George DEAR SIR

Washington

Mount Vernon 24th. March 1784.

Your letter of the 15th. came to m y hands the 22d. at the mo­ ment the Governor and some other company came i n . I can do no more at present than to acknowledge the receipt of i t , but w i l l take the first leisure moment to write fully to you on the points it contains. Capt. Barney informs me that he has two packages 46

26 MARCH

1784

on board, from the Marqs. de la Fayette; the enclosed to h i m con­ tains a request to land them under your care ' t i l l I shall send for them, w h i c h w i l l be i n the course of a few days. They are valuable, and I pray you to give them house room. I am very t r u l y &c. & c , G: WASHINGTON FC ( D L C : Washington Papers). Recorded in S J L as received on 26 Mch. Enclosure ( F C in D L C : Wash­ ington Papers): Letter of 24 Mch. 1784 to Capt. Joshua Barney, request­ ing him to deliver the two packages "at the lodgings of M r . Jefferson," to be held until a carriage calls for them; printed in Writings, ed. Fitzpatrick, XXvn,

368.

Washington had written Lafayette from Princeton on 30 Oct. 1783 re­ questing him "to send me of the plated wares (or what formerly used to be called French plate) the articles con­ tained in the enclosed memoranm. to which, as I am not much of a connois­ seur in and trouble my head very little about these matters, you may add any thing else of the like kind which may

James

Monroe

to

be thought useful and ornamental, ex­ cept Dishes, plates and Spoons, of the two first I am not inclined to possess any, and of the latter I have a suffi­ ciency of every kind" (same, x x v n , 215-17; a list of the ware desired is printed at p. 217-18). But when the British evacuated New York, Washing­ ton was able to purchase "so many pieces of the plated Ware" as to meet his needs; he therefore tried to cancel the order of 30 Oct., but without suc­ cess (Washington to Lafayette, New York, 4 Dec. 1783; same, x x v n , 2589 ) . On 4 Apr. 1784 Washington ac­ knowledged receipt of the plate and thanked Lafayette for his "great atten­ tion to my request though I endea­ voured to countermand it" (same, xxvn, 384).

Benjamin

DEAR SIR

Harrison

Annapolis March 26. 1784

I must first apologize for not sending you a copy of the constitu­ tions before this by assuring you that the first inquiry I made on my arrival here was to obtain one and that soon as I procure one from Phila. for which purpose I have particularly instructed M r . M u r r a y I w i l l transmit i t . D u r i n g the winter we have had so few States on the floor that we have been able to do but little of any consequence; but we have now present 9. States and expect i n a few days to have 1 1 . so that we shall engage i n the business of the utmost consequence both foreign and domestic. W e are much at a loss what can be done w i t h respect to the negroes who were carried from N . York. H o w are we to take i t up since we are possess'd of no k i n d of document to prove that any d i d i n reality leave N . York? Is the State possess'd of such documents as w i l l lay the foundation of an instruction to our ministers, for meerly to make the charge without proof w i l l tend to incense the court of London without attaining anything on our part? H o w far our interest may have been neglected i n the late negotiation and the consideration of compensation for our losses made subservient to other purposes 47

26

MARCH

1784

is not now a subject of inquiry. The treaty supersedes every con­ sideration of that k i n d . W i t h respect to the negroes had not the Executive better send some gentleman of character to N . Y o r k to collect the necessary documents as a foundation for Congress to take up the matter? I f we make this proposition here we shall most certainly meet w i t h difficulty, they w i l l say that as i t is an affair in which the State is particularly interested the State should bear the expence. W e may however bring i t on here and require that the States employ some person i n N . Y o r k to ascertain what num­ ber were carried off; but is this a ground for the State to calculate on? There is another circumstance of material consequence which I think w i l l favor itself upon the attention of Congress. Our debt to the B . merchants I am well informd amounts to about 2.800,000 £. I n the State we have only about 100000 £ i n circulation; how then shall we be able to pay it; and yet the courts by the treaty are open'd for the collection of them. The very nature of the affair puts i t out of our power to comply w i t h that article. W h a t then is the remedy? W e must obtain delay at least i n the payment t i l l by continued frugality and a succession of crops we can pay i t . A n d to obtain this delay i t appears to me to be adviseable to enter into a negotia­ tion w i t h the court of London on that head. B u t then we must have something to offer as compensation for the delay. W h a t there may be w i t h i n the power of the State your Excellency can best deter­ mine. I t however appears to me to be an affair of considerable con­ sequence, worthy the attention of the Legislature i n the first i n ­ stance w i t h w h o m i t w i l l rest to find compensation, as i t very essentially involves the interest and the character of the State to comply w i t h the treaty, and worthy the attention of Congress i n the next, to w h o m i t w i l l belong to present the proposals of the State to the court of London. A committee have reported that treaties of amity and commerce be enterd into w i t h Russia, Ger­ many, Prussia, H a m b u r g , G . B r i t t n . , Spn., Portugal, Genoa, Tus­ cany, Rome, Venice, Sardinia and the Ottoman Porte for its pos­ sessions i n Europe and Asia. T h a t these treaties be form'd on the most perfect ground of reciprocity of interest and mutual friend­ ship. As yet, tho engag'd i n i t yesterday, the house came to no decision thereon. I t is important to the southern States to w h o m the negotiation of these treaties are committed; for except the fishery and the fur-trade (the latter of w h i c h M r . Jeffn. thinks i f the Legislature take up the subject w i t h wisdom and liberality which should govern their councils may be turn'd down the Potowk. ) the Southern States, are as States, almost alone interested i n i t . Shall 48;

29

MARCH

1784

we then join three men all of whom are northern i n their interest and connections i n the negotiation of these treaties? Or i f these men are alone to be employ'd i n the most important concerns of America should we associate them together or seperate them? Nothing is as yet done i n the affair of Penobscot, the paper money nor bounties to the men by Massachusetts. I shall be happy to hear from Your Excellency when at leasure and w i t h great respect & esteem am y r . very humble Servt, JAS. MONROE R C ( P H i ) ; address cover lacking.

From George DEAR SIR

Washington Mount Vernon 29th. Mar. 84

I t was not i n m y power to answer your favor of the 15th. by the last post for the reason then assigned. I wish I may be able to do it to your satisfaction now, as I again am obliged to pay attention to other Company (the Governor being gone). M y opinion coincides perfectly w i t h yours respecting the prac­ ticability of an easy and short communication between the waters of the Ohio and Potomack, of the advantages of that communica­ tion and the preference i t has over all others, and of the policy there would be i n this State, and Maryland, to adopt and render it facile. B u t I confess to you freely, I have no expectation that the public w i l l adopt the measure; for besides the jealousies which prevail, and the difficulty of proportioning such funds as may be allotted for the purposes you have mentioned, there are two others, which i n m y opinion, w i l l be yet harder to surmount. These are ( i f I have not imbibed too unfavourable an opinion of m y Country­ men) the impracticability of bringing the great and t r u l y wise policy of this measure to their view, and the difficulty of drawing money from them for such a purpose i f you could do i t . For i t appears to me, maugre all the suffering of the public creditors, breach of public faith, and loss of public reputation, that payment of the taxes which are already laid, w i l l be postponed as long as possible! H o w then are we to expect new ones, for purposes more remote? I am not so disinterested i n this matter as you are; but I am made very happy to find a man of discernment and liberality (who has no particular interest i n the plan) thinks as I do, who have Lands in that Country the value of which would be enhanced by the adoption of such a scheme. 49

2 9

M A R C H

17

84

More than ten years ago I was struck w i t h the importance of i t , and dispairing of any aid from the public, I became a principal mover of a B i l l to empower a number of subscribers to undertake, at their own expence, (upon conditions which were expressed) the extension of the Navigation from tide water to Wills's Creek ( about 150 M i l e s ) and I devoutly wish that this may not be the only expedient by which i t can be effected now. T o get this business i n motion, I was obliged, even upon that ground, to comprehend James River, i n order to remove the jealousies which arose from the attempt to extend the Navigation of the Potomack. The plan, however, was i n a tolerable train when I set out for Cambridge i n 1775, and would have been i n an excellent way had i t not been for the difficulties which were met w i t h i n the M a r y l a n d Assembly, from the opposition which was given ( according to report ) by the Baltimore Merchants, who were alarmed, and perhaps not without cause, at the consequence of water transportation to George T o w n of the produce which usually came to their market. The local interest of that place (Baltimore) joined w i t h the short sighted politics, or contracted views of another part of that Assembly, gave M r . Thomas Johnson who was a w a r m promoter of the Scheme on the N o . side of the River a great deal of trouble. I n this situation things were when I took command of the A r m y . The W a r afterwards called Mens attention to different objects, and all the money they could or would raise, were applied to other purposes; but w i t h you, I am satisfied not a moment ought to be lost i n recommencing this business; for I know the Yorkers w i l l delay no time to remove every obstacle i n the way of the other communication, so soon as the Posts at Oswego and Niagara are surrendered; and I shall be mistaken i f they do not build Vessels for the Navigation of the Lakes, which w i l l supercede the neces­ sity of coasting on either side. I t appears to me that the Interest and policy of M a r y l a n d is proportionably concerned w i t h that of V i r g i n i a to remove obstruc­ tions and to envite the trade of the Western territory into the channel you have mentioned. You w i l l have frequent opportunities of learning the sentiments of the principal characters of that State, respecting this matter, and i f you should see M r . Johnson (for­ merly Governor of the State) great information may be derived from h i m . How far upon more mature consideration I may depart from the resolution I had formed of living perfectly at m y ease, exempt from all kinds of responsibility, is more than I can, at present,

[ so ;

2 9 MARCH

17 8 4

absolutely determine. The Sums granted, the manner of granting them, the powers, and objects, would merit consideration. The trouble, i f m y situation at the time would permit me to engage i n a w o r k of this sort would be set at naught; and the immense advantages which this Country would derive from the measure would be no small stimulus to the undertaking; i f that undertaking could be made to comport w i t h those ideas, and that line of con­ duct w i t h which I meant to glide gently down the stream of life; and i t d i d not interfere w i t h any other plan I m i g h t have i n con­ templation. I am not less i n sentiment w i t h you respecting the impolicy of this State's grasping at more territory than they are competent to the Government of. A n d for the reasons which you assign, I very much approve of a Meridian from the mouth of the Great Kanhawa as a convenient and very proper line of seperation. B u t I am mis­ taken i f our chief Majestrate w i l l coincide w i t h us i n opinion. I w i l l not enter upon the subject of Commerce. I t has its ad­ vantages and disadvantages, but which of them preponderates is not the question. From Trade our Citizens will not be restrained, and therefore i t behoves us to place i t i n the most convenient channels, under proper regulation, freed, as much as possible, from those vices which luxury, the consequence of wealth and power, naturally introduce. The inertitude which prevails i n Congress, and the non-attend­ ance of its Members, is discouraging to those who are w i l l i n g and ready to discharge the trust which is reposed i n them; whilst i t is disgraceful, i n a very h i g h degree, to our Country. B u t I beleive the case w i l l never be otherwise so long as that body persist i n their present mode of doing business;—and w i l l hold constant, instead of annual sessions; against the former of which m y m i n d furnishes me w i t h a variety of arguments, but not one—in time of peace—in favor of the latter. Annual Sessions would always produce a full representation and alertness i n business. The Delegates after a recess of 8 or 10 Months would meet each other w i t h glad Countenances. They would be complaisant. They would yield to each other as much as the duty they owed their constituents would permit, and they would have opportunities of becoming better acquainted w i t h the Senti­ ments of them, and removing their prejudices, during the recess. Men who are always together get tired of each others Company. They throw of the proper restraint. They say and do things which are personally disgusting. T h i s begets opposition. Opposition 1

2

[51 ]

29

MARCH

1784

begets faction, and so i t goes on t i l l business is impeded, often at a stand. I am sure (having the business prepared by proper Boards or a Committee) an Annual Session of two Months would dispatch more business than is now done i n twelve; and this by a full repre­ sentation of the Union. L o n g as this letter is, I intended to have been more full on some of its points, as well as to have touched upon some others; but it is not i n m y power, as I have been obliged to snatch the moments which have furnished you w i t h this hasty production from Com­ pany. W i t h very great esteem &c I am D r Sir Y r . most obt. & very Hble Servt, Go: WASHINGTON Quaere, have you not made the distance from Cuyahoga to N e w York too great? R C ( D L C ) ; endorsed by T J . Noted in S J L as received 31 Mch. 1784. F C ( D L C : Washington Papers); differs slightly in phraseology from R C , one instance of which is noted below. The arguments that Washington em­ ployed against A N N U A L S E S S I O N S of Congress were similar to those T J had already been using. I n a letter to his mother about this time, G . K . van Ho­ gendorp wrote: "Mr. Jefferson was speaking to me of a recess of Congress for the summer and of a plan not to convene again except for three months out of the year because of the leisure that peace will bring them. T h e n , ' he said, 'intelligent men from each state will be pleased to enter Congress for a short period, whereas now it is a sacri­ fice. After three years they will leave but others, like them, will replace them to be replaced in their turn. W e will never again have in such a Congress obscure men who do its business bad­ ly' " (26 Mch. 1784; Brieven en Gedenkschriften van Gijsbert Karel van Hogendorp [The Hague, 1866], I , 342; see T J to Washington, 6 Apr. 1784). The following additional comments by Hogendorp have the appearance of being, at least in part, observations communicated to him by T J : "The members of Congress are no longer, generally speaking, men of worth or of distinction. For Congress is not, as formerly, held in respect; there is, indeed, dread of its power. Moreover the government of the States and the foreign missions absorb the men of first rank in the Union. I t is difficult to form a majority. Congress only gets

the minimum number of delegates nec­ essary to vote and not the full number elected—that is, two instead of five. The ratification of the treaty of peace was drawn up much too late, because there were not nine states whose dele­ gates were present. I am not surprised to see Congress discouraged and in a bad mood, all of which is harmful to the affairs of the nation. T h e continuous change in members added to the other matters which I have pointed out, makes its management uneven. W h a t is most discouraging is that its mem­ bers, being less men who have the con­ fidence of the nation than men who are willing to accept the mandate, are composed of rich and frivolous young men; old men from the country who ignore what goes on in the world; of­ ficers, who, having no longer military status enter into this national assembly out of vanity, perhaps; lawyers who appear only when the State who elects them needs their help in a particular discussion; and, in short, of few men who, gifted with high principles and the necessary attainments, have enough patriotism to sacrifice their private pur­ poses to the public interest" (same, I ,

344).

1 T h u s in both R C and F C , though Writings, ed. Fitzpatrick, xxvn, 376, gives the reading as "incertitude." It seems clear, however, that Washington was using the obsolete term "inertitude," meaning "inertness" ( O E D ) . 2 F C reads: "They would yield to each other, all that duty to their constituents

[52]

30

MARCH

would allow, and they would have bet­ ter opportunities of becoming acquaint­ ed with their sentiments, and removing

1784

improper prejudices when they are im­ bibed, by mixing with them during recess."

T o Robert Morris, with Draft of a Circular Letter to the States SIR

Annapolis Mar. 30. 1784.

1

Your very interesting Letter of the 17th Inst, w i t h the Accounts Inclosed having been Committed to a grand Committee Consisting of a Member from each State on the floor of Congress, they have lost N o time i n deliberating on the Steps proper to be immediately taken by Congress for securing the Public Credit and preventing the fatal Effects that must necessarily arise from a protest for Nonpayment and return of your Bills from Holland especially should the United States be found without funds for the Immediate repayment of the Amount of such Bills and the Charges accruing. The Committee being of opinion that the subject is of too great Moment to admit of delay Conceive i t is their duty to suppose for the present that the Bills are actually protested for Nonpayment and may shortly be returned and on that presumption to see what means Can be made Use i n this Country for satisfying the Holders on the arrival of the protests. The first Sources that present themselves as likely to afford immediate Relief are the public Banks. T h a t at Philadelphia hav­ ing ( A s is understood here) very greatly increased its Subscrip­ tions and others opening at Baltimore New York and Boston on very Considerable Capitals, The Committee W i s h to know Your Opinion on the probability of obtaining a Loan from them or any of them. The Grand Committee relying on your wisdom and zeal for the public good W i s h as soon as possible to be furnished w i t h Your thoughts at large On the Expediency of Attempting from the American Bank a loan of such sum as may be Necessary i n Case of the Actual protest for Nonpayment of your Bills on Holland, On the premium to be offered for Obtaining such loan, A n d on the form and mode of issuing public Securities for the same. T o give you as Clear an Idea of the Views of the Committee as possible for your assistance i n forming the plan, i t may be proper to inform you that the grand Committee think for the present that the Securities should be i n Notes payable at proper periods and bearing an Interest of Six pr. Ct. I t may also be Necessary to give 2

3

4

5

[53}

30

MARCH

17 84

a premium to Induce the Loan, on the Quantum and Manner of W h i c h we ask your advice. The Committee are of opinion that these Notes shall be paid out of the first Money Coming into the Treasury (unless a longer Credit can be g a i n e d . ) I n the Mean time they have i t i n Idea to advise Congress to press upon the States the Necessity of immediately taking the most Effectual Measures for supporting the Public Credit and averting threatened Evils that wou'd arise from a declared Bankruptcy. A copy of the letter written by the President to the several Executives is herewith transmitted you. I am Sir Your Most obedt H u m b l Sert. [ T H : JEFFERSON] Chairman of the Grand Committee 6

7

E N C L O S U R E

(Circular) SIR

The Subject of this address claims the attention of your Excellency on the principle of the most urgent necessity. The state of our finances is such as to require the united efforts of Congress and of the several states for obtaining immediately a supply of money to prevent the loss of public credit. When the army were furloughed they had the promise of three months' pay and as there was not money in the treasury, the Superin­ tendant of finance was under the necessity of issuing his notes to dis­ charge this and other demands. The notes becoming due, part of them were redeemed with money supplied by the several states; but this being inadequate, the financier drew bills on Holland for the deficiency. A considerable proportion of these drafts have been paid by loans obtained there on the credit of the United States: But the letters from our bankers to the Superintendent of finance inform that they had been under the necessity for the want of funds to suffer so many of his bills to be protested for non-acceptance as with the damages on protest in case of non-payment will amount to the sum of 636,000 dollars. We expect the return of these bills under a protest for non-payment, and should there not be money in the treasury of the United States to discharge them, your excellency may easily conceive the deplorable consequences. Under such circumstances Congress think i t their duty to com­ municate the matter confidentially to the Supreme executive of each State and to request in the most pressing terms their influence and exertion to furnish with all possible dispatch on requisitions unsatisfied their respective quotas of the sum mentioned according to the appor­ tionment herewith transmitted. I shall only add, Sir, that Congress rely on your wisdom for accom­ plishing their views with as much dispatch as possible, and that the estimates and requisitions for the year will be soon transmitted to your excellency. I am, &c. (to be sisrned by the President) 54

30

MARCH

1784

The apportionment of the 636,000. dollars is as follows: Newhampshire Massachusetts Rhode Island Connecticut New York New Jersey Pennsylvania

22,348 95,157 13,703 56,007 54,375 35,344 87,000

Delaware Maryland Virginia North Carolina South Carolina Georgia

9,516 60,003 108,750 46,218 40,782 6,797 636,000

Dft ( D N A : P C C , No. 137, i n , 8697 2 ) ; in Jacob Read's hand except for alterations by T J noted below; en­ dorsed by a clerk: "Grand Comtee. to Superint. Finance March 30—1784 Copy." Though the letter sent was signed by T J as chairman of the Grand Committee, the text was prepared by a subcommittee as the following lines at the head of Dft indicate: "The SubCommittee Consisting of M r . Jefferson Mr. Gerry and M r . Read, submit [to the Grand Committee] the following Draft of a Letter to the Superintendant of Finance—." It is not possible to determine whether the alterations noted below were made in the subcommittee or in the Grand Committee or even in Congress. See Morris' reply of 8 Apr. 1784. T h e text of the enclosure as ap­ proved by Congress on 30 Mch. 1784 is in the Secret (Domestic) Journal of Congress and is printed here from j c c , x x v i , 172-3; F C ( D N A : P C C , No. 16, p. 297-9) is captioned "Annapolis April 4th 1784." Morris' V E R Y I N T E R E S T I N G L E T T E R , to which the present letter is a reply, is printed in Wharton, Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev., v i , 787-9, where it is dated 17 M c h . (as it is in the present letter, though Committee Book P C C : No. 186 and the report of the Grand Committee both give its date as 19 Mch.; it is not to be confused with another letter from Morris of 19 Mch. 1784 and to be found in P C C : No. 137, m, 483; J C C , x x v i , 172, note). Morris agreed with the suggestion of the Dutch bankers that "for the present . . . by making a sacrifice of premium the funds for discharging these bills [amounting to $530,000 and protested for non-accept­ ance] may be obtained." Even so, in­ terest and other payments due, above the salaries of foreign ministers and their contingent expenses, would amount to some $400,000. Altogether Morris indicated that there would be outstand­ ing demands after May 1 of more than $500,000 in addition to current ex­ penses, and "if the bills noted for non-

acceptance come back [protested for non-payment], a scene will then be opened which it is better for you to conceive than for me to describe. . . . But . . . unless the States can be stimulated into exertion, and that speed­ ily, everything must fall into confusion. I will not pretend to anticipate the evil consequences. Having stated the facts I have done my duty" (Wharton, Dipl. Corr. Amer. Rev., v i , 787-9). On 27 Mch. Morris' letter was referred to the Grand Committee; at the same time they were "instructed to revise the in­ stitution of the treasury department and report such alterations as they may think necessary" and to "meet in Con­ gress chamber on Monday next [29 Mch.] at 10 o clock" (Committee Book, P C C : No. 186; the other members of the Grand Committee were, at that time, Blanchard, Gerry, Howell, Sher­ man, DeWitt, Dick, Hand, Stone, W i l ­ liamson, and R e a d ) . T h e Grand Com­ mittee, as indicated by the present docu­ ments, assumed the worst and acted at once in a way to suggest delicately that the Superintendent of Finance had not fully discharged his duty merely by stating the situation. On Tuesday, 30 Mch., the Grand Committee "reported the draft of a circular letter to the supreme executive of the several states, which was agreed to" ( J C C , x x v i , 172). Although the copy of this cir­ cular letter in the President's Letter Book ( P C C : No. 16, p. 297-9) bears the date "Annapolis April 4th 1784," Gov. Harrison acknowledged it as be­ ing dated the "1st of this month" and declared that he was "so fully impressed with the urgency of the case and the consequences attendant on the loss of public credit that nothing within my power shall be wanting to forward the paiment of the quota apportioned to this state" (Harrison to Mifflin, 17 Apr. 1784, Executive Letter Book, V i ) . 1 Place and date in T J ' s hand. Preceding ten words interlined by T J in substitution for the following:

: 55]

2

30

MARCH

"As this Business must Necessarily be intrusted to your wisdom and Zeal for the public good both as to the plan as to the Execution of the Measure." s D f t first read "Six hundred thou­ sand Dollars or such part"; this was amended by T J (probably in sub-com­ mittee and certainly after the text of the circular had been drafted), to read "six hundred and thirty six thousand Dollars"; and this, in turn was altered (perhaps in the Grand Committee) by T J ' s interlining the words "such sum." * Preceding five words interlined by T J and the words "to be issued" deleted after "Securities." 5 Preceding two words interlined by T J in substitution for "3, 6, & 9 Months." 6 T h i s sentence and part of the pre­ ceding were altered by deletions and interlineations in T J ' s hand from the following: ". . . Quantum and Man­ ner of W h i c h must necessarily be left to your Judgment), A n d that these Notes shall be paid out of the first Money Coming into the Treasury (un­ less so long a credit can be gained as to enable the states to provide other sepa­ rate funds for the reimbursements)." 7 T h i s sentence, which is in T J ' s hand, originally read: "A copy of the letter to the several Executives which they [the Grand Committee] have agreed to report is herewith trans­ mitted you." T h e alteration to the above form was thus made after Congress had confirmed the Grand Committee's report on 30 Mch. and suggests that

1784

the circular letter was, therefore, "writ­ ten by the President" on 30 M c h . I t suggests also that T J himself was prob­ ably the author of the circular. Following this point there were two additional paragraphs that were de­ leted either in sub-committee, in the Grand Committee, or in Congress: ' T h e r e remains in the opinion of the Committee but one other probable Source from whence they can derive any hope of present aid or support to the public Credit. T i s the Western Territory. W h a t facilities do you think Coud be given towards raising the Sum now wanted on a preference in Locating their Warrants for 1. 2. or 3 Months (as soon as the Indian Ces­ sion is declared) to the purchasers who woud now subscribe to the proposed loan. T h e prices on which Congress mean to sell or the Terms of payment cannot now be held forth, but it strikes the Committee that a preference in the Location must certainly be a valuable Advantage to Speculators in Land. "For the Security of the Lenders the Committee also Mean to advise Con­ gress to Mortgage the Amount [of] Sales of the Western Lands untili the full reimbursement of the loan shoud any be obtained for this project, and wish to be favoured with your thoughts on this Matter." T J must certainly have opposed, if he did not delete in sub-committee, a proposal that would have given "a valuable A d v a n t a g e to Speculators in Land."

F r o m Martha Jefferson [Philadelphia, 30 Mch. 1784. Noted in S J L as received 19 Apr. 1784. Not found.]

From James Maury [Philadelphia, 30 and 31 Mch. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: "[Apr. 6.] Received Jas. Maury's Phila. Mar. 30. 3 1 . Turnbull, Marmie & co. 200 D . - p a i d F. Hopk. for Dudley £5-2-6-paid Boinod & Gaill." From this it is not clear whether Maury wrote two letters or merely added on 31 Mch. a postscript to the letter of the preceding day. The latter is more probable. On 6 Apr. T J also noted in his Account Book: "Received from James Maury 115 Doll. & Turnbull & co's note for 200 D . for Harrison's exchange on Holker ( see Mar. 20 ) . He has paid 56

3 1 MARCH

17 84

out of it to Dudley for spectacles for Jas. Madison 13 1/3 to McPherson for a year's prices current 4 2/3 to Boinod & Gaillard for books 14/6." Maury's letter or letters covering the above transactions have not been found.]

F r o m Francis DEAR FRIEND

Hopkinson Philad. 31 March 84.

I wrote to you about a week ago requesting you to procure for me from the proper office i n Annapolis certified Copies of certain Papers, which are wanted i n a L a w Suit. A m i n daily Expectation of the Answer which hath not yet got to hand. A gentleman i n T o w n is making an A i r Balloon of 6 feet Diameter; i t is now almost completed. W h a t the Success w i l l be T i m e must shew. M r . Morris's Harpsichord which I wrote for last fall is arrived and is indeed a very charming Instrument. M r . Bremner agrees w i t h me i n Opinion respecting Forte Pianos. He says there is one M e r l i n who has contrived to unite the Forte Piano and Harpsichord, but he adds the one Instrument injures the other so that neither of them is good, and that they are frequently to be had at Second hand for half Price. I shall look for m y Harpsichord i n about four or five Weeks. Congress imagined that when they remov'd to Annapolis to pout we should all be i n deep Distress and for every Pout return a Sigh —but the Event is far otherwise. The Name of Congress is almost forgotten, and for one Person that w i l l mention that respectable Body a hundred w i l l talk of an A i r baloon. I have a singular Regard for Congress and w i l l therefore ask an unfashionable Question. W h e n may we hope to see Congress this W a y , and what are they doing? B u t I grow saucy and have not T i m e now even for that. Remember me to M r . and M r s . Thomson and all friends. Adieu. Yours sincerely, FRA. HOPKINSON A Gentleman called upon me and left £5.2.6 to pay Dudley for a pair of Spectacles for you. Dudley is at present i n the Country. I shall watch his Return and attend to your Commission—he is also making a pair for me. clear that the matter was an urgent one and Hopkinson would probably have phrased his statement differently if the letter had been dispatched more than two weeks earlier. See entry for T J to Hopkinson, 1 Apr. 1784.

R C ( D L C ) . Noted in S J L as re­ ceived 14 Apr. 1784. The letter that Hopkinson W R O T E . . . A B O U T A W E E K A G O has not been found. The missing letter from Hopkinson of 14 Mch. could scarcely have been the one referred to; from the context it is

57

T o

George

Washington

DEAR S I R

Annapolis. Mar. 3 1 .

1784.

Your servant delivered me your favor this morning; Capt. Barney is gone to Philadelphia and his vessel to Baltimore, having left w i t h me one of your packages only. The persons who brought this could give me no certain account of the other package w h i c h you suppose to have been brought. This your servant now receives. Being obliged to seize a moment i n Congress of w r i t i n g you these few lines, I can only mention to you that late advices from Europe mention another revolution i n the British ministry, M r . Pitt and his friends having resigned. No new ministry was formed. T h i s does not come however authentically. I am w i t h very great respect & esteem D r . Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt., T H : JEFFERSON R C ( D L C : Washington Papers); endorsed. Entry in S J L reads: "Gen. Wash­ ington. W i t h his box—revolution in British ministry. Pitt out." See Washington to T J , 29 Mch.

From Elizabeth Wayles

Eppes

[Eppington, 1 Apr. 1784. Noted in SJL as received 16 Apr. 1784, with letter of "Polly." Mrs. Eppes letter has not been found, but see Mary Jefferson to T J , this date.] 1

T o

Francis

Hopkinson

[Annapolis, 1 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "F. Hopkinson. 2 papers with great seal." Letter not found, but see Hopkinson to T J , 31 Mch. 1784.]

From Mary M Y DEAR PAPA

Jefferson Eppington. A p r i l . 1. 1784.

I want to know what day you are going to come and see me, and i f you w i l l b r i n g Sister Patsy, and m y baby w i t h you. I was mighty glad of m y sash's, and gave Cousin Booling one. I can almost read. Your affectionate daughter, POLLY JEFFERSON R C ( M H i ) ; in the hand of Elizabeth Wayles Eppes; addressed: "Mr. Jefferson"; endorsed by T J : "Jefferson

58

Polly." Noted in S J L as received 16 Apr. in a letter from Mrs. Eppes. When T J ' s third daughter was born

T o

George

Washington

DEAR S I R

Annapolis. Mar. 3 1 .

1784.

Your servant delivered me your favor this morning; Capt. Barney is gone to Philadelphia and his vessel to Baltimore, having left w i t h me one of your packages only. The persons who brought this could give me no certain account of the other package w h i c h you suppose to have been brought. This your servant now receives. Being obliged to seize a moment i n Congress of w r i t i n g you these few lines, I can only mention to you that late advices from Europe mention another revolution i n the British ministry, M r . Pitt and his friends having resigned. No new ministry was formed. T h i s does not come however authentically. I am w i t h very great respect & esteem D r . Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt., T H : JEFFERSON R C ( D L C : Washington Papers); endorsed. Entry in S J L reads: "Gen. Wash­ ington. W i t h his box—revolution in British ministry. Pitt out." See Washington to T J , 29 Mch.

From Elizabeth Wayles

Eppes

[Eppington, 1 Apr. 1784. Noted in SJL as received 16 Apr. 1784, with letter of "Polly." Mrs. Eppes letter has not been found, but see Mary Jefferson to T J , this date.] 1

T o

Francis

Hopkinson

[Annapolis, 1 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "F. Hopkinson. 2 papers with great seal." Letter not found, but see Hopkinson to T J , 31 Mch. 1784.]

From Mary M Y DEAR PAPA

Jefferson Eppington. A p r i l . 1. 1784.

I want to know what day you are going to come and see me, and i f you w i l l b r i n g Sister Patsy, and m y baby w i t h you. I was mighty glad of m y sash's, and gave Cousin Booling one. I can almost read. Your affectionate daughter, POLLY JEFFERSON R C ( M H i ) ; in the hand of Elizabeth Wayles Eppes; addressed: "Mr. Jefferson"; endorsed by T J : "Jefferson

58

Polly." Noted in S J L as received 16 Apr. in a letter from Mrs. Eppes. When T J ' s third daughter was born

2 APRIL 1 Aug. 1778 he entered her name in Peter Jefferson's Prayer Book ( V i U ) as "Mary Jefferson." A s a small child, however, she was always called "Polly." After her return from France she used the name "Maria" and was so called throughout the rest of her life. Sarah N. Randolph, in her Domestic Life gives the following explanation: "When little Mary Jefferson first went to Paris, instead of 'Polly,' she was called by the French Mademoiselle Polie. I n a short time, however, she was called Marie, and on her return to America, the Virginian pronunciation of that French

17 84 name soon ran into Maria, by which name, strange to say, she was ever after called, even by her father and sister; and Maria, instead of Mary, is the name now inscribed on the marble slab which rests upon her grave" (p. 128). However, since letters written after her return from France were signed "Mary" though usually endorsed "Maria" by T J , it would appear that she herself preferred the name given her at birth. Hence that form has been used here and elsewhere in this edition. T J had sent Mary two S A S H ' S in D e c ; see T J to Mrs. Eppes, 27 Dec. 1783.

From Walker

Maury

{Williamsburg, 1 Apr. 1784. Noted in S J L as received 10 Apr. 1784. Letter not found, but see record entry for TJ's reply of 10 Apr.]

T o J o h n Banister {Annapolis, 2 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: "Colo. Bannister. His son—money—English news—Congress—Reid's order." Letter not found, but see Banister's reply of 15 Apr. 1784 and references there.]

F r o m Francis Eppes {Eppington, Not found.]

2 Apr. 1784. Noted in SJL as received 16 Apr. 1784.

T o

Benjamin Harrison

SIR

Annapolis. Apr. 2. 1784.

W e have received no foreign intelligence through any authentic channel since the letter from D r . Franklin of Dec. 25. an extract from which I formerly did myself the honour of inclosing you. Through different ways however, such as to merit beleif, we have information that the utmost confusion prevails in the British gov­ ernment. The House of commons on the 16th of January came to a vote that the ministry ( M r . Pitt and his associates) neither possessed nor ought to possess the confidence of the nation. One account sais that on this M r . Pitt resigned. Another that he had not resigned and that the doubt was whether the king would dissolve 59

2

APRIL

17 84

the parliament or part w i t h his ministry. The error i n the composi­ tion of that administration seems to have been the filling i t from the house of lords, and taking i n not enough of the men of interest and talents i n the house of commons. Matters on the continent are quiet. The Emperor and D u t c h have appointed commissioners to settle their difference. Whether his object was to have opened the Scheid, or whether the dispute arose about contested territory seems not very clear. I should have added to the above intelligence that the city of London were w a r m for M r . Pitt and had addressed the K i n g to continue his favor to h i m . Your letter from M o u n t Vernon came safely to hand. W e have eleven states i n Congress; and are applying ourselves solely to the important subjects. I am not w i t h ­ out hopes that we shall be able by the first of M a y to adjourn t i l l November. Nothing could prevent i t but the loss of votes some­ times by divisions of the states, 8 of the 1 1 . being represented by two members only. A n y three of sixteen individuals can still defeat our endeavors, and your knowlege of men w i l l suggest to you the possibility of 3. dissenting voices out of 16. on any question. M r . Mercer the corresponding member for the month w i l l perhaps be able to supply any intelligence which may escape me. I have the honour to be w i t h very great esteem & respect Your Excellency's Most obedient & most humble servt, T H : JEFFERSON R C ( P H i ) ; addressed to Harrison at Richmond; endorsed. Entry in S J L reads: "Apr. 2. Gov.r. Pitt out—merchants of Lond. support him—question if parliament would be dissolved or ministry—Emperor and Dutch—adjourn by 1st. M a y Mercer correspondent."

T o

E d m u n d

DEAR SIR

Pendleton Annapolis Apr. 2.

1784.

W e have received no foreign intelligence through any authentic channel lately. W e hear however i n different ways so as to beleive that the greatest confusion prevails i n the British councils. The house of commons on the 16th. of January voted that the ministry ( M r . P i t t and his associates) neither possessed nor ought to possess the confidence of the nation. One account sais M r . Pitt resigned on this. Another that i t was doubted whether the k i n g would dissolve the parliament or part w i t h his ministry. The city of London were w a r m for Pitt and had addressed the k i n g i n his support. The continent of Europe seems to be quiet. W e have now eleven states present, and are applying ourselves to important matters alone. I hope we shall be able to adjourn by the 1st. of May, not to meet again t i l l November. W e surely should, but that : 60

2 APRIL

1784

we are every now and then retarded by divisions of votes; 8 of the 1 1 . states being represented by 2 members only, so that three of 16 members dissenting, can still stop our proceedings. I am w i t h very great esteem D r . Sir Your affectionate friend T H : JEFFERSON

& servt,

R C ( N N ) ; addressed in part: "Caroline. T o be taken out of the mail at Fred­ ericksburg & given to the rider"; franked by T J and endorsed by Pendleton. Entry in S J L appears just below that pertaining to T J to Harrison of this date and reads: " E . Pendleton. English news ut supra—continent quiet—adjourn by May 1."

Benjamin Harrison to Samuel Hardy SIR

Council Chamber April 2d. 1784.

I cannot think i t adviseable for the V i r g i n i a Delegation to intro­ duce Colo. Campbells Letter or the subject of i t into Congress as i t rests w i t h this Government alone to settle his dispute w i t h Pennsylvania i f he should be refused justice which I think w i l l not happen as I have long since informed the Executive of that State of his claims and some others of a similar nature to lands that lie w i t h i n the cession made to them and which were saved to the proprietors by the terms of i t , and received for answer that the State intended to do them ample justice, and as a proof of these intentions President Dickinson requested of me by the last post to forward to h i m any papers that could be procured to authenticate all such Claims. T h i s w i l l be a work of time as I find the Clerk to the Commissioners who were appointed to settle the Claims for lands i n that district has failed to return their proceedings. I shall call on h i m for them by the first oppertunity and forward them as soon as they come to hand and I have no Doubt but on the receipt of them proper measures w i l l be taken to quiet possessions of such as have a title to lands under entries made agreeable to the laws of this State. Nothing worthy the notice of the Delegation has occurred since my last. I am &c. B. H . F C (Vi); caption reads "To the Honble Samuel Hardy E s q r . " T H I S

W I L L

B E

A

W O R K

O F

T I M E :

On

9 Apr. Harrison directed the commis­ sioners for settling disputed titles to lands in the district of Yohogania, Mo­ nongalia, and Ohio to submit at once a detailed account of their proceedings as required by law, otherwise there might be "great loss to many of the people

who have lands determined to them within the bounds ceded to Pennsyl­ vania," and on 13 Apr. he requested the surveyors of this district to submit "an exact list of all entries made with you or your Predecessors within the bounds of the Cession to Pennsylvania with the date of each entry" ( Executive Letter Book, V i ) .

[61]

T o Richard Curson [Annapolis, 3 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Mr. Curson. With Bannister—furnish him clothes, money for journey." Not found. "With Bannister" means that "Bannister" carried TJ's letter to Curson re­ questing the latter to supply the young man with a letter of credit. "Bannister" turned out to be an impostor (see Curson to T J , 13 Apr. and Banister to T J , 15 Apr. 1784).]

From John Sullivan [Durham, 3 Apr. 1784. Noted in S J L as received 23 Apr. 1784. Not found.]

T o Martha Jefferson M Y D E A R PATSY

Annapolis Apr. 4.

1784.

This will be handed you by Geni. Gates, who going to Phila­ delphia furnishes me with the opportunity of writing to you. I am again getting my health, and have some expectations of going to Philadelphia ere long; but of this am not certain. I have had no letters from Eppington since I wrote you last, and have not re­ ceived one from you I think these two months. I wish to know what you read, what tunes you play, how you come on in your writing, whether you have been able to persuade Simetiere to con­ tinue, how you do, and how Mrs. Hopkinson does. These are articles of intelligence which will always be pleasing to me. Present my compliments respectfully to Mrs. Hopkinson, give her occasion always to be pleased with your grateful returns for the kind care she takes of you, and be assured of the love with which I am D r . Patsy Yours affectionately, T H : JEFFERSON RC

(NBu).

From Philip Mazzei Orange County, 4 Aprile 1784. CARMO: E STIMMO: SIGRE: ED AMICO

Giunsi tra i 2. Capi di Virginia ai 19. di Novembre, il quarto giorno susseguente mi riesci di sbarcare in Hampton; e tre giorni dopo di proseguire fino a Rosewell, ove andai a restaurare in seno [62]

4 APRIL

1784

dell'Amicizia i l mio strappazzato corpo dagl'incomodi del viaggio, e a cercar sollievo all'animo, non poco afflitto da tutto ciò che intesi al mio arrivo, relativamente a ciò che riguarda particolarmente i l nostro Stato. D i là me n'andai a Richmond con intenzione d i venire a trovarla subito che le circostanze lo permettessero. Ritenuto dal ghiaccio più d i 6 settimane nella parte meridionale del fiume James, e quasi 5. dall'orride impassabili strade per chi è obbligato d i viaggiare i n calesse, non giunsi prima del 27. del mese passato q u i alla casa del Padre del nostro amabile e degnissimo Amico M r . Madison, i l quale ero determinato d i vedere ad ogni costo prima d i venire i n Annapolis. I l racconto ch'ei m'à fatto degli affari economici e politici della Confederazione non à mancato d i accrescere considerabilmente le malinconiche reflessioni causate dalle precedenti informazioni. I l desiderio e la speranza d i giungere ad Annapolis pochi giorni più tardi d i quel che avrebbe potuto giungervi una mia lettera, m i à ritenuto finora dall'incomodarla, i l che m i risolvo d i fare adesso avendo determinato, i n conseguenza del savio consiglio d i M r . Madison, d i andare a trovar M r . Henry in Henry County, per procurar d i disporlo a contribuire a farmi render giustizia, a proporre e sostenere nell'Assemblea che si dia consistenza e vigore alla Confederazione, senza d i che l'essere Americano sarà tanto disonorevole quanto sarebbe glorioso essendo savj e giusti i n futuro, perchè riguardo al passato i l mondo è disposto a scusare. Io avrei molto da dire riguardo alla necessità e al modo d'incanalare e stabilire su buoni e solidi fondamenti i l nostro commercio d i là dallo stretto d i Gibilterra, ove t u t t i g l i stati da New-Hamshire fino alla Giorgia potranno trovare maggior vantaggio che i n tutto i l resto d'Europa; ma la materia è troppo vasta ^ una lettera, e nello spazio d i 2. mesi spero d i venire ad Annapolis, mentre E l l a non venga precedentemente i n V i r g i n i a , i l che ò luogo d i sperare *P quanto m i dice M r . Madison. L a gretta resoluzione d i escludere da certi impieghi i non nati in America m i à fatto una spiacevole impressione, e prevedo che farà l'istesso effetto i n Europa, ove molti da noi desiderabili soggetti, ai quali ò detto che qui non esisteva neppur l'ombra dell'odiosa distinzione, anno espresso i l desiderio d i venire a far l'acquisto d i una Patria sì giusta savia e magnanima. Si comincia troppo presto a dare indizj che i sentimenti nobili e generosi erano effetti d i violenza, che le sole attuali presenti circostanze producevano. N o n m i eleggete a veruno impiegp, dirà l'uomo libero, ma non esista una legge che m i esclude neppur da quel solo, a cui tutte le probabilità m i dicono d i non dovere aspirare. [63]

4 APRIL

1784

Siccome t u t t i i ricordi relativi alla mie incombenze pubbliche son perduti, come pure le mie lettere scritte d'Europa al Governo, son'obbligato d i raccogliere dalla memoria d i quei che m'impiegarono e dei loro successori tutto ciò che può tendere a soddisfare i presenti M e m b r i del Governo, e a disporgli a rendermi giustizia; onde se E l l a può giovarmi scrivendo ai suoi A m i c i quel che la sua memoria le suggerisce, Le ne sarò molto obbligato. Mandandole una lettera che m i favorì ^ V . S. M r . Adams, m i prendo la libertà d'includerlene 3. ?P M r . Livingston, col desiderio dei suoi comandi, e la speranza d i presto vederla ò l'onor d i soscrivermi con perfetta stima, Suo Devmo: ed U m i l m o : Servo ed Amico, FILIPPO MAZZEI

E S . L a prego d i far passare con sicurezza l'inclusa al mio caro Amico e generoso creditore M r . L y n c h , contenendo la mia giustificazione per differire a l u i e agli altri miei creditori le dovute rimesse. R C ( D L C ) ; endorsed; noted in S J L as received 16 Apr. 1784. T h e editors are indebted to Prof. A . T . MacAllister, J r . , Princeton University, for a transcription of this letter, as well as for a translation on which the following summary is based: Reports that he arrived between the Virginia capes on 19 Nov. and disembarked at Hampton four days later; went to Rosewell to recuperate from the discomforts of the voyage and to restore his spirits among friends, being dismayed by the news he received on his arrival of the state of affairs in Virginia; proceeded to Richmond, expecting to go to Annapolis as soon as circumstances would permit; detained on the lower James for more than six weeks by the ice and five weeks more by bad roads; arrived at the home of James Madison's father on 27 Mch., being determined to see his friend James Madison before going to Annapolis. T h e accounts he received there of economic and political affairs of the Confederation added to the melancholy caused by his earlier information. Has delayed writing T J because he expected to see him, but, on the advice of Madison, is going first to see Patrick Henry to persuade him to lend his assistance in securing justice for himself and to urge Henry to insist in the Assembly on strengthening the Confederation. Has much to say about putting Ameri-

can trade beyond the Gibraltar on a solid foundation but the subject is too long for a letter. A l l the states from New Hampshire to Georgia will find a greater advantage there than in all the rest of Europe. Hopes to see T J in Annapolis or in Virginia within the next two months. "The narrow-minded resolution to exclude from certain posts those not born in America" has made an unfavorable impression on him and will have a bad effect in Europe where he had told many persons who would be desirable citizens that there was not a shadow of distinction in America. It appears that noble and generous sentiments were the effect of violence, produced only by the circumstances of the time. " 'Do not elect me to any post,' will say the free man, 'but let there not exist a law which excludes me even from that one to which all the probabilities tell me I should not aspire.' " All the records concerning his public employment and all letters written from Europe to the government must be gathered from the memories of those who employed him; requests T J ' s assistance in satisfying the present government about his services; encloses a letter which Adams sent to T J and three letters for M r . Livingston; also encloses a letter to be forwarded to his "dear friend and generous creditor," Mr. Lynch, which justifies his postponement of paying his creditors.

64;

R e p o r t o n Arrears of Interest o n National

the

Debt [5 Apr. 1784]

The Grand Committee consisting of appointed to prepare and report to Congress the arrears of interest on the National debt, together with the interest and expences for the year 1784. from the first to the last day thereof inclusive, and a requisition of money on the States for discharging the same, have agreed to the following report. Resolved that there will be wanting for arrears of interest, and for the interest and services of the present year 1784, from the first to the last day thereof inclusive, the following sums expressed in Dollars, tenths, and hundredths of Dollars., 1

2

2

2

2

2

The Civil department The Military department The Marine department Purchases of Indian rights of soil and the incidental expences Contingencies Debts contracted and still unpaid for the services of 1782. and 1783. Interest on the Rate National debt of as follows Int. 1782. Dec. 31. Three years in­ terest on the Spanish loan of 150,000 Dol­ lars

o

1783. Dec. 31. Spanish loan . . Private French loans of 4 Milln. livres . . .

1784. June 1. Dutch loan of 1,800,000 florins . . . Sep. 3. Public French loan of 24. Milln. 8livres Nov. 5. Dutch loan of 10. Milln. livres guar­ anteed by France . . . Dec. 31. Spanish loan. . Private French loans

107,525.33 200,000. 30,000. 60,000. 60,000.

457.525.33

1,000,000

1,000,000.

22,500.

22,500.

7,500. 37,037.

3

44,537.

»—i.

ö

65

35,000. 222,000. 74,074. 7,500. 37,037.

4

375,611.

REPORT

ON N A T I O N A L

1782. Dec. 3 1 . Loan office debt.. 11,473,802.26 Liquidated debt 701,404. Army debt 5,635,618.

ö

DEBT

1784

1,184,176. 21,042. 676,272. 1,881,490.

Deduct the requisition of Sep. 1. 1782

1,200,000.

681,490.

749,050. 42,084.

1783. Dec. 3 1 . Loan office debt Liquidated debt . . . . Unliquidated debt of 8. M i l l n . Doll, suppose Vs now liquidated . . . o* Army debt

i

5

ö

160,000. 338,136.

1,289,270.

749,050. 42,084.

1784. Dec. 3 1 . Loan office debt Liquidated debt . . . . Unliquidated debt, suppose the whole now liquidated Army debt

480,000. 338,136.

1,609,270.'

The Committee were apprized that the resolutions of Congress of A p r . the 18th. 1783. had recommended to the several states the raising an annual revenue by the establishment of certain imposts for the purpose of discharging the national debt, principal and i n ­ terest. B u t i t occurred to them that those recommendations were still before several of the legislatures; that however desireable a compliance therewith is, for the preservation of our faith, and establishment of a national Credit yet as time has already elapsed, and more must elapse before their final confirmation can be hoped, as, after i t shall be obtained time w i l l also be requisite to advance the plan to the term of actual collection, good faith requires that i n the mean while other measures should be resorted to for the pur­ pose of discharging the growing interest. I n the statement of the interest due at the close of the year 1782. the Committee have supposed it's amount lessened by 1,200,000 dollars required and apportioned by the resolutions of Congress of Sep. the 4 t h . and 10th. 1782. and appropriated to the sole purpose of paying the interest of the public debt. T h i s requisition gave license to the states to apply so much as should be necessary of their respective quotas of i t , to the payment of interest due on cer­ tificates issued from the loan offices of their own states, and other 7

8

9

10

66

REPORT

ON

NATIONAL

DEBT

1784

liquidated debts of the United states contracted therein. Hence they suppose i t has happened that the actual payment of these quotas have been uncommunicated to the Office of finance for the United states. The Committee are of opinion that the states should be desired to communicate to the Superintendant of finance the payments they have made under this requisition, and where they have been incomplete, to hasten their completion as the means still relied on by Congress for the discharge of that part of the interest of the public debt.—And while on this subject they beg leave to add that from the representation to Congress by the Minister of France, referred to this committee, they learn that i n some of the states a discrimination has taken place between the citizens of their own, and subjects or citizens of other countries, which was not authorized by the said resolution: they are of opinion that such states should be requested to revise and reform their proceedings herein; and to extend the benefits of this provision equally and impartially to all persons w i t h i n it's description. Your Committee came then to consider i n what way i t would be best to call for the sums requisite for the services before stated, and they thought i t their duty i n the first place to enquire whether no surpluses might remain on former requisitions of Congress after the purposes were effected to which they were originally appropri­ ated; under an assurance that i t would be both the duty and sense of Congress to apply such surpluses, i n every instance, towards lessening the next requisitions on the states. They found i n fact that such a surplus would remain on the requisition of Oct. 30 1 7 8 1 . for eight millions of Dollars for the services of the ensuing year; and that this surplus would be great from the following cir­ cumstances. T h a t requisition was estimated on supposition that the Continental army would be completed by the states to it's full establishment, and that cloathing, subsistence and other neces­ saries for such an army must of course be provided. The states were far short of producing such an army. Hence the calls for money were proportionably abridged. I t was estimated too on the further supposition that we m i g h t be disappointed i n the endeavors we were then exerting to borrow money both at home and abroad, and of course that the whole must be supplied by taxes. Loans however were obtained and the surplus increased by this second cause. A t h i r d circumstance has further enlarged i t . The payments on this requisition have been small and slow. Hence, instead of money, those who served and supplied the United states have re­ ceived certificates only that money is due to them, and these debts 11

12

67

REPORT

ON N A T I O N A L

DEBT

1784

have been transferred to the fund proposed to be raised by way of impost. So that tho' the debts exist, they are removed from this to another fund. T o know then the amount of this surplus, the Committee extended their enquiries to the sums actually received under this requisition, the purposes to which they have been ap­ plied, and the anticipations thereof still unsatisfied. T h e y found that 1,486,511.71 only of the eight millions of Dollars had been received at the treasury at the close of the year 1783: that these had been applied to the services of the years 1782 and 1783: and that for other services of the same years debts were contracted to the amount of about one million of dollars more, which depend for their discharge on further receipts under this requisition. Your Committee then are of opinion that a surplus of 5,513,488.28 Dollars w i l l remain of this requisition after answering all the demands which actually arose against i t , which were not answered by other means, nor transferred to other funds and that this sur­ plus ought to be applied so far as i t w i l l go, to the common purposes of the United states, so as to prevent new requisitions on them t i l l the old shall have been exhausted, and to shew to those who may have paid their whole quota of any requisition that they w i l l not be called on anew t i l l all the other states shall i n like manner have paid up their quotas. Your Committee found also that there was a requisition of Con­ gress of Oct. 16. 1782. for 2. millions of Dollars for the services of the year 1783, on which some small payments had been tendered, but that the Superintendant of finance had found i t better to receive and credit them as part of the eight millions. They are accordingly comprehended i n the sum before stated to have been paid i n under that head. Having thus stated the demands existing against the states, the Committee would have performed but half their duty had they passed over unnoticed their condition to pay them. T h e i r abilities must be measured i n weighing their burthens. T h e i r creditors themselves w i l l view them just relieved from the ravages of preda­ tory armies, returning from an attendance on camps to the culture of their feilds, beginning to sow, but not yet having reaped, ex­ hausted of necessaries and habitual comforts and therefore need­ ing new supplies out of the first proceeds of their labour. Forbear­ ance then, to a certain degree, w i l l suggest itself to them. Those entrusted w i t h the dispensation of justice between t h e m w i l l sup­ pose both parties desirous that their mutual situations should be 13

14

15

16

: 68

REPORT

ON N A T I O N A L

DEBT

1784

considered and accomodated. Your Committee are of opinion that i f the whole balances of the two requisitions of eight and of two millions should be rigorously called into payment w i t h i n the course of the present year, a compliance w i t h such call would produce much distress; and that some t e r m short of this should be fixed on, w i t h i n the reach of the least as well as of the most able states. They propose therefore that the states be required to furnish w i t h i n the course of the present year such part of their déficiences under the requisition of 8. millions, as, w i t h their payments to the close of the last year, w i l l make up three fourths of their original quota thereof: and that these payments be appropriated to the services of the present year 1 7 8 4 , i n conformity w i t h the statement i n the first part of this report, giving generally, where accomodation cannot be effected among the several objects, a preference according to the order i n which they are arranged i n the said statement. But while this proportion of former deficiencies is of necessity called for under the pressure of demands which w i l l admit neither denial nor delay, the Committee must acknolege that even the punctual compliance expected from all the states w i l l not effect completely all the purposes of their preceding statement. T o accomplish these perfectly; to enable the federal administra­ tion to fulfill the w h o l e of those just and desireable objects, they wish earnestly and warmly to encourage the abler states to go as far beyond this proportion as their happier situation w i l l admit, under an assurance that their further contributions w i l l be applied towards reducing the interest and principal of the public debt, and w i l l be placed to their credit i n the next requisitions, w i t h i n ­ terest thereon from the time of payment. Individual states have at times thought i t hard that while, i n their own opinion, they were i n advance for the United states on accounts existing and unsettled between them, they should yet be called on to furnish actual contributions of money. The Committee observe i n answer to this, first, that almost every state thinks itself in advance: and secondly that i t has been the constant wish of Congress that these accounts should be settled, and the contribu­ tions of each be known and credited. They have accordingly put it i n the power of the states to effect these settlements: and as a further encouragement to hasten this desireable work, the Com­ mittee are of opinion Congress should declare that so soon as these accounts shall be all settled, and i t shall appear i n favor of what states balances arise, such states shall have credit for the same i n the requisitions next ensuing. 17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

69:

REPORT

ON N A T I O N A L

DEBT

1784

But i t w i l l be necessary also to remind the states that no materials have yet been furnished to enable Congress to adjust the ultimate ratio i n which the expenditures of the late war shall be apportioned on the states. The Confederation directs that this shall be regulated by the value of the lands i n the several states w i t h the buildings and improvements thereon. Experiments made however since the date of that instrument for the purposes of ordinary taxation had induced doubts as to the practicability of this rule of apportion­ ment. Yet Congress thought i t their duty to give i t fair t r i a l , and recommended to the several states on the 17th. of Feb. 1783. to furnish an account of their lands buildings and number of inhabit­ ants, whereon they might proceed to estimate their respective quotas. B u t apprehending that the incompetence of the rule would immediately shew itself, and desirous that no time should be un­ necessarily lost, they followed i t w i t h another recommendation of the 18th. of A p r . 1783. to substitute i n lieu of that article i n the Confederation another which should make the number of inhabit­ ants, under certain modifications the measure of contribution for each state. Both these propositions are still under reference to the several legislatures; the latter accompanied by the earnest wishes and preference of Congress, under full conviction that i t w i l l be found i n event as equal, more satisfactory, and more easy of execution: the former only pressed i f the other should be rejected. The Committee is informed that the states of Connecticut, New Jersey, Pensylvania and S. Carolina have acceded to the alteration proposed; but have no evidence that the other states have as yet decided thereon. As i t is necessary that the one or the other measure should be immediately resorted to, they are of opinion i t should be recommended to the legislatures which have not yet decided be­ tween them, to come to decision at their next meeting. I n order to present to the eye a general view of the several exist­ ing requisitions and of the payments made under them, the Com­ mittee has subjoined them i n the form of a table, wherein the 1st column enumerates the states: the 2d. the apportionment of the 1,200,000 D . the 3d. that of the 8. Millions: the 4 t h . that of the 2. Millions, the 5th the sums paid by the several states i n part of their respective quotas to the last day of the year 1783. and the 6th. the sums now required to make up three fourths of their respective quotas of the 8. Millions, expressed i n Dolls. lOths. and lOOths. of Dolls. 27

28

29

70

2

o

o

V

„s

.

oo

ppo] the

'S

New Hampshire

o

' f i *

w required %30 of

1784

the ore 1783.

DEBT

nment

nment M.

0 Dollars

ON N A T I O N A L

nment

REPORT

.

O

O 43 C O •32 ¿ J

«u

.

li-

< O OH 00* Q 48,000. 373,598. 80,000. 3,000. 277,198.5 § ~ 2 192,000. 1,307,596. 320,000. 733,020.33 217,676.66 28,000. 216,684. 67,847.95 94,654.44 48,000. 133,200. 747,196. 222,000. 131,577.83 428,849.25 54,000. 373,598. 90,000. 39,064.1 241,134.4 66,000. 485,679. 110,000. 102,004.95 262,254.3 180,000. 1,120,794. 300,000. 346,632.98 493,962.51 16,800. 112,085. 28,000. 84,063.75 132,000. 89,302.11 933,996. 220.000. 611,194.88 174,000. 1,307,594. 290.000. 115,103.53 865,591.54 88,800. 148.000. 467,007.75 622,677. 72,000. 373,598. 120.000. 344.301.57 14,400. 24,905. 24,000. 18,678.75 1,200,000. 8,000,000. 2,000,000. 1,486.511.71 4,577,591.02

..

Delaware

I t remained lastly to consider whether no facilities might be given to the paiment of these sums by the several states. The Committee observed that of the purposes for which money is wanting, about a moiety can be answered by nothing but money itself, but that the other moiety, consisting of interest on our domestic debt, may be effected by procuring a discount of the demand i n the hands of the holders; an operation which w i l l be shorter and less impoverishing to the State. A n d however, i n times of greater plenty, the accuracy of fiscal administration might require all transactions to be i n actual money, at the treasury itself; yet t i l l our constituents shall have had respite from their late difficulties, i t behoves us to prefer their easement. The Committee are therefore of opinion that the several legislatures may be admitted so to model the collection of the sums now called for as that, the one half being paid in actual money, the other may be discharged by procuring discounts of interest w i t h our domestic creditors; only taking care that the collection of money shall proceed at least i n equal pace w i t h the operations of discount. A n d to ascertain the evidence of discount which shall be receivable i n lieu of money, the holders of loan office certificates shall be at liberty to carry them to the office from which they issued; and the holders of certificates of other liquidated debts of the United states, to carry the same to the loan office of that state wherein the debt was contracted, and to have the interest due thereon settled and certified to the last day of the year 1 7 8 3 ; for which interest the loan officer shall give a certifi31

32

33

34

35

36

37

71

REPORT

ON N A T I O N A L

DEBT

1784

cate i n such form, and under such cautions and instructions as the Superintendant of finance shall transmit to h i m , which certificates of interest, being parted w i t h by the holder of the principal, shall be deemed evidence that he has received satisfaction for the same, and therefore shall be receivable from the bearer, w i t h i n the same state, i n lieu of money i n the proportion before stated. A n d where loan office certificates, issued after the 1st. day of M a r . 1778. shall be presented to the loan officer, they shall be reduced to their specie value, according to the resolutions of Congress of June 2 8 . 1780. that specie value expressed on some part of the certificate, and the interest thereon settled and certified as i n other cases. 38

39

MS (DNA: PCC, No. 144, p. 81-2, 83-90); entirely in TJ's hand; undated but written before 22 Mch. 1784 when report was submitted. The report orig­ inally contained 10 pages, the second of which has a slip wafered to it (see note 6), but the last leaf of the report was separated from it, evidently when PCC No. 144 was bound, and instead of being placed properly at p. 91-2 was placed at p. 81-2 as if it were a sepa­ rate report; the endorsement on that leaf, therefore, applies to the entire re­ port and not merely to the subject of western claims that occupied the second part of the Grand Committee's report of 22 Mch.: "Report of grand Comte delivered March 22. 1784 Monday 29 [i.e., Monday 29 Mch.] assigned for consideration" (see Vol. 2: 616-17, where the report on western claims is separately printed). The entire MS of the two reports, dealing with arrearages and with western claims, was at once printed in broadside form, perhaps be­ fore 29 Mch. and certainly before 5 Apr. Three copies of this broadside (jcc, xxvn, 720, No. 429), bearing MS corrections showing amendments made in Congress, are to be found in DNA: PCC and in CtY; they are as follows: (1) a copy in PCC, No. 144, p. 93-5, bearing alterations in the hand of TJ, Charles Thomson, and others; accompanying it (at p. 91-2 and 95) are three slips containing MS amend­ ments as indicated in the notes below; two of these are in TJ's hand. (2) An­ other, PCC, No. 144, p. 101-3, con­ taining alterations in the hands of Thomson and others, together with Thomson's tabulation of a roll-call vote on Williamson's motion of 5 Apr. to refer the report to the Superintendent of Finance ( J C C , xxvi, 186, 196-7), and also bearing the following endorse­ ment in Thomson's hand: "Report Mr

Jefferson Mr Foster Mr Howell Mr Sherman Mr Beatty Mr Montgomery Mr Tilton Mr Chase Mr Spaight Mr Read. Requisition on the states for the payment of Interest of National debt & for current expences—Order of Day." (3) Another in CtY with amendments by Congress recorded in the hand of James Monroe. The first two of these broadsides were utilized by Thomson during the course of debates for the recording of amendments; both contain, either on their face or on accompanying slips, a full record of all amendments made to the report on arrearages of in­ terest, and both were evidently em­ ployed throughout, copy (2) being used as early as 5 Apr. and as late as 27, 28, and 29 Apr. These broadsides, thus used by Thomson, are for the sake of clarity referred to in the notes below as CT 1 and CT 2 for the first and second respectively. The Monroe broadside was also evidently employed for a similar purpose during the course of debates. After both reports (arrearages of in­ terest and western claims) had been adopted on 28 and 29 Apr., Thomson evidently sent CT 2 to the printer to be employed as copy and a second printing of the broadside from the same type was issued under the head­

ing The United States in Congress As­

sembled. April 27, 1784; a copy, signed

in MS by Thomson and with one minor correction in a clerk's hand, is in DLC: Broadsides Collection ( J C C , xxvn, 721, No. 434). From this it is clear that the copies of the report that T J and Mercer sent to Virginia during April were copies of the first printing (see T J to Harrison, 9 Apr.; Mercer to the Execu­ tive Council, 10 Apr. 1784). Dft: In DLC: TJ Papers, 10: 1665-6 there is a four-page fragment of a rough draft of that part of the report covering the paragraphs beginning "Your com-

72

REPORT

ON N A T I O N A L

mittee came then to consider in what way it would be best to call for the sums requisite . . ." and continuing down to, but not including, the table of six columns showing apportionment of requisitions, payments made on these requisitions, and sums required "to make up three fourths of their respec­ tive quotas." These two leaves, how­ ever, have been bound in reverse order and should properly come in the fol­ lowing sequence: verso of 1666, recto of 1666, verso of 1665, and recto of 1665. T h i s Dft contains many deletions and interlineations, but most of these are variations in phraseology only and have not been indicated in the notes below; but see notes 20, 26, 27, 28. Another fragment that seems to have belonged to the rough draft is to be found in M H i and is described in note 33 below. I n addition to these, there are various documents preceding the fair copy of the report as here printed that T J employed in developing the report in the Grand Committee. These are: ( 1 ) A single leaf in T J ' s hand endorsed: "Estimate for 1784." This embraced eight heads: "1. Civil estab­ lishment . . . 2. Military establishment . . . 3. Marine . . . 4. Indian department . . . 5. Indian purchases of territory & incidental expences . . . 6. Contingen­ cies . . . 7. Deficiencies of the last ap­ propriation . . . 8. Debt." Of these, items 4 and 7 were struck out, items 2, 3, 5, and 6 contained the same totals as the report itself, and item 8, for which no total was given, was divided into "Principal" and "Interest." Item 1, before T J altered it, read as follows: "1. Civil establishment (exclusive of de­ partment of Finance) as reported by Committee 60,615% Department of Finance as last year (being not yet reformed by Committee) 25,890 17 Occasional commrs and clerks . . . and those of staff departments 27,500 114,005%." It will be noted that, whereas Morris had recommended a civil list of $184,300, T J ' s committee on 5 Mch. sub­ mitted a "view of the civil list as pro­ posed to be reduced . . . but not made a part of the report," in which the total came to $68,525% (see under 5 Mch. 1784; Wharton, Dipl. Coir. Amer. Rev., v i , 7 8 0 ) . T h e corresponding figure in the present document was first written "60,615%" and then altered to "60,625%." T h i s would indicate that this

73

DEBT

1784

document was drawn up before 5 Mch. and that T J later increased the sum to $68,625% as there given; however, after particularizing the three items of the civil establishment, T J struck out the whole and wrote: "Civil establishment . . . 107,525%," which is the figure given in the present report on arrear­ ages. From this it follows that T J began his report soon after receiving the letters of Joseph Carleton of 1 Feb. 1784, stating the military requirements at $219,578, and of Robert Morris of 25 Feb. 1784 setting the civil list total at $184,300. T h i s document is in D L C : T J Papers, 11: 1882. ( 2 ) A single leaf in T J ' s hand closely paralleling that printed in Vol. 6: 563 as a copy of an enclosure in Robert Morris' letter to T J of 25 Feb. 1784 and, like that, includ­ ing observations by T J . T h e five col­ umns of figures there given are identi­ cal with those in this tabulation, which contains also two additional columns headed "balance due to make %. of the 8.M" and "Apportionment of the 1,200,000." These two columns correspond exactly with the final and first columns, respectively, as given in the present re­ port on arrearages. Beneath the tabula­ tion are comments by T J similar to those given with the corresponding tabulation printed in Vol. 2: 564, save that the supposed deficiency of collec­ tion was calculated at $838,887314 , making the total requisition $4,577,591i%5 instead of $4,513,488l%5. I t is obvious that the tabulation given in Vol. 2: 564 preceded the present, for it gives current expences as $427,525%, whereas the present includes the fol­ lowing: "Services of the current year 1784. as agreed to by Committee . . . 457,525%." T h e present document also has, on its second page, a tabulation of interest on the national debt for the years 1782-1785 inclusive; this corre­ sponds in arrangement (though not in figures) with the report on arrearages as originally drawn (see note 6 ) . T h e total for interest on the domestic and foreign debt for 1784 was $1,923,877 as compared with $1,984,881 in the present report, the calculation for 1785 being also $1,923,877. T h i s document is in D L C : T J Papers, 17: 2978. ( 3 ) Another single leaf in T J ' s hand corre­ sponding closely to the tabulations of interest on the foregoing document No. 2, though its figures for interest on the loan onice debt differ from those in the present report; it also projects interest costs through 1785. Opposite the item for the "Dutch loan of 10,000,000 5

REPORT

ON

NATIONAL

livres guarantied by France," T J placed an asterisk and at foot of text wrote: "Qu. if this has not been paid, as the Financier omits it?" T h e entry for the Dutch loan for 1783 was later struck out. T J similarly marked the entry for 1784 concerning "Public French loan of 24,000,000 livres" and at foot of text wrote: "by the Convention with France these paiments may be staved off till the first payment of capital be­ comes due if we chuse it." T h i s docu­ ment is in D L C : T J Papers, 11: 1907. ( 4 ) Another single leaf written by T J that may be regarded as an early draft of part of the present report; it con­ tains the wording of the resolution and the sums required under the various headings as given in the report as orig­ inally formed before the slip described in note 6 was wafered on. It is in D L C : T J Papers, 11: 1884. ( 5 ) Another scrap of writing in T J ' s hand whose headings in some instances are puz­ zling. It reads as follows: "Clear old scores 4. List civil and military (excluding marine) 30. Marine would be 10. I think Virga. may raise 2 % Anual loan i % Cal from states [83] 10. Loan asked 2 % Pay army 15. Subsist 1%." This document is in D L C : T J Papers, 9: 1393. I n addition to the foregoing, T J must have had at hand a copy in Madi­ son's hand of the "Estimate of public debt of U . S . reported by Grand Com­ mittee" in 1783. This document is in D L C : T J Papers, 10: 1618; it is printed in Madison's "Notes of Debates in the Continental Congress" under date of 8 Apr. 1783 ( J C C , x x v , 954-5). 0

0

This report on arrearages, first de­ bated in Congress on 5 Apr. 1784, is printed in J C C , x x v i , 185-96 and, as amended, 297-309, 312-13, 315-17 (though with some errors in phrase­ ology and figures). Ford, m , 434, in­ cludes the names of the Grand Com­ mittee as listed in the Journal of Con­ gress of that date, but states that there is no record of the appointment of the committee. T h e Grand Committee was, however, appointed on 23 Jan. 1784 and consisted of "Mr Forster M r Par­ tridge M r Howell M r Sherman M r Beatty M r Montgomery M r Tilton M r Chase M r Jefferson M r Spaight M r Read"; it was charged with the task of considering the "report from Superint.

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finance of 22 Octr. 1783" and of re­ porting "a requisition on the states for the payment of Interest on the national Debt" ( D N A : P C C , No. 186; see also T J ' s resolution of 23 J a n . 1784, Vol. 2: 510; J C C , X X V I , 4 8 ) . When the Grand Committee reported on 22 Mch. 1784, T J was its chairman and his name was at the head of the list; other­ wise the names of the committee were the same and in the same order as on 23 Jan. ( J C C , x x v i , 184). On 30 Jan. the "Letter 30 Jany. Minister of france & note relative to the payment of Int. to foreigners holders of loan office Certificates" were also referred to the Grand Committee ( D N A : P C C , No. 186). T J was at work on the report during February and March and, in addition to the economies in the civil list that he wished to effect as opposed to Morris' views, the present report was regarded by T J ' s admirer, David How­ ell, as being a severe blow at the Superintendent of Finance in that part concerning "facilities." For some time the loan officers had been issuing "in­ dents" or certificates of interest due on loan office certificates and the states had begun to accept these "indents" in part payment of taxes, thus to an extent assuming a part of the federal debt. Morris strongly opposed this, but the present report recognized and legit­ imatized the practice by permitting each state to pay one-fourth of its requisition with such certificates (see Jensen, The Nezu Nation, p. 3 9 1 ) . T J and the Grand Committee had recom­ mended that one-half of the sum could be so paid, but during the bitter de­ bates in Congress this figure was re­ duced to one-fourth. On 17 Mch. Gerry moved "to prohibit states from accept­ ing securities issued by U . S . to public creditors" and this motion was referred to a committee composed of "Mr Jef­ ferson M r Williamson M r Howell M r Gerry and M r Read"; apparently the matter was allowed to slumber in com­ mittee ( D N A : P C C , No. 186). But during the debates over the report on arrearages on 27 and 28 Apr. the issue must have been severely contested. When the struggle was over, David Howell reported that "the facilities in­ troduced in payment of part of the requisition for this year . . . was perseveringly opposed by the Superintend­ ent of Finance, and finally acceded to by some only of his supporters, and that with great reluctance, and after a most warm and doubtful contest. T h e charm of remitting all payment to

:74;

REPORT

ON

NATIONAL

Philada. is now broken, and I hope that Vortex will no longer swallow down the Treasures of other States" (Howell to Jabez Bowen, 21 May 1784, Burnett, Letters of Members, v n , No. 614). There were six or seven opponents of this feature of the report, but the hard core of intransigency was repre­ sented by Spaight, Read, and Beresford ( J C C , X X V I , 196-7, 213-15, 263-5, 297309, 311-17). T h e fact that Luzerne wrote on 30 Jan. about discrimination against foreign holders of loan office certificates, that this letter was referred to the Grand Committee, that Marbois was very hostile to Robert Morris (he later wrote that Morris expected the French government to pay "all the il­ legitimate profits that he had taken to himself, and of which he is unhappily in possession"; Marbois to Rayneval, 24 Aug. 1784, Jensen, The New Na­ tion, p. 370) and that T J was very friendly with both Marbois and L u ­ zerne, suggests the possibility that when Marbois was in Annapolis early in 1784 T J may have laid the train for Luzerne's protest. T h i s , of course, is conjecture, but circumstances and the report itself render it not implau­ sible. When the report on arrearages finally came up for debate on 5 Apr., the Morris defenders moved to have it referred to the Superintendent of F i ­ nance for his opinion and report. This motion by Williamson, seconded by Read, was decisively defeated, seven states voting against it and two being divided. T J did not vote, and only Mercer of the Virginia delegation voted for the motion ( J C C , x x v i , 186, 196-7; a tabulation of the vote in Thomson's hand is on verso of C T 2 ) . On 5 Apr. McHenry, seconded by Spaight, moved that all of the "first part of the report, from the word 'Resolved,' to the word and figures 'total, 5,480,203.33,' [as given in the printed broadside] inclu­ sive; together with the paragraphs be­ ginning with the words 'In order to present to the eye,' down to the words, 'and certified as in other cases,' inclu­ sive, be referred to the Superintendant of finance to report" ( J C C , x x v i , 1978 ) , but this motion, too, was defeated decisively. On 28 Apr. Read, seconded by Stone, moved to refer to Morris the whole paragraph concerning "facili­ ties," but only Maryland and South Carolina voted in favor of the motion and it was defeated; the individual vote was

17

to

6

( J C C ,

XXVI,

309,

311).

Mercer made an attempt on 27 Apr. to reduce the payment of interest on

75

DEBT

1784

the domestic and foreign debt to one year on the supposition that a call for "the whole arrearages of interest . . . wou'd only be attended with a failure of compliance on the part of the States —a consequence that coud not but be destructive of Public Credit" and that Congress should "conform their requi­ sitions to the abilities of their Constitu­ ents to pay" ( M S in D N A : P C C , No. 36, I V , 401-4; J C C , x x v i , 297-9). This motion, seconded by Spaight, would have reduced the total requisition from $5,480,203.33 to $2,986,952.33. Mer­ cer's motion also included the follow­ ing: "in order to ascertain the precise sum due to the domestic creditors, the Superintendant of finance is hereby di­ rected to cause all the loan-office cer­ tificates, and other public securities, to be revised and liquidated anew, and the interest thereon, to the last day of the year, 1783, to be added to the princi­ pal sums and securities issued agree­ able thereto." This motion, however, was defeated by a vote of eight to one, with two states divided; of the 26 in­ dividual votes cast, only Montgomery, Hardy, Mercer, Williamson, Spaight, and Read supported the motion. As in­ dicated in the documents described above, there must have been an effort to persuade the Grand Committee to call for a requisition that would have included interest charges down through the year 1785, but this was not agreed to and even the charges for interest on the national debt for 1784 were struck from the report during the course of debate. This was done on motion of Sherman, seconded by Wadsworth, dur­ ing the debates of 22 Apr. T J voted for deleting these items. On 22 Apr. he also seconded Hand's motion to in­ sert the following item at the end of the requisition: "commutation to the army agreeable to the act of 22 March, 1783, 5,000,000, interest thereon, 300,000." This motion, however, was lost ( J C C , x x v i , 263-5). Blank in M S and in printed copy; names of the committee are as given above. 2 In D N A : P C C , No. 144, p. 95 there is a slip in T J ' s hand reading: "in the title after 'debt' insert 'to the end of the year 1783.' After 'interest' insert 'on the foreign debt.' 1st line of the resolution after 'interest' insert 'on the national debt to the end of the year 1783.' ib. after the 2d. 'interest' insert 'of the foreign debt.' " As thus amended and as finally adopted, the 1

REPORT

ON N A T I O N A L

resolution read: "Resolved that there will be wanting for arrears of interest on the national debt to the end of the year 1783, and for the interest of the foreign debt and services of the present year 1784, from the first to the last day thereof inclusive, the following sums" &c. T h i s amendment, of course, was made after that recorded in note 6 below ( J C C , X X V I , 3 0 1 ) . T h e amend­ ment is recorded by interlineation on C T 2; the slip in T J ' s hand is, of course, the amendment accompanying C T 1. 3 T h i s line deleted by amendment in Congress on 27 Apr. and the following substituted: "To the farmers general of franee 846,710.5 . . . 7,840 [i.e., in interest column]." T h e total for interest on foreign debt for 1783 was changed from 44,537 to 15,340 ( C T 1; see also jcc,

XXVI,

301).

* T h i s item altered by amendment to correspond with change indicated in note 3, with identical changes in figures involved, the sum of $375,611 being reduced accordingly to $346,414. 5 Amended in Congress on 27 Apr. to read "Unliquidated debt estimated at 8. million dollars" ( C T 1; J C C , x x v i , 302). «All interest items for 1784 are crossed off in C T 1 and C T 2, and are not in amended report as debated in Congress on 27 Apr. ( J C C , x x v i , 3 0 2 ) . In the last source, the total of all items is given as $3,812,539.33, the total requisition as finally approved; the total in the printed broadside before deletion of the 1784 items is $5,480,203.33. A s indicated above, there is a slip covering two-thirds of page 2 of the report and comprising all of the interest charges on the national debt. Both the page as originally written and the attached leaf contain the same items (with, of course, differing sub-totals), but they vary only in the fact that the latter divides all ar­ rearages of interest into foreign and do­ mestic categories arranged chronologi­ cally within each category, whereas the former has these same items arranged chronologically under the years 1782, 1783, and 1784. T h i s rearrangement and the wafered leaf must have been made in the last stages of the discus­ sion in the Grand Committee and just before the report was submitted to Congress, for the report is a carefully prepared fair copy and the printed broadside follows the arrangement of the wafered leaf. T h e change was doubtless made because it had become apparent that some such compromise as

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that indicated above would have to be made whereby the requisition would be reduced by deleting the interest charges on the domestic debt for 1784. 7 I n P C C , No. 144, p. 91-2 there is a slip in T J ' s hand recording amend­ ments as indicated below in notes 18, 19, 21, 22, 25, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34 and 36. It accompanies C T 1 and the refer­ ences to lines and columns refer to that printed text. T h e first amendment re­ corded on this slip (though it appears at the top of p. 92, the page numbers being reversed through error) reads: "l[ines]. 4 3 . - 4 5 . d[elete]." These lines comprise the words "by the establish­ ment of certain imposts . . . before several of the legislatures" which are marked for deletion in C T 1 and C T 2. In C T 1 the following substitute pas­ sage is written in the margin in Thom­ son's hand: "for the purpose of dis­ charging the principal and interest of the national debt by the establishment of certain imposts and providing such supplementary funds for a given term of years to be raised in such way as they might judge most convenient; but it occurred to them that those recom­ mendations were still under suspense with several of the legislatures, some of them having as yet acceded to the im­ post only and others decided neither on the impost nor supplementary funds." T h i s amendment, recorded also on C T 2, evidently was made on 27 Apr. ( j c c , xxvi, 302). s T h e word "full" is interlined in Thomson's hand in C T 1 and C T 2. » T h e word "Credit" is overwritten in M S in Thomson's hand; the word underneath appears to be "debt," which T J may have written inadvertently. Here and elsewhere (such as in the al­ terations from T J ' s characteristic "paiment" to "payment") Thomson appears to have been preparing T J ' s M S report for use by the printer as copy in setting up the broadside. io T h i s paragraph in M S is in crowd­ ed lines at top and in margin of page 3 of text, and obviously was inserted after the paragraph beginning "In the state­ ment of the interest due," & c , had been written. n T h i s word was deleted by amend­ ment in Congress and "required" sub­ stituted; recorded by deletion and in­ terlineation in Thomson's hand in both C T 1 and C T 2. 1 2 T h e words "both past and future" were inserted at this point by amend­ ment in Congress; recorded by a caret

:76;

REPORT

ON N A T I O N A L

and the words in margin in Thomson's hand in both C T 1 and C T 2. 1 3 A t this point in C T 1 there is a caret and, in the margin in Thomson's hand: "see Amendment." There is no such indication of an amendment in the text as adopted 27 Apr. or in the final broadside printing or in C T 2 ( J C C , X X V I , 304). I t is possible that an amend­ ment was offered but failed of adoption. i * I n C T 2 at this point there is a symbol keyed to a corresponding sym­ bol in margin followed by this addi­ tional passage in Thomson's hand, adopted as an amendment in Congress: "a statement of the expenditures of which sums should be made out and forwarded to the legislatures of the several states." T h e amendment is re­ corded by Thomson in C T 2; no record of it appears in C T 1, though there is a caret and, in the margin, the following note by Thomson: "see the Amend­ ment." is T h i s word deleted and "Congress" substituted by amendment in Congress; recorded by Thomson in both C T 1 and C T 2. iß T h i s word deleted by amendment in Congress and "the public and its creditors" written in margin of C T 1 in an unidentified hand; recorded similarly in C T 2 in Thomson's hand. 1 7 T w o preceding words deleted by amendment in Congress and "a Pro­ portion" written in margin of C T 2 in Thomson's hand; similarly recorded in C T 1 in unidentified hand. 1 8 On recto of the slip described in note 7 above, T J wrote: "Col. 2 1. 8. d[elete] 'three fourths' insert 'one half.' " T h i s amendment was offered by T J on 12 Apr., and was seconded by Arthur Lee. Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina, New Jersey and Massa­ chusetts supported the motion; New Hampshire, Connecticut, and New York were divided; and Pennsylvania and Rhode Island were against the amend­ ment. T h e individual vote was 17 to 7 in favor of the motion, but the question was lost. Howell, seconded by Ellery, then moved to strike out "three fourths" and substitute "three fifths." T h i s , too, failed of adoption. Howell then moved to reconsider T J ' s motion; Foster, How­ ell, and Paine changed their votes , so that New Hampshire and New York switched from the negative to the af­ firmative side and Rhode Island became divided. Pennsylvania was thus the only state to vote against the motion, which was adopted ( J C C , x x v i , 213-15). I n C T 2 this amendment is recorded by

DEBT

1784

deletion of "three fourths" and by sub­ stitution of "one half" written in mar­ gin in T J ' s hand; similarly recorded in C T 1 in an unidentified hand. is On recto of the slip described in note 7 above, T J wrote: "[Col. 2] l[ine]. 9. d[elete] 'to the services of the pres­ ent year 1784.' " T h e amendment was adopted and the words are deleted in C T 1 and C T 2. 2 0 A t this point T J wrote in Dft and then deleted: "but that the domestic interest accruing in the year 1784 shall be postponed giving to every purpose a preference." T h e fact that this appears as a deleted item in T J ' s rough draft would seem to indicate that he endeav­ ored unsuccessfully to accomplish in the Grand Committee what was later done by amendment on the floor of Congress. It is not possible, of course, to deter­ mine whether this deletion in the rough draft was made by T J on his own voli­ tion in the course of composing the report or whether it was made as a result of discussion in the Grand Com­ mittee, though the subsequent fate of the 1784 interest on the domestic debt would suggest the latter. 2 1 On verso of slip described in note 7 above, T J wrote: "Col.2.1.15. d[elete] 'completely.' " See notes 24 and 25. 2 2 On C T 1 a line is drawn through the words "the Committee must acknowlege . . . the purposes of their preceding statement" and in the margin in Thomson's hand is the following: "see Amendment." See notes 24 and 25. On verso of slip described in note 7 above, T J wrote: "[Col. 2.] 1. 16. d[elete]. 'accomplish these perfectly to enable the federal administration to ful­ fil the whole' & insert 'advance still further in the accomplishment.'" T h e amendment was adopted and the pas­ sage altered by deletion and substitu­ tion on C T 1 and C T 2. 2 4 On C T 1 a line is drawn through the words "towards reducing the inter­ est and principal of the public debt" and the following words are written in the margin in an unidentified hand in substitution therefor: "to the discharge of the public Debt giving preference according to the preceding statement." T h i s amendment and those set forth in 21, 22, and 23 were evidently then re­ considered and all of the passage from . . demands which will admit neither denial nor delay" to this point struck out and the following substituted there­ for: "and the punctual compliance of every State is expected, to enable the Federal administration with certainty to 2 3

77

REPORT

ON N A T I O N A L

satisfy these demands, it is earnestly and warmly recommended to the abler states to go as far beyond this proportion in specie, as their happier situation will admit, under an assurance, that such further contributions will be applied towards discharging the public debt, agreeably to the preceding statement" ( J C C , X X V I , 3 0 6 ) . See note 25. 2 3 At this point Thomson inserted interlineally: "But all our exertions will probably fall short," &c. and marked the passage with a symbol. On verso of the slip described in note 7 above there is the same symbol, followed by T J ' s amendment in these words: "Col. 2. 1. 21. add *But all our exertions will probably fall still short of their full object. In that case it is believed that the public creditors, seeing the load of interest accumulated during the war greater than can be discharged in the first year of peace, will be contented for the present to receive the earlier part of these arrears and to rely for the residue on the efforts of the ensuing year(s).' " Following this, in an unidentified hand, are the names of "Mr Jefferson M r Howel," indicating that T J made the motion and Howell seconded it and possibly that the motion included the other amendments written on the verso of the slip (i.e., those indicated in notes 21 and 2 3 ) . Another amendment at this point, possibly preceding T J ' s in time as it does in the final text, was offered by Stone and seconded by Gerry. On C T 1 opposite the words ". . . from the time of payment" Thomson placed a symbol keyed to a slip of paper ( P C C : No. 144, p. 95) headed "to be inserted after the word Payment 21st Line 2d Page [i.e., column]," and reading as follows: "And also that before any further demand is made upon the States under the requisition for two million of dollars or the requisition for Eight million of Dollars Congress will revise the Quotas of the several States mentioned in the said requisitions respectively and will make them agreeable to justice upon the best information Congress may have when such Demand is made." T h e names "Mr Stone M r Gerry" are endorsed on the face of this amendment. After amendments indicated in notes 21, 22, 23, and 24 had been recorded in the manner described, it is evident that a single amendment was offered covering the passage embraced by all of these partial amendments, and Thomson, after deleting on C T 2 all of the passage reading "the committee must

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1784

acknowledge . . . with interest thereon from the time of payment," wrote in the margin "see other side." On the verso of C T 2 appears the following comprehensive amendment for this much-disputed part of the report which represents the text as finally adopted: "[But while this proportion of former deficiencies is of necessity called for under the pressure of demands which will admit neither denial nor delay] and the punctual compliance of every state is expected to enable the fœderal Administration with certainty to satisfy these demands it is earnestly and warmly recommended to the abler states to go as far beyond this proportion in specie as their happier situation will admit under an assurance that such further contributions will be applied towards discharging the public debt agreeable to the preceding statement, and will be placed to their credit in the next requisitions, with interest thereon from the time of payment—and also that before any further demand is made upon the states under the requisition for two millions of dollars or the requisition for eight millions of dollars, Congress will revise the quotas of the several states mentioned in the said requisitions respectively and will make them agreeable to justice upon the best information Congress may have when such demand is made. But as all our exertions will probably fall short of their full object, I n that case it is believed that the public creditors seeing the load of interest accumulated during the war greater than can be discharged in the first year of peace will be contented for the present to receive the earlier part of these arrears and to rely for the residue on the efforts of the ensuing year." 2 6 The words "put it in the power of the states" were struck out by amendment in Congress and are deleted in C T 1 and the following substitution written in margin in Thomson's hand: "taken Measures and will continue their Endeavours." Similarly recorded in C T 2. I n Dft at this point T J wrote and then deleted: "Your Committee thought it a most desireable object that all matters of account existing between the U . S . and the several states individually should be speedily settled. I n order to encourage the states to hasten this work they are of opinion Congress should declare it as a general rule that whensoever any such account shall be finally liquidated and a balance acknowleged to be due from the U . S .

78

REPORT

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that the individual state to whom it is due shall have credit for such balance in the requisition next ensuing the liquidation. But here the states should be reminded how little progress is made towards adjusting the ultimate ratio of their contributions to the expenditures of the late war." 2 7 Dft and M S originally read: .. doubts both as to the practicability of this rule of apportionment, and of it's equality, if practicable." T h e passage was then altered in M S by T J to read as above. 2 8 Dft and M S originally read: ". . . the most equal, the most satisfactory, and most easy of execution" and M S was then altered by T J to read as above. 2 9 On the slip described in note 7 above, T J wrote: "[Col. 2.] 1. 57. d[elete] 'three fourths' insert 'one half.' " Amendment recorded by Thomson in C T 1 and C T 2. Dft does not contain the words "expressed in Dolls. lOths. and lOOths. of Dolls." indicating that Dft was completed before and M S after the drafting of his notes on the estab­ lishment of a money unit ( see at end of Apr. 1784). so On the slip described in note 7 above, T J wrote: "[Col. 2.] 1. 59 [i.e., 60]. d[elete] H & insert Yz." Thomson made this alteration in C T 1 by over­ writing, but not in C T 2; in the latter, however, he rewrote the entire column and gave it the proper caption: "Sums now required to make one V* of 8.M." T h i s revised column in C T 1 was cop­ ied from T J ' s recalculated column of figures written on the slip described in note 7 above, reading as follows: 'New Hampshire Massachusets Rhode island Connecticut New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Delaware Maryland Virginia N . Carolina S. Carolina Georgia

183,799 406,121.34 40,491.05 242,020.17 147,734.9 140,834.55 213,764.02 56,042.5 377,695.89 538,693.47 311,338.5 12,452.5

2,670,987.89 14 = 667,746.97 34 = 2,003,240.91." E a c h of the figures in the column has a check mark placed beside it. 3 i On the slip described in note 7 above, T J wrote: "[Col. 2.] 1. 76 de­

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1784

lete] 'a moiety' & insert 'three fourths.' " Similar change recorded by Thomson in C T 1 and C T 2. 3 2 On the slip described in note 7 above, T J wrote: "[Col. 2.] 1. 77. de­ lete] 'moiety' & insert 'fourth.' " Simi­ lar change recorded by Thomson in C T 1 and C T 2. 3 3 I n M H i in a vellum-bound volume bearing the title " L a w treaties" there is a fragment in T J ' s hand reading: "and that so soon as any state shall [ ] a moiety of the sum now called for [ ] shall be receivable towards satisfying [ ]." It seems certain that this fragment must be part of a missing page from Dft and that it refers to the present paragraph relating to "facilities." s* On the slip described in note 7 above, T J wrote: "[Col. 2.] 1. 84. de­ lete] 'the one h a l f insert 'three fourths.' " On C T 1 and C T 2 similar corrections were made so that the final text read: "three fourths of any sums being paid," &c. 3 5 On C T 2 Thomson inserted a caret at this point and wrote "fourth" in the margin. 3 6 On the slip described in note 7 above, T J wrote: "[Col. 2.] 1. 86 de­ lete] 'equal pace' insert 'threefold pro­ portion.' " T h i s was the text finally ap­ proved, but in C T 2 Thomson drew a line underneath the passage "only tak­ ing care . . . operations of discount," as if an amendment had been offered to alter the whole (see J C C , x x v i , 312). 3 7 Altered in C T 1 and C T 2 to "1782" by overwriting (see J C C , x x v i , 312). 3 8 T h i s passage was amended by mo­ tion of McHenry, seconded by Spaight, to read: "and from the state when ob­ tained from the bearer, in lieu of money in the proportion before stated, which payment in certificates by the state into the public treasury, in the proportion that each state avails itself of the facili­ ties shall be considered as a discharge of so much of the interest due upon the domestic debt, so that the three-fourths or greater proportion if any state should not avail itself of the facilities in the degree hereby admitted, paid in money at the same time shall be applied, giv­ ing preference according to the above statement, to the discharge of the ex­ pences of internal government and the interest due upon the foreign debt" (re­ corded by Thomson in margin of C T 2). 3 9 On the roll call vote on the para-

[79]

6 APRIL graph concerning "facilities" as amend­ ed, nine states voted favorably; only Spaight of North Carolina and Read and Beresford of South Carolina voted against its adoption ( J C C , X X V I , 31314). At this point on C T 2 Thomson wrote: "Resolved that Congress agree to the same." T h e report of the Grand Committee on the subject of claims to western lands followed this point in MS (though the page is now misplaced at p. 81-2 as indicated above) and was printed in the same order in the broad­ side. On C T 2 Thomson noted the amendments to this report that were set forth above (see Vol. 6: 616-17), with the following additional changes

1784

that appeared in the final text: ( 1 ) On C T 2 the opening paragraph was al­ tered by Thomson to read as follows: "April 29, 1784. Congress took into Consideration the report of the grand committee to whom was referred the report of a committee on the subject of western territory, and thereupon came to the following Resolution." ( 2 ) I n the final phrase of the second para­ graph (Vol. 6: 616) which reads " . . . not yet been finally complied with," Thomson on C T 2 struck out "finally" and interlined "fully." T h i s was the reading as adopted by Congress on 29 Apr. 1784 ( J C C , X X V I , 315-17) and as printed in the final broadside text.

From G. K. van Hogendorp SIR

[Annapolis, ca. 6 Apr. 1784]

W h e n I came to Annapolis, though I now recollect to have heard your praise at Boston, yet I was then ignorant of your character and your conduct d u r i n g the Revolution. Let this not Surprize you; for here as i n Europe, I have found i t but too frequent, that reputa­ tion is not i n proportion to merit. I f since m y arrival i n America, I had been continually entertained of your great qualities, surely that circumstance would not have raised you i n m y opinion to the smallest degree, after a personal acquaintance which put i t i n m y power to form a judgement according to m y own observations and my own feelings. I t is because I not only love and esteem you, but am also i n hope of having gained your affection, by a similarity i n our principles and our pursuits, that I am anxious to cultivate an acquaintance, w h i c h so happily commenced. For on a hint from the Gentleman who introduced me to you, I resolved to pay you a visit. I very soon observed that your conversation bent on Serious objects could be more usefull to me than that of any Gentleman i n town I had meet w i t h . Your making no hyperfluous compliments, your retired life, made you appear a man of business. Even your cool and reserved behaviour prepossessed me i n favour of you. I valued so much the more every little mark of esteem that I could perceive i n your con­ versation. Y o u must have observed that I d i d feel no constraint i n your company, that I shew myself so candid and open as I am naturally, though what we call the w o r l d does often check this disposition. Whatever observation I have made not favourable to [ 8 0 ]

6 APRIL

1784

your country, I d i d communicate you as freely as i f I had addressed a foreigner, For I scorn the politiness prohibiting such a liberty. I f m y observation is just, Yourself w i l l have made i t before, and it cannot offend you i n me; i f i t is a prejudice, w i l l i t not be offend­ ing you much more to part w i t h a presention against your country, that is against yourself who lives i n it? Y o u have obliged me by your questions respecting the Netherlands. I n answering them I have learned myself. I ' l l tell you how. I t would have been impos­ sible to me to give you an account as you desired but after some reflection. Materials I possessed to satisfy you, but some points I had not considered i n that Vieuw. N o w I did; and you I thank for it. W i t h your w r i t i n g I went on solitary walks i n the wood that looks so beautifull from the little meadow behind your house. A t the same time I became acquainted w i t h Your state and w i t h your­ self, I grew fond of your benevolent character, as much as I ad­ mired your extensive learning, your strength of judgement. I pitied Your Situation, for I thought you unhappy. W h y , I d i d not know; and though you appeared insensible to social enjoyments, yet I was perfectly convinced you could not have been ever so. One evening I talked of love, and then I perceived that you still could feel, and express your feelings. By that very conversation you must have Seen that ambition alone does not spur me, nor has driven me from m y friends and my parents who made me happier than i n any part of the w o r l d I can hope to be; but that I thought a greater knowledge of the human m i n d , a better acquaintance w i t h the joys and pains, w i t h the virtues habits and vices of men, necessary to such a benevolence and moderation w h i c h construe our real happiness, but are not easily acquired by Youth and a fiery temper, and can be acquired only from experience and knowledge of the w o r l d . I shall pass through Annapolis again, i n order to see you, and to talk a little more w i t h Y o u about a correspondance after m y returning home. Y o u know that the Hague has been for a long time the center of all Négociations. I t is yet the political center of Europe. Therefore i n this respect m y letters may be interesting to you w h o m I find more acquainted w i t h our history and our politics than any Gentleman i n America that I have conversed w i t h . The Same advantage Y o u have i n regard to American politics by your presence at Congress or your connection w i t h members of this body, by your knowledge of your State, and generally of all the other ones. B u t i t is not only that which I have i n Vieuw, nor though I have mentioned i t first do I esteem i t most. Y o u w i l l have [81]

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17 84

observed m y disposition to instructing myself of many things. T h i s inclination you possess likewise, and have had more time to satisfy. B u t here, "the encrease of appetite does grow by what i t feeds on" and the object of Science may be an important one to the corre­ spondance I propose Y o u . M y progresses, that never I hope w i l l stop, must of course render m y letters i n time as instructive and usefull as yours can be instantly. W h y is m y time limited? W h y cannot I go w i t h you this Sum­ mer to Augusta, or Pitsburg? W h y cannot a friendship be estab­ lished and cimented, which now only a foundation is laid of? B u t as steadiness according to m y firm conviction is the first quality of a man who wishes to inspire confidence to his behaviour, and to conduct great things, I w i l l not deviate from my plans, but See m y friends when I d i d promise to be w i t h them, and pursue that line of life which I told them I was determined to. R C ( D L C ) ; endorsed by T J ; " G K Van Hogendorp"; unsigned and with­ out place or date, but the context seems to indicate that it was written in An­ napolis and its youthful declaration of affection, in terms that must have been embarrassing to T J , suggests that it was written about the time that Hogen­ dorp first left Annapolis. Since Hogen­ dorp promised T J to "pass through Annapolis again, in order to see you," it is possible to say with some certainty that the letter was written on or just before 6 Apr. 1784. For on that date T J gave him a letter of introduction to Washington and on 8 Apr. Hogendorp was at Mount Vernon ( T J to Wash­ ington, 6 Apr.; Washington to T J , 8 Apr. 1784). T e n days later Hogendorp was again in Annapolis, for on 17 Apr. John Montgomery wrote to William Irvine: "This will be handed to you by Mr. Hogdendrop, a younge Gentleman latly arrived from Holland of good feimly. . . . He is sensible and inteligent is taking a tour to see the Coun­ try" (Burnett, Letters of Members, v u , No. 5 6 7 ) . Hogendorp's estimate of T J ' s C H A R ­ A C T E R

A N D

.

.

.

C O N D U C T

D U R I N G

T H E

was set down among his notes and observations and published by his descendants in Brieven en Gedenkschriften van Gijsbert Karel van Hogendorp (Nijhoff, T h e Hague, 18661903), I , 346-7; the MS of this charac­ terization, in French, is in the Hogen­ dorp papers in the Rijksarchief, The Hague, of which the following is a translation: "Mr. Jefferson, during my R E V O L U T I O N

82

attendance at the session of Congress, was more busily engaged than anyone. Retired from fashionable society, he concerned himself only with affairs of public interest, his sole diversion being that offered by belles lettres. T h e poor state of his health, he told me occasionally, was the cause of this re­ tirement; but it seemed rather that his mind, accustomed to the unalloyed pleasure of the society of a lovable wife, was impervious since her loss to the feeble attractions of common society, and that his soul, fed on noble thoughts, was revolted by idle chatter. He played a very active part in the cabinet during the revolution. It was he who composed the declaration of independence, whose principles do hon­ or to his judgment and whose style proclaims a man who is familiar with the works of the ancients and the great writers of Italy, France and England. He has the shyness that accompanies true worth, which is at first disturbing and which puts off those who seek to know him. Those who persist in know­ ing him soon discern the man of let­ ters, the lover of natural history, L a w , Statecraft, Philosophy, and the friend of mankind. Though the gradual eman­ cipation of the Negroes is one of his favorite projects, he does not seem to have very clear ideas on the subject of commerce considered from the point of view of the population, of the pros­ perity of the citizens, of the govern­ ment, and founded on public industry and freedom." The foregoing was one of a number of sketches of Americans,

6

APRIL

chiefly members of Congress, written by Hogendorp and published in Brieven, I , 343ff.; among those included were Steuben, Robert and Gouverneur Morris, Charles Thomson, Thomas Mifflin, and George Washington (Burnett, Letters of Members, v n , No. 567, note 2 ) . T J ' s W R I T I N G that Hogendorp took with him "on solitary walks in the wood that looks so beautifull" must have been a copy of the MS of Notes on Virginia (see T J to Hogendorp, 4 May 1784). If so, Hogendorp should have learned from it that he and T J were not, in fact, governed by A S I M I L A R I T Y I N O U R P R I N C I P L E S A N D O U R P U R S U I T S , despite T J ' s obvious liking and admiration for the young foreigner. For Hogendorp, who was not highly impressed by Amer­ ican republicanism, was at heart a roy­ alist, and their correspondence, which

T o

George

1 78 4

began with this letter, was terminated in 1786; see Hogendorp to T J , 2 Aug. 1786. As Howard C . Rice expressed it in his admirable sketch of Hogendorp: "England, not America, became his [Hogendorp's] source of inspiration. . . . Edmund Burke's Reflections on the French Revolution, and not Thomas Paine's The Rights of Man, expressed his political philosophy" (Hogendorp, The College at Princetown May 1784, with an introduction by Howard C . Rice, Princeton, 1949, v i i ) , W H Y C A N ­ N O T

I

G O

W I T H

Y O U T H I S

S U M M E R

T O

It is clear that during April T J seriously considered acting as a commissioner for extending the boundary line between Virginia and Pennsylvania, an office that would have taken him to Pittsburgh (see Hardy to Harrison, 30 Apr. 1784). A U G U S T A ,

O R P I T S B U R G ? :

Washington

DEAR SIR

Annapolis Apr. 6. 1 7 8 4 .

I am obliged to you for your query as to the distance from New York to Cayahoga, as i t has occasioned m y reexamination of that matter and detection of an error of 150 miles. The distances from New York to Niagara I collect from information as follows. from N . York to Albany 164. miles. Oneida 165. Oswego 171. Niagara 180 680 140 this last distance I collect

from Niagara to Cayahoga

820 by measuring on Hutchins's map and reducing that proportionably by the known distance from Niagara to Detroit which is 250. miles. The public papers confirm the resignation of M r . Pitt and his friends. A ship arrived here, and some others i n Philadelphia have brought us a riddle without a key. They received their bounties and drawbacks on clearing out from London as they used to do while we were colonies without any public act authorising i t being visible. The custom house officers tendered them, and they were not so rude as to refuse them. The prohibitory proclamation they say is eluded and connived at by government. W e have 1 1 . states 83

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1784

in Congress and hope by the middle of M a y to adjourn to Novem­ ber. I f any t h i n g prevents this i t w i l l be the representation of 8. states of the 1 1 . by 2 members each, who frequently dividing retard business extremely. T h e inclosed letter was put into m y hands w i t h a request to forward i t to you. T h i s w i l l be delivered you b y Monsr. de Hogendorff, a relation of M r . V a n Berckel's. A very particular acquaintance w i t h h i m here has led me to consider h i m as the best informed man of his age I have ever seen. Nature and application seem equally to have concurred i n fitting h i m for important business. He returns to Holland, his native country, i n the summer, and cannot deny himself the satisfaction of paying his tribute of respect to you. I have the honor to be w i t h great esteem & attachment D r . Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt., TH:

JEFFERSON

E S . T h e Minister of France arrived here to-day. I beleive he is on a tour through V i r g i n i a . B u t I have not yet learned when he sets out. Since w r i t i n g this I learn that the Minister has declined his tour through V i r g i n i a , but thinks to go as far as your house: perhaps w i t h i n a fortnight. R C ( D L C : Washington Papers); en­ dorsed. Entry in S J L reads: "Geni. Wash. Cayahoga to N . Y . 820 m i l e s bounties and drawbacks in E n g l a n d state of Congr.—rise middle May— Hogendorf—a letter—Fr. minister." E n ­ closure not identified. In M H i in a vellum-bound volume in­ correctly labelled " L a w Treaties" (see Vol. 2: 504) there is a loose memoran­ dum bearing various computations of distances, without date, that T J em­ ployed in writing the present letter; since these computations arrived at the same result as that given in the letter, they are not reprinted here. I n the same place, there is another loose page con­ taining the following calculation of dis­ tances: "From Georgetown to Harper's ferry Fort Cumberland Turkey foot 40 Fort Pitt 60 Beaver creek Head navigation of [...]

28 55

84

Head navigation of Cayahoga Mouth of Cayahoga

10 30

123

Niagara Oswego

140 180

320

Oneida Albany New York

171 165 164

500

The way of performing this tour is to hire two hands, who ask about 8. dol­ lars a month each. Indians, if to be had, are better and cheaper. You buy a canoe which costs about 8. dollars. They march about 25. miles a day. Sub­ sistence is about 3 / a man pr. day, in­ cluding liquor." From the last com­ ment and from the known fact that T J about this time was considering the matter of becoming one of the commis­ sioners for extending the Virginia-Penn­ sylvania boundary, it is almost certain that he was contemplating a western tour.

From Robert SIR

Morris

Office of Finance 8th. April. 1784.

I have received the Letter which you d i d me the Honor to write, on the thirtieth of last M o n t h , for which I pray you to accept m y Thanks. The Circular Letter, Copy of which you enclosed, has my entire Approbation; and I pray leave to assure the honorable Committee, that while I am favored w i t h the firm support of Con­ gress I shall not shrink from the Difficulties however great w i t h which we are threatened. T h e Idea of applying to the Banks for A i d , is i n itself a good one, but the present Moment is unfavorable. The Establishment of so many Banks, instead of aiding Credit and facilitating Opera­ tions, w i l l for some time to come have a contrary Effect, and i t is not without great Difficulty that they w i l l each collect a Capital sufficient to support its own Operations. The struggle to get such Capital places these Institutions i n a degree of Opposition to each other injurious to them all. W i t h o u t going more minutely into that part of the Subject, I take the Liberty to observe farther that as we had no M i n t established when the Treaty of Peace took place, and consequently no proper Regulations of our Coin, a great part of i t was immediately exported, and the Country being now laden w i t h foreign Goods and having little means of Payment w i t h produce, still farther Exportations of Coin w i l l take place; espe­ cially i f by the Return of the Public Bills so great an Additional remittance becomes necessary. I shall leave all observations upon this Matter to the good Sense of the Committee, and proceed to mention, farther, that i f the Abilities of the several Banks were ever so great, we cannot rely much on their Inclinations unless their respective Directors could clearly see a Prospect of speedy reim­ bursement from the Taxes. I t is therefore a Matter of much Deli­ cacy to make any Proposals to them on the part of Government, for which, and for other evident Reasons, I pray leave to suggest the Propriety of leaving all such Negotiations to the Superintendant of Finance. T h a t Officer has already sufficient Powers to do every thing except granting Premiums for the Loans proposed, and w i t h respect to them, I am clearly of Opinion that none ought to be given. B u t if, i n the last Necessity, that Step should be unavoidable, he may then A p p l y for Authority. T h i s I conceive to be better than vesting h i m before hand w i t h such an extensive Power: For the Committee w i l l be pleased to observe, that as the Laws of the several States have fixed the Rate of Interest, Premiums on Loans, 85

8

A P R I L

1784

which in their effect [ra]ise the rate of Interest, would be excep­ tionable as well as odious. I t is true that the Situation of Affairs is very disagreable, but i t is better to bear up and struggle hard against present Difficulties, than lay the Foundation of future Evils. W i t h perfect Respect, I have the Honor to be Sir, Your most obedient & Humble Servant, R O B T MORRIS R C ( D N A : P C C , No. 137, i n ) ; in a clerk's hand, signed by Morris; endorsed by a clerk: "Letter from the Supert. of Finance to Honble. T . Jefferson E s q . Chairman of a Committee dated 8th.

April 1784. Read"; at foot of text: "The Honble. M r . Jefferson Chairman of a Grand Committee of Congress." F C ( D L C : Robert Morris Papers).

F r o m Eliza House

Trist

Pittsburg April 8th. 1784 I had the pleasing satisfaction to receive a letter of yours dated 22d of Dec. which was the day after I set out on m y journey. H a d I received i t i n time I do not think i t wou'd have prevented m y undertaking the journey tho no ones advise wou'd have had greater weight indépendant of the knowledge I knew you had of the back Woods but m y m i n d was i n that State of Wretchedness that I cou'd have undertaken allmost the command of a forelorn hope I have experienced every thing you suggested and yet I dont repent the undertaking for the suffering of the Body is a great relief to the mind. M y situation since I left home woud never admit me to ruminate the total change of objects and indeed of every thing has had a better effect than I expected. I am not naturally gloomy minded on the contrary I even t i l l w i t h i n a twelvemonth Injoy'd a uniform happy dispossission. But that is no more. T i s impossible I can ever feel that tranquillity again u n t i l i time sears m y memory a little; there is a something which I can not express that hangs about me to embitter the sweets of m y life. B u t w h y shou'd I trouble m y friends w i t h m y complainings. I can only plead i n excuse that i t [is] the greatest consolation I have and I am con­ vinced your goodness w i l l not suffer you to ridicule female nature. Tho an imbecility of m i n d is not altogether confind to our sex I must acknowledge they have less firmness than yours. I f I cou'd possess a little of your Philosophy m y happiness wou'd be w i t h i n my reach, m y m i n d wou'd be exalted above those trifles that at present is the sourse of m y disquiets. Dash 1 am done, I w i l l change the subject. The 2 0 t h of this month I am to take m y leave of Pittsburg. The severity of the W i n t e r has been the means of retarding our voiage : 86

8 APRIL

1784

down the river. Several boats are gone down to the Falls. W e have had the company of a number of your countrymen who have done their part towards dispelling the gloomyness of W i n t e r , frequent dances and little parties. A l l which I have partook i n has been the chief employment of my hours for this last month. Next Week I am to take a ride to the country for a few days. I shall then be able to judge what sort of farmers inhabit this i n its self a good country. I am apprehensive very slovenly ones, i f the inhabitants of this T o w n are a specimen. I grieve to see the poor starved cattle crawl­ ing and dieing i n the streets. I have no patience where there is so much good land, that they raise so little fodder. Half the W i n t e r the poor beasts have only two or three years of corn a day which bearly prolongs their miserable existance. I have frequently seen the Horses and cows eating wood, the cleanings of a well pro­ vided stable wou'd be a great repast. I have fared well w i t h regard to m y own eating. M r s . Fowler is a very good cook and this Place in the fall and W i n t e r is well supplied w i t h provision, all k i n d of game good Beef and I think the M u t t o n preferable to what they have below, but the Veal i n this season is only fit to be burnt and yet they w i l l give 6d hh. for it. I cou'd all but starve before I cou'd let a morsel go w i t h i n m y lips. Hay corn and every kind of country produce sells as dear here as i n Philad. I am sure there is every incitement for Industry that any people can wish or desire. I have seen many delightfull prospects from the Hills that surround the T o w n and yesterday I cross'd the river to the Indian side, as its call'd, to see them making sugar w h i c h is all the use except H u n t i n g . They seem to have far the most delightfull soil I ever saw. H o w I lament their Idlness and inattention to agriculture. I cou'd allmost banish them of the earth i f i t was only for their method of living, so uncomfortable and beastly. I am well pleased w i t h the hint you gave me w i t h respect to inheritance to this side the W a t e r for the benefit of others as well my self. I have not had a line from Patsy. I hope her improvements answers your expectations. I interest m y self much i n her welfare. This w i l l be the last time I shall trouble you w i t h a perusal of my serali while i n this part of the W o r l d . I f I escape w i t h life you shall hear from me by another route. Believe me to be w i t h sin­ cerity your much Obliged and ever affectionate Friend, E. T R I S T

M y best wishes to all my friends i n your circle. RC

(MHi).

87

From George DEAR S I R

Washington Mount Vernon April 8th. 1784.

I f w i t h frankness, and the fullest latitude of a friend, you w i l l give me your opinion of the Institution of the Society of Cincinnati, it would confer an acceptable favor upon me. I f to this opinion, you would be so obliging as to add the sentiments, or what you suppose to be the Sentiments of Congress respecting i t , I would thank you. T h a t you may have the best Materials on which to form a j u d g ­ ment, I send you a copy of the proceedings of the Society. Conse­ quent of their choice of M e for President Pro. Tern, and the direc­ tion therein, I sent the Institution to the French land and Naval Commanders, and to the Marqs. de la Fayette, as the Senior French Officer i n the American A r m y , whose proceedings thereon I also enclose to you. These Papers you w i l l please to retain (for fear of accidents) ' t i l l I shall have the pleasure (the W e e k after next) of seeing you in Annapolis on m y way to Philadelphia; whither this, and other business, w i l l take me; but the sooner I could receive your Senti­ ments on this Subject the more pleasing they would be to me. The Pamphlet ascribed to M r . Burke has I am told had its effect. People are alarmed, especially i n the Eastern States. H o w justly, or how contrary to the avowed principles of the Society and the purity of their Motives, I w i l l not declare, least i t should appear that I wanted to biass y o u [ r ] judgment rather than to obtain an opinion, which, i f you please, m i g h t be accompanied w i t h senti­ ments (under the information here given) respecting the most eligable measures to be pursued by the Society at their next meet­ ing. You may be assured Sir, that to the good opinion, alone, which I entertain of your abilities and candor, this liberty is to be attrib­ uted; and I can t r u l y add, that w i t h very great esteem & regard I am D r Sir Y r . Most Obt. Hble Servt, Go: WASHINGTON P S . I was on the point of closing this Letter, when M r . Hogendorff put your favor of the 6th. into m y hands. R C ( D L C ) ; endorsed by T J : "Geni. Washington to T h : J . 84. Apr. 8." F C (DLC: Washington Papers); lacks postscript; in hand of clerk. Entry in sil, for 11 Apr. reads: "received Gen Wash's on confidential subject." E n closures (missing): (1) iEdanus Burke's Considerations on the Society or Order of Cincinnati; lately instituted by the

88

Major-Generals, Brigadier-Generals, and other Officers of the American Army. Proving that it creates a Race of Hereditary Patricians, or Nobility. Inter­ spersed with remarks on its Consequences to the Freedom and Happiness of the Republic, by Cassius (Philadelphia, 1783); there is a copy in D L C : Washington Papers which may be the

8 APRIL identical one sent with this letter. ( 2 ) A copy of the minutes of "a meeting of the General officers, and the gentlemen delegated by their respective regiments, as a convention for establishing the Society of the Cincinnati," held on 19 June 1783; at this meeting it was voted that "his Excellency the Commanderin-Chief be requested to officiate as President General, until the first gen­ eral meeting, to be held in May next." The minutes of the meeting of 19 June 1783 are incorporated in "The Institution" of the Society of the Cin­ cinnati of 10 and 13 May 1783 con­ taining the proposals and the objects of the Society; this record of all three meetings, signed by Steuben, who pre­ sided as senior officer, is preserved and known by the Society of the Cincinnati as the "Parchment Roll," being signed by Washington and thirty-five other of­ ficers ( E . E . Hume, General Washing­ ton's Correspondence Concerning the Society of the Cincinnati, Baltimore, 1941, p. 1-15). Baron Steuben, whose love of hereditary orders and their in­ signia led him far beyond the bounds of veracity in respect to his own claims, was a prime mover in the establishment of the Society of the Cincinnati. "Your society monsieur Baron," wrote Henry Knox, "has occasioned great jealousies among the good people of New E n g ­ land, who say it is altogether an out­ landish creature formed by foreign in­ fluence. It is still heightened by a letter from one of our ministers abroad, who intimates that it was formed in Europe to overturn our happy constitution. Burke's pamphlet has also had its full operation. You see how much you have to answer for by the introduction of your European distinctions. I contend to the utmost of my power that you only had your share in the matter and no more, but it will have no effect. Burke's allusion has fixed it, and you must support the credit of having created a race of hereditary nobility. Our friend Heath says, ' I forewarned you of all that would happen.' (He left us in the lurch and did not attend the meeting having prudently caught cold). He did not attend the meeting. T h e Leg­ islature of this state are however de­

89

1784

cided that the scheme shall not be car­ ried into execution in this common­ wealth. And in order to frustrate the measure the assembly have chosen a joint committee of both houses 'To en­ quire into any associations, or combina­ tions, to introduce undue distinctions into the community, which may have a tendency to create a race of hereditary nobility contrary to the confederation of the United States, and to the Spirit of the Constitution of this commonwealth' " (Knox to Steuben, Boston, 21 Feb. 1784, Dft, Knox Papers, M H i : R C , N H i ) . A few months later, however, Knox evidently felt differently. Steu­ ben's former aide-de-camp, William North, wrote to his old commander from Boston in Oct.: "Knox and Jack­ son and their like avoid the badge of the Cincinnati as they would the Devil. They smile—and smile and smile are . Knox has been made agent for his Wife's Father's estate by the As­ sembly. T o keep in with His brother Officers and the Citizens he must trim sharp. It's hard work to keep in with such opposition" (North to Steuben, Boston, 19 Oct. 1784, N H i ) . Washing­ ton accepted the office of President General of the Society, but as the time approached for the meeting in Philadel­ phia in May, he became much troubled by popular hostility engendered by Burke's pamphlet and by threatened moves in various states to legislate against such an order. I n addition to the present letter, he wrote former of­ ficers such as Greene, Knox, St. Clair, Humphreys, Benjamin Walker, and Jonathan Trumbull, J r . , urging attend­ ance at the Philadelphia meeting and inquiring into the state of feeling to­ ward the Society in different parts of the country (Hume, same, p. 95ff.). For T J ' s answer and an estimate of its effect in tempering Washington's atti­ tude toward the Society, see T J to Washington, 16 Apr. 1784. I n Europe John Adams gave voice to similar opin­ ions, declaring that the "Order of Cincinnatus . . . is the first step taken to deface the Beauty of our Temple of Liberty" (Adams to Charles Spener, 24 Mch. 1784; to Lafayette, 28 Mch. 1784; M H i : Adams Manuscript T r u s t ) .

T o

Benjamin Harrison

SIR

Annapolis Apr. 9. 1784.

No authentic intelligence from Europe. Public papers as late as the 27th. of January state M r . Pitt and his associates as still i n office, but having a decided majority against them i n the House of commons. The k i n g seems well affected to them, and the city of London also. He probably would dissolve the commons i n hopes of getting a new house under the influence of his ministry; but the commons have not made the annual grant of supplies as yet, and thus perplex the purposes of the k i n g . Captains of vessels who have come to this place and Philadelphia say they had the bounties and drawbacks paid them on clearing out from London without knowing by what authority; for no such order was public. A letter from M r . Bingham, now i n London, of late date is of a different complexion. He states the purpose of G r . Britain to be that of adhering to the policy of the king's proclamation. He sais too that Spain has laid such duties as amount to a prohibition on all articles which we can send them and which they can get from any other quarter; that Portugal has absolutely prohibited our flour. I f these be facts I suppose we shall have further information of them. W e are now 11 states present, 8 of w h o m are represented by 2. delegates only. W e are laying our shoulders to three objects 1. Foreign treaties of amity and commerce, 2. the annual account and requisitions, 3. Western territory. I am not satisfied that Con­ gress can give a decided vote on either of these propositions. The 1st. was damped the other day by an important part of the subject being lost for want of an individual vote only. I t w i l l be tried again. The 2 d is much canvassed. The report of the grand committee on that subject explains itself. But every part of i t requires nine votes. A question is made whether we ought to pay the interest now i n arrears, or consolidate i t into the principal and only pay interest in future annually. Some think i t more just to pay what we can, and let that be applied to the interest from the beginning as far as i t w i l l go. W h a t w i l l be the vote of Congress I cannot say. The t h i r d subject, Western territory, requiring only 7. votes perhaps we may agree i n that. I n any event, we shall adjourn. I f the i m ­ portant business shall have been previously settled, I shall be happier than I expect to be. I f we cannot pass an effective vote, the states must be informed that it proceeds from the absence of some states, and a want of an effectual representation from others: I mean such a representation as w i l l always give a vote positive or 1

: 90

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negative. Excuse this hasty communication which the unexpected arrival and sudden departure of the post obliges me to write i n Congress while much called off by what is passing i n i t . I am w i t h very great esteem & respect Your Excellency's Most obedt. & most humble servt, T H : JEFFERSON R C ( P H C ) ; addressed and endorsed. Entry in S J L under 10 Apr. reads: "Govr. Brit, ministry not out Jan. 27.— Britn. pursues proclamation according to Bingham. Sp. and Port, discourage our trade—drawback and bounties given in Engld.—Congr. 1. Foreign treaties—

requisitions—Western territory." Enclosure (missing): See report on arrearages of interest, 5 Apr. 1784, note. i Preceding five words interlined in substitution for "a want of a representati ve of every state," deleted.

From Benjamin Harrison {Richmond, 9 Apr. 1784. Noted in SJL as received 16 Apr. 1784. Not found; not in Executive Letter Book, V i . ]

T o

Robert Morris

SIR

Annapolis 9th April 1784

The Grand Committee, to w h o m was referred a Motion of the Delegates of Massachusetts respecting the Discharge of Contracts said to have been made i n that State, by Order of the Q M G for ox Teams, for the Campaign of 1 7 8 1 , request you to give them by the earliest opportunity the best Information i n your Power respecting such Contracts, whether made i n that or any other State, what are discharged and what are not, and the particular Circumstances of the latter. The Committee are informed by the Delegates of Massachusetts, that one of the Contractors who brot the inclosed Letter, supposes that the Reason w h y the Massachu­ setts Contracts were not paid, whilst some others for that Cam­ paign were paid, was that the former were made previous, and the others subsequent to your accepting the Office of Superintendent of Finance, and the Committee request Information on this Head. The Delegates of Massachusetts desire a return of the inclosed letter w i t h your Answer. The above enquiry going to the transportation furnished on contract only, the Committee would be glad to be informed also whether the claims for that which was procured by compulsion or other means for the same campaign have been admitted at your office and paid i n equal degree. The object of this is that having 1

2

91

9 APRIL 1 7 8 4 the whole article of transportation for that period under their view they be able to form a resolution either general or special as justice may require. I have the honor to be w i t h very h i g h respect Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt. Dft ( D N A : P C C , No. 137, n , 3656 ) ; without signature or name of ad­ dressee (the missing R C was no doubt signed by T J as chairman of the Grand Committee); partly in hand of Elbridge Gerry and partly in T J ' s hand. Enclo­ sure (missing): On 22 J a n . 1784 the conductors of ox teams of Massachu­ setts petitioned the General Court com­ plaining that, despite applications to the superintendent of finance, they had not been paid anything on contracts entered into in 1781 with the Q . M . G . "amounting in the whole to something more than fifteen thousand pounds" and requesting that the several sums due the contractors be paid out of the Mas­ sachusetts treasury and charged to the United States; the General Court draft­ ed a letter to the Massachusetts dele­ gates in Congress, directing them to propose that the state be allowed to deduct the sums due out of the "State's quota of the Continental tax, now com­

T o

ing into the Treasury," and ordered that Gov. Hancock be requested to transmit this letter to the delegates. T h i s resolution was adopted 18 Feb. 1784 and Hancock evidently dispatched the letter the same day; this letter— the enclosure in the present communi­ cation—was referred to the Grand Com­ mittee on 6 Apr. (Mass. Acts and Resolves, J a n . sess., 1783, ch. 67; Mor­ ris to T J , 29 Apr. 1784; Pickering to T J , 26 Apr. 1784; J C C , x x v n , 507-508; Burnett, Letters of Members, v n , No. 616). 1 Preceding six words interlined by T J . Gerry had written " I have only to add, Sir . . . that the letter may be returned," which T J deleted in order to add the passage indicated in the fol­ lowing note. 2 From this point on the draft is in T J ' s hand.

Timothy Pickering

SIR

Annapolis 9th April 1784

B y Desire of a Grand Committee of Congress I inclose Y o u a Copy of a Letter from the Governor to the Delegates of Massa­ chusetts, and request You to give all the Information i n Your Power respecting the Nature and Circumstances of the Contracts mentioned i n the Letter, and relative to the Subject thereof i n General. I am Sir w i t h very great respect Your most obedt & most hble servt. Dft ( D N A : P C C , No. 137, n , 367-8); without signature or name of addressee; in the hand of Elbridge Gerry, except for the complimentary close which is in T J ' s hand; endorsed: "Gerry Blanchard Jefferson." See note to preceding letter to Morris.

From William {Richmond, Not found.]

Short

9 Apr. 1784. Noted in S J L as received Apr. 16 1784. 92

S a m u e l H a r d y to B e n j a m i n H a r r i s o n Annapolis 10th. April 1784. Your Excellencies favour of the 2nd. Inst. I was this day hon­ oured w i t h . I t was not m y Idea or that of any Gentleman i n the Delegation to introduce the complaint of M r . Cammei to the view of Congress, i f justice to our Citizens could be obtained by any other means. I am happy to be informed by your Excellency that the business is i n a train that promises so amicable a conclusion. Since the A r r i v a l of the Washington we have received no of­ ficial communications from Europe. A report prevails that the new M i n i s t r y have not been able to continue i n office. T h e opposition from M r . Fox has been so powerfull that a vote passed the House of Commons that M r . Pitt and his Associates d i d not possess the Confidence of the Nation. T h e K i n g i t is said was much embarrass'd whether to support the Ministry; he should not dissolve the parliment. I observe from an A c t of the Legislature of Pensylvania that the M o n t h of June is fixed on for running the line between that state and V i r g a . T h i s is an event i n which we are so deeply interested that I am sure your Excellency w i l l excuse me for the enquiry I make; W h o are the Commissioners on our part, and whether those who have been appointed w i l l act. Should either of them decline i t , I w i l l take the liberty of recommending to the Executive Doctr. Williamson now i n Congress from N o . Carolina. His attachment to the interest of the Southern States may I think be rely'd on, i n every instance where they clash w i t h the M i d d l e and Eastern ones. A n d he is said to be very deeply read i n the branch of science which is necessary to be posses'd by a Com­ missioner. I have consulted M r . Jefferson on the Subject and he fully coin­ cides w i t h me i n sentiment. W i t h every sentiment of respect I have the honour to be Your Excellencys M o Obedt Servt, S: H A R D Y RC (Vi).

From Martha

Jefferson

{Philadelphia, 10 Apr. 1784. Noted in S J L as received 19 Apr. 1784. Not found.]

93

T o Walker

Maury

[Annapolis, 10 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Walk Maury. Acknoleging receipt of the last and 2d letter—P.C. [Peter Carr] pre­ disposed of—will write to J . K . [John Key] to hasten paiment." Not found. ]

J o h n F r a n c i s M e r c e r to E x e c u t i v e C o u n c i l of

Virginia

GENTLEMEN

Annapolis April 10th. 1784.

Having heretofore wrote divers Letters to his Excellency Benja. Harrison, but no reason existing that can induce me to suppose they have ever come to hand I can but imagine that some wickedly dispos'd Persons have intercepted all my correspondance, a prac­ tice become but too common by the relax'd morals of our people— to the great scandal of all government. I have therefore determin'd in order to deceive those villains, to open a new source of com­ munication, which I hope will continue during the Month in which it is my duty to write official Letters, unsuspected and of course safe. Enclos'd is a Report of a grand Committee on the requisitions for the current year, acted upon altho' not yet pass'd. I coud wish for information on the statement mark'd A which is an apportion­ ment of 1,200,000, to compleat the payment of Interest on Loan Office Certificates. Has any T a x ever been laid by the State of Vir­ ginia for its payment? If there has not been I cou'd wish to oppose the idea alltogether for 2. reasons. 1. The state must pay this Sum in Specie as she has not among her Citizens above 300,000 Dollars out of 11,000,000, and the Requisition on which this sum is calPd for is intended manifestly to enable the States to relieve their own Citizens. W e will not allow any Complaints from them to reach Congress. 2dly. The Circumstances of our Citizens will not permit our paying up all the arrears of interest at this moment and cer­ tainly whoever considers the history of the loan Office debt, will agree that if ever they get paid, they will have brought their Money to a good market. I am also against the clause marked B . for two reasons. 1. W e are to pay ourselves first and every deficiency is to be borne by Foreign Creditors, which woud be a breach of faith and in fact it is intended to make the Southern States pay all the Foreign Debt. 2dly. It will give the Northern States great facility, who have set-

94 ;

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A P R I L

1784

tied all the accounts of Individuals, w i t h the Continent, the South­ ern States have not, of course hav[ing] no Continental Securities and they must i n fact give more than their proportion i n Taxes being oblig'd to sell their property for specie to pay those Taxes, when the others are allow'd to sell for certificates. A System for making Treaties i n Europe is now before Congress and w i l l possibly pass. The Delegation w i l l I believe give their assent i f we are properly represented i n the Commission. I am Gentn. w i t h the utmost Respect Y r . mo: Ob. h b l . Servt., J O H N F . MERCER R C ( V i ) ; endorsed; addressed: "(His Excellency) T h e Honble. the Executive Council of Virginia. Richmond"; franked. Enclosure (missing): See report of Grand Committee 5 Apr. 1784. The present letter, with an address which was no doubt intended and was certainly interpreted by Harrison as be­ ing a deliberate affront, is one of the reasons why T J ' s scheme for dividing the responsibility of communicating in­ telligence to Virginia did not succeed.

Another is that private and public let­ ters from and to the Virginia delega­ tion were sometimes confused. On this same day Monroe wrote to Harrison: " I have just received your Excellency's private letter to me. I beg of you to write on the back of private letters that they are so otherwise they may be con­ sidered as the property of the delega­ tion and open'd by either of the gentle­ men in my absence" (Monroe to Har­ rison, 10 Apr. 1784, P H i ) .

F r o m M a r t h a Jefferson [Philadelphia, 12 Apr. 1784. Noted in S J L as received 19 Apr. 1784. Not found.]

From James

McClurg

[Place unknown, 12 Apr. 1784. Noted in SJL as received 23 Apr. 1784. Not found.]

T o

Carter Braxton

[Annapolis, 13 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads "Carter Braxton. Wal­ lace Johnston & Muir." Not found.]

From Richard Curson SIR

Baltimore, April 13th. 1784.

Your Favor of the 3 r d . Current was handed me by your friend, Col. Mercer, enclosing T h i r t y T w o Dollars, Amount of Sundry 95

13

APRIL

1784

Articles which had reached you, and all that cou'd be procured here. As you d i d not mention p a r t i c u l a r l y ] the packet by Major Gamble, enclosing letters from Philadelphia for you, M r . Monroe and M r . Mercer have made me a little uneasy, as yours contained Cash &c. &c. Young M r . Bannister left this Yesterday by W a t e r . I cover you the Account of Advances, w i t h the separate bills of parcells, A m o u n t £47-10-10, supposing you woud wish to transmit the same to his father. I t was not m y intention your name shou'd have been placed therein, as Col: Bannister can remit the same direct, whenever i t suits h i m , without inconvenience. I am fearfull I have rather ex­ ceeded the Bounds you wished, but i t was not to be avoided, par­ ticularly the Tavern B i l l . One of the Horses he brought from Annapolis was held t i l l i t was answered for, and returning several unnecessary Articles he bought, that obliged me to restrain h i m . W i t h all deference I am, Sir, Your Most Obedt. Hble. Servt., RICHARD CURSON RC (MHi). See entry under 3 Apr. for T J ' s (missing) letter to which this is a reply; also John Banister to T J , 15 Apr. 1784.

F r o m Francis

Hopkinson

{Philadelphia, 13 Apr. 1784. Noted in S J L as received 16 Apr. 1784. Not found.]

T o David Jameson {Annapolis, 13 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Dav. Jamieson. Wallace Johnston & Muir." Not found.]

F r o m Eliza House

Trist

13th of April [1784] I f M r . Jefferson cou'd see m y heart and know its feelings there wou'd be no occasion for words to express m y gratitude, and thanks for his very k i n d favor by Capt. L y n n which I received yesterday. I had wrote to some of m y friends by a Gentlemen of the same Corp who has postponed his journey for a day or two longer which prolongs the time sufficient for me to write a few more letters. : 96

13

APRIL

1784

I n a few days I shall leave Fort Pitt. I have not yet seen the boat but am told they have fitted me up a very snug cabbin. Cou'd I possibly be so happy as to have your company, m y jaunt down the River, m i g h t be enviable but i n the present situation of affairs I dont expect much satisfaction t i l l I arrive at m y place of destina­ tion. I dont expect to see more of the curiosities and beauties of that country than what presents themselves to our view on the banks of the River. The Gentlemen that we go down w i t h are well used to the river but they are Merchants and their intrest w i l l be to push for a Market. Whatever observations I am capabl of making I shall not fail to communicate to you but when ever I see any think out of the common way i f they are beautifull prospects m y sensations are very singular I believe for I can hardly suppress the tears from starting from m y eyes and I am lost i n wonder but a Philosophical m i n d like yours can gather information from all you see, account for many that appear misterious to vulgar minds and make such observations as w i l l benefit M a n d k i n d i n general. I t wou'd be one of the greatest pleasures of m y life i f I cou'd be one of your Company on such a tour but as that w i l l never happen, let me have the satisfaction to see you after you have explor'd this new world. I don't expect to leave acadia for some time i f I ever do and I shall be looking out for you constantly after one year which is the time I allow you to w i n d up your congressional affairs. I am happy to hear that the State of V i r g i n i a is so attentive to reward merit by making our friend Madison Governor. He deserves every thing that can be done for h i m . B u t I am afraid he w i l l not increase his happiness by an acceptance. I allways consider a Governor as a Target for the envious and malicious to shoot at. The vulgar eye sees by its own low level. I think i t rather too great a sacrafice for a M a n to make when he accepts the Office of Governor under the present forms of Government i n America. B u t I think I have read somewhere that T i s the great minds expected pain to labour for the thankless and that tis nobler to protect mandkind than please. I am convinc'd he w i l l have enemies the moment he accepts i t and I feel unhappy at the thought. He has a Soul replete w i t h gentleness humanity and every social virtue and yet I am certain that some wretch or other w i l l write against h i m . Y o u I am sure wou'd not advise h i m to i t . I have no Idea that men are to live only for the Publick. They owe something to thems[elves.] M r . Madison is too amiable i n his disposition to bear up against a torrent of abuse. I t w i l l hurt his feelings and injure his health, take m y w o r d . I have wrote to h i m , but before I got your letter, which I beg you to far­ 97

1 5 APRIL

1784

ward. T h a n k you for th[e] information you give me respecting M y Mother as I was uneasy about her. I am pleased to hear that Con­ gress w i l l i n all probability reside i n Philad. and that m y Mother w i l l have the satisfaction of your Company this summer. I hope you w i l l find i t more agreeable than you expect. Please to remember Me to M r . Read. I wish success i n his undertaking. His m i n d must be too agreeably engaged at present to make a letter from me acceptable. He has m y best Wishes likewise Col. M u n r o . Once More Adieu, E. TRIST R C (MHi); year supplied in the date­ line from internal evidence. TJ'S

V E R Y

K I N D

F A V O R

B Y

C A P T .

has not been found, though it must have been written in late Feb. or early Mch.; it is not recorded in S J L , but its contents in part can be surmised from Mrs. Trist's reply. I t is fairly cer­ tain, for example, that T J had asked her to communicate observations about the Mississippi and the territory through which she was to pass. It appears to be equally certain, though very puz­ zling, that T J must have said some­ thing in his letter about Madison's prospects for becoming governor of Virginia. I n Apr. 1784 Madison was elected a member of the General As­ sembly, but there seems to be no evi­ dence that he was thought of as suc­ L Y N N

cessor to Harrison. It is possible, of course, that Mrs. Trist heard this ru­ mor from some other source. M R . R E A D was no doubt Joseph Reed and H i s U N D E R T A K I N G was evidently a proposed trip to Europe about which T J must have commented in his missing letter. On 13 Dec. 1783 Reed applied to Con­ gress for a "testimonial of his conduct during the contest to carry with him to Europe" ( D N A : P C C , No. 186, under date of 20 Dec. 1783; the committee to whom this matter was referred, after being once renewed, reported on 30 Jan. 1784 and it was doubtless after that date that T J wrote Mrs. T r i s t ) . On that date Reed wrote John Adams that he had just arrived in London ( M H i : Adams Manuscript T r u s t ) .

F r o m J o h n Banister DEAR SIR

A p r i l 15th

1784.

I t is impossible to express m y Surprize and Astonishment at the Receipt of your letter which came to hand this day, mentioning an unparalelled Imposture i n a stranger by the assumption of m y Name pretending a Connection of the tenderest k i n d w i t h me which never existed. The only Son I have grown to eighteen is under the T u i t i o n of M r . W y t h e i n W i l l i a m s b u r g and has never been out of America having been educated w i t h M r . Booth, and lately i n the City of Philadelphia. A t the same time that I execrate this young V i l l a i n I feel myself under the deepest Sense of Obligation for the K i n d and Friendly Intentions by which you were actuated i n the Relief of one you had reason to beleive was m y Son. I beg Sir you w i l l endeavor to recall your letters of credit i n favour of this wicked young adventurer; I cannot tho guiltless but think myself unfor­ tunate i n having m y Name used i n so base a Deception. : 98

15

APRIL

1784

I wish you had recollected our Conversation at Manchester one day just before your departure for Philadelphia on your Embassy to Europe when I asked your Permission to send m y Son to your Protection whenever I should hear of your arrival there, and your k i n d offer of procuring and sending over a T u t o r for m y Younger children. I n that Conversation I mentioned Several Circumstances about my Son Jack which would have led you to a Suspicion of another Son's being Sent to England who pretended to be of his Age. I am really Concerned but not much Surprized at the Neglect of our Country of their Confidential Officers of Rank. I t has been too much the Case ever since the institution of Congress; for which during the difficulties of a perilous W a r , their m i g h t be some excuse, but i n Peace established too on our own Terms what can be said for such ungrateful Remissness. T h i s Country has at present all the appearance of a speedy Restoration to that Pros­ perity that should result from Commerce and Peace. Our Produc­ tions sell very h i g h and that for ready money w h i c h has been brought to this Market during the W i n t e r i n immense Sums for the Purchase of Tobacco &c. Tobacco is now here @ 3 6 / . per cent, ready Cash. The Number of Strangers from all Parts of the W o r l d to this Place keep up the demand for this Article of L u x u r y . W e labor under an extreme Scarcity of Coin i n this Place. I wish you to inform me what i t could be bought for i n Maryland. Give yourself, dear Sir, the trouble to inform me what may have become of this Impostor and to what extent his Impositions have been carried, and that by the next Post. I am D r . Sir w i t h great Regard Your Sincere Friend & mo: obedt. Servant, J BANISTER

PS. I wish you would advertise this Impostor to prevent his i m ­ posing i n future. I f I knew his description I should instantly do i t . R C ( D L C ) ; endorsed by T J : "Ban­ nister John senr." Noted in S J L as re­ ceived Apr. 23, 1784. The details of the imposture are not known because most of T J ' s letters con­ cerning the impostor are missing and are known only through entries in S J L . See entries for T J to John Banister, 2 Apr.; to Richard Curson, 3 Apr.; to Banister, 23 Apr.; to Curson, 25 Apr., 11 May 1784; see also Richard Curson

to T J , 13 Apr. and 11 May. T J entered the following amounts paid to the im­ postor in his Account Book for 1784: 1 Apr., "lent M r Bannister £3.10"; 3 Apr., "lent M r Bannister £3."; 7 Apr., "paid Brewer for James Bannister a tavern account £2.15.9. Josiah Meade for do. travelling up from Baltimore 51/6. James West for do. horse hire £3.7.6."

: 99 ;

F r o m M a r t h a Jefferson

Carr

[Spring Forest, 15 Apr. 1784. Noted in S J L as received 24 May 1784. Not found.]

Resolution on Steuben's

Memorial [15 April 1784]

Congress having been made sensible that Major Geni. Baron de Steuben when he left Europe to enter into the service of America, independantly of other sacrifices, relinquished offices of very con­ siderable income and honour and that unless he can receive the monies due to h i m from these states, his return from their service w i l l be to a situation dishonourable to them and discouraging to others i n future. Resolved that the proper officers proceed to the liquidation of the monies due from these states to M a j r . Geni. Baron de Steuben: that the Superintendant of finance report to Congress his opinion of the most speedy and efficacious means of procuring and paying the same either here or i n Europe; that Baron Steuben be assured that Congress w i l l adopt these or such others as shall appear most proper and effectual for doing h i m that justice which the pecu­ liarity of his case authorises. A n d that for his accomodation i n the mean time he be presented w i t h ten thousand dollars for the i m ­ mediate delivery of which the financier w i l l take order. 1

2

3

4

5

6

MS ( D N A : P C C , No. 19, v ) ; entire­ ly in T J ' s hand, except as indicated be­ low; the more important amendments and alterations are noted. On Steuben's memorial, see Wash­ ington to T J , 15 Mch. 1784. There is no evidence that T J responded to this appeal. His own experience with Steu­ ben in 1780-1781 no doubt led him to be less confident than Washington was that the Baron would be content with being "placed in the same situation he was when he came to this Country"; for in 1777 Steuben, before coming to America, was, in the words of a sym­ pathetic biographer, "out of a job, pen­ niless, and in debt" (Palmer, Steuben, p. 9 1 ) . I n the years following Yorktown, Steuben had pursued his claims with ardor and persistence. I n this he had not only Washington's support, but also that of Hamilton, Duane, Gerry, George Clinton, and others (same, p. 3 2 1 ) . Virginia had granted

him 15,000 acres, Pennsylvania some 2,000, and New Jersey a country es­ tate ("Much to the Baron's disgust this was a mere life estate"; same, p. 3 2 0 ) . I n the years 1782-1784 Steuben drew from the treasury, on orders of Congress, some $26,000 (same, p. 31932). On 30 Dec. 1782 a committee of which Alexander Hamilton was chair­ man, submitted as facts, supported by testimony of Steuben, Washington, "and many other principal officers of the army," the following: ( 1 ) that "Steuben was in Europe possessed of respectable military rank, and different posts of honor and emolument, which he relinquished to come to America and offer his services at a critical period of the war, and without any previous stipulations"; ( 2 ) that on arriving he "actually engaged in the army in a very disinterested manner, and without compensations similar to those which had been made to several other foreign

100

1 5 APRIL officers"; ( 3 ) that "under singular diffi­ culties and embarrassments . . . he . . . rendered very important and substan­ tial services by introducing into the army a regular formation and exact discipline, and by establishing a spirit of order and economy . . . which, be­ sides other advantages, have been pro­ ductive of immense savings to the United States"; ( 4 ) that in the com­ mands in which he was placed he had "upon all occasions conducted himself like a brave and experienced officer"; and ( 5 ) that these "sacrifices and serv­ ices" justly entitled him to "the dis­ tinguished notice of Congress, and to a generous compensation" ( J C C , x x m , 833-4; Steuben's memorial is in D N A : P C C , No. 19 and drafts of it in suc­ cessive stages—with interesting varia­ tions—are in the Steuben Papers, N H i ) . Hamilton himself apparently had draft­ ed Steuben's final appeal and had elimi­ nated some of its detailed statements of revenues and perquisites that had been sacrificed in Europe, substituting therefor the general statement that he had "abandoned honorable Commands and easy circumstances in Europe" (Palmer, Steuben, p. 3 0 4 ) . On 21 Mch. 1784 Steuben resigned his commission in a letter to the president of Congress and called attention to Hamilton's re­ port of 30 Dec. 1782 ( D N A : P C C , No. 164). T h i s was submitted on 24 Mch. to a committee of three ( L e e , Howell, Williamson) who reported on 1 Apr. that they, "regarding the sacrifices and services of the Baron in the same light" as did the previous committee, recom­ mended that the Congress extend its thanks to Steuben, grive him a goldhilted sword, and pay him $2,000 "in consideration of the Sacrifices he made when he entered into the Service of the U.S." ( J C C , x x v i , 178-9). T h i s was a drastic reduction of Steuben's own minimum figure of $45,000, but Steu­ ben's biographer stated that Lee prob­ ably felt this compensation to be liberal and added: " I must confess that after diligent research I am unable to con­ fute M r . Lee's conclusion" (Palmer, Steuben, p. 3 2 4 ) . But on 8 Apr. 1784 the report was recommitted, and on 12 Apr. Lee's committee submitted a rec­ ommendation that the Baron be given thanks, a gold-hiked sword, and $6,000. This was debated next day and the amount of compensation was revised upward to $13,000. Gerry moved a substitute resolution to give Steuben the full amount of his claimed sacri­ fices, $45,000; this was defeated de­

1784

cisively, though Hardy, Mercer, and Monroe of the Virginia delegation voted in favor of it, whereas T J and Lee abstained from voting ( J C C , X X V I , 2161 9 ) . See note 6 below. Steuben was eventually successful, thanks to his own persistence and the effective support of Alexander Hamil­ ton, his legal counsel and one of his creditors. I n 1790, as Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton reported on Steu­ ben's memorial that "whether the trans­ action relied upon by the baron be deemed to have the force of a contract or not, it will be most consistent with the dignity and equity of the United States to admit it as the basis of a final adjustment of his claims"; on this ground Hamilton recommended that a balance of $7,396 and "seventy-four ninetieths" of a dollar be paid Steuben and that, in addition, he be given a pension in the "yearly sum of five hun­ dred and eighty guineas." T h e House of Representatives instructed a commit­ tee to bring in a bill agreeable to this recommendation. A bitter debate en­ sued, but on 10 May 1790 the House passed a bill granting a lump sum of $7,000 and an annuity of $2,000 from 1 J a n . 1790. I n the Senate the lump sum was struck out and the pension raised to $2,500. Washington approved the Act as amended on 4 June 1790. The final settlement met with "great popular opposition" (Palmer, same, p. 376-7, citing Conn. Journal, 14 June 1790). i A t this point T J deleted the fol­ lowing: "distressing to himself." T h e passage "and that unless . . . in future" was deleted by amendment in Congress. s T h e words "agreed to" in Thom­ son's hand are in margin opposite this paragraph. * Preceding three words interlined by T J in substitution for the following, deleted: "financier pay to him 2000 dollars in part thereof; that he." Preceding five words interlined by TJ. «The passage "and that for his ac­ comodation . . . will take order" was deleted by amendment in Congress. T J reintroduced this section as a separate motion on the same day ( J C C , x x v i , 2 2 8 ) . I t was defeated, as was another by Ephraim Paine that "the sum of 8000 dollars be presented to Baron Steuben." But Sherman's motion "That the Superintendent of finance take or­ der for immediately advancing to Bar-

101

2

6

16

APRIL

on Steuben, on account, the sum of ten thousand dollars" was adopted. T J voted in favor of all three resolutions;

T o

1784

evidently the debate centered on the difference between the words "presented to" and "advancing to."

Benjamin Harrison

{Annapolis, 16 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: "Govr. Loan office debt established—requisitions reduced." Not found.]

From Benjamin Harrison SIR

Richmond April 16. 1784.

I am extremely obliged to you for your communications of the 9th. inst. They give me the most sanguine hopes that the confusions in the British House of commons w i l l save us the trouble of a squabble w i t h that Court which I feared would take place on the ratification of the treaty not getting to hand by the time stipulated for the exchange. As to every thing else I think i t woud be for the advantage of America that Pitt should keep his place, as a more liberal treaty of commerce may be expected from h i m than from Fox. I am anxious to hear whether the other States have followed our example i n giving powers to Congress so to regulate the trade of the whole United States as to make effectual oppositions to the restrictions of Great Britain. I wrote a circular Letter to each of the Governors inclosing our A c t of Assembly. Four of them, N and S: Carolina, Delaware and Jersey, have favored me w i t h an answer in which they tell me they doubt not but their Assemblys w i l l follow the example tho' I have not yet heard whether they were r i g h t in their conjectures or not. I f you know the Sentiments of the States I shall be obliged to you for them as they may be useful the next assembly. I am much at a loss to assign a good reason for the refusal of any State so coming into the measure as every man of Sense must see that no effectual opposition can be made individually and that without one takes place immediately i t w i l l be hereafter very difficult to force great Britain into measures that may be reciprocally advantageous. Yet such is the perverseness of human nature that I fear some of the States w i l l not invest Congress w i t h any powers more than they at present have. I can readily believe the report of the Captains respecting drawbacks and bounties. The scheme is wise and politic as i t tends to the establishing the trade on such a foundation that i f a regulation does not immediately take 1

102

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place i n America i t w i l l be impossible to divert its channel, let our endeavors hereafter be what they may. W e have nothing new i n this quarter. A l l our thoughts are engaged on the elections. There w i l l be many changes but whether for the better or not, time w i l l discover. One symptom there is of amendment which is that i n every county there is an opposition to the old members and the people attend i n greater numbers than usual. You w i l l receive a letter this week from me under an address to the whole Delegation. You w i l l see from its contents the necessity I was under of w r i t i n g i t and hope neither yourself nor any other of the Gentlemen but the one i t is pointed at w i l l take any part of it to himself. I am &c. B. H . F C ( V i ) . Noted in S J L as received 23 Apr. 1784. i There is a clerical omission here. Harrison's letter shows that he was replying to T J ' s two letters of 2 and 9 Apr. and it is these that he meant to acknowledge in the opening sentence.

B e n j a m i n H a r r i s o n to t h e V i r g i n i a in GENTLEMEN

Delegates

Congress Council Chamber April 16. 1784.

M r . Randolph was so obliging as to read me a Letter from the honble John F . Mercer addressed to the Honble. Executive Council of Virginia which I suppose from the stile of i t was intended as an official Letter from the corresponding member of our Delegation i n Congress tho' I have no other reason for thinking so but a com­ plaint made i n i t of negligence i n me or curiosity i n the Post­ master, one or other of which causes is assigned by the writer for his not getting answers to the many Letters he has written to his Excellency Benjamin Harrison and therefore i t is that he has ad­ dressed himself to a body of men that have no existence i n the State that I know of when i t has a Governor. Charges of neglect w i l l never give me pain from an individual from a thorough conviction that I have never been guilty of a single one since I had the honor of the first Magistracy conferred on me but one from so respectable a body of men as compose our delegation and for w h o m I have the highest respect and esteem affects me very much and the more so as the manner of doing i t can be considered i n no other light than a direct and intentional affront. I f I mistake the powers vested in the corresponding member by his Colleagues, and am not to 103

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look on his letters as meeting the[ir] approbation when they do not tell me the contrary by seperate Letters, I most readily ask the pardon of the Gentlemen concerned i n this and hope they w i l l excuse me for addressing this Letter to the whole Delegation and that they w i l l believe nothing w i l l give me greater uneasiness than to enter into any altercation w i t h them. I f M r . Mercer has written many Letters to me I am unfortunate indeed i n not receiving one of them which is t r u l y the case since the removal of Congress to Annapolis. One or two of his w r i t i n g was received from Philadel­ phia signed by all the Members present and I make no doubt i f an answer was necessary one may be found i n m y letter by the next post after its receipt. I t may not be amiss to inform M r . Mercer that i f his Letters are i n such demand w i t h the curious his new address w i l l not answer his purpose as long as he continues to frank them and that i f they should escape from their hands they w i l l not engage m y attention as I shall not pay the least to any letter that is not addressed to me i n m y proper character. I have nothing official to give you this post nor have we any thing in the news way but what you already are acquainted w i t h . I have therefore only to add that I am, Sec, B. H . F C ( V i ) ; caption reads: "To the Virginia Delegates in Congress." As the date-line shows, this letter must have had the sanction of the Council. I F I N

I

M I S T A K E

T H E

T H E

P O W E R S

C O R R E S P O N D I N G

V E S T E D

M E M B E R

B Y

Harrison knew that, according to the scheme of rotation in correspondence proposed by T J , the member whose turn it was to keep the governor informed of proceedings in Congress and intelligence received from abroad was supposed to permit each member of the delegation to see what he had written. I f any differed in opin­ ion with what had been reported, he was then at liberty to write on his own account. Harrison's private letter to T J of this date proves that he thought Mercer had not shown his improperly addressed letter of 10 Apr. to other HIS

C O L L E A G U E S :

members of the delegation prior to dispatching it. T h i s must have been the case. I t is difficult to imagine that T J and other members would have permitted such an affront or would have failed to note it in their letters to Harrison if, after reading the letter and protesting its form, Mercer had persisted in carrying through his cal­ culated slight. For T J ' s frank appraisal of Mercer, see his letter to Madison of 25 Apr. 1784; even in old age T J re­ membered the difficulties created by his colleague and set down the follow­ ing in his Autobiography: "My col­ league Mercer was one of those afflicted with the morbid rage of debate. Of an ardent mind, prompt imagination, and copious flow of words, he heard with impatience any logic which was not his own."

F r o m Francis

Hopkinson

{Philadelphia, 16 Apr. 1784. Noted in S J L as received 20 Apr. 1784, "inclosing spectacles." Not found.]

104

T o William

Short

{Annapolis, 16 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: "Wrote answer W . Short to be num[quam] non par[atus]—Morris's bills fate unknown—try to get remittance by last this month—Luz[er]ne taking [leave]." Not found. ]

From William

Short

{Richmond, 16 Apr. 1784. Noted in SJL as received 23 Apr. 1784. Not found.]

T o George

Washington

DEAR SIR

Annapolis April. 16. 1784.

I received your favor of the 8th. inst. by Colo. Harrison. The subject of i t is interesting, and, so far as you have stood connected w i t h i t , has been matter of anxiety to me: because whatever may be the ultimate fate of the institution of the Cincinnati, as i n it's course i t draws to i t some degree of disapprobation, I have wished to see you stand on ground separated from it; and that the character which w i l l be handed to future ages at the head of our revolution may i n no instance be compromitted i n subordinate altercations. The subject has been at the point of m y pen i n every letter I have written to you; but has been still restrained by a reflection that you had among your friends more able counsellors, and i n yourself one abler than them all. Your letter has now rendered a duty what was before a desire, and I cannot better merit your confidence than by a full and free communication of facts and sentiments as far as they have come w i t h i n m y observation. W h e n the army was about to be disbanded, and the officers to take final leave, perhaps never again to meet, i t was natural for men who had accompanied each other through so many scenes of hard­ ship, of difficulty and danger, who i n a variety of instances must have been rendered mutually dear by those aids and good offices to which their situations had given occasion, i t was natural I say for these to seize w i t h fondness any propositions which promised to bring them together again at certain and regular periods. A n d this I take for granted was the origin and object of this institution: and I have no suspicion that they foresaw, much less intended those mischeifs which exist perhaps i n the forebodings of politicians only. 105

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I doubt however whether i n it's execution i t would be found to answer the wishes of those who framed i t , and to foster those friendships i t was intended to preserve. The members would be brought together at their annual assemblies no longer to encounter a common enemy, but to encounter one another i n debate and senti­ ment. Something I suppose is to be done at those meetings, and however unimportant, i t w i l l suffice to produce difference of opinion, contradiction and irritation. The way to make friends quarrel is to pit them i n disputation under the public eye. A n experience of near twenty years has taught me that few friendships stand this test; and that public assemblies where every one is free to speak and to act, are the most powerful looseners of the bands of private friendship. I think therefore that this institution would fail of it's principal object, the perpetuation of the personal friendships con­ tracted thro' the war. T h e objections of those opposed to the institution shall be briefly sketched; you w i l l readily fill them up. They urge that i t is against the Confederation; against the letter of some of our constitutions; against the spirit of them all, that the foundation, on which all these are built, is the natural equality of man, the denial of every preeminence but that annexed to legal office, and particularly the denial of a preeminence by birth;—-that however, i n their present dispositions, citizens m i g h t decline accepting honorary instalments into the order, a time may come when a change of dispositions would render these flattering; when a well directed distribution of them m i g h t draw into the order all the men of talents, of office and wealth; and i n this case would probably procure an ingraftment into the government; that i n this they w i l l be supported by their foreign members, and the wishes and influence of foreign courts; that experience has shewn that the hereditary branches of modern governments are the patrons of privilege and prerogative, and not of the natural rights of the people, whose oppressors they generally are; that besides these evils which are remote, others may take place more immediately; that a distinction is kept up between the civil and military which i t is for the happiness of both to obliterate; that when the members assemble they w i l l be proposing to do something, and what that something may be w i l l depend on actual circumstances; that being an organized body, under habits of subordination, the first obstructions to enterprize w i l l be already surmounted; that the moderation and virtue of a single character has probably prevented this revolution from being closed as most others have been by a subversion of that liberty i t was intended to 106

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establish; that he is not immortal, and his successor or some one of his successors at the head of this institution may adopt a more mistaken road to glory. W h a t are the sentiments of Congress on this subject, and what line they w i l l pursue can only be stated conjecturally. Congress as a body, i f left to themselves, w i l l i n m y opinion say nothing on the subject. They may however be forced into a declaration by instruc­ tions from some of the states or by other incidents. T h e i r senti­ ments, i f forced from them, w i l l be unfriendly to the institution. I f permitted to pursue their own tract, they w i l l check i t by side blows whenever i t comes i n their way, and i n competitions for office on equal or nearly equal ground w i l l give silent preferences to those who are not of the fraternity. M y reasons for thinking this are: 1. The grounds on which they lately declined the foreign order proposed to be conferred on some of our citizens. 2. The fourth of the fundamental articles of constitution for the new states. I inclose you the report. I t has been considered by Congress, recommitted and reformed by a Committee according to the sentiments ex­ pressed on other parts of i t , but the principle referred to having not been controverted at all, stands i n this as i n the original report. I t is not yet confirmed by Congress. 3. Private conversations on this subject w i t h the members. Since the receipt of your letter I have taken occasion to extend these; not indeed to the military members, because being of the order delicacy forbade i t ; but to the others pretty generally; and among these I have found but one who is not opposed to the institution, and that w i t h an anguish of mind, tho' covered under a guarded silence, which I have not seen produced by any circumstance before. I arrived at Philadelphia before the separation of the last Congress, and saw there and at Princeton some of it's members not now i n delegation. Burke's peice hap­ pened to come out at that time which occasioned this institution to be the subject of conversation. I found the same impression made on them which their successors have received. I hear from other quarters that i t is disagreeable generally to such citizens as have attended to i t , and therefore w i l l probably be so to all when any circumstance shall present i t to the notice of all. This Sir is as faithful an account of sentiments and facts as I am able to give you. You know the extent of the circle w i t h i n which my observations are at present circumscribed; and can estimate how far, as forming a part of the general opinion, i t may merit notice, or ought to influence your particular conduct. I t remains now to pay obedience to that part of your letter which requests 1

2

3

107 ;

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sentiments on the most eligible measures to be pursued by the so­ ciety at their next meeting. I must be far from pretending to be a judge of what would in jact be the most eligible measures for the society. I can only give you the opinions of those w i t h w h o m I have conversed, and who, as I have before observed, are unfriendly to i t . They lead to these conclusions. 1. I f the society proceeds according to it's institution, i t w i l l be better to make no applications to Con­ gress on that subject, or on any other i n their associated character. 2. I f they should propose to modify i t so as to render i t unobjec­ tionable, I think this would not be effected without such a modifica­ tion as would amount almost to annihilation; for such would i t be to part w i t h it's inheritability, it's organisation and it's assemblies. 3. I f they should be disposed to discontinue the whole i t would remain w i t h them to determine whether they would chuse i t to be done by their own act only, or by a reference of the matter to Con­ gress, which would infallibly produce a recommendation of total discontinuance. You w i l l be sensible, Sir, that these communications are without all reserve. I supposed such to be your wish, and mean them but as materials, w i t h such others as you may collect, for your better judgment to w o r k on. I consider the whole matter as between our­ selves alone, having determined to take no active part i n this or any thing else which may lead to altercation, or disturb that quiet and tranquillity of m i n d to which I consign the remaining portion of m y life. I have been thrown back by events on a stage where I had never more thought to appear. I t is but for a time however, and as a day labourer, free to withdraw or be withdrawn at w i l l . W h i l e I remain I shall pursue i n silence the path of right; but i n every situation public or private shall be gratified by all occasions of rendering you service and of convincing you there is no one to whom your reputation and happiness are dearer than to, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble servt, T H : JEFFERSON R C ( P H i ) ; detached leaf from R C ( D L C : Washington Papers) bears the following endorsement in Washington's hand: "From T h e Hon: T : Jefferson 16th Api. 1784 Cincinnati"; with notes in the hand of Jared Sparks and John C . Fitzpatrick. F C ( D L C : T J Papers); T J must have made a careful draft of this letter, but the F C is clearly a fair copy, being free of deletions, inter­ lineations, &c. Enclosure: See plan of government for the western territory, Vol. 6: 605, 609, note. THE

FOURTH

ARTICLES

OF

OF T H E FUNDAMENTAL

CONSTITUTION

FOR T H E

N E W S T A T E S : T h e clause forbidding citizenship in governments of the west­ ern territory to anyone holding a hered­ itary title or order of nobility was struck out by Congress four days after the present letter was written ( J C C , X X V I , 250-1; Vol. 6: 611, note 1 9 ) . THE

FOREIGN

ORDER

CONFERRED ON SOME

PROPOSED

TO B E

O F OUR CITIZENS:

In 1783 the Chevalier Jean de Heintz, secretary of the Polish Order of Knights of Divine Providence, wrote to Wash­ ington about the recently instituted or­ der and proposed that Congress nomi­ nate a number "of American Charac-

108

1 6 APRIL ters as Members" (Washington to the President of Congress, 28 Aug. 1783, Writings, ed. Fitzpatrick, x x v n , 1192 0 ) . W i t h Heintz' letter was a pam­ phlet listing the members, and both were immediately transmitted by the commander-in-chief to Congress. On 5 Jan. 1784 Congress resolved that, though "sensible of the attention of that Order" [the words "entertain a high sense of the honour done them by" were struck out of the committee re­ port], they could not "consistently with the principles of the Confederation, ac­ cept of their obliging proposal" ( J C C , xxvi, 7 ) . Washington's draft of suggested changes in the Institution of the Society of the Cincinnati is published in Writ­ ings, ed. Fitzpatrick, x x v n , 393-6, and in it the hand of T J is discernible. Among other things Washington coun­ selled: "Strike out every word, sen­ tence, and clause which has a political tendency. Discontinue the hereditary part in all its connexions, absolutely, without any substitution which can be construed into concealment, or a change of ground only, for this would, in my opinion, encrease, rather than allay suspicions. Admit no more honorary Members into the Society. Reject sub­ scriptions, or donations from every per­ son who is not a Citizen of the United States. Place the funds upon such a footing as to remove the jealousies which are entertained on that s c o r e . . . . Abolish the General Meetings altogeth­ er, as unnecessary; the Constitution be­ ing given, a continuance of them would be expensive, and very probably from a diversity of Sentiment, and tenacity of opinion might be productive of more dissention than harmony; for it has been well observed 'that nothing loosens the bans of private friendship more, than for friends to pit themselves agst. each other in public debate, where every one is free to speak and to act.' . . . No alteration short of what is here enumerated will, in my opinion, recon­ cile the Society to the Community; whether these will do it, is question­ able. . . . Without being possessed of the reasons which induce many Gentle­ men to retain the order or badge of the Society, it will be conceived by the public that this order (which except in its perpetuity still appears in the same terrific array as at first) is a feather we cannot consent to pluck from our­ selves, tho' we have taken it from our descendants. I f we assign the reasons, we might I presume as well discon­

17 84

tinue the order" (same). T h e words quoted by Washington were, of course, taken from T J ' s letter. Washington's draft of proposed changes was there­ fore drawn up after he received the present letter, and very likely addition­ al suggestions made by T J in conver­ sation were incorporated at the time of the discussion that took place when Washington passed through Annapolis on his way to the Philadelphia meet­ ing. A t that meeting, David Hum­ phreys, Henry Knox, Anthony Walton White, and others reported on the op­ position to the Society in various states. Washington thereupon "in confidence introduced a report of a Committee of Congress, that no persons holding an hereditary title or order of nobility should be eligible to citizenship in the new State [sic] they are about to estab­ lish, and declared he knew this to be levelled at our Institution—that our friends had prevented its passing into resolution, till the result of this meet­ ing should be known; but if we do not make it conformable to their sense of republican principles, we might expect every discouragement and even perse­ cution from them and the States sever­ ally." T h e report that Washington in­ troduced in confidence on 4 May 1784 was, of course, the one that T J enclosed in this letter; it had already been pub­ lished without authorization in the 27 Apr. 1784 issue of Claypoole's Pennsyl­ vania Packet. Delegates from New York and New Jersey opposed the abolition of the hereditary principle, whereupon Washington delivered an impassioned ultimatum that carried all before it: "General Washington arose, and again opposed this part as particularly ob­ noxious to the people. I n a very long speech, and with much warmth and agitation, he expressed himself on all the Parts of the Institution deemed ex­ ceptionable, and reiterated his deter­ mination to vacate his place in the Society, if it could not be accomodated to the feeling and pleasure of the sev­ eral States" (Winthrop Sargent, ed., "A Journal of the General Meeting of the Cincinnati, in 1784" [kept by Ma­ jor Winthrop Sargent of Massachu­ setts], Memoirs Hist. Soc. Penna., Vol. vi, 1858, p. 26-28). T h e general meet­ ing thereupon adopted "The Altered and Amended Institution" and ratifica­ tion by the state organizations followed a chequered course—New Hampshire refused to ratify; Massachusetts did so, but reversed its position in 1786; Rhode Island followed suit; Connecti-

109

1 7 APRIL cut ratified in 1795; New York, under the chairmanship of Alexander Hamil­ ton, approved the motives which dic­ tated the alterations but thought it "inexpedient to adopt them"; New Jer­ sey and Pennsylvania ratified, though the latter in 1789 voted to follow the original Institution until all of the state societies adopted the new revision; Delaware declined to ratify; Maryland ratified; "The Virginia Society not only ratified the Altered and Amended I n ­ stitution but never returned to the prin­ ciple of hereditary succession. No he­ reditary members were admitted in Vir­ ginia during the lives of the original members. Such was M r . Jefferson's power in his native State" ( E . E . Hume, General Washington's Corre­ spondence Concerning The Society of the Cincinnati, Baltimore, 1941, p. 160; Hume gives T J perhaps too much credit for this achievement); the two Carolinas and Georgia also ratified.

T o

1784

Most of the state societies disintegrated during the 19th century, but in the present century the general organiza­ tion was revived along with the he­ reditary principle. For an account of the popular opposition to the Society in its early years, see McMaster, History of the People of the United States, I , 167-76, and Wallace E . Davies, "The Society of the Cincinnati in New E n g ­ land," W M Q , 3rd ser., v ( 1 9 4 8 ) , p. 325. 1 F C reads: "his successor, or some of his successors may be lead by false calculation into a less certain road to glory." 2 F C reads: " I have as yet found," &c. 3 This word interlined in substitu­ tion for "many," which is deleted in R C . F C reads "some," showing that T J made this fair copy for his files after R C had been written.

Richard Curson

{Annapolis, 17 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: " M r . Curson. W i l l send balance as soon as receive from Virga.—IY2 doz. Madeira Y2 doz. Frontignac." Not found.]

T o

Martha

M Y DEAR PATSY

Jefferson Annapolis Apr. 17.

1784.

I have not received a letter from you since early i n February. T h i s is far short of m y injunctions to write once a week by post. I wish this for m y own gratification as well as for your improve­ ment. I received yesterday letters from Eppington by which I learn that the families there and at Hors du monde are well, and that your cousin Cary has a son. L u c y has been unwell during the winter but is got better. I am i n hopes the approaching m i l d season w i l l reestablish m y health perfectly, in which case I shall probably take a t r i p to Philadelphia. I wish much to know what books you have read since I left you, and what tunes you can play. Present m y compliments affectionately to M r s . Hopkinson. I inclose you a letter which I suppose to be from your aunt Eppes. I am m y dear Patsy Your's affectionately, T H : JEFFERSON

110

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R C ( N N P ) . Enclosure (missing). Entry in S J L reads: "[Apr.] 17. Patsy. Inclosed letter from Mrs. E . " T h i s was Elizabeth Wayles Eppes' letter of 1

1784

Apr. which T J received on 16 Apr. Martha's letter that T J received E A R L Y I N F E B R U A R Y has not been found and is not recorded in S J L .

From John

Tyler

[Greenway, Charles City co., 18 Apr. 1784. Noted in S J L as re­ ceived on 30 Apr. 1784 from "Sp[eaker] H[ouse] Delegates] Green Way." Since the General Assembly was not in session, this must have been a private rather than a public letter. Not found. ]

From James

Maury

[Place unknown, 19 Apr. 1784. Noted in S J L as received 23 Apr. 1784. Not found.]

From E d m u n d

Pendleton

[Place unknown, 19 Apr. 1784. Noted in S J L as received 23 Apr. 1784. Not found.]

T o

Francis Hopkinson

[Annapolis, 20 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: "F. Hopkinson. Mer­ lin stop—Congress meet in Trenton or Phila. in Nov.—Morris & Holker —complements to?] M r . Rittenh[ouse]." Not found.]

T o

Mary Johnson

Hopkinson

[Annapolis, 20 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Mrs. Hopkinson. Inclosing draught on Turnbull, Marmie & co. for 100. D.—duplicate also." Neither the letter nor its enclosure has been found. The "dupli­ cate," of course, was a duplicate of the draft.]

T o

Samuel

House

[Annapolis, 20 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: "S. House. Whether Harrison's bill on Holker for 96. D . was paid into bank." Not found.]

Ill

From Walker Maury [Williamsburg, ca. 20 Apr. 1784] I thank you for the attention you pay to the institution I have the direction of here. T i s at present but i n its infancy, amounting only to 28, tho' the prospects of its growing fast are flattering. The price is less than you imagine, i t being only £35 V i r g a . cur­ rency pr ann:, for board, tuition and washing inclusive. T o the dead languages are added the french, arithmetic and book-keeping, and the Italian may also be included for the addition of £5 or 6. I t is your friend M r . Belini who acts i n that department; for, having but few pupils at the university, he has a sufficiency of time to spare for attendance at the Capitol. As to numbers we are not cir­ cumscribed, but woud wish to have them sufficient to occupy all the habitable parts of that building, w h i c h is now put i n good repair, for that purpose. The old state room is fixed for the school. W e propose calling i n assistance as the business may grow on our hands. The corporation w i l l , i n a few days, chuse visitors, or inspectors to examine the school quarterly, who, I believe, w i l l be Messrs. Madison, W y t h e , Andrews and Blair. T h i s place is con­ scious that nothing can support i t , but the encouragement of the two literary institutions, and every nerve w i l l be strained to render them objects to the public. The grammar school is intended as a nursery to the university; and we wou'd wish to open a communica­ tion w i t h Maryland. Shou'd you prove an instrument i n accomplish­ ing this, you may count on m y particular exertions to do justice to your recommendation. As to the university, I cannot conceive an institution better planned, or more judiciously managed for the forming, either the lawyer, or the statesman. Y o u can judge better than I can, what advantages youth must reap from meeting twice a week i n M r . Wythe's school, and going thro all the forms of pleadings of a court of judicature, w i t h the utmost exactness and decorum, and from assembling once a fortnight, as a body of Legislators, i n w h o m you see our assembly i n miniature debating, at least many of them, extempore, on important questions of state. Some of their harrangues wou'd be heard w i t h pleasure i n any house of representatives; and the whole is conducted w i t h , perhaps, more spirit than was ever display'd i n an institution of this nature. M r . W y t h e indeed seems to enjoy himself no where, so much as w i t h his pupils. Neither are Messrs. Madison and And[rews] deficient i n their departments. 1

Pray, m i g h t not those strong friendships contracted at school, 112

22

APRIL

1784

w i t h the principal youth of a sister state prove of some public benifit? W i l l i t not also conduce to the harmony of this state? Or w i l l i t not be most consistent w i t h the genius of a republic that all the youth be educated together? I must confess, that as a republican I wou'd wish to see all the latter and as many as possible of the former assemble here. I am D r Sir w t h much esteem, yours &c, W : MAURY R C ( M H i ) ; addressed to T J at A n napolis; endorsed "Maury Walker." Recorded as "without date" in S J L and as received on 30 Apr. 1784; the date has been conjectured from the fact that on 30 Apr. the Virginia post arrived with letters for T J dated from 18 to 23 Apr. (see Tyler to T J , 18 Apr.; and Short,

T o

Gov. Harrison, and Benjamin Harrison, J r . , to T J , aU dated at Richmond, 23 Apr.). i T h e two preceding words are written in margin and the place for insertion in the text marked by an asterisk.

St. J o h n d e

Crèvecoeur

[Annapolis, 22 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: "St. John. Consul of Fr. at N.Y. distillation of the potatoe—maps. Henry's—Hutchins—F. & Jeff." Not found.]

T o

Elizabeth Wayles

Eppes

[Annapolis, 22 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: "[Apr.] 22. Mrs. E. —Mr. E.—Polly." This is a single-line entry and, since T J rarely i f ever recorded more than one letter on a line, it is possible to interpret this as meaning that he wrote only to Mrs. Eppes and discussed M r . Eppes and Polly. The ambiguity cannot be completely resolved in view of the fact that no letter to any one of the three persons bearing this date has been found. But it is almost certain that T J wrote separate letters to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, to Francis Eppes, and to Mary Jefferson in reply to their separate letters of 1 and 2 Apr. which he received on 16 Apr. See entries under 1 and 2 Apr. and also T J to Martha Jefferson, 17 A p r . ]

T o

Francis Eppes

[Annapolis, 22 Apr. 1784. For note on entry in SJL, see T J to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, this date. Not found.]

T o

Mary

Jefferson

[Annapolis, 22 Apr. 1784. For note on entry in SJL, see T J to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, this date. Not found.] : 113

T o

Henry Skipwith

{Annapolis, 22 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: " H . Skipw. Common news. ' Not found.] 1

T o

John Banister

{Annapolis, 23 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "J. Bannister. The imposture of Apr. 2." Letter not found, but see John Banister to T J , 15 Apr. 1784, and references there.]

T o

James Buchanan

{Annapolis, 23 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Jas. Buchanan. Marb[ois] will send wines addressed to him—send to Charlville with line to Key—Pitt in." Not found.]

From Benjamin Harrison SIR

Council Chamber April 23d. 1784

I had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 16th instant by yesterdays post, and am happy to find our quota of continental expense reduced w i t h i n the compass of our abilities. I t h i n k we can pay the sum now fixed and am certain we could not go beyond i t ; but suppose we should fully comply w i t h the requisition, what w i l l you do for that of N . Carolina, and some other States that do not seem inclined to pay any thing? Can you fall on no means to pre­ vail on Connecticut and Rhode Island to pass an impost law? Nothing else but that w i l l save us from very great distress, for tho' I am satisfied all duties i n the end come out of the pockets of the consumers, yet the people at large do not see i t and are therefore much better contented to pay money that way than i n taxes on their landed and other property. I shall be obliged to you for information how your loan office Debt is to be discharged whether at Dollar for Dollar or according to your scale of Depreciation. The latter seems to be the just and proper mode. A Ship is arrived from Scotland which I am told brings a certain account that Pitt has resigned his Seat i n the M i n i s t r y which is the only news that I hear of. I am & c , B. H . 114;

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1784

F C ( V i ) ; caption reads: "To the Honble Thomas Jefferson esqr. a Delegate in Congress." Noted in S J L as received 30 Apr. 1784.

F r o m Benjamin Harrison, Jr. [Richmond, 23 Apr. 1784. Noted in S J L as received 30 Apr. 1784, "inclosing his xcha. [exchange] on R. Morr[is] for 333V6 D . " Neither letter nor enclosure found. Entry in Account Book for 30 Apr. reads: "received from Treasurer of Virginia Harrison's bill on Morris 333Vá."]

T o Thomas M a n n

Randolph

[Annapolis, 23 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: " T M R . Garden seeds —Pitt still in and parliament not dissolved—Luzerne going—Marb[ois] charg[é] d'aff[aires]." Not found.]

T o J o h n Christian Senf [Annapolis, 23 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Colo. Senf. List of our curiosities." Not found.]

F r o m William Short [Richmond, 23 Apr. 1784. Noted in S J L as received 30 Apr. 1784. Letter not found, but its subject was no doubt the possibility that T J would be appointed as minister. T J was troubled to learn that that possibility was being rumored in Virginia, and, on the same day that he received Short's letter, he replied expressing his embarrassment; T J to Short, 30 Apr. 1784. Short explained that a friend in Annapolis had given him a hint "the Week before" (i.e., a week before TJ's letter of 30 A p r . ) ; Short to T J , 8 May 1784. I t was very likely this "hint" that prompted him to write T J on 23 A p r . ]

F r o m Francis Eppes [Eppington, Not found.]

24 Apr. 1784. Noted in S J L as received May 7, 1784.

T o James

McClurg

[Annapolis, 24 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "McLurg. Ballons— 28. [i.e., postscript of 28 Apr.] adjournment of Congr.—Eng. news to

115 :

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1784

Mar. 25 ut infra." Not found, but the phrase "ut infra" in the entry in S J L for the present letter which occurs above that for the letter to Ran­ dolph of 28 Apr. 1784, q.v., and the corresponding phrase "ut supra" in the entry for the letter to Turpin of the same date which occurs just below the Randolph entry suggest that T J regarded the latter as the master-entry for this subject.]

From E d m u n d DEAR SIR

Randolph Richmond April 24. 1784.

I have been forbidden by an unusual sensation i n m y head for some time past, to write a line, which the duties of m y profession did not extort from me. T h i s circumstance alone has hitherto pre­ vented an answer to your last favor. The elections for this year have proved the readiness of the citi­ zens to incorporate the military w i t h the civil. I have heard of the success of seven military candidates i n different counties, and of the rejection of one only. T h i s repudiation was affected by Burk's pamphlet against the Cincinnati; which had circulated very widely thro' the southern parts of V i r g i n i a , and particularly i n Mecklen­ b u r g . Perhaps the indisposition of the people towards the society in general was much heightened when applied to Colo. Hopkins, the candidate who miscarried, by a report, that he was a deputy to the convention, shortly to be holden i n Phila. H o w far General W . patronizes the association, is, as yet, an impenetrable secret. I t has, however, been said for h i m , that i n his opinion, neither B u r k nor the author, who answered h i m , understood the principles of the institution. You must remember the inveteracy, discovered by the inhabit­ ants of Essex, against the return of British subjects. I n order to shew, how firmly they are resolved i n this instance, they have elected M r . Gatewood, who stands foremost i n an indictment found against those, who tarred and feathered one Williamson, while he had the governor's protection i n his pocket. W h a t the issue of this ferment may be w i l l probably depend on the views of those, who first set these violences into motion. For I believe, that the father of them is indefatigable i n his endeavours to suppress the payment of british debts, conceives, that a fixed antipathy against such british subjects, as were formerly here, w i l l more certainly tend to the other purpose, and seems powerful i n his influence. The arrearages of the sheriffs amount to an alarming sum. M a n y excuse themselves by the severity of the past winter, and a 116

25

APRIL 1784

greater number by the poverty of the people. B u t the auditors have not prepared the necessary documents, on which to ground motions against those, who have actually completed their collections. T h i s neglect, added to a rooted hatred of some men i n office, w i l l prob­ ably induce the next assembly to give a new form to the department of accounts. M r . Meriwether Smith has on the anvil, I am told, a tract, paral­ lelizing the conduct of the Dutch during their struggles w i t h Spain, and our own i n the late dispute w i t h G . B . F r o m thence he designs to prove the propriety of confiscating debts. T h i s chef d'oeuvre w i l l probably be as eminent for historical learning, as his former pamphlet was for sound policy. I have not heard since the election, b u t I am confident from what reached me before, that our friend Madison w i l l certainly be a member. His aid w i l l be necessary to correct the extravagancies of some plausible men, who have many schemes of romance much at heart. I am D r Sr. w i t h every sentiment of affection y r . friend & serv., EDM:

RANDOLPH

R C ( D L C ) ; endorsed by T J . Noted in S J L as received 24 May 1784.

of . . . Joseph Williamson"; the os­ tensible reason for this was that the tarring and feathering had occurred SON: These were William Gatewood prior to the ratification of the Defini­ and Joseph Williamson; the latter had tive Treaty ( M S V a . Council Jour. been a merchant in Essex but had 1782, p. 290; Hening, X I , 373; Harjoined the British, had made an attempt rell, Loyalism in Virginia, p. 137-8). to burn Tappahannock during the war, THE FATHER OF THEM (i.e., "these and had obtained Harrison's permission violences") is an allusion that Ran­ to carry a cargo of merchandise up the dolph knew T J would recognize. Pat­ Rappahannock. He was warned to leave, rick Henry was the leader of the op­ but did not do so, and on 10 Oct. 1782 position to the payment of British debts was mobbed. T h e Council ordered in­ and it is almost certain that he is the dictments brought against the offenders, one Randolph had in mind, H I S F O R M E R but the response of the inhabitants was PAMPHLET: This was Meriwether to elect Gatewood. I n May 1784, Spen­ Smith's Observations on the Fourth and cer Roane, also a member of the Fifth Articles of the Preliminaries for House of Delegates from Essex, pushed a Peace with Great Britain (Richmond through a bill indemnifying all who [1783]; Sabin, No. 83609). T h e C H E F had directly or indirectly "committed D ' O E U V R E , if published at all, has not any insult or injury against the person been identified. MR.

GATEWOOD . . . O N E

T o

WILLIAM­

Richard

Curson

{Annapolis, 25 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Curson. Bannister's imposture—expect remittance—inclosed Mazzei's letter to Lynch to find conveiance." Neither letter nor enclosure found, but see John Banister to T J , 15 Apr. 1784 and references there.]

117

T o

Joseph

Jones

[Annapolis, 25 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Jos. Jones. Interest on British debts—report on Western territory—Norfolk—Patowm[ac] and Ohio. 28. [i.e., postscript of 28 Apr.] Eng. news to Mar. 20. infra." Not found.]

T o

James

DEAR SIR

Madison Annapolis Apr. 25.

1784.

M y last to you was of the 16th. of M a r c h , as was the latest I have received from you. B y the proposition to bound our country to the W e s t w a r d I meant no more than passing an act declaring that that should be our boundary from the moment the people of the Western country and Congress should agree to i t . The act of Congress now inclosed to you w i l l shew you that they have agreed to i t , because i t extends not only to the territory ceded, but to be ceded? and shews how and when they shall be taken into the union. There is no body then to consult but the people to be severed. I f you w i l l make your act final as to yourselves so soon as those people shall have declared their assent i n a certain manner to be pointed out by the act, the whole business is settled. For their assent w i l l follow immediately. One of the conditions is that they pay their quota of the debts contracted. Of course no difficulty need arise on this head: as no quota has been fixed on us unalter­ ably. The minuter circumstances of selling the ungranted lands w i l l be provided i n an ordinance already prepared but not reported. You w i l l observe two clauses struck out of the report, the 1st. respecting hereditary honours, the 2d. slavery. The 1st. was done not from an approbation of such honours, but because i t was thought an improper place to encounter them. The 2d. was lost by an individual vote only. T e n states were present. The 4. Eastern states, N . York, Pennsva. were for the clause. Jersey would have been for i t , but there were but two members, one of w h o m was sick i n his chambers. South Carolina M a r y l a n d and .'Virginia! voted against i t . N . Carolina was divided as would have been V i r g i n i a had not one of it's delegates been sick i n bed. 2

T h e place at which Congress should meet i n Nov. has been the subject of discussion lately. Alexandria, Philada. and Trenton were proposed. The first was negatived easily. Trenton had the 4. East, states, N . Y . , N . J . , and Pennsylva. W e expect Georgia and Dela118

25

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1784

ware shortly, i n w h i c h case i t w i l l become possible that Philada. may be determined on. The question is put off to be considered w i t h the establishment of a committee of the states, w h i c h to m y astonishment would have been negatived when first proposed had not the question been staved off. Some of the states who were against the measure, I beleive because they had never reflected on the consequences of leaving a government without a head, seem to be come over. D r . Lee is appointed an Indian Commissioner. He is not present, but is known to have sought i t , and of course w i l l accept. T h i s vacates his seat here. I wish Short could be sent in his room. I t is a good school for our young statesmen. I t gives them impressions friendly to the federal government instead of those adverse which too often take place i n persons confined to the politics of their state. I like the method you propose of settling at once w i t h M a r y l a n d all matters relative to Patowmac. T o introduce this the more easily I have conversed w i t h M r . Stone (one of their delegates) on the subject and finding h i m of the same opinion have told h i m I would by letters b r i n g the subject forward on our part. They w i l l con­ sider i t therefore as originated by this conversation. Mercer is acting a very extraordinary part. He is a candidate for the secretaryship of joreign affairs and tho' he will not get the vote of one state, I beleive he expects the appointment. He has been endeavoring to defeat all foreign treaties to force the nations of Europe to send ministers to treat here that he may have the honor of fabricating this whole business. T h o ' he could not change the vote of his state, he intrigued w i t h a young fool from North Caro­ lina and an old one from New York, got them to divide their states by voting i n the negative, and there being but eleven states present, one of which was known before to be divided the whole set of instructions were rejected, tho approved by twenty one out of twenty five members present. The whole business has been i n the dust for a month and whether i t can be resumed and passed de­ pends on the incertainty of Delaware or Georgia coming on. Vanity and ambition seem to be the ruling passions of this young man and as his objects are impure, so also are his means. Intrigue is a prin­ cipal one on particular occasions as party attachment is i n the general. He takes now about one half of the time of Congress to himself and i n conjunction w i t h Read [and] Spaight obstruct busi­ ness inconc[e]ivably. The last is of North Carolina and no other­ wise of consequence than as by his vote he can divide his state. 3

The more I have reflected on your proposition for p r i n t i n g the 119

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1784

Révisai the more I have liked i t . I am convinced too from late ex­ periments i t cannot be passed i n the detail. One of the Eastern states had their laws revised and then attempted to pass them thro' their legislature, but they got so mangled that all consistence was destroyed and I beleive they dropped them altogther. Should this be printed I w i l l ask you to send me half a dozen copies wherever I shall be. W o u l d i t not be well for V i r g i n i a to empower persons privately to buy up her quota of old Continental money. I would certainly advise this were I not afraid that the possession of her quota on such easy terms would tempt her to refuse justice to the other states on this matter. For surely there would be no justice i n w i p i n g off her part of this debt by so much smaller a contribution than the others. I f she would avail herself of i t only to sheild herself against injustice and to enable her from an h i g h ground to declare and do what is right, I should much wish to see her adopt secret measures for the purchase. I think some other states w i l l do this, and I fear w i t h unjust views. You know that many gentlemen of this state had money i n the hands of merchants i n England. I am well informed that these merchants have uniformly refused to pay them interest, saying the money was always ready i f they would have called for i t . T h i s adds another to the many good reasons we had before against paying interest d u r i n g the war. I inclose herewith the spectacles you desired, price IS A Dollars. I have as yet done nothing on your commission either general or particular for books, because I am i n constant expectation of a short t r i p to Philadelphia and can so much better execute i t on the spot. The money hitherto remitted us amounts to about 4. Dollars a day. The predicament i n which this places us is well known to you. I t is unconceivably mortifying. I expect daily to hear from the Treasurer. As soon as I do i t w i l l enable me to give some directions on the subject of your money. I have not heard lately from M r s . House. M r s . T r i s t got safely to Fort Pitt through much distress. Congress hope to adjourn by the last of M a y . T h e estimate and requisitions for the year, the arrangements for the land office, and Foreign treaties are subjects they w i l l endeavor to complete. Vermont is pressed on them by N . Y o r k and a day declared beyond which they w i l l await no interposition but assert their right of government. The Chevalr. Luzerne has taken his leave of us. He makes a tour to the lakes before he leaves the con­ tinent. Marbois acts as Chargé des affaires t i l l the arrival of a successor. 2

120 :

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1 7 8 4

As i t is certain that Congress w i l l shortly adjourn, to meet again in Nov. i t is desireable that the assembly should at as early a day as convenient appoint their delegates for the ensuing year, i n order that such gentlemen as shall be continued, may receive notice of i t while here, as this w i l l enable them to take measures for their accomodation at the next meeting, determine them whether to send their baggage Northwardly or Southwardly &c. Apr. 30. A London ship is arrived here which left that port the 25th. of M a r c h . P i t t was still i n place, supported b y the K i n g , Lords, and nation i n general. The city of London enthusiastically in his favor. Still there was a majority of 12 i n favor of Fox who was supported b y the Prince of Wales. I t was thought the parlia­ ment would be dissolved. Congress has determined to adjourn on the 3 d of June to meet i n November at Trenton. Adieu Your's T H : JEFFERSON

affectionately, R C ( D L C : Madison Papers); en­ dorsed; partly in code. Entry in S J L reads: " J . Madison. Report on Western territory—clauses of Cincinnati and slaves struck out and why—this admits bounding ourselves Westwardly—place of meeting in Nov. Trenton or Phila.— committee of states—Dr. Lee Indian Commissioner—send W . S. in his room —case of Maryland and Virginia as to Patowm. — 800.758 [Mercer] — révisai send me 6. copies—Virga. buy old pa­ per money—interest on Brit, debt—spec­ tacles—his money—Mrs. House—Mrs. Trist—adjournment of Congr. subjects before them viz. land office. Foreign treaties, requisitions. Vermont—Luzerne taken leave—Marb[ois] charg[e] d'af­ faires]—Apr. 30. London news ut infra [see TJ to McClurg, 24 Apr. 1784]— adjournment of Congr." Enclosure (missing): Broadside copy of report of the committee on a plan of government for the western territory, adopted 23 Apr. 1784; see Vol. 6: 609-10, note, for a description of the printed text which may have been sent to Madison with the present letter. On the exclusion of the two clauses

concerning H E R E D I T A R Y

HONOURS

and

S L A V E R Y , see Vol. 6: 611-12, note 21. Beatty of New Jersey was ill when the vote was taken, S E N D M E H A L F A D O Z E N c o p r E S (of the printed text of the Ré­

visai of the L a w s ) W H E R E V E R I S H A L L B E (see Vol. 2: 3 1 2 ) : T h e hint at un­ certainty in his future place of resi­ dence was no doubt intended by T J as a veiled allusion to his forthcoming ap­ pointment as minister, which began to be discussed in Congress about this time (see entry for Short to T J , 23 Apr. 1784). 1 Preceding three words underscored. 2 T h i s word is printed in italics by Burnett, Letters of Members, v n , No. 572. I t is underscored, but in pencil, and very probably was done by some­ one in the 19th century. 3 This and subsequent words in ital­ ics were written in code by T J and have been decoded by the editors, em­ ploying Code No. 3. T h e coded words were decoded by Burnett, same, No. 572, but with errors both in the decod­ ing and in the designation of coded words.

F r o m James D E A R SIR

Madison Orange April 25th. 1 7 8 4

Your favor of the 16th. of M a r c h came to hand a few days before Mazzei called on me. His plan was to have proceeded hence 1

121

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A P R I L

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84

directly to Annapolis. M y conversation led him to promise a visit to Mr. Henry from whence he proposed to repair to Richmond and close his affairs with the Executive. Contrary to m y expectation he returned hither on Thursday last, proposing to continue his circuit thro'' Gloucester, York and Williamsburg recommended by Mr. Henry jor obtaining jrom the former members of the Council certain facts relating to his appointment of which the vouchers have been lost. T h i s delay w i t h the expectation of your adjournment w i l l probably prevent his visit to Congress. Your letter gave me the first information both of his view towards a consulate and of his enmity towards Franklin. The first was not betrayed to me by any conversation either before or after / made known to him the determination of Congress to confine such appointments to natives of America. As to the second he was unreserved alledging at the same time that the exquisite cunning of the old fox has so enveloped his iniquity that its reality cannot be proved by those who are thoroughly satisfied of it. I t is evident from several circum­ stances stated by himself that his enmity has been embittered i f not wholly occasioned by incidents of a personal nature. Mr. Adams is the only public man w h o m he thinks favorably of or seems to have associated with. A circumstance which their mutual characters may perhaps account for. Notwithstanding these sentiments towards Franklin and Adams his hatred of England remains unabated and does not exceed his partiality to France which w i t h many other considerations, which need not be pointed out, persuade me that however dreadful an actual visit from him might be to you in a personal viezv i t would not produce the public mischiefs you appre­ hend from it. By his interview with Mr. Henry I learn that the present politics of the latter comprehend very friendly views to­ wards the Confederacy, a wish tempered w i t h much caution for an amendment of our own Constitution, a patronage of the pay­ ment of British debts and of a scheme of a general assessment. The want of both a Thermometer and Barometer had deter­ mined me to defer a meteorological diary t i l l I could procure these instruments. Since the receipt of your letter I have attended to the other columns. I hope the letter which had not reached you at the date of your last did not altogether miscarry. On the 16 of M a r c h I wrote you fully on sundry points. A m o n g others I suggested to your attention the case of the Potowmac, having i n m y eye the river below the head of navigation. I t w i l l be well I think to sound the ideas of Maryland also as to the upper parts of the N . branch of i t . The

122 ;

2 5 APRIL

1784

policy oj Baltimore w i l l probably thwart as far as possible the opening of it; and without a very favorable construction of the right of Virginia and even the privilege of using the Maryland Bank i t would seem that the necessary works could not be accom­ plished. W i l l i t not be good policy to suspend further Treaties of Com­ merce, t i l l measures shall have been taken place i n America which may correct the idea i n Europe of impotency i n the fcederal Gov­ ernment i n matters of Commerce? Has V i r g i n i a been seconded by any other State i n her proposition for arming Congress w i t h power to frustrate the unfriendly regulations of G . B . w i t h regard to her W . India islands? I t is reported here that the late change of her Ministers has revived the former liberality which seemed to prevail on that subject. Is the Impost gaining or losing ground among the States? Do any considerable payments come into the Continental Treasury? Does the settlement of the public accounts make any comfortable progress? Has any resolution been taken by Congress touching the old Continental currency? Has Maryland foreborne to take any step i n favor of George Town? Can you tell me whether any question i n the Court of Appeals has yet determined whether the war ceased on our coast on the 3d of M a r c h or the 3d. of A p r i l . The books which I was told were still at [the] place left by M r . W . M a u r y , had been sent away at the time M r . L . Grymes informed of them. M r . Mazzei tells me that a subterraneous city has been discov­ ered i n Siberia, which appears to have been once populous and magnificent. A m o n g other curiosities i t contains an equestrian Statue around the neck of which was a golden chain 200 feet i n length, so exquisitely wrought that Buffon inferred from a speci­ men of 6 feet sent h i m by the Empress of Russia, that no artist i n Paris could equal the workmanship. M r . Mazzei saw the specimen in the hands of Buffon and heard h i m give this opinion of i t . He heard read at the same time a letter from the Empress to Buffon in which she desired the present to be considered as a tribute to the man to whom N a t : Hist: was so much indebted. Monsr. Faujas de St. Fond thought the City was between 72 and 7 4 ° . N . L . The son of Buffon between 62 and 6 4 ° . M r . M . being on the point of departure had no opportunity of ascertaining the fact. I f you should have had no better account of the discovery this w i l l not be unacceptable to you and w i l l lead you to obtain one. I propose to set off for Richmond towards the end of this week. 123

2 6 APRIL

1784

The election i n this County was on thursday last. M y colleague is M r . Charles Porter. I am your affecte, friend, J . MADISON J R . R C ( D L C : Madison Papers); en­ dorsed by T J and, later, by Madison; partly in code. T h e coded passages were decoded by T J on a separate sheet (also D L C : Madison Papers) endorsed, at a later date, by Madison: "[Ci]pher of letter of J . M . to T . Jefferson Api. 25. 1784." Noted in S J L as received 7 May 1784. HIS

INTERVIEW

WITH

MR.

HENRY:

Mazzei himself gave John Adams a full account of this conversation: "When I lately returned to Virginia, I heard that Mr. Patrick Henry had declared against innovations [in the V a . Constitution], He had just gone home from the as­ sembly where he had been a strong advocate against paying the british debts, and giving Congress the power of regulating trade. I went 250 miles to spend 5 days with him, on purpose to try what I could do. One of the most noble, most sensible, and virtuous men on the Globe, Col. James Madison (with whom I had been 9 days to con­ sult and digest matters) dispaired I could succeed in any one point. How­ ever, I succeeded fully on the article of

T o

giving power to Congress, and partly on the affair of the British debts. A s to the constitution, he agreed on its containing many errors, but declared against innovations for reasons which I could not, and I dare say you would not allow to be good. I wish that our old Friend may not be desirous of keep­ ing omnipotence in that House, where he himself is omnipotent" (Mazzei to Adams, 5 Sep. 1785; M H i : Adams Manuscript T r u s t ) . Henry's subsequent position on these issues would seem to indicate that Mazzei had somewhat magnified his own powers of persuasion. i T h i s and subsequent words in ital­ ics were written in code by Madison and decoded by T J as indicated above. T J ' s decoding has been verified by the editors, employing Code No. 3. A t a much later date (see Madison to T J , 27 Mch. 1780, note) Madison decoded these passages interlineally; it is not clear why he did this in view of the fact that he had, and retained, T J ' s separate decoding.

B o i n o d 8c G a i l l a r d

{Annapolis, 26 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Boinod & Gaillard. Machiavelli—Veneroni gram—Baretti diet. Boyer gram—Vocabol. port, dal Conti." Not found.] T o

Robert

SIR

Morris Annapolis Apr. 26. 1784.

I t is always w i t h reluctance that I trespass on the time of a person whose every moment I know to be usefully emploied. The subject however of the inclosed papers having heretofore occupied your attention and the report you made to Congress being lost so that those who have attended the present year only cannot have the benefit of your then communications, I cannot withstand the desire of possessing your opinion on i t . I was of a Committee i n the year 1776. appointed to prepare something for Congress on the subject of coin. They made a report, but subsequent events 124

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prevented it's being taken up. Finding on m y coming to Congress last that the subject had been resumed and had passed through your hands I endeavored to get a sight of your report. Having however been delivered from one Committeeman to another t i l l the whole of them had got out of place, the paper is not now to be found. The Secretary told me he would endeavour to recover it by w r i t i n g to the former members of the Committee: but his endeavors having proved ineffectual and the session of Congress drawing to a close I thought i t necessary that the business should be put into a train of preparation before they separate, that i t may be ready for final discussion when they meet again. I have there­ fore thrown m y own thoughts together on the inclosed paper, w i t h a design of asking your révisai of them and corrections before any proposition be made to Congress. A letter from M r . Govr. M o r r i s to M r . Helmsley, of which I got a sight, gave me the only sketch of your plan which I have been able to procure. The impatience of Congress to separate renders i t necessary to propose this subject w i t h i n a few days and of course to ask your thoughts on i t as soon as possible. A n insurmountable aversion to copying obliges me also to desire a return of the inclosed paper of which I retain no copy. Permit me, through you to return m y thanks to M r s . Morris for the kindnesses she is pleased to shew to m y daughter i n Philadel­ phia. The grateful terms i n which the latter communicates them to me, make me hope she shews herself to M r s . M o r r i s properly sensible of them. The effect of these attentions on m y m i n d can only be known to a parent, and to a parent w h o m events have so circumstanced. Be so good as to present m y respectful compliments and good wishes to M r s . M o r r i s and to be yourself assured of the esteem and regard w i t h which I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt, T H : JEFFERSON R C ( D L C : Hamilton Papers); endorsed in part by Morris: "respecting Coin­ age"; entry in S J L reads: "R. Morris. Coinage—Patsy." Enclosures: T J ' s report on a money unit and coinage system; see at end of Apr. 1784.

From Timothy Pickering SIR

Philadelphia April 26. 1784.

I was last week honoured w i t h your letter of the 9th instant, inclosing a letter from the governour of Massachusetts relative to the hire of the ox-teams raised i n that state, to serve w i t h the army 125

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1 7 8 4

in the year 1 7 8 1 ; and requesting me to give all the information i n my power, respecting the nature and circumstances of the contract mentioned i n the letter, and relative to the subject thereof i n general. T h i s I w i l l do as briefly as possible. I n November 1780, I received from the commander i n chief a memorandum of sundry articles, among which was the fol­ lowing. "Ox-teams to be provided and used the next campaign." T h i s , I suppose, was occasioned by a resolve of Congress of the tenth of that month, authorizing the General, i f he should deem i t expedient that a proportion of the public horses should be dis­ posed of for draught oxen, to direct the quarter master general to effect the same, i n such manner as might be most beneficial to the public service. I n January following, after we were fixed i n W i n t e r quarters, I laid before the commander i n chief m y opinion on this subject. I informed h i m that the proceeds of the horses sold were incon­ siderable. T h a t the residue of the public horses would be barely sufficient for the artillery, ammunition and officers baggage wag­ gons, the ensuing campaign. T h a t unless the public should acquire other funds than I had any conception of, the teams requisite for the army could be procured only by an assessment on the states capable of furnishing them, or by hire. T h a t by an assessment i t was possible a competent number of cattle might be procured; but probably as unfit for service as the assessed horses of the preceeding campaign. T h a t by hire alone could good teams and carriages be obtained. The latter method was approved of by the General. I immediately gave to the waggon-master of the army general instructions on the subject; and directed h i m to consult w i t h m y deputies in New-England, Messrs. Pomeroy and Hatch, and w i t h them finally determine the manner i n which the teams should be hired. M y instructions closed w i t h these words, viz. "That the real value of the hire agreed on may be insured to the owners of the teams, i t w i l l be proper to fix the sum i n specie, to be paid i n specie, or other current money really equivalent." "The deputy quarter masters w i l l carry into execution the plans you and they shall agree on." I n consequence hereof so many ox-teams were hired and sent to the army, as, w i t h the public horse teams, and a few more than twenty horse teams hired i n New Jersey, performed all the services of the campaign 1 7 8 1 . The best yokes of oxen, culled from all the brigades, were by m y orders selected, formed into teams, and marched on the expedition against Cornwallis; i n which they were 126

26

APRIL

1784

of essential service. Fortunately the infectious distemper which finally destroyed them, did not sensibly operate t i l l just at the time of the capture of the British army. B u t by the time our camp was broken up, four hundred oxen, of the 440 carried to V i r g i n i a , were dead. Thus more than one t h i r d of the ox-teams hired that cam­ paign perished. M y deputies i n New-England not being able to hire the number of teams required of them, I desired Colonel Neilson, m y deputy in New Jersey, to hire five and twenty horse-teams. W i t h some difficulty he succeeded. These teams also marched to V i r g i n i a , where some of them, thro' the severity of the service and accidents, were lost. I n February 1782, when at Philadelphia, I received from colonel Neilson a letter dated the 19th of that month, informing that the owners of the teams raised i n New Jersey (as above mentioned) were making serious demands upon h i m , to'settle w i t h them for the services of their teams, agreeably to the obligations entered into w i t h them: T h a t he had had some correspondence w i t h M r . Morris on the subject, when the first payment became due, and received from h i m "some assistance" and intreating me to use m y endeavours to obtain the sum necessary to complete the settlement, being only two thousand four hundred dollars. T h i s sum was granted on m y application. B u t excepting these few Jersey teams, I know not of any whose hire has been paid thro' the superintendant of finance. Those ox-teams which were hired i n Connecticut (and they were more than half of the whole number i n service) were altogether paid by that state, by what they called "pay-table orders," which they put into the hands of m y deputy, M r . Pomeroy; who by the 11th. of February 1782, had paid the hire of all the teams, save those of one brigade; and for these he then expected to settle without delay. These orders, indeed, were less Valuable than money, by twenty ^ Cent, at that time. Nevertheless, the conduc­ tors of the teams received them, despairing of a more advantageous settlement. I shewed to the superintendant of finance an estimate of M r . Yeates, m y deputy for Maryland and Delaware, of sundry expenses for waggon hire and other articles on land, occasioned solely by the expedition against Cornwallis, but I obtained no money. A t the same time M r . M o r r i s was furnishing his notes to pay off all the transport vessels employed for this expedition. He had explicitly engaged to make such prompt payment, and without that engage: 127

26

APRIL

1784

ment the vessels would not have been procured, and the expedition must have failed. M y deputy i n N e w Jersey having manifested some anxiety about the means of fulfilling his engagements w i t h the owners of the teams hired there, to w h o m he had promised a payment at the end of the first quarter; I wrote h i m (on the 8th of June 1781 ) "That / could not insure h i m a daxfs hire at the end of the first quarter." T h a t "to pay off the ox-teams raised i n Massachusetts and Con­ necticut, I depended entirely on those states." On the 7th of January, 1782, I thus wrote to colonel Hatch, " I mentioned the hire of the ox-teams to general Lincoln and M r . M o r r i s , and the particular hardships those owners would labour under, who lost their oxen i n V i r g i n i a , and could now receive neither their wages, nor the value of their cattle so inevitably lost. I ever depended on the states of New England for the pay of the hire of the ox-teams raised i n them respectively for the last cam­ paign; and so far as you are concerned I wish you to make applica­ tion to the legislatures or executive powers for the purpose. I f money, or an equivalent for it, cannot be obtained i n this way, I almost despair of getting i t elsewhere i n any reasonable time. M r . Pomeroy is settling w i t h the conductors he employed, w i t h such means as the state of Connecticut furnish h i m : these, I believe, are pay-table notes, receivable i n taxes as hard money." Some time i n February, 1782 I again mentioned to M r . M o r r i s the affair of the ox-teams: but no money was to be obtained. On the contrary, altho' M r . M o r r i s had promised to furnish monies for all the necessary services of m y department, i n 1782; and I had made m y engagements accordingly: yet I experienced such dis­ appointments, that for several months I d i d not dare to face m y creditors; and thro' the residue of that year, the partial supplies of money w i t h which I was furnished, created me nearly as many embarrassments as the almost total want of the two preceeding campaigns; and to this day many of those engagements, particu­ larly to persons employed i n the department, remain unfilled. M a n y successive applications were made to the superintendant of finance, on this subject: but his inability to comply w i t h these demands was uniformly declared. His verbal answer on one appli­ cation is expressed i n the following extract of m y letter of Deer. 15th 1782, to Colonel Hatch, viz. " A t several different times I have spoke to M r . M o r r i s on the subject of the teams hired i n Massachusetts for the campaign 1 7 8 1 . H i s embarrassments seven or eight months ago were suffi128

27

APRIL

1784

cient to prevent a compliance w i t h m y request to be furnished by him w i t h the means of discharging that public debt. T o a recent application he has replied, T h a t the revenue arising from the taxes of 1782, being subsequent to the time when that debt was con­ tracted, and destined to provide for subsequent public services, cannot w i t h propriety be applied to defray the expence i n question, which must be charged to prior taxes, and out of the arrears thereof be paid by the state." Notwithstanding this answer, as the legislature of Massachusetts did not t h i n k proper to interpose for the relief of the team owners, unless the sums they should pay m i g h t be placed to their credit in the taxes of 1782; I afterward made repeated applications to the superintendant of finance i n their behalf. T h a t w h i c h alone is of consequence to lay before the committee, was by m y letter of the 2 0 t h of June 1783, to which I received M r . Morris's final answer of the 2 d of September following, m y letter having been mislaid (when I thought i t had been forwarded) and not transmitted u n t i l the 2 8 t h of August. Copies of these letters I have the honour to inclose, and to them I beg leave to refer the committee. T h i s detail, I believe, contains every material information i n m y power to communicate: but should any question arise about which it is supposed I can give farther satisfaction, I shall always be happy to do i t . I have the honour to be, w i t h the greatest respect, sir your most TIMOTHY PICKERING

obedient servant,

Q. M . G . R C (DNA: P C C , No. 137, Appendix); pendix): T r of Timothy Pickering: to at foot of text: "The Honble. Thomas Robert Morris, 20 June 1783; T r of Jefferson Esqr. I n Congress." F C Robert Morris to Pickering, 2 Sep. (DNA: R G 93, Pickering Letter Books). 1783. Enclosures ( D N A : P C C , No. 137, Ap-

To

Benjamin Harrison

{Annapolis, 27 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Govr. Post delays— not stopped here—Geni. W's postage—M[ercer]'s letter of Apr. 10." Not found.] F r o m R a l p h Izard DEAR SIR

The Elms South Carolina 27th. April 1784.

I am much flattered by a very friendly Letter which I received a few days ago from you. Nothing can be more pleasing than

129

2 7 APRIL

1784

expressions of regard from those we esteem, and love. Y o u are so good as to promise me a Letter now, and then; be assured that I shall at all times be happy to hear from you. W e have had repeated accounts of the disagreeable situation of Congress at Annapolis. T h a t the States should be so inattentive to their interest is much to be lamented; and this is a matter I never think of but w i t h a mixture of indignation, and sorrow. H o w can the negligence of Maryland be accounted for? Is she ignorant of the advantages to be derived from the residence of Congress? Or does she suppose, as the Citizens of Philadelphia foolishly, and presumptuously d i d that it is impossible for them to go anywhere else? A t the commence­ ment of the war I was well aware that at the end of i t we should have difficulties to contend w i t h . The inattention and even disre­ spect shewn to the federal Government by almost every State i n the Union, w i l l be productive of the most serious, and I fear fatal consequences, and was not one among the number of which I was at that time apprehensive. You w i l l have heard that our Legislature have passed the 5 pr. Cent L a w . Considerable opposition was given to i t by some of the ablest, and most respectable M e n i n this Coun­ try. I t was however carried by a majority of three to one; and I hope the conduct of the other States w i l l make i t unnecessary to repeal i t , t i l l our public debt is paid. Our Legislature have likewise shewn themselves remarkably moderate towards the Refugees. The confiscation, and amercement Laws are i n a great measure done away. I n this also I hope the other States w i l l follow our example. , W o u l d to God I could say that tranquillity was perfectly restored to this State. Dissentions, and Factions still exist; and like the H y d r a , when one head destroyed, another arises. The British have deprived us of a great deal of our property. The inconveniences arising from their conflagrations, and robberies w i l l however i n a little time be forgotten. The animosity, and hatred planted by them in the breasts of our Citizens against each other, is the most serious injury they have done us. Some joined the Enemy from inclination. Others, i n the most difficult times from compulsion, and believing the cause desperate, and almost totally lost. Nine, out of T e n of those who received British protection, I suppose to be of the latter description, and had i n the beginning shewn themselves both i n Council, and i n the Field, friendly to our Cause. These can not, except i n a few instances, forgive those who refused to bend to the Power at that time existing i n the State, and chose to commit their lives, and property to the issue of the contest. I entirely concur w i t h 130

2 7 APRIL

1784

you i n opinion respecting the cession of the back lands, and spoke of i t several times during the course of last W i n t e r . The expedient you mention to settle the difference w i t h our younger Sister, I think a good one; but I fear she w i l l not have wisdom enough to adopt i t . I am settled upon an agreeable spot, about 18 Miles from Charles T o w n . A Plantation long neglected, but pleasantly situated, and capable of great improvement. T h i s I am attempting; and m y inclination would lead me never to enter again into public Life. I have sown T e n Acres of Lucerne i n D r i l l s , at the distance of 40 Inches from each other. T h i s was done about the 10th. M a r c h , and i t is come up very well. I have lately had a very troublesome piece of work. A quantity of grass, and weeds got so intimately con­ nected, and combined w i t h the Plants, that the Hoe was of little, or no service, and I was obliged to have the whole handpicked, which employed 20 w o r k i n g hands six days. The ground had lain fallow three, or four Years; and I was so backward i n other parts of m y Farm, that I ploughed, and harrowed i t only once, which I believe is the reason of my having so much trouble w i t h i t . I f i t would not be deemed too selfish, and too injurious to our friends in V i r g i n i a , I could express a wish, which I sincerely feel, that you were settled w i t h i n a M i l e , or T w o of me, that I might have re­ course to you for advice on this, and on other occasions. W h e n you write to Mr. Madison, be pleased to offer h i m m y Compliments, and assure h i m of m y sincere regard. Pray remember me affec­ tionately to all m y friends i n Congress, and particularly to M r . Hawkins. He often spoke to me of M r . Hawks an Architect at Newbern, who was desirous of settling i n South Carolina. I think he would find encouragement here. I have several things to do i n his way; and i f he were here, I would put them under his direction. W i l l you be so good as to request M r . Hawkins to inform me whether i t is M r . Hawks's intention to come to Charles T o w n i n the course of this summer. I wish h i m to be here, but can not under­ take to invite h i m , lest he should not succeed, of which I think there is no great danger. I f i t is not his intention to come here this Year, I must employ somebody else. M y W i f e , and Daughters present their Compliments to you, and Miss Patsey, and I am w i t h great regard D r . Sr. Your most obt. Servant, R A . IZARD Is there a possibility of having three, or four Hundred young, Grafted Crab Apple Trees sent me here from Virginia? Pray forward the enclosed Letter to M r s . Richd. L l o y d , w i t h Mrs. Izard's and m y Compliments to her and M r . L l o y d . 131

2 7 APRI L R C ( D L C ) ; endorsed. Noted in S J L as received at Boston 20 June 1784. T J transmitted the enclosed letter to Mrs. Lloyd in his to Samuel Hardy of 1 July (see entry for the letter to Hardy on that date). MR.

HAWKS

AN ARCHITECT AT NEW-

(N.C.) 1790), whose the history of tecture arises

was John Hawks (1731chief claim to a place in American colonial archi­ out of the fact that he

BERN

17 84

designed and supervised the building of Governor Tryon's splendid and costly mansion at New Bern (1767-1770). He also built other structures, including the Craven County prison, but from 1770 to his death he seems to have been primarily a petty officeholder rath­ er than architect, being clerk of the upper house of the General Assembly, justice of the peace, and district and state auditor ( D A B ) .

R e p o r t of a C o m m i t t e e H u g h

concerning

Mercer [27 Apr. 1784]

The committee &c having agreed to the following resolution. Resolved that the Superintendant of finance be directed to take order for the paiment of 333Vâ Dollars to the guardian of H u g h Mercer son of the late General Mercer for one year's education and maintenance. M S ( D N A : P C C , No. 19, rv); entirely in T J ' s hand; at foot of text, in Thomson's hand: "passed April 27. 1784"; endorsed in part: "No. 20. Resoln of Comte: M r Jefferson M r Sherman M r Gerry On a motion of M r Jefferson." T J ' s motion, made the same day, is

T o

also in D N A : P C C , No. 19, rv, and reads: "That the Superintendant of finance take order for paying to the guardian of Hugh Mercer Dollars for one year's maintenance"; it is endorsed "Mr Jefferson M r Howell," indicating that Howell seconded T J ' s motion ( D N A : P C C , No. 186).

John Sullivan

[Annapolis, 27 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Geni. Sullivan. Acknol. receipt his letters—glad of further information on M o o s e correspondence—Western territory—adjournment Congr." Not found. The letters of Sullivan acknowledged by this were those of 12 Mch. (received 13 A p r . ) and 3 Apr. (received 23 A p r . ) . ]

T o

William

Whipple

[Annapolis, 27 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Geni. Whipple. Acknol. receipt his letter [of 15 Mch.]—glad of further information on Moose—Western territory—adjournment Congr." Not found.] 132 1

Balloon Ascension, 2 1 November 1783, from the garden of the Chβteau Muette, P a r i s . (See p. x x v i i . )

E n g r a v i n g for "Explanation of the A i r Balloon," in The Boston Magazine, F e b r u a r y 1784. (See p. x x v i i . )

George Washington. Portrait by Joseph Wright, finished by John Trumbull. (See p. xxvii.)

T o James Currie [Annapolis, 28 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Dr. Currie. Ballons —adjournment Congr.—-settle near Monticello." Not found.]

From the Rev. James Madison DEAR SIR

Williamsbg. Apr. 28th. 1784

I t is finally determined that we shall enter upon the Business of adjusting the Boundary Line between Penna, and V i r g i n i a i n June. W e had given Orders for the Importation of valuable Instruments for this Purpose, and also for the Connoissance des Temps and nautical Almanach. B u t we have been disappointed by the extreme Severity of the W i n t e r . They cannot arrive i n T i m e . The Pennsylvanians rather than protract the Business, have agreed to furnish Instruments for the Eastern E n d . I shall go the western, w i t h what we have here. B u t as the Books mentioned w i l l be necessary, I re­ solved to request your Assistance i n procuring both, or one of them, i f they could possibly be had. I thought you m i g h t probably be able to effect this, from your Connections at Philada. Annapolis or New York. The Conn: des Temps is frequently to be met w i t h on Board the French Ships, always on those belonging to the K i n g . I have here requested a Merchant to endeavour to procure a copy, but doubting of Success, must beg your favourable Assistance also. The Loss of m y De la Lande from whose Tables, Calculations might easily have been made, renders one or other absolutely neces­ sary, unless indeed the Pennsylvanians may have procured them. Besides the Eclipses of Jupiter's Sat. they w i l l be necessary i n many other Respects. Your Letter to D r . M c C . has put us also upon attempting an aerial Voyage; we have not yet however been able to ascend. I find the A i r from Straw much more inflammable than any I ever col­ lected from W o o d & c , but have not been able to observe that extreme Levity, which must be necessary for the Purposes of a Balloon. A Gun Barrel is what I have hitherto used, for we do not understand the Method used i n France for collecting such vast Quantities of i t . I f you should have been informed relative to this, should be most obliged for your Communication. I am sorry that I have not been able to continue m y T h e r m . Observations. The Thermometer was borrowed and sent for about a month past. The Diary ends 30th. March—began 16th. Jany. [133]

2 8 APRIL

1784

It is impossible to procure one here, but I expect that which I ordered from England about June. The Comet I mentioned in my last cross'd the Eclipse about 23° V2 in Pisces. It's Course was a little inclined to the East of North. It's Motion was about 1°15'15" in 24 Hours. The last Observation I made upon it was the 12th. of Feby. when I measured its Dis­ tance from y in Pegasus. But the Weather was so cold as to render the Use of Instruments almost impracticable. The Light of the Moon also greatly obstructed Observation at the most critical Time. I am D r . Sir, with the greatest Respect & Esteem, Y r . Friend & Servt.,

J . MADISON

R C ( D L C ) . Noted in S J L as received 7 May 1784. Y O U R L E T T E R T O D R . M C c.: See James McClurg to T J , 17 Mch. 1784.

T o Philip Mazzei {Annapolis, 28 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "P. Mazzei. My pro­ ceedings in his affairs—adjournment Congr.—will bear testimony if he can fix particular point—correspond.—communicated de Rieux's arrival at Chas. T . and letter to me." Not found. Derieux's letter is that of 22 Feb. 1784, q.v.]

T o Edmund Pendleton {Annapolis, 28 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: " E . Pendleton. Lot­ tery tickets—Trumbull's proclamation—Western territory—adjourn­ ment of Congress—committee states—requisitions—Luz[erne]. Marb[ois]—Eng. news to Mar. 25." Not found.]

T o Edmund Randolph {Annapolis, 28 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: " E . Rand. Deane's pamphlet. Western report, land office ordinance—requisitions—business before Congr.—Luzerne, Marb[ois].—London news to Mar. 25. viz. Pitt in—illumination of London, addresses in support—majority in H.C. reduced to 12.—parliament will be dissolved—a M.S. copy of his defence of Western right if it is not to be published." Not found.]

T o Philip T u r p i n DEAR SIR

Annapolis Apr. 28.

1784.

Supposing you may not have received intelligence to be relied on as to the reality and extent of the late discovery of traversing the [134]

28

1784

APRIL

June. 5.

Annonay

36.

Aug. 27

12

Sep. 19.

Champ de Mars Académie Roiale Versailles

Oct. 19.

Paris

70.

46.

Nov. 21

Chateau de Muette

72

46.

Sep. 12.

Dec.

70. 57.

41.

paper

straw and wool b u r n t taffety, i r o n filings, gum elastic vitriolic acid canvas straw and and paper wool cloth straw and wool straw and wool

% Ve y 2

490. lb 1200. toises 35.

5. leagues

1000. toises unknown

1250. 696.

1700. toises 5000 toises

Vz 1700.

5000 toises i n 20' twenty odd miles

a sheep, duck and cock aboard 54. toises 2. men aboard 1600. toises 2, men aboard 1600. toises 2. men aboard, barometer fell from 28 to 18. Farenh's thermometer fell 36°.

300. toises

They suppose the m i n i m u m of these ballons to be of 6. inches diameter. These are constructed of gold beater's skin and filled w i t h inflammeable air. T h i s air produced from iron-filings, the vitriolic acid and distilled water is, i n weight, to Atmospheric air as 7. to 4 3 . on an average of the trials; and when produced from the filings of Zinc, the Marine acid and distilled water, is to the Atmospheric air as 5. to 53. or 1. to IOV2. B u t Montgolfier's air is half the weight of Atmospheric. T h i s is produced by burning straw and wool. The straw must be dry and open, and the wool shred very fine, so that they may make a clear flame, w i t h as little smoke as possible. 50. t b of straw and 5. l b of wool filled the ballons of Oct. 19. and Nov. 21. i n five minutes. These ballons contained 60,000 cubic feet. N o analysis of this air is given us. Monsr. de Saint-fond, the author of the book, gives us a very great and useless display of Mathematical learning, w h i c h certainly has as yet had very little to do w i t h the discovery, and when he comes to the chemical investigations, which are interesting, he sais little. T h e ballons sometimes were torn by the pressure of the internal air being insufficiently counteracted i n the higher regions 135

Mise ellaneous circu mstances.

•S Ascet the a-

zontal nee to h it went

Weig ht the Ballon woul d raise

Weig ht compare with Comimon air

9t3

\ Materials from whicih the intern air w as produce*

Materials of whx the Envelopmen was made.

Dian,i. of Ballon in feet

Beigiht of Ballo n in feet

Place •of expei 'iment

Date of exper 'iment 1783.

air i n ballons, and having lately perused a book i n w h i c h every t h i n g is brought together on that subject so low down as Decemb. last, I w i l l give you a detail of i t . I w i l l state the several experi­ ments, w i t h the most interesting circumstances attending them, by way of table, which w i l l give you a clearer view and i n less compass.

2 8 APRIL

17 84

of the Atmosphere. These rents were of 6. or 7.f. length. Yet the machine descended w i t h a gentle equable motion and not w i t h an accelerated one. B y the trials at Versailles and the Champ de Mars it appears that they w i l l go w i t h a moderate w i n d 150. leagues i n 24. hours. There are yet two principal desiderata. 1. The cheapest and easiest process of making the lightest inflammable air. 2. A n envelopment which w i l l be light, strong, impervious to the air and proof against rain. Supplies of gas are desireable too, without being obliged to carry fire w i t h the machine: for i n those i n which men ascended there was a store of straw and wool laid i n the gallery which surrounded the bottom of the ballon and i n which the men stood, and a chaffing dish of 3 feet cube i n which they burnt the materials to supply air. I t is conjectured that these machines may be guided by oars and raised and depressed by having vessels wherein, by the aid of pumps, they can produce a vacuum or con­ densation of atmospheric air at w i l l . They are, from some new circumstances, strengthened i n the opinion that there are generally opposite or different currents i n the Atmosphere; and that i f the current next the earth is not i n the direction which suits you, by ascending higher you may find one that does. Between these there is probably a region of eddy where you may be stationary, i f philosophical experiments be your object. The uses of this dis­ covery are suggested to be 1. transportation of commodities under some circumstances; 2. traversing deserts, countries possessed by an enemy, or ravaged by infectious disorders, pathless and inac­ cessible mountains; 3. conveying intelligence into a beseiged place, or perhaps enterprizing on i t , reconnoitring an army, & c ; 4. throwing new lights on the thermometer, barometer, hygrometer, rain, snow, hail, w i n d and other phaenomena of which the Atmos­ phere is the theatre; 5. the discovery of the pole, which is but one day's journey, i n a baloon, from where the ice has hitherto stopped adventurers; 6. raising weights, lightening ships over bars; 7. housebreaking, smuggling, &c. Some of these objects are ludicrous, others serious, important and probable. I w i l l give you the figures of the baloons on the last page. Congress has determined to adjourn on the 3d. of June to meet in November at Trenton. A vessel arrived here yesterday which left London the 25th. of M a r c h . She brings papers to the 2 0 t h . of that month. M r . Pitt was still i n place, supported by the city of London, the nation i n general, and the House of Lords. Still how­ ever the majority i n the House of commons was against h i m , tho reduced to 12. I t was thought the parliament would be dissolved. 136

29

APRIL

1784

Be so good as to present m y dutiful respects to m y uncle and aunt and to be assured of the esteem w i t h which I am D r . Sir Your friend & servt, T H : JEFFERSON

R C (Members of the Turpin family, Cincinnati, 1946). Entry in S J L reads: "Dr. Turpin. Baloons. Adjournment of Congr. E n g . news ut supra [in entry in S J L for letter to Randolph, this date]." Drawings by T J on verso of last leaf (reduced in facsimile above). MONSR. D E SAINT-FOND, T H E AUTHOR

O F T H E BOOK, was Barthelmy Faujas de Saint-Fond and his work was Description des expériences de la machine aérostatique de MM. Montgolfier et de celles auxquelles cette découverte a donné lieu (2 vols., Paris, 1783-1784). It is possible that at this time T J had access only to the first volume.

From Robert SIR

Morris

Office of Finance 29th: April 1784.

Upon the receipt of your Favor of the ninth Instant I made application to the Quarter Master General to whom I find that you had also written. T h a t Gentleman ( i n Consequence of m y Applica137;

30

APRIL

1784

tion ) Yesterday transmitted the Copy of his Answer to you, which contains a full Account of the whole transaction. B u t to explain some Parts of i t I beg leave to observe that the Payments made for the Teams of N e w Jersey were as follows, First, "the Assistance" mentioned as given by me to Colo. Neilson was an Order to the Loan Officer of N e w Jersey to comply w i t h a W a r r a n t granted on h i m by Congress i n Favor of Colo. Neilson for Money of the New Emissions. T h i s had been suspended i n Consequence of a subse­ quent W a r r a n t by Congress in favor of the Pay Master General. But that Paper having become useless to the Pay Office I gave the Order above mentioned. The subsequent Payment of two thousand four hundred Dollars on Application of the Quarter Master General was from Monies granted by the Court of France for the service of 1781. B u t these were so far inadequate to that service as to leave many Things unpaid for which yet remain due. I beg leave further to remark that the rule mentioned i n the begining of m y Letter of the second of September was founded on the Stipulations made w i t h Congress when I entered into Office. But setting that Matter aside; i t is evident that i f Congress should themselves direct an appropriation of the Requisitions for 1782, to the Discharge of Debts which accrued i n 1781 before all the Debts of 1782 (among which is that heavy one to the A r m y ) are paid i t would raise a great Clamor. A n d the measure would indeed be of so questionable a Nature as that i t m i g h t be difficult to find good Reasons by which to defend i t . H o w little those requisitions could bear a Deduction at the present Moment is too clear and need not be repeated. W i t h perfect respect I have the Honor to be Sir, Your most obedient & Humble Servant, ROBT MORRIS R C ( D N A : P C C , No. 137, Appendix); in clerk's hand; at foot of text: "The Honble Mr. Jefferson Chairman of a Grand Committee of Congress"; endorsed. F C ( D L C : Robert Morris Papers). THE

QUARTER

MASTER

GENERAL'S

A N S W E R : See Pickering to T J , 26 Apr. 1784. T h e Grand Committee did not report until after T J had left Congress;

T o

on the basis of its report, on 1 June, CongTess directed Morris to draw on Massachusetts for the sums due the contractors and authorized the state to charge these sums with interest "as part of the state's quota which may be made for

the

year 1785"

507-8; Burnett, Letters v n , No. 6 1 6 ) .

( J C C , XXVII,

of

Members,

Benjamin Harrison

SIR

Annapolis Apr. 30: 1784.

I do myself the honor of inclosing you an act of Congress on the subject of Western territory as passed a few days ago. The 138

30

APRIL

1784

Ordinance for opening the land office so soon as our purchases are made from the Indians is not yet passed. I also inclose a copy of the estimate and requisitions of the year as they passed Congress. This however you w i l l shortly receive from the President officially. Congress have determined that they w i l l adjourn on the 3d. of June to meet at Trenton i n November. V i r g i n i a , M a r y l a n d and Pennsylvania gave such certain powers to Congress to enable them to counteract the British commercial measures. B u t these powers were all different. A recommendation is therefore now under con­ sideration proposing to the states to give a uniform power for a given term of years which may enable Congress to make i t the interest of every nation to enter into equal treaties w i t h us. T h i s I think w i l l be ready by the next post. The Chevalr. Luzerne has notified his leave to return home and that Monsr. de Marbois w i l l act as Charge des affaires t i l l a successor arrives. W e begin to hope that the bills of the financier threatened w i t h protest have been taken up. The ground of our hope is the length of time elapsed without hearing of their ultimate protest. A vessel arrived here two days ago which left London the 25th. of M a r c h . She brings papers to the 20th. P i t t was still i n place, supported by the k i n g , House of Lords, the city of London, E . India company and the nation i n general, who were sending addresses from all parts to the crown i n his favor. The grocers company having presented h i m w i t h the freedom of their body and given h i m an entertainment, the city was illuminated, and the windows of the opposition who would not illuminate were broken. Still the opposition returned a majority of 12. i n the House of commons who kept all the wheels of government suspended. I t was i n M r . Pitt's power to secure himself at any time by admitting coalition: but this would seem to shift h i m on the very ground which had shaken his adversaries. I t was beleived the parliament would be dissolved. They had con­ tinued the king's power over our commerce six months longer. I have the honor to be w i t h very great respect & esteem your Excellency's Most obedient & most humble servt., TH: R C ( V i ) ; endorsed: "Letter from Mr. Jefferson inclosing an act of Congress on the Subject of Western territory & also the Estimates & requisitions for the year 1784." Enclosures (missing) as indicated in letter, endorsement, and entry in S J L ; see above

JEFFERSON

under 1 Mch. and 5 Apr. 1784. Entry in S J L reads: "Govr. Inclosed report Western territory and requisitions—adjournment of Congr.—commercial subject—Luzerne—Marb[ois]—Morris's bills —London news to Mar. 25. ut ante [in entry for letter to Randolph 28 Apr.]"

139

Samuel

Hardy

to B e n j a m i n

SIR

Harrison

Annapolis 30th April 1784

M r . Jeffersons letter of this date w i l l give your Excellency every Communication that is worth transmitting. Nothing therefore remains for me; but to manifest the Attention which I shall always feel myself happy i n paying to every request which you may think proper to honour me w i t h . I have conferred w i t h M r . Jefferson on the expediency of his acting as a Commissioner for extending the boundary line between V i r g a . and Pensylva. He informs me that he is under the necessity of spending some weeks i n Phila. during the summer. A n d i f the business can be so arranged as to admit of his taking that stand he w i l l accept the appointment. The Cession of our Western territory seems to have removed that jealousy which many of the states indulged against V i r g i n i a . A n d I think nothing remains to prevent her forming an interest which w i l l give her the respectable influence i n the Councils of America to which she is entitled; but an amicable termination of the dispute w i t h Pensylvania. Under this Idea I feel a degree of solicitude some what unusual that no impediment should take place on the part of V i r g a . which can be construed into an inten­ tion either to protract or defeat the business. W i t h every sentiment of respect I have the honour to be Your Excellencys M o Obedt hble servt., S: HARDY R C ( V i ) ; endorsed.

R e p o r t of a C o m m i t t e e Land

to E s t a b l i s h a

Office [30 April 1784]

Be i t ordained, by the United states i n Congress assembled, that the territory ceded by individual states to the United states, when the same shall have been purchased of the Indian inhabitants, and laid off into states, shall be disposed of i n the following manner. I t shall be divided into Hundreds of ten geographical miles square, each mile containing 6086 feet and four tenths of a foot, by lines to be r u n and marked due N o r t h and South, and others crossing these at right angles, the first of which lines, each way, shall be at 140

REPORT

ON L A N D

OFFICE

1784

ten miles distance from one of the corners of the state w i t h i n which they shall be. B u t i f the Indian purchase shall not have included any one of the corners of the state, the lines shall then be r u n at the termination of integral miles, as measured from some one of the corners, but shall be extended, by actual marks, only so far as the purchase extends. These Hundreds shall be subdivided into lots of one mile square each, or 850 acres and four tenths of an acre, by marked lines running i n like manner due N o r t h and South, and others crossing these at right angles. For laying off the said territory, Surveyors shall be appointed by Congress, or the Committee of the states, who shall proceed forthwith, under the direction of the Register hereafter to be men­ tioned, to divide the same into hundreds, by lines i n the directions, and at the intervals before mentioned, which lines shall be measured w i t h a chain, shall be plainly marked by chaps or marks on the trees, and shall be exactly described on a plat, whereon shall be noted, at their proper distances, all watercourses, mountains, and other remarkeable and permanent things, over or near which such lines shall pass. The Hundreds being laid off and marked, nine of them shall be assigned as a district to each surveyor, who shall then proceed to divide each Hundred of his district into lots as before directed, beginning w i t h the Hundreds most i n demand, and measuring, marking, and platting the said dividing lines thereof i n the manner before directed for the Hundreds, save only that the lines of the lots shall be distinguished by a single m a r k on each tree, and those of the hundreds by three marks. A n d that the said lots may be capable of more accurate description and distinction from each other, those i n every Hundred shall be designated by the numbers in their order from 1. to 100. beginning at the Northwestern lot of the Hundred and applying the numbers from 1. to 10. to the lots of the first row from West to East successively, those from 11. to 20. to the lots of the second row from West to East and so on. The Surveyors shall pay due and constant attention to the varia­ tion of the magnetic meridian, and shall r u n and note all lines by the true meridian, certifying w i t h every plat what was the variation at the time of running the lines thereon noted. A Register shall be appointed by Congress, for each of the states w i t h i n which the said territory shall lie, who shall keep his office w i t h i n the said state, be resident at i t himself, and provide a seal for authenticating it's acts. T o h i m returns shall me made, by the several surveyors, on the last days of M a r c h and August 1

2

141

REPORT

ON

LAND

OFFICE

1784

in every year, of the plats of all lines, measured and marked by them i n the preceding half year, to be by h i m collated, and reduced into a general map of the whole state for which he acts. He shall annually, to w i t , on the first Monday i n November of every year, deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Secretary of Congress, a copy of such portions of the said general map as shall have been formed, or further filled up, during the preceding year, retaining one i n his own office for the use thereof. He shall have power to suspend any surveyor for negligence or malversation, making re­ port thereof to Congress, or a Committee of the states, that they may direct a proper enquiry. Each Register shall cause to be printed, under such devices, dif­ ficult of imitation, as he shall think best, warrants, each of which shall give right to one lot of a mile square described as before directed: and other warrants for each of the said states which shall give right, each of them, to one of the Hundreds of ten mile square as before described. These warrants shall have blanks for names and dates, shall be numbered and signed by the Register, sealed w i t h the seal of his office, and shall be cut w i t h indentures from a book, the margin of which shall be numbered in correspondence w i t h the warrant cut therefrom, and shall be preserved i n the office as a further check. The said warrants shall be deposited i n the Treasury of the United states, and the Treas­ urer thereon debited w i t h them. F r o m thence they shall be sent in such numbers as the Register issuing them shall direct, to the Commissioner of the loan office for the United states i n each of the states w i t h i n the Union, the Treasurer countersigning them on parting therewith, and having a credit duly entered i n his own account w i t h the United states, and a debit against the loan officer, to w h o m they are sent. A n y person, chusing to become a purchaser of lands w i t h i n the said territory, and paying to the Treasurer, or Loan officer, the sum of dollars, shall receive i n lieu thereof one of the said smaller warrants entitling h i m to a lot, or paying dollars, shall receive i n lieu thereof one of the said larger warrants entitling h i m to a whole Hundred w i t h i n the state from which the warrant issued; the Treasurer or Loan officer inserting the name of the purchaser i n the proper blank, filling up the date, and attesting the warrant by his own subscription. Loan office certificates, re­ duced to their specie value by the scale of depreciation, or certifi­ cates of liquidated debts of the United states, shall be receivable for the said warrants i n lieu of money; and evidences of military

142 :

REPORT

ON

LAND

OFFICE

1784

rights to lands, herein after to be described, shall be receivable instead of the price itself of so much land. These warrants shall pass as lands, by descent or devise, but not by assignment nor by survivorship. The owner of any warrant proceeding to locate the same, shall deliver i t to the Surveyor of the district, wherein his location is to be, describing to h i m the particular lot on which he places i t , or the Hundred, i f i t be a warrant for a hundred, by a designation of some point, either natural or artificial, w i t h i n the said lot, or Hundred, so singular and certain as may be adapted to no other lot or Hundred; or by reference to the position of the Hundred, or number of the lot, which description the Surveyor shall imme­ diately enter i n a book well bound, w i t h the date of the entry, describing the warrant located thereon by it's number, date, signa­ tures and name of the original owner, and leaving no blank space or leaf between that and the preceding entry, nor any margin by it's side. I f the location be made before the lot or hundred be yet laid off by lines actually r u n and marked, the Surveyor shall retain the warrant i n his hands u n t i l the Hundred, i f i t be for a Hundred, or u n t i l all the Lots of the Hundred, i f i t be for a L o t , shall be actually laid off by marked lines: and then, or at the time of the entry, i f the lines were marked before the entry was made, having satisfied himself by proper evidence, or by his own inspection and examination, on what particular lot, or on what Hundred, the loca­ tion is, and that there has been no previous location on the same, he shall give to the party a certificate, describing the lot or H u n ­ dred so specially as that i t may be known from all others, by par­ ticular marks or circumstances, natural or artificial, by stating the order or position of the Hundred relatively to the boundaries of the state, and specifying the lot by it's number: w i t h which cer­ tificate he shall return the warrant also to the party. These being delivered to the Register, and the warrant examined, and found genuine by h i m , he shall give a receipt for the same, and i n due time proceed to execute a grant of the land i n the following form. ' A . B . register of the land office of the United states w i t h i n the state of to all to w h o m these presents shall come, greeting. K n o w ye that for good considerations, there is granted by the United states of America unto C. D . a certain lot [or Hundred of land as the case shall be, describing i t from the certificate] w i t h i n the said state of to have and to hold the said lot [or H u n ­ d r e d ] of land, w i t h it's appurtenances, to h i m the said C. D . and his heirs for ever. I n witness whereof the said A . B . register of the 3

4

4

143

REPORT

ON

LAND

OFFICE

1784

land office of the said state hath hereunto set his hand, and caused the seal of his office to be affixed, this—day of i n the year-— and of the indépendance of the United states the ' which grant shall be entered of record, at full length, i n good, well bound, books to be provided for that purpose, at the expence of the United states, and kept by the Register, and being so entered, shall be certified to have been registered, and then be delivered to the party or his order. Different lots, adjoining side by side w i t h i n the same Hundred, may be included and passed by the same grant; but separate lots, and lots i n different Hundreds, as also different Hundreds, shall be passed by different grants. N o fractions of a lot shall be granted, unless where such fractions are occasioned by the boundary of the state, or of the Indian conveyance. U n t i l a temporary government shall be established i n any state according to the resolutions of Congress of A p r i l 1784. The lands therein shall pass, i n descent and dower, according to the customs known in the common law by the name of Gavelkind: and shall be trans­ f e r a b l e by deed or w i l l proved by two witnesses. B u t so soon as a temporary government shall be so established, they shall become subject to the laws of the state, and shall never after, i n any case, revert to the United states. Where a grant shall be made out to the heir or devisee of the person i n whose name the warrant was originally issued, he shall be named i n the said grant as heir or devisee. For preventing hasty and surreptitious titles, the Register shall execute no grant for lands u n t i l the warrant and certificate deliv­ ered h i m for the same shall have remained i n his office months: at any time w i t h i n which period any person, claiming the same lands under a prior location, shall be at liberty to enter a caveat, w i t h the Register, against the execution of any grant to the other, setting forth i n the entry a copy of the location under which him­ self claims. The Register shall thereupon issue a Summons, recit­ ing the entry made w i t h h i m , and calling the defendant to appear, at a certain time and place, i n defence of his right; w h i c h Summons being served, and the parties appearing, he shall refer the decision to three arbitrators to be chosen by them, or i f they cannot agree then to three intelligent honest and indifferent persons, to be named by himself; which arbitrators being first sworn to do justice be­ tween the parties according to the best of their knowlege and abilities by the Register who is hereby authorized to administer such oath shall proceed thereon, at such times and places as they shall appoint, giving notice thereof to the parties, and their award 5

; 144 ]

REPORT

ON L A N D

OFFICE

1784

being rendered, the Register shall execute a grant to the plaintiff or defendant, conformably therewith. T h e party whose location is annulled shall be authorized to receive again his warrant, and to locate i t on other lands. I f the defendant, being summoned, or the plaintiff, fails to appear by himself or another before the Register on the day appointed, the Register may give a further day, or i n his discretion may proceed on the evidence before h i m to execute a grant to the party having the right. I f the defendant fails to appear, and there be no sufficient proof that the Summons has been served, the Register shall issue a new Summons, unless i t shall be proved that he hath been sought at the usual place of his dwell­ ing, and hath not been found, i n which case the Summons shall be advertised three times i n some gazette of the state wherein he then resides, or last was known to reside, giving a new day of appear­ ance, which shall not be w i t h i n less than months after the date of the t h i r d publication, and on his failing to appear at that day, the Register shall proceed to decision. B u t i n case of a deci­ sion against the defendant, where there was no actual service of the Summons, he shall be allowed at any time w i t h i n one year after such decision, a rehearing before arbitrators to be appointed and qualified as directed i n the case of an appearance: but on such rehearing the mere right alone shall be tried. The Register, together w i t h the map before directed to be delivered annually to the Secretary of Congress, shall report a Calendar of all grants executed by h i m , stating i n different columns thereof the date, grantee, quantity, how much of that was for military service, the Hundred, and L o t . The monies arising from the sale of warrants shall be applied to the sinking such part of the principal of the national debt as Congress shall from time to time direct, and to no other purpose whatsoever. The Register, before he enters on the duties of his office, shall give such bond and security for the faithful discharge thereof as Congress, or the Committee of the states, shall approve, and shall be entitled to receive, for the execution of every grant dollar, for every L o t the same shall contain, or dollars i f i t be for a whole Hundred: which shall be paid at the time he receives the warrant and certificate, and shall be deemed satisfaction for all the services and expences of his office, except the purchase of books for registring grants and of the seal of his office. Every Surveyor shall also, before he enters on the duties of his office, give such bond and security for the faithful discharge thereof [ 145]

REPORT

ON

LAND

OFFICE

1784

as Congress, or the Committee of the states shall approve, and shall be entitled to receive for every L o t located w i t h h i m dollars, and dollars for a whole Hundred, which shall be paid at the time of location, and shall be deemed satisfaction for all the services and expences of his office. B u t where he shall have admitted more locations than one on the same land, he shall restore the fees received from the party whose location shall be set aside. A Surveyor desiring to locate lands for himself, shall make such location w i t h the Register. A n d whereas Congress by their resolutions of Sep. 16. 1776. and A u g . 12. 1780. stipulated grants of land to the officers and souldiers who should engage i n the service of the United states, and continue therein to the close of the war, or u n t i l discharged by Congress, and to the representatives of such officers and soul­ diers as should be slain by the enemy, i n the following proportions, to w i t to a Major General 1100 acres, to a Brigadier 850. to a Colonel 500. to a L t . Colonel 4 5 0 . to a Major 400. to a Captain 300. to a Lieutenant 200. to an Ensign 150. and to a noncom­ missioned officer or souldier 100. for complying therefore w i t h such stipulation, and for ascertaining the evidence of rights accru­ i n g under the same which shall be receivable instead of money, i t is ordained that the evidence to be required from commissioned of­ ficers shall be a certificate from the W a r office of their rank and continuance i n service to the end of the war; from non-commissioned officers and souldiers, a certificate from the captain of their com­ pany, countersigned by the officer who commanded their regiment at the time of their discharge, that they were enlisted into the service of the United states, during the war, and continued therein to the close of i t , to w i t , to the day of 1783. and from the representatives of such officers and souldiers as were slain by the enemy, a certificate, from the same authority, of the rank or term of enlistment of the deceased, and that he was slain by the enemy, together w i t h satisfactory affidavits that they are his repre­ sentatives: which evidences shall be receivable by the Loan officer of the United states i n the state to the line of which he belonged, or by the Treasurer i f he belonged to the line of no state: and on the warrant issued shall be an endorsement, signed by the treasurer or Loan officer declaring the proportion thereof which was satis­ fied by military service; and in the same proportion shall all fees be abated to which that warrant would otherwise be subject. The proceedings on i t i n all other respects shall be the same as on a warrant issued wholly for money. [ 146 ]

REPORT

ON

LAND

OFFICE

1784

Saving and confirming always to all Officers and Souldiers en­ titled to lands on the Northern side of the Ohio, by donation or bounty from the Commonwealth of V i r g i n i a , and to all persons claiming under them all rights to which they are so entitled by the laws of the said state and the acts of Congress accepting the cession of Western territory from the said state. MS ( D N A : P C C , No. 30, p. 59-66); eight pages entirely in T J ' s hand; en­ dorsed by him: "An Ordinance estab­ lishing a L a n d office for the United states"; and by Thomson: "Report of Mr. Jefferson M r Williamson M r How­ ell M r Gerry M r Read A n Ordinance for ascertaining the mode of locating and disposing of lands in the Western Territory. Entd. Read April 30. 1784. Friday May 7 assigned." Broadside ( D N A ) ; stitched into M S Journal of Congress 28 May 1784 ( j c c , x x v n , 722, No. 438) and bearing the title "An Ordinance for ascertaining the mode of locating and disposing of Lands in the Western Territory" ( J C C , x x v n , 446-53). There is evidence in the M S itself that T J copied it from some other MS, perhaps a rough draft, but no fragment of it has been found. On 2 Mch. 1784, the day following the acceptance by Congress of the Vir­ ginia Deed of Cession and the reading of the report of a plan for establishing temporary government in the Western Territory» Charles Thomson recorded that a committee as named above had been appointed "To devise and report the most eligible means of disposing of such part of the Western lands as may be obtained of the Indians by the pro­ posed treaty of peace and for opening a land office—and motion of M r Mont­ gomery" ( D N A : P C C , No. 186). T h e Journal contains no mention of the ap­ pointment of such a committee or of Montgomery's motion on 2 Mch. ( J C C , xxvi, 122; Howell evidently made the motion: see Howell to Jabez Bowen, 12 Mch. 1784, Burnett, Letters of Members, V I I , NO. 5 3 7 ) . B y the middle of March it was reported that as soon as the Indian purchase had been com­ pleted a land office would "be opened and that State in the Report calld Washington . . . disposed of" (Samuel Dick to Thomas Sinnickson, 18 Mch. 1784, same, v n , No. 5 4 4 ) . On 20 Apr. there was offered in Congress a "Mo­ tion of M r Williamson for empowering Congress to establish rules and L a w s of descent in Western Country during temporary government." The Journal

contains no mention of this motion, but it was made during the debates in Con­ gress on that part of the plan for the government of the Western Territory respecting hereditary titles and was re­ ferred to the committee previously ap­ pointed to draw up a plan for a land office ( D N A : P C C , No. 186). I t may be, therefore, that the provision that lands should pass A C C O R D I N G T O . . . G A V E L K I N D was inserted in the report between 20 Apr. and 30 Apr. when the committee reported; it is not known whether Williamson's motion included a proviso in these terms, but it should be noted that T J ' s draft of a Consti­ tution for Virginia in 1776 provided that "Descents shall go according to the laws of Gavelkind, save only that females shall have equal rights with males" (Vol. 1: 3 6 3 ) . T h e report was finished by 25 Apr. but not reported until 30 Apr. ( T J to Madison, 25 Apr. 1784; J C C , x x v i , 324-30). It was read the first time on 7 May when "Monday next" ( 10 May and the day before T J left Annapolis) was assigned for a sec­ ond reading. It was not brought up again, however, until 28 May and on the question as to whether it should be considered only Howell of Rhode Island, Mercer of Virginia, and Williamson and Spaight of North Carolina voted affirmatively (same, x x v n , 4 5 3 ) . There the matter rested until 4 Mch. 1785. After being postponed various times, the ordinance was adopted finally on 20 May 1785. T J ' s geographical mile of 6086.4 feet, which he evidently hoped would be incorporated in a deci­ malized system of weights and meas­ ures (see his Notes on Coinage at end of Apr. 1784, Document m ) , had been eliminated in favor of the statute mile; hundreds had become townships six miles square; a geographer had been added and the register eliminated; lots had been reduced to one square mile (640 acres); and most of T J ' s measures FOR

PREVENTING

HASTY A N D SURREP­

T I T I O U S T I T L E S had been thrown out (he had inserted them no doubt be­ cause of recent revelations of fraud in obtaining soldiers' warrants; Harrison

147

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to Speaker of House of Delegates, 3 May 1784, Executive Letter Book, V i ) ; and the proviso concerning descent was eliminated. Some features not in T J ' s plan were added: lots 8, 11, 26, and 29 of the 36 lots in each township were reserved by Congress for future sale; lot 16 was set aside for public schools; and one-third of all gold, silver, lead, and copper mines was reserved for dis­ posal by Congress ( J C C , x x v i i i , 114, 264, 298-302, 375-81). For the various broadside printings of the report of the committee in 1785 and of the Ordi­ nance as finally adopted, see J C C , X X V I I I , 917,

918,

920,

923,

Nos.

454,

459, 468, 477-8). But even as drafted in 1784 the report did not reflect T J ' s long-cherished hope of giving western lands away to actual settlers—a hope not formulated as public-land policy until the middle of the 19th century and made unrealistic in 1784 in the face of an overriding financial need. The emphatic words in the stipulation that revenues from land sales should be applied to the N A T I O N A L D E B T . . . A N D TO NO OTHER PURPOSE WHATSOEVER

indicate T J ' s reluctance to accept this on any other ground than inescapable necessity. Thomas Hutchins, who was appointed geographer to the United States, immediately began surveys and

1784

by 1787 had completed four ranges of townships. But, as Jensen has pointed out, "the land Ordinance of 1785 was soon forgotten. New speculative inter­ ests swept down upon Congress and grabbed for enormous chunks of the public domain. T h e drive was spear­ headed by New Englanders and by others who had few if any ties with the pre-revolutionary land companies" (Jen­ sen, The New Nation, p. 3 5 5 ) . T h e Northwest Ordinance of 1787, a prod­ uct of these and other economic and political forces, combined the dual pur­ pose of establishing government and regulating land policy for the territories that had been embraced by T J ' s two separate reports of 1784 and with the differences noted above (see Vol. 6: 581ff.). 1 Preceding six words interlined and "850" written above a deleted figure which appears to be "908.0." 2 Here and elsewhere T J deleted the word chap and substituted mark. 3 This sentence is interlined in sub­ stitution for: "These warrants shall pass by descent or devise as real prop­ erty." 4 Brackets are in M S . Preceding 29 words interlined. 5

T o William Short

(Extract) [30 April 1784]

Whether Congress w i l l keep ministers abroad is still undecided. A disposition however seems to prevail to add to the present com­ mission for negociating foreign treaties of amity and commerce. One of our own delegates and one other gentleman have proposed the mission to me. I f / was thought of at all, / wished not to have known it, as i t may place me i n a very false point of view to others. / am i n t r u t h indifferent. I f they desire it I shall go, for place is to me at present uninteresting. As young Franklin is already Secretary to the Commission, you have said you would condescend to be the index of a book. So dispose then of your matters as to be i n utrumque paratus, and on short warning. If I am enabled to offer you no other advantage [than a bed and board free, I am also enabled to] assure you / shall give you very little trouble. A first and full supply of cloathing w i l l cost you an hundred guineas, and a considerably less sum w i l l suffice annually afterwards. Pocket 1

2

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1784

expenses w i l l be you know just what you please. I am assured that a servant carried from hence, will be an expense, incumbrance, and the most useless animal i n the world. T o hire a Valet therefore w i l l add from twelve to twenty jour guineas a year to your expence. A jew days or weeks w i l l certainly decide whether / am to go, and should you conclude finally to be of the party, let me know by the return of the first or second post, that / may be prepared to answer any other applications on the same subject. Still however consider this only as among possible events. D r . Lee is appointed an Indian Commissioner, which vacates his seat here. I had suggested to a friend early i n the winter your nomination to Congress. Should you be appointed and Congress adjourned you had better do no act oj acceptance t i l l November. T r ( V i W C ) ; undated, but date is established by part of a sentence quoted in Short to T J , 8 May 1784; entirely in T J ' s hand and endorsed by him: "Extract of letter to W . Short, written from Annapolis"; at foot of and upside down to text, there is the following from some other unidentified document: "correcting from the beginning, the ir­ regularities which have already taken place & preventing"; partly in code, the key to which is written on a separate slip. T r ( V i W ) , sent to Short; also entirely in T J ' s hand, but without un­ derlined words and code numerals (see note 1, below); key to the code is written at upper left corner of page and text of extract is written around it; endorsed by Short, evidently at a much later date: "Memorandum. T h i s paper must have been written some time in the Spring of 1784." T J ' s original letter to Short of this date has not been found. T h e entry for it in S J L reads: " W . Short. Matter in cypher—Wm.son [Hugh Williamson] —Encylopedie." T h e explanation for the fact that there are in existence two copies of the extract is evidently this: after T J received Short's reply of 8 May, in which Short expressed his in­ ability to decode the letter, T J first worked out for himself the "Matter in cypher," underlining the words which had been written in code in the orig­ inal and writing under them the cor­

responding numerals for the code; he then must have made the copy which he sent to Short ( T r in V i W ) without indicating the words which had been originally written in code. Since T J did not receive Short's reply of 8 May until 24 May, there was no longer any need for

secrecy,

ONE O F OUR OWN D E L E ­

G A T E S : T h i s was probably Monroe. I HAD SUGGESTED T O A F R I E N D . . . YOUR N O M I N A T I O N : See T J to Madison, 20

Feb. 1784. 1 T h i s and subsequent words in ital­ ics are underlined in T r ( V i W C ) and the corresponding code numerals are written below the underscoring. T h e code employed in this letter was used for all coded passages in letters from T J to Short on and after 18 Jan. 1784; since the letter for that date is missing, it is not clear whether T J sent an actual copy of the code or merely ex­ plained to Short how to construct and use it—probably the latter. T h i s code (Code No. 4 ) was based on the word "Nicholas" and was one in which errors in encoding and decoding could easily occur; T J himself, in fact, appears to have made an error in the use of the code in the sentence quoted and queried by Short in his letter to T J of 8 May. 2 T h e text in brackets (supplied) is the passage incorrectly coded in the original (missing) letter as quoted by Short in his letter of 8 May.

149 ;

Samuel Hardy and John F. Mercer to J e f f e r s o n a n d J a m e s

Monroe

[Annapolis, April? 1784.] Requesting "the favor of their Company to dine with them @ 4 oClock." R C ( D L C ) ; without date or place; addressed: "Honble M[ess]rs. Jefferson & Monroe." T h e blank verso of this note was subsequently used by T J in

his draft of an additional instruction to the Committee of States and therefore must have been received before 26 Apr. 1784; see Vol. 6: 529, note.

Jefferson's Notes on Coinage I . R O B E R T M O R R I S T O T H E P R E S I D E N T O F C O N G R E S S , 15 J A N . 1782 I I . G O U V E R N E U R M O R R I S T O W I L L I A M H E M S L E Y , 30 A P R . 1783 I I I . S O M E T H O U G H T S O N A C O I N A G E [ca. M C H . 1784] I V . N O T E S O N C O I N A G E [ M C H . - M A Y 1784] V . R O B E R T M O R R I S T O J E F F E R S O N , 1 M A Y 1784 V I . N O T E S F O R R E P L Y T O R O B E R T M O R R I S [7-9 M A Y 1784] VII. PROPOSITIONS R E S P E C T I N G T H E COINAGE O F GOLD, S I L V E R , A N D C O P P E R [13 M A Y 1785]

E D I T O R I A L

N O T E

Since Jefferson's proposals concerning coinage in 1784 were in part inspired by a desire to defeat the plan set forth in 1782-1783 by Robert Morris and his assistant, G o u v e r n e u r Morris, as well as by a desire Jefferson had entertained at least as early as 1776 to base the money system on decimal reckoning, these proposals need to be presented with those of the Morrises to which they were opposed. Both plans should also be considered in the light of the report of the Grand Committee of 13 May 1785, which, as approved by Congress, closed the first im­ portant chapter in the history of the effort to create a national coinage but by no means ended Jefferson's connection with this fundamentally important subject. Though generally regarded as such, Jefferson's "Notes on Coinage" cannot, in a technical sense, be considered as one of his legislative papers. Evidently the only time that he made an attempt to lay it before Congress was more than a year after his legislative career had ended and a week after Congress had adopted a money unit and a decimalized coinage. Even that part comprising an instruction to the Committee of States appears not to have been introduced in 1784 and certainly was not acted upon (see Vol. 6: 522, 528-9). Yet few, i f any, of his state papers present a better example of his practical statesmanship and legislative skill than these pages in which he reduced an unusually complex subject to a simplicity that made his argument against the Morrises' rival plan overwhelming. But brilliant clarity and simplicity of presentation, though they persuaded legislators to adopt the dollar 150

EDITORIAL

NOTE

as the American unit of money and, for the first time in history, to apply the decimal system of reckoning to coinage, are not the only dis­ tinguishing features of this remarkable production of his pen: there is in i t , to an unusual degree, many of the cardinal features of his philosophy—his attitude toward "the bulk of mankind," his concept of an evolving society, his love of order and system, his desire to cut new channels of trade toward the continent and away from England, his wish to see the intellectual as well as the man of affairs have influence ("This is a work proper to be committed to Mathematicians as well as Merchants"), his realistic acceptance of the strength of social habits and his avoidance of ingenious solutions that disregarded such factors, his serene acceptance of the slow processes of history ( " I have no doubt the time w i l l come when a smaller coin will be called for. When i t comes, let i t be made. . . . But it will be time enough to make i t when the people shall be ready to receive i t " ) . Jefferson himself regarded this as one of his principal legislative achievements in 1784 and, though i t was the last to flower, gave i t first place in his autobiographical account of his work in that crowded session: "Congress . . . as early as Jan. 7. 1782. had turned their atten­ tion to the monies current in the several states, and had directed the Financier, Robert Morris, to report to them a table of rates at which the foreign coins should be recieved at the treasury. That officer, or rather his assistant, Gouverneur Morris, answered them on the 15th in an able and elaborate statement of the denominations of money cur­ rent in the several states, and of the comparative value of the foreign coins chiefly in circulation with us. He went into the consideration of the necessity of establishing a standard of value with us, and of the adoption of a Money-Unit. He proposed for that Unit such a fraction of pure silver as would be a common measure of the penny of every state, without leaving a fraction. This common divisor he found to be of a dollar, or Y&QÖ °^ ^ sterling. The value of a dollar was therefore to be expressed by 1440. units, and of a crown by 1600. each Unit containing a quarter of a grain of fine silver. Congress turn­ ing again their attention to this subject the following year, the financier, by a letter of Apr. 30. 1783. further explained and urged the Unit he had proposed: but nothing more was done on it until the ensuing year, when it was again taken up, and referred to a committee of which I was a member. The general views of the financier were sound, and the principle was ingenious on which he proposed to found his Unit. But i t was too minute for ordinary use, too laborious for compu­ tation either by the head or in figures. The price of 1

1 4

t

i e

c

r

o

w

n

4 0

a loaf of bread 1/20 of a dollar would be 72. Units a pound of butter 1/5 of a dollar 288. Units, a horse or bullock of 80. D . value would require a notation of 6 figures, to wit 115,200 and the public debt, suppose of 80. mil­ lions, would require 12 figures, to w i t 115,200,000,000. Units. Such a system of money-arithmetic would be entirely unmanageable for the common purposes of society. I proposed therefore, instead of this, to adopt the Dollar as our Unit of account and payment, and that it's divisions and subdivisions should be in the decimal ratio. I wrote some 151

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

1784

Notes on the subject, which I submitted to the consideration of the financier. I received his answer and adherence to his general system, only agreeing to take for his Unit 100. of those he first proposed, so that a Dollar should be 1 4 . ^ ^ and a crown 16. units. I replied to this and printed my notes and reply on a flying sheet which I put into the hands of the members of Congress for consideration, and the Com­ mittee agreed to report on my principle. This was (not immediately set into operation, but) adopted the ensuing year and is the system which now [1821] prevails. I insert here the Notes and Reply, as shewing the different views on which the adoption of our money system hung. The division into dismes, cents and mills is now so well understood, that i t would be easy of introduction into the kindred branches of weights and measures. . . ." (the "flying sheet" is not inserted in MS of Autobiog­ raphy, but at the bottom of page 61 Jefferson quoted the title and affixed an asterisk, meaning perhaps to refer a copyist to the MS of his "Notes" or to the printed pamphlet ) . This account is inaccurate in several particulars, and is particularly misleading in that part which suggests that the action by Congress was a result of his printing the "notes and reply on a flying sheet" and placing copies in the hands of members of Congress. Actually, insofar as Jefferson's "Notes on Coinage" came before Congress at all, it came in the form of a reprinting of the earliest known version of the text as it appeared in a newspaper. The facts, briefly stated, are as follows. The first action in Congress on the subject of coinage was in 1776 and the first report, drawn largely by George Wythe, Roger Sherman, and James Duane, recommended a table of values of various gold and silver coins current in the colonies in relation to the Spanish milled dollar ( J C C , IV, 381-3). This report was recommitted and T J was added to the committee. The report he drew up was in large part a repetition of the one submitted by Wythe, but there was one notable difference: whereas the Wythe report had expressed values in vulgar fractions of dollars, Jefferson's report was an elaborate and careful estimate of values "expressed by decimal notation in Dollars and parts of a dollar" (see Vol. 1: 5 1 6 ) . This, evidently, was the first effort to employ decimal reckoning in the money system of the United States. Jefferson's report, foreshadowing his experience in 1784, was handed in on the day he left Congress and was promptly tabled ( V o l . 1: 518; T J to Robert Morris, 26 Apr. 1784). Nothing more seems to have been done until January 1782, when Samuel Osgood moved the ap­ pointment of a committee to ascertain values and weights of foreign coins and to draw up an ordinance regulating their currency. Osgood reported for the committee three days later and the Superintendent of Finance was instructed to draw up a table of values to be given "the different species of foreign coins most likely to circulate within the United States" ( J C C , x x u , 8-9). Robert Morris was prepared, and on 15 Jan. 1782 took this opportunity to deliver a general address to Congress advocating ( 1 ) a "money standard . . . to be affixed to silver" rather than to gold or to gold and silver; ( 2 ) the establishment of a mint; ( 3 ) a seigniorage charge that would yield the cost of coining but not "any considerable Profit"; ( 4 ) a money unit that would have 152

EDITORIAL

NOTE

"some affinity to the former currency," that would represent the "lowest divisible point of money," and that, "although i t is not absolutely neces­ sary, yet . . . very desirable," would "be increased in a decimal ratio." Jefferson—and most students of monetary history-—have thought that Morris proposed a money unit that "would be a common measure of the penny of every state, without leaving a fraction." Actually, how­ ever, what Jefferson called Morris' "Mathematical attention" to the subject did not extend far enough to embrace the lowest common multiple of the penny in all of the states, South Carolina being excluded and 13 of its pence being equal to 48 of Morris' proposed units. To have included South Carolina would have made the unit not . * but A

14 4 0

* of a dollar, which Morris must have regarded as too minute even though he thought "there is no necessity that this money unit be exactly represented in coin," but that it would suffice " i f its value be precisely known." I n other words, Morris' plan was a compromise as to the unit of money. Jefferson was correct, however, in thinking that the plan set forth over Robert Morris' signature was really the product of "his assistant, Gouverneur Morris." On 21 Feb. 1782 the Grand Committee to whom Morris' letter had been referred approved the establishment of a mint and directed the Superintendent of Finance to prepare and report a plan for carrying this into effect ( J C C , X X I I , 86-7). Morris did not reply until 12 Dec. 1782 and then only by recommending that Congress adopt an ordinance declaring the rates at which various foreign coins would be received. This was intended no doubt as a temporary measure until Congress should adopt a coinage system and Morris proposed it because "all our dollars are rapidly going to the enemy in exchange for light gold, which must eventually cause a considerable loss, and a scarcity of silver which will be severely felt" ( J C C , x x i i i , 810-11). On 16 Dec. this recommendation was referred to Thomas FitzSimons, Samuel Os­ good, and Samuel Wharton, but, significantly, three days later Osgood was dropped and John Rutledge, Alexander Hamilton, and Nathaniel Gorham were added (PCC, No. 186, under 16 and 19 Dec. 1782). Clearly, the friends of Morris were in control of the committee and Osgood, an inveterate enemy, was out (see Burnett, Letters of Mem­ bers, v u , Nos. 198, 486, 504, 5 5 4 ) . Even so, nothing appears to have been done, despite Morris' pressure. Meanwhile Morris had set in motion a chain of events which he evidently hoped would result in the establishment of a mint. Congress received a report from John Bradford in Boston in 1781 that a large quantity of copper thought to be worthless had been lying for two years in storage and that a British subject, Benjamin Dudley, had assayed i t and found it to be "the purest Copper." Dudley, moreover, had asserted that he could "make the apparatus and go through the whole process" if Congress should see fit to have the copper coined (John Bradford to Samuel Huntington, 28 June 1781, D N A : PCC, No. 78, i v , 225-6). This information was referred by Congress to Morris, who noted Brad­ ford's remark that " M r . Dudley has already given such proofs of his ingenuity that I view him as an important acquisition to this infant nation, and hope he will meet with encouragement" (same; J C C , x x , 1 8

2 0

153

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

1784

732)—and who promptly acted upon it by inviting Dudley to come to Philadelphia. On 16 Nov. 1782—three months before Congress had so much as authorized the drawing up of a plan for putting the mint into effectMorris recorded in his office journal that Dudley was "detained at the public expence as a person absolutely necessary in the Mint, which I hope soon to see established." On 26 Jan. 1782 he informed Dudley that the plan of a mint was before Congress and promised him that, if it were approved, he would be "directly employed." When the ap­ proval came, Morris proceeded as i f the resolution had authorized ac­ tion instead of directing him merely to draw up and submit a plan. During the ensuing months he employed Dudley in making models of the "Screws and Rollers . . . for the Mint," having dies made, consulting Rittenhouse and Hopkinson, engaging Samuel Wheeler to make rollers, viewing suitable buildings, assaying coins, and, in April 1783, actually producing pattern coins ("Notes on the Early History of the Mint, from Robert Morris's Diary," in Historical Magazine, I [Jan. 1867], p. 30-2; he also offered Francis Hopkinson the directorship of the mint; Hopkinson to T J , 12 May 1784). On 2 Apr. 1783 Morris received from Dudley "a piece of Silver Coin, being the first that has been struck as an American coin" (same, p. 3 2 ) . This has been interpreted as being "the first coinage struck by authority of the union of the states" (Neil Carothers, Fractional Money, New York, 1930, p. 4 9 ) , but i t was in fact struck only on the authority of Robert Morris by a workman whom he had promised employment i f and when the mint came to be established by authority of government. On 16 Apr. 1783 Morris sent for Dudley "to urge the preparing of Coins &c. for Establishing a Mint" and five days later Dudley complied by turning over "several Pieces of Money as patterns of the intended American Coins" {Historical Maga­ zine, i [Jan. 1867], p. 3 2 ) . Morris transmitted these historic coins to Congress the very next day and suggested the appointment of a com­ mittee on the subject of a mint that he "might have the Honour of con­ ferring with them, and explaining my Ideas of the Plan for establishing and conducting a Mint." (See illustration in this volume, and also note to Document v ) . This, together with Morris' effort of the preceding year and a half to produce mint machinery, was scarcely the procedure that Congress had authorized, but Morris explained that a plan "when reported by a Committee will more probably meet the Ideas of Congress than any which I might prepare" ( J C C , x x i v , 2 7 3 ) . This was doubtless a cor­ rect assumption. I t seems evident, however, that Morris' real purpose in following this procedure must have been to commit Congress to his coinage plan of 1782 by confronting a committee with the actual facili­ ties for minting coins. Given a proper committee—such as that ap­ pointed on 16 Dec. 1782—there would be little reason to doubt the favorable nature of the report on what, at that stage, could only have been regarded as a parti pris. But i f this was Morris' expectation, he was disappointed. Congress discharged the committee appointed the previous December and re­ ferred his letter and specimen coins to a new committee of five. One 154

EDITORIAL

NOTE

member of this committee was William Hemsley who requested and received a restatement of Robert Morris' 1782 plan. Though Jefferson in his Autobiography referred to this restatement as a letter from "the financier," it was written not by the Superintendent of Finance but by the author of the plan, Gouverneur Morris (see Document n ) . This seems to have been a private letter rather than an official report to Hemsley as a member of the committee, yet it is all that Jefferson had access to in 1784 giving him information about Robert Morris' earlier report ( T J to Robert Morris, 26 Apr. 1784). Still nothing happened. The letters of Robert Morris of 15 Jan. 1782 and of Gouverneur Morris of 30 Apr. 1783 were referred to a committee consisting of FitzSimons, Izard, Stephen Higginson, James Duane, and James Madison. The committee recommended on 5 Aug. 1783 that Robert Morris be requested to lay before Congress an esti­ mate of the cost of establishing a mint, including buildings, tools, salaries of workmen, &c. (PCC, No. 186, 23 July 1783; J C C , x x i v , 4 8 7 ) . The report was merely "entered and read" and with this brief comment Morris' hope of establishing a mint came to an end. On 19 Aug. he sent for Dudley and "informed him of my doubts about the establishment of a Mint and desired him to think of some employment in private service." A few days afterward Dudley turned over the "dies for coining in the American mint" and on 7 Jan. 1784, after more than two years' employment by Morris, received from him a warrant on the treasury in final settlement for his services (Historical Magazine, i [Jan. 1867], p. 3 2 ) . But Jefferson is not correct in thinking that when he entered Con­ gress in the autumn of 1783 the matter was "again taken up, and re­ ferred to a committee of which I was a member." Osgood, disgusted at the three-year limit imposed on delegates, was ready early in January to take his leave of Congress "forever in four or five weeks" (Osgood to John Adams, 14 Jan. 1784, Burnett, Letters of Members, v u , No. 4 8 6 ) , and was evidently not prepared to engage further at that time in hostile maneuvers with Robert Morris. Jefferson, taking up the sub­ ject on his own initiative, brought it back to the primary point of establishing a money unit and of determining the vital point of money arithmetic, instead of following Morris' tactic of focussing attention on the establishment of a mint. I t is now known that Jefferson considered at this time a comprehen­ sive plan for the decimalization of weights and measures as well as money. Document i n in the present series, never before published, shows that Jefferson's "Some Thoughts on a Coinage" was in reality an outline of "Notes on Coinage." I t was probably drawn up as early as March or even February 1784. A t that time Jefferson must have in­ tended to advocate the dollar as the money unit as well as a decimalized coinage, and, once these points were established, to make a transition to a decimal reckoning in weights, measures, and perhaps time. But he must have concluded that the country was not ready for such a thoroughgoing innovation and that the latter parts of his program could be more readily accomplished after the coinage had been settled. I n this sense, then, Jefferson's "Notes on Coinage" must be regarded merely as 155

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

1784

the preliminary expression of a plan to which he returned six years later immediately on assuming office as Secretary of State. I n the plan that he then drew up for establishing uniformity in money, weights, and measures, he recurred also to a concept first set forth in Document i n —that is, the use of rain water as a standard. I n the draft of the 1790 report Jefferson wrote: "Let Rain Water, as the most homogeneous substance, be referred to as the standard for weights, and a cubic inch of that be called an ounce. . . . Let the cubic inch, or Ounce of Rain Water be the standard of weight for the Unit or Dollar" (see under 4 July 1790). Both in this preliminary outline and in the form of presentation, Jef­ ferson's "Notes on Coinage" bears every evidence of having been grounded on the assumption, first, that the subject would have to be reduced to simplicity in order to enlist the interest and support of legislators who since 1776 had amply demonstrated their unwillingness to face the complex problem; and, second, that his proposal would not stand alone or be considered on its singular merits but would have to be put in opposition to one that already occupied the field and was advocated by a man who, however unpopular, was everywhere recog­ nized as a financier of ability whose words on the abstruse subject of money were entitled to weight. "Notes on Coinage," therefore, was at once simple and forensic. Further, Jefferson did not put forward his proposals as a resolution—though he certainly intended ultimately to do so—but sought first of all to anticipate Morris' possible opposition by obtaining his opinion first. Morris replied promptly (see Document v ) and Jefferson gave evidence of the seriousness with which he ap­ proached the problem by outlining Morris' arguments and his own rebuttal (Document v i ) — an outline which ultimately was expressed in his "Supplementory Explanations" (Document v ) . Nor did Jefferson refrain from letting his colleagues in Congress know what he was about. He permitted Samuel Osgood to take a copy of that part of the "Notes" that had been completed before Osgood left Congress sometime in March (Osgood was in Philadelphia by 3 Apr.; see Burnett, Letters of Members, v n , No. 5 5 4 ) . Another to whom Jefferson communicated his plan was David Howell, who i f anything was even more bitterly hostile to Morris than Osgood was and who on 24 Dec. 1783 had reported to Gov. William Greene of Rhode Island: "It is said that M r . M[orris] proposes to pay us a visit of some length. He w i l l perhaps give his friends previous notice of the time and get a full House of them, to urge on his old System, and which he may honestly pursue yet, for I have no idea that he proposes to relinquish either his System or his office, until his interest and that of his friends, in the public debt, shall be secured by Funds in the Hands of Congress" (Howell to Greene, 24 Dec. 1783, Burnett, Letters of Members, v n , No. 4 6 5 ) . This, of course, referred to Morris' plans for funding the public debt rather than to his plans for a system of coinage, but it also indicates that Howell, in this as in other matters, was a ready ally of Jefferson's in an argument in which Morris stood in opposition. The earliest dated reference to Jefferson's plan is in a letter from Howell of 12 Apr. 1784 which shows that he, too, had obtained a copy of the 156

EDITORIAL

NOTE

"Notes": " I have enclosed also . . . ," Howell wrote Gov. Jabez Bowen, a "copy of some notes on the establishment of a money mint [sic] and coinage for the U . States. These notes were occasioned by a long Letter on the subject from the Superintendent of Finance to Congress [i.e., Document i ] , copy of which I sent to M r . John Brown when at Con­ gress before. . . . Nothing can be brought to a close on this business before the recess proposed" (Howell to Bowen, 12 Apr. 1784, Burnett, Letters of Members, v u , No. 5 6 4 ) . The copy of the "Notes" that Howell sent to Bowen ultimately had more influence on Congress than the copy that Jefferson put into print in Paris. I n his Autobiography Jefferson compresses a year's erroneous history of his "Notes" into a single misleading sentence when he stated that he printed the "notes and reply on a flying sheet which I put into the hands of the members of Congress for consideration, and the Committee agreed to report on my principle." Actually, the decision by Congress to base the national coinage system on decimal notation and to adopt the dollar as the standard unit—the essence of Jefferson's "principle"—was taken on 6 July 1785 and the printed copies of the "Notes" were not dis­ patched by him from Paris until one week after that date. The result was achieved more indirectly—and without the aid of Jefferson's "Supplementory Explanations" which he thought necessary as a rebuttal to Morris' arguments. A few weeks after Jefferson left Congress, an unknown correspond­ ent in Rhode Island—perhaps Jabez Bowen himself—wrote to John Carter, publisher of The Providence Gazette and Country Journal: "The following plan, for a money-mint [sic], &c. was sent among other communications to the State, by its late Delegate in Congress.— I t was shewn to several members of Congress, and met with their approbation; but the author of it being sent abroad on public business, and an adjournment coming on, no measures were taken thereon.—By its being published in your Gazette, the next Congress may avail itself of the sentiments of the virtuosi on this subject." This, together with "Notes on the Establishment of a money-mint [sic], and of a coinage, for the United States," was published on the front page of the Gazette for 24 July 1784 (see illustration in this volume). The manuscript copy employed by the Gazette apparently has not survived. I t must have been a copy in the hand of Howell, for his erroneous use of the word "mint" was repeated by the person who transmitted it to the newspaper and thus fixed it through subsequent official printings (see Document v i i ; American State Papers, Finance, I , 105). But, as indicated in the notes to Document i v , there were other differences between Jefferson's plan as copied by Howell early in April and the plan that Jefferson had matured before leaving Annapolis on 11 May. For example, he decided that it would be well to have a halfdollar silver coin and added this to his MS or perhaps to the missing rough draft sometime before 3 May (see T J to Hopkinson, 3 May 1784). I n late April or early May Charles Thomson had also taken a copy of Jefferson's MS after this and other alterations had been made. But when the time came to lay Jefferson's thoughts before Congress, Thomson neglected for some unknown reason to use his own copy of 157:

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

1784

the "Notes" and utilized instead the newspaper publication of the early stage of the plan as copied by Howell. This was evidently due to the fact that someone (perhaps Howell himself in the following session of Congress) conveyed to Thomson a copy of the Providence Gazette for 24 July 1784. There is a copy of this issue in PCC and it was em­ ployed in printing Jefferson's "Notes" in Propositions respecting the Coinage of Gold, Silver, and Copper for use by members of Congress (see notes to Document i v ) . The subject of coinage languished again on Jefferson's departure for Europe. Early in 1785, with Osgood as a member of the board of the reorganized treasury and with Howell in Congress, the matter was taken up again, but the apathetic view of Houston of New Jersey that coinage, except of copper, was merely a "Matter of Curiosity" and of no value except to put an end to clipping and the hostile attitude of Bloodworth of North Carolina to a decimal system of accounting as "contrary to the long Usage" ( W . C. Houston to Samuel Dick, 17 July, 1785; Bloodworth to Richard Caswell, 16 Aug. 1786, Burnett, Let­ ters of Members, v m , Nos. 176, 471) doubtless summed up between them many of the reasons for the protracted history of legislative inac­ tion. Jefferson's letter to Hopkinson on 3 May 1784 also gave implied evidence that the attempt of "this . . . age of innovation" to promote decimal coinage was not enthusiastically received in Congress. But on 17 Jan. 1785 a Grand Committee of which Howell was a member was appointed and given Morris' letter of 15 Jan. 1782 and the instructions to the Massachusetts delegates on coinage that had been laid before Congress 3 Dec. 1784, the latter possibly inspired by Osgood ( D N A : PCC, No. 65, i i , 2 5 5 ) . The committee was renewed on 6 Apr. and reported on 13 May ( J C C , x x v n , 661; X X V I I I , 5, 6, 8 ) . Howell was its chairman at the time, though the report submitting "Propositions respecting the coinage of gold, silver, and copper," in the hand of Hugh Williamson, was submitted during Howell's absence of three weeks ( J C C , X X V I I I , 354-9). The committee had weighed the plans of Morris and Jefferson and found the former objectionable because it "introduces a Coin unlike in Value to any thing now in use . . . departs from the national mode of keeping Accounts, and tends to preserve inconvenient Prejudices." Jefferson's plan was approved in principle, but in the discussion that followed—presumably on 19 May— it must have appeared that both plans had adherents in Congress and that there was need for Jefferson's arguments to be brought forth. I n consequence, the report of the Grand Committee was ordered "To be printed with the plans of the late Superint. of finance and of M r . Jef­ ferson" (endorsement on MS report in DNA: PCC, No. 26, p. 537-42). Thus, presumably at the very time that Jefferson in Paris was printing his "Notes" to be distributed among members of Congress, the earlier version of his plan as copied by Howell and as published in the Provi­ dence Gazette was reprinted and placed before members of Congress (see Document v n ) . The question was debated during the next few weeks. On 25 July William Grayson sent Washington a copy of the committee's Proposi­ tions and Washington replied that he regarded coinage as "indispens158

EDITORIAL

NOTE

ably necessary" and " M r . Jefferson's ideas upon this subject . . . plain and simple; well adapted, I think, to the nature of the case, as he has exemplified by the plan. Without a Coinage, or without some stop can be put to the cutting and clipping of money, our Dollars, pistareens &c. will be converted (as Teague says) into five quarters, and a man must travel with a pair of money scales in his pocket, or run the risk of receiving Gold at one fourth less by weight than it counts" (Grayson to Washington, 25 July 1785; Burnett, Letters of Members, v i l i , No. 182; see also Nos. 151, 172, 176; Washington to Grayson, 22 Aug. 1785, Writings, ed. Fitzpatrick, x x v i i i , 2 3 3 ) . On 6 July 1785 Congress took the decisive step of resolving that "the money unit of the United States of America be one dollar," and, on David Howell's demand for a roll call vote, i t appeared that every member voted affirmatively. A t the same time it was resolved that "the smallest coin be of copper, of which 200 shall pass for one dollar," and that "the several pieces shall increase in a decimal ratio" ( J C C , x x i x , 499-500). The committee had recommended the same coins that Jeffer­ son's final proposals included except for the elimination of his 10 dollar gold coin, the substitution of a silver piece .25 of a dollar in place of his .20 piece, and the addition of a copper coin half the value of his lowest, or .005 of a dollar (see Document v u ) . Jefferson learned through the newspapers of this adoption of his "principle" and remarked that he "ought to have inserted a gold coin of 5. dollars, which being within 2 / of the value of a guinea will be very convenient," from which it would appear that his addition of a five-dollar gold coin was an afterthought ( T J to Monroe, 28 Aug. 1785; see Document i v , note 35). This was the first time in history that any nation had officially adopted a decimal coinage system. But Congress failed to define the dollar, and the matter of working out a plan for the establishment of a mint was left to the Board of Treasury consisting of Samuel Osgood and Walter Livingston. On 8 Apr. 1786 these two submitted an elaborate report consisting of three alternative plans based on varying weights of the silver dollar; the first of these followed Jefferson's final proposal for the number and value of gold and silver coins—a silver dollar, half-dollar, fifth of a dollar, and tenth of a dollar; and gold coins equal to ten dollars and five dollars. The names mill, cent, dime, and eagle were introduced for the first time. The report challenged Jefferson's support of the Spanish dollar at a weight of 365 grains of pure silver, and proposed one of 375.64 grains, which though rebutted in Congress, was ultimately adopted ( J C C , X X X , 167-171; the report is in D N A : PCC, No. 139, p. 131-217, and is printed in J C C , x x x , 162-82). One hundred copies of this report were printed for the use of members of Congress, and on 8 Aug. 1786 the coinage resolutions were adopted. These provided for silver coins of a dime, a double dime, a half dollar, a dollar; gold coins of an eagle and half-eagle; and copper coins of a cent and a half-cent. Save for the smallest copper coin, equal to .005 of a dollar, these were the coins that Jefferson proposed in the final version of his "Notes." These resolutions were adopted almost without debate (Monroe to T J , 12 Oct. 1786). The Board of Treasury was ordered to prepare a plan

159 ;

NOTES

ON COINAGE

1784

for the establishment of a mint, and this famous ordinance was adopted on 16 Oct. 1786 ( J C C , x x x i , 876-8). But from these pivotal decisions no action resulted, and none came until after Hamilton's notable report of 1791. On that occasion Jefferson must have derived some satisfaction from Hamilton's remark: " I t is conceived that nothing better can be done in relation to this, than to pursue the track marked out by the resolution of the 8th of August, 1786. This has been approved abroad, as well as at home, and it is certain that nothing can be more simple or convenient, than the decimal subdivisions. There is every reason to expect that the method w i l l grow into general use, when i t shall be seconded by corresponding coins" (Am. State Papers, Finance, i , 9 8 ) . But the appeal of the decimal system was greater to Jefferson than to his countrymen. I n old age he could still write: "The division into dismes, cents and mills is now so well understood, that it would be easy of introduction into the kindred branches of weights and measures." Perhaps the fact that coinage could be decimalized in 1785 was due, after all, to a fact observed by Robert Morris: that "the loose state in which our Currency has been for some Years past has opened the Way for receiving any Impressions on that Subject" (Document i ) . I f the same "loose state" had prevailed in other respects, Jefferson's hope for decimalization of weights and measures might also have been realized. Unhappily for this hope, everyone in America had "the same Ideas of a Mile and an Inch a Hogshead and a Quart, a Pound and an Ounce."

I. R o b e r t M o r r i s to t h e P r e s i d e n t o f C o n g r e s s SIR

Office of Finance 15 January 1782

Finding by the A c t of the United States i n Congress of the seventh Instant that I am Instructed to prepare and report a Table of Rates at which the different Species of foreign Coins most likely to circulate w i t h i n the United States shall be received at the Treasury I have been induced again to turn m y Attention to an Object which has employed m y Thoughts very frequently and which would have been long since submitted to Congress had I not been prevented by other Business and much delayed by those Things relating to this Business which depended upon others. I shall now pray Leave to deliver m y Sentiments somewhat at large on this Subject. The United States labor under many Inconveniences and even Disadvantages which may at present be remedied but which i f suffered to continue would become incurable and lead to pernicious Consequences. I t is very fortunate for us that the Weights and Measures used throughout America are the same. Experience has shewn i n other Countries that the Efforts of the Legislator to Change Weights and Measures altho fully seconded by the more 160

I.

MORRIS

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CONGRESS

enlightened Part of the Community have been so strongly opposed by the popular Habits and Prejudices that Ages have elapsed w i t h ­ out producing the desired Effect. I repeat therefore that i t is happy for us to have throughout the Union the same Ideas of a M i l e and an Inch a Hogshead and a Quart, a Pound an Ounce. So far our commercial Dealings are simplified and brought down to the level of every Capacity. W i t h respect to our Money the Case is very widely different. The Ideas annexed to a Pound a Shilling and a Penny are almost as various as the States themselves. Calculations are therefore as necessary for our inland Commerce as upon foreign Exchanges and the commonest Things become intricate where Money has any thing to do w i t h them. A Farmer i n New hampshire for Instance can readily form an Idea of a Bushell of Wheat i n South Carolina weighing sixty Pounds and placed at one hundred Miles from Charlestown but i f he were told that i n such Situation it is w o r t h twenty one Shillings and eight Pence, he would be obliged to make many Enquiries and form some Calculations before he could know that this Sum meant i n general what he would call four Shillings. A n d even then he would have to enquire what K i n d of Coin that four Shillings was paid in before he could estimate i t in his own M i n d according to the Ideas of Money which he had imbibed. Difficulties of this Sort do not occur to Farmers alone, they are perplexing to most M e n and troublesome to all. I t is how­ ever a fortunate Circumstance that Money is so much i n the Power of the Sovereign as that he can easily lead the People into new Ideas of i t and even i f that were not the Case yet the loose State i n which our Currency has been for some Years past has opened the W a y for receiving any Impressions on that Subject. As we are now shak­ ing off the Inconveniencies of a depreciating M e d i u m the present Moment seems to be that i n which a general Currency can best be established so as that i n a few Months the same Names of Money w i l l mean the same Things i n the several Parts of the United States. Another Inconvenience which admits of the same easy Remedy and which would indeed be cured by the very same A c t is the W a n t of a legal Tender. T h i s is as necessary for the Purposes of Juris­ prudence as a general Currency is for those of Commerce. For altho there is great Impropriety not to say Injustice i n compelling a M a n to receive a Part of his Debt i n discharge of the whole yet i t is both Just and proper that the L a w should protect the honest Debtor who is w i l l i n g to pay against the vexatious Suits of an Oppressive Creditor who refuses to receive the f u l l Value. The Nature Value and Use of Money have always occasioned 161 ]

NOTES

ON COINAGE

1784

strong Temptations to the Commission of Fraud and of Conse­ quence the Practice of counterfeiting is coeval w i t h that of Coining. No Government can Guard its Subjects entirely against the wicked Ingenuity which has been exercised i n this respect. B u t i t has always been the Object of every wise Government to take all the Precautions against i t which are w i t h i n the Compass of human A b i l i t y . These Precautions w i l l be most effectual where the Coins are few and simple because they by that Means become familiar to all Ranks and Degrees of M e n but where the Coins are so numerous that the Knowlege of them is a k i n d of Science the lower Order of Citizens are constantly injured by those who carry on the Busi­ ness of debasing sweating clipping counterfeiting and the like. I t is therefore to be lamented that we have so many different Coins i n the United States. I t is not necessary to mention what is i n every Body's M o u t h that the precious Metals were first used as Bullion and that the Inconvenience of weighing and the Difficulty of Assaying intro­ duced the Practice of Coining i n Order that the weight and fineness m i g h t be known at the first View and of Consequence the Value be instantly ascertained. I t is equally unnecessary to observe that the great Privilege of declaring this Value by particular M a r k s has among all Nations been vested exclusively i n the Sovereign. A T r u s t so important could not indeed be vested any where else because the Danger of abusing i t was too great. A n d History informs us that Sovereigns themselves have not on this Occasion behaved w i t h that Integrity which was alike due to their Subjects and to themselves to the Interests of their People and to their own personal Glory. Experience has already told us that the advantage of Gold as a Coin is i n this Country very considerably diminished for every distinct Piece must be weighed before i t can be safely received. Both Gold and Silver Coins are indeed preferable, i n one respect to common Bullion that the Standard is presumed to be just and consequently they are received without the Delays and Expences of assaying. I t must however be remembered that they are all foreign Coins and of Course we are not only exposed to the T r i c k s of Individuals but should i t suit the Interest or Convenience of any Sovereign to make base Money for us there is Nothing to prevent i t . I f for Instance the K i n g of England or any of his Bir­ mingham Artists should coin Guineas w o r t h but sixteen shillings Sterling our Citizens would readily and freely receive them at twenty one Shillings Sterling. I t is m y D u t y to mention to Congress Information I have received that Guineas of base Metal are coined 162

I.

MORRIS TO

CONGRESS

at B i r m i n g h a m so well as to escape any common Attention. N o w there can be no Doubt but that every such Guinea received here would be a national Loss to us of an English Crown. H o w much we suffer i n this W a y at present i t is impossible to estimate. W h a t I have already had the Honor to observe contains some of the reasons w h y i t appears to me highly necessary that an American Coin should be adopted without Delay and to these Reasons i t may be added that there is a want of small Money for the common Occasions of Trade and that i t is more felt by our Soldiery than any other Persons. For the little Pay which they do receive being either i n Gold or at best i n Dollars the Sutlers and others w i t h w h o m they have Dealings continually take the Advan­ tage of their want of Change and rate the Prices of their Goods accordingly. Shortly after m y Appointment finding that there was a con­ siderable Quantity of public Copper at Boston I ordered i t round to this Place. I t has safely arrived and w i l l when coined amount to a considerable Sum. The necessary Machinery of a M i n t can be easily made and there are Persons who can perform the whole Business. I must pray leave therefore to submit to Congress some few more particular remarks on this Subject as introductory to a Plan for an American Coin. Altho most Nations have coined Copper yet that Metal is so impure that i t has never been considered as constituting the Money Standard. T h i s is affixed to the two precious Metals because they alone w i l l admit of having their intrinsic Value precisely ascer­ tained. B u t Nations differ very much i n the relation they have estab­ lished between Gold and Silver. I n some European Countries an Ounce of pure Gold passes for fifteen Ounces of pure Silver. I n others for fourteen. I n China i t passes for much less. The Standard therefore which is affixed to both Metals is i n Reality affixed to neither. I n England Gold is to Silver nearly i n the Proportion of one to fifteen and i n France nearly of one to fourteen. I f a M a n carries fourteen ounces of Gold from France to England he receives two hundred and ten Ounces of Silver which i n France purchase fifteen ounces of Gold so that he gains on that Exchange one ounce of Gold. I n like Manner he who carries from England fourteen Ounces of Silver to France receives one Ounce of Gold which i n England purchases fifteen Ounces of Silver wherefore he gains on that Exchange one Ounce of Silver. I f i t be then supposed that the Coins of these two Countries were alike pure i t must follow that in a short T i m e all the gold Coin of full W e i g h t would be i n E n g 163

NOTES

ON COINAGE

1784

land and all the silver Coin of full weight i n France. B u t the light Silver circulating i n England and the light Gold i n France the real Standard of Coin i n each would be different from the legal and seek a M e d i u m of fourteen and an half of Silver for one of Gold altho the legal Standard might still be i n the one Place fifteen and in the other fourteen. The Demand which Commerce might make for any one of the precious Metals i n Preference of the other would vary this real Standard from T i m e to T i m e and i n every Payment a M a n would get more or less of real Value for his Debt according as he were paid i n the Coin of greater or lesser Value i n relation to the real Standard. I f for Instance the Debt were contracted when the Silver was to Gold as one to fifteen and paid when as one to fourteen; i f the Debt were paid in Silver he would gain one thirtieth and i f i n Gold he would loose one thirtieth. I n England the Money Standard is rather affixed to Gold than to Silver because all Payments are made i n the former and in France i t is rather affixed to Silver than to Gold. Arguments are unnecessary to shew that the Scale by which every thing is to be measured ought to be as fixed as the Nature of Things w i l l permit of. Since therefore a Money Standard affixed to both the precious Metals w i l l not give this certain Scale i t is better to make use of one only. Gold is more valuable than Silver and so far must have the Preference but i t is from that very Circum­ stance the more exposed to fraudulent Practices. Its Value render­ ing i t more portable is an Advantage. B u t i t is an Advantage which Paper possesses i n a much greater Degree and of Consequence the commercial Nation of England has had recourse to Paper for the Purposes of it's Trade altho the Mass of circulating Coin is Gold. I t w i l l always be i n our Power to carry a Paper Circulation to every proper Extent. There can be no doubt therefore that our Money Standard ought to be affixed to Silver. But Silver is liable like every T h i n g else to a Change of Value, if there is a Demand for i t , to export, the Value w i l l rise, i f the Contrary i t w i l l fall, and so far i t cannot be considered as a fixed Measure of Value. Before this Objection be considered i t w i l l be proper to make a few reflextions on another Part of the present Subject but i n this Place I remark that i f the Objection cannot be removed we must not suffer i t to preponderate because i t weighs alike against every other Metal. T o Coin Money is a certain Expence and of Course i t is an Expence which must be borne by the People. I n England the Coin

164

T h e earliest printed text of Jefferson's Notes on Coinage, i n The Providence and Country Journal, 2 4 J u l y 1784. (See p. x x v i i . )

Gazette

4.

Specimen coins struck i n 1783 to exemplify Robert Morris' proposed coinage for the U n i t e d States. 1. 100-unit coin, or cent 2 . 500-unit coin, or quint ( w i t h variant obverse and light

weight)

3. 500-unit coin, or quint 4. lOOO-unit coin, or mark F o r a general description of these coins, see p. xxvii-xxviii.

I.

MORRIS

TO

CONGRESS

when melted w i l l sell as Bullion for just as much as its W e i g h t in other Coin. The Expence of Coinage is paid by the Crown and of Course i t is raised by Taxes from the People. I n France the Coinage instead of being expensive yields a Profit. The Price given for Metal at the M i n t is about eight Pr. Cent less than the same Quan­ tity w i l l yield when coined at the french Standard. Both of these Methods are liable to Objections. W h e n Commerce demands an Exportation of Bullion from England the Coin of the K i n g d o m goes out i n common w i t h others; this increases of Course the National Expence of Coinage. Laws to prevent the Exportation or Importation of any T h i n g so valuable as Money are always Nuga­ tory because they always can be eluded and therefore when private Interest requires they always will be eluded. T h a t the Guineas of England therefore are not continually going away is to be attributed to the extraordinary Value affixed to Gold which has been just mentioned and which banishes silver continually. I n France the People are not liable to this Inconvenience because their Money passing for more than its Value i n Bullion, Bullion w i l l always be exported i n Preference of Coin. B u t for the same Reason there is always a strong Temptation to imitate their Coin and send i t for the Purchase of their Commodities. I t would be both impossible and unnecessary to distinguish the T r u e from the false because both would be of equal intrinsic Value. The Place at which they were struck would be indifferent to the Receiver, of Consequence the foreigner who made french Coin would gain by his Trade and the french Nation would loose proportionately. The Money paid for Coining or the Coinage of France has how­ ever this Advantage that the Money is a Standard which does not fluctuate w i t h the Price of Bullion. T h i s Coinage is as has been said about eight Pr. Cent. W h e n Bullion is below ninety two i t is carried to the M i n t when above ninety two to the Broker or Silver Smith. The Coin still continues fixed nor w i l l i t bear Exportation until Bullion rises to an hundred when the french Coin would be as liable to Exportation as the English. I n that Case i t would be ex­ ported on one Hand, while on the other no more would have been coined for a considerable Period because to make the eight Pr. Cent Coinage i t is necessary that the M i n t Price should be ninety two. The Coin therefore could not long be exported i f at all but would soon resume it's Value. The Price of Bullion must float between ninety two and an hundred while the Coin would preserve its fixed Quality as Money. Hence then i t appears proper that the Price of Coining should 165

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

1784

be defrayed by the Coinage because first i t is natural and proper that the Price should be paid when the Benefit is received and that the Citizen i n Return for the Advantage of being ascertained i n the Value of the M e d i u m of Commerce by the Sovereign should pay for ascertaining i t just as that he should pay for the fashion of the Plate he uses or the Construction of the Cart he employs. Secondly it is right that Money should acquire a Value, as Money distinct from that which i t Possesses as a Commodity i n Order that i t should be a fixed Rule whereby to Measure the Value of all other Things and thirdly i t is wise to prevent the Exportation of the Coin which would involve an unnecessary national Expence and also to prevent the Imitation of i t abroad so as to create a national Loss: For both which Purposes i t is proper that the Coinage should only defray the Expence without making any considerable Profit. The Laws usual i n all Countries w i t h respect to the Money w i l l then fully operate the Effect intended. I n Order that a Coin may be perfectly intelligible to the whole People i t must have some Affinity to the former Currency. T h i s therefore w i l l be requisite i n the present Case. The Purposes of Commerce require that the lowest divisible Point of Money or what is more properly called the Money U n i t should be very small be­ cause by that Means Price can be brought i n the smallest Things to bear a Proportion to the Value. A n d altho i t is not absolutely necessary yet i t is very desirable that Money should be increased i n a decimal Ratio because by that Means all Calculations of Interest Exchange Insurance and the like are rendered much more simple and accurate and of Course more w i t h i n the Power of the great Mass of People. Wherever such Things require much Labor T i m e and Reflection the greater Number who do not know are made the Dupes of the lesser Number who do. The various Coins which have circulated i n America have under­ gone different Changes i n their Value so that there is hardly any which can be considered as a general Standard unless i t be Spanish Dollars. These pass i n Georgia at five Shillings i n N o r t h Carolina and N e w Y o r k at eight Shillings i n V i r g i n i a and the four Eastern states at six Shillings i n all the other States except South Carolina at seven Shillings and six Pence and i n South Carolina at t h i r t y two Shillings and six Pence: The Money U n i t of a new Coin to agree without a Fraction w i t h all these different Values of a Dollar except the last w i l l be the fourteen hundred and fortieth Part of a Dollar equal to the sixteen hundreth Part of a Crown. O f these Units twenty four w i l l be a Penny of Georgia, fifteen w i l l be a 166

I.

MORRIS

TO

CONGRESS

Penny of N o r t h Carolina, or New York, twenty w i l l be a Penny of V i r g i n i a and the four Eastern States sixteen w i l l be a Penny of all the other States except South Carolina and forty eight w i l l be thirteen Pence of South Carolina. I t has been already observed that to have the Money U n i t very small is advantageous to Commerce but there is no Necessity that this Money U n i t be exactly represented i n Coin i t is sufficient that its Value be precisely known. On the present Occasion two Copper Coins w i l l be proper the one of eight Units and the other of five. These may be called an eight and a five two of the former w i l l make a Penny Proclamation or Pennsylvania Money and three a Penny Georgia Money, of the latter three w i l l make a Penny Y o r k Money and four a Penny lawful or V i r g i n i a Money. The Money U n i t w i l l be equal to a quarter of a Grain of fine Silver i n coined Money. Proceeding thence i n a decimal Ratio one hundred would be the lowest Silver Coin and might be called a Cent. I t would contain twenty five Grains of fine Silver to which may be added two Grains of Copper and the whole would weigh one Penny W e i g h t three Grains. Five of these would make a Quint or five hundred Units weighing five Penny W e i g h t fifteen Grains and ten would make a M a r k or one thousand Units weighing Seven Penny weight six Grains. I f the M i n t Price of fine Silver be established at 22,237. Units per Pound. T h i s being coined would be four Times 5,760 Grains or 23,040 Units. The difference is 803. Units and therefore the Coinage is 803 on 23,040 or somewhat more than 3 - ^ P. Cent, which would be about the Expence attending i t . A Dollar contains by the best Assays which I have been able to get about 373 Grains of fine Silver and that at the M i n t Price would be 1,440 Units. I n like Manner i f Crowns contain from 4 1 4 . to 415 Grains of fine Silver they would at the M i n t Price be w o r t h 1600 Units. W h e n such a Coin shall have been established the Value of all others would be easily ascertained because Nothing more would be necessary than to have them assayed at the M i n t . The Advantage of Possessing legal Money i n Preference of any other would induce People to carry foreign Coin to the M i n t until a sufficiency were struck for the circulating M e d i u m . The remainder of the foreign Silver together w i t h the Gold should be left entirely to the Opera­ tions of Commerce as Bullion. I n the present Moment i t is by no Means of such Consequence to establish the relative Value of different Coins as to provide a Standard of our own by which i n future to estimate them. I f the 167

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

1784

Value were now sought they must all be estimated i n Dollars because Dollars are called for i n the several requisitions of Con­ gress. W i t h o u t noticing the Preference thus given to one foreign Coin over another i t is sufficient to observe that i f a greater A l l o y should be introduced by the Spanish Government into their Dollars our interior regulations as to Money would be overturned and cer­ tainly we have no Security that this w i l l not happen. There is not any great Inconvenience from leaving Matters on their present footing u n t i l they can be remedied by the Operations of a M i n t for it is not to be supposed that all the Money raised by Taxes i n a State is to be brought out of i t . I expect that there w i l l be very little Occasion to transport money from Place to Place. I t is much easier to negotiate than to carry i t and i f any Species of Money is generally received w i t h i n a State at the same Rate i n w h i c h i t is paid i n Taxes there w i l l be no Difficulty i n expending i t at its Value. Whenever Money shall be struck by Authority of the United States then indeed i t w i l l be proper to receive i n Taxes no other Coin. I f Congress are of Opinion w i t h me that i t w i l l be proper to Coin Money I w i l l immediately obey their Orders and establish a M i n t . A n d I think I can say w i t h Safety that no better Moment could be chosen for the Purpose than the present. Neither w i l l any thing have a greater tendency to restore public Credit for altho i t is possible that the new Money w i l l at first be received w i t h Diffidence by some Yet when i t has been fairly assayed i t w i l l gain full Confidence from all; and the Advantage of holding the only Money which can Pay Debts or Discharge Taxes w i l l soon give it the Preference over all and indeed banish all other from Circula­ tion. Whereas fixing a Relation of Value now on whatever P r i n ­ ciples attempted might give Offence to the Power whose Coin should i n any Instance be reduced from its present numerary Value among us. These Sentiments are submitted w i t h all possible Deference to the United States i n Congress Assembled i n Expectation of their further Instructions on the Subject. W i t h great respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient, A n d humble servant, ROBT. MORRIS Tr (DLC: T J Papers, 7: 1200-1208); entirely in clerk's hand; complimentary close supplied from text in Propositions. T J received this as an enclosure in Morris' letter to him of 30 Apr. 1784, but did not have access to it at the time he prepared his "Notes" (TJ to Robert Morris, 26 Apr. 1784). RC

(DNA: PCC, No. 137, I , 289). FC (DLC: Robert Morris Papers), Early in January Morris refers to the present letter in the following entry in his office journal: " I went to Mr. Gouvr. Morris's Lodging to examine the plan we had agreed on, and which we had drawn up respecting the Es-

168

II.

MORRIS TO

tablishment of a Mint. W e made some alterations and amendments to my sat­ isfaction and from a belief that this is a necessary and salutary measure, I have ordered it to be copied and sent into Congress" ("Notes on the Early

I L

HEMSLEY

History of the Mint, from Robert Mor­ ris's Diary," Historical Magazine, I [Jan. 1867], p. 30-1; the entry in Mor­ ris' "Diary in the Office of Finance" (DNA: P C C ) is dated 18 Jan. 1784.

G o u v e r n e u r M o r r i s to W i l l i a m

SIR

Hemsley

Philadelphia 30 Apr. 1783.

I n compliance w i t h your request I w i l l now throw together a few ideas on the subject of a new coinage. For the greater clearness they shall be classed under five heads. 1. Reasons w h y a coin should be struck. 2. The denomination of such coin. 3. The quantity of fine silver i n such denomination. 4. The expence of a coinage. 5. The different peices of coin proposed. First then I take the liberty to suggest ( i n addition to those reasons which are assigned i n the official letters) that until some coin be adopted none of the states can be said to have an established currency. T h i s w i l l appear from the following facts. First old dollars of full weight contain about 376. grs. fine silver but the new dollars contain only 365 11 The difference then between these two is about 3 pr. cent. The K . of Spain therefore has depreciated every debt of one hundred pounds so as to make i t w o r t h only 97.£. 2dly. 9 French crowns pass for 10. D o l l , and French crowns contain each 407 grs. 9_ 10)3663(366^ fine silver, so that multiplying by 9 and dividing by 10 we find that the amount of a dollar is 366.3 grs. I f from 376 we deduct 366.3 the remainder 9.7 is nearly as great as i n the first position. 3dly. 5. Louis pass for 23 D o l l . 5. Louis contain 20 crowns, each 407 grs. fine silver, but 376 the quantity i n an old Dollar multiplied by 23. gives 8648 difference 508. near 6. pr. cent, so that an old debt contracted i n dollars and paid i n Louis is paid by £ 9 4 . instead of £100. 4thly. The par of exchange between Lond. and Philada. is said to be £100. steri, for £166-13-4 Pennsva. currency. T h i s was taken upon the cur­ rent rates of half Joes and guineas of full weight, being current for 6 0 / and 3 5 / respectively. B u t when the merchants agreed to receive half Joes at 9 dwt. and guineas at 5. dwt. 6 grs. (for the 169

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

1784

above sums) the par of exchange between Lond. and Phila. was altered, for 9 d w t . sterling gold is worth 3 5 / and as 3 5 / is to 6 0 / so is 100£ to 171£-8-7 the present par. Secondly the denomination of our coin must be found by an arithmetical operation which may be performed as follows. A Dollar has 4. different nominal values i n America, exclusive of the sterling rate adopted by S. Carolina. 1st. i n Georgia where a Dollar is current for 60 pence 2dly. V i r g a . and the Eastern states 72. 3dly. Jersey, Pennsva. and Maryland 90 4thly. New York and N . Carolina 96 A penny therefore of these several currencies is as follows. 1st. a penny Georgia money of a dollar 2. a penny lawful -fa 3. a penny proclamation 4. a penny New Y o r k These several fractions when reduced to the common denomi­ nation w i l l be found to be 1

62 2 . 0 8 0 _ 3 7 .3 2 4 . 8 0 0 5 1 8 . 4 00 3 7 .3 2 4 . 8 0 0 4 1 4 . 7 20 — 37 . 3 24 .8 00 _ 3 8 8. 800 37.324.800

24 14 4 0 20 14 4 0 16 14 4 0 15 1440.

Hence i t appears necessary that a new coin may coincide w i t h the old currencies that the lowest denomination be part of a dol­ lar. For greater clearness we must give this a name, which shall be taken from Stewart's political oeconomy, the Money unit; or more shortly the Unit, then 1

1 4

1. penny Georgia money is lawful money proclamation money York money

4 0

24 Units 20. 16. 15.

T h i r d . T o find the quantity of fine silver i n an U n i t we must examine the different coins now current to discover the quantity of fine silver paid i n coin for 1440 Units or one dollar. The coins are either silver or gold. Of the former we must confine ourselves to new dollars and French crowns because they form the principal mass of our silver currency. I t has already been observed that new dollars contain about 365 grs. and Fr. crowns about 407 grs. of fine silver, also that 9 crowns pass for 10. Dollars.

170 ;

IL

MORRIS TO

HEMSLEY

Therefore multiply 365 by 10. which gives 3650 multiply 407 by 9. which gives 3663 20 ) 7313 ( 3 6 5 . f l These divided by 20 give the medium value of a dollar i n silver currency. W e must next compare this w i t h gold and recurring to what is said above we find that 5. Louis equal 23 dollars, and 5. Louis contain 20. crowns each 4 0 7 . grs. The total 8140 grs. therefore divide this 2 3 / 8140 ( 354f-§- the quotient is the value of a dollar paid i n French gold. Secondly half Joes and guineas pass at the rate of 9 d w t . for 8. D o l l . Therefore as each pennyweight contains 22 grs. of fine gold 8 doll, equal 198 grs. and one dollar equals 2 4 f grs. fine gold which multiplied by the value of fine gold in fine silver viz. 14^ w i l l give the value of a dollar paid i n English or Portugal gold in French gold value i n gold. Therefore to add

3 5 8 | . T o this add the value 354f-§- and divide by two and we have the medium 2)713ff|( TH365-||- the medium value i n silver coin 356ff-|- the medium value i n gold coin and divide the 3 5 6

sum by 2. 2)722£§f£ makes 3 6 1 - ^ ^ - the medium value of a dollar. There­ fore 3 6 1 - ^ ^ - grs. of fine silver are equal to 1440 units which is at the rate of a quarter of a grain to one unit nearly or of a grain of fine gold. Fourth. On the expence of coinage w i l l arise two questions. 1st. whether i t should deter us from the attempt. T o answer this a comparison must be drawn between the evils which arise from the want of i t and the probable expence. A m o n g these evils, one is that a tax may be raised on us by those sovereigns whose coins we receive: whereas the expence of a mint (whatever i t be) w i l l be made i n and continue i n the country, and to this may be added that a quantity of public copper now i n the bank would produce a considerable sum beyond the expence of coinage. The second ques­ tion is how the expence of coinage should be defrayed. The answer is simple. Let the mint give 392 units for every 100 grs. of fine silver which is brought i n . T h i s (when coined) w i l l produce 480 units. The difference of 2. per cent w i l l defray the expence. I f the 171

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

1784

price of silver bullion rises, so that none is brought into the mint, none w i l l then be coined. I f i t falls then i t w i l l be brought i n and he who sells the Bullion w i l l i n fact pay the expence of coining i t . But i f the mint pay h i m more than he can get elsewhere i t is his advantage, or even i f i t be considered as a tax, i t is a voluntary and therefore a just tax. Lastly. As to the different species of coins, these w i l l be silver, copper and i f necessary gold, and i n such case the m i n t must give 6664 units for 100 grains of fine gold. T o begin then w i t h the lowest coins, there w i l l be two of copper, one of which w i l l be w o r t h 5 Units and the other 8 units. Of the former 4 w i l l make a penny lawful and 3 a penny Y o r k money. Of the latter 3 w i l l make a penny Georgia and 2 a penny Pennsva. money. The fol­ lowing table shews how any small sum of Units is made w i t h these two coins.

:

unit 1 from 2 of 8 take 3 of 5. 2 2 5 1 8 1 8 1 5 3 4 5 2 8 4

units ! 6 from 2 of 8. take 2 of 5 3 5 1 8 7 9 3 8 3 5 10 2 5 The next lowest coin w i l l be of silver and contain 25 grs. pure or fine, w o r t h 100 units. The next w i l l contain 500 Units and the next 1000 units. T o this i f necessary may be added one of gold containing 1 4 7 ^ grs. of pure gold and w o r t h 10,000 units. T h i s w i t h the alloy w i l l weigh ( i f i t be alloyed at the sterling rate) 6 d w t . 1 7 j f grs. The names of these coins w i l l be just what you please. You w i l l observe Sir i t is i n contemplation that this new coin and currency should rise i n a decimal proportion of 1 — 10—100— 1000 and 10,000. T h i s w i l l render all accounts and calculations extremely simple as may be demonstrated. I shall trouble you no longer than to observe that those who would understand the present subject must be at the trouble of examining the calculations. I have the honor to be &c. Gouv. MORRIS 172

III.

THOUGHTS

ON A

T r ( D L C : T J Papers, 9: 1464-5); entirely in T J ' s hand. Another T r ( D L C : T J Papers, 9: 1466-9); in an unidentified clerk's hand. The table of coins proposed by Mor­ ris in this letter varies from that in the M S printed by Congress in 1785. In that scheme, Morris proposed cop­ per coins of 5 and 4 units rather than 8 and 5, thus making the former co­ incide with the currency of only nine of the states whereas the coins of the present plan agreed with twelve of the thirteen. T h e silver coins of the for­ mer also numbered four of 100, 200, 400, and 1000 units instead of three of 100, 500, and 1000; the former also included two gold coins of 5,000 and 10,000 units. I n it Morris also sug­

COINAGE

gested names, and for the larger of the gold coins, called a crown, he proposed a device and a motto (see that part of Propositions written by Morris; Docu­ ment v n , note 4 ) . There is no date on Morris' M S as printed by the Grand Committee in 1785, but it must have been subsequent to the present letter and therefore represented his later thinking on the subject. T h e differ­ ences between the two may represent the alterations that Robert Morris made in the plan (see note to Document i ) . i T J erred by copying this phrase as "the several transactions"; the cor­ rect reading is taken from the clerk's copy.

III. Some Thoughts on a Coinage [ca. Mch. 1784] Some Thoughts on a Coinage, and the Money U n i t for the U.S. 1. The size of the U n i t . 2. It's division. 3. It's accomodation to known coins. The value of fine silver i n the U n i t . The proportion between the value of gold and silver. The alloy of both 1. oz. i n the pound. T h i s is B r i t , standard of gold, and Fr[ench]. ecu of silver. The Financier's plan. A table of the value of every coin in Units. Transition from money to weights. 10 Units to the American pound. 3650 grs. = 152 d w t . 2 grs. = 7 oz. 12 d w t . 2 grs. Transition from weights to measures. Rain water weighing a pound, i.e. 10 Units, to be put i n a cubic vessel and one side of that taken for the standard or U n i t of measure. Note. B y introducing pure water and pure silver, we check errors of calculation proceeding from heterogeneous mixtures w i t h either. Transition from measures to time. I find new dollars of 1774,80,81 ( q u . Mexico P i l l a r ) weigh 18 dwt. 9 grs. = 4 4 1 grs. I f of this there be but 365 grs. pure silver, the alloy would be of 2.1 oz. i n the ft. instead of 19 d w t .

173 :

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

1784

the common Spanish alloy, which is 1 dwt. worse than the E n g . standard. Whereas i f i t is of 19 dwt. i n the l b . troy, i t w i l l contain 406 grs. pure silver. The Seville peice of eight weighing 17% dwt. by Sr. I . Newt's assay contained 387. grs. pure silver. The Mexico peice of 8. [weighing] 17 dwt. l O f grs. (alloy 18 dwt. as the former) 3 8 5 | . The Pillar peice of 8. [weighing] 17—9 (alloy 18 d w t . ) 3 8 5 f . The old ecu of France or peice of 6. gold Tournois is exactly of the weight and fineness of the Seville peice of 8. The new ecu is by law 1. oz. alloy, but i n fact only 19£ dwt. 19 dwt. 14£ grs. pure metal is 4 3 2 J grs. Loss Weight I n Water Dollars 17-84 15-15 1-1773 1-174 15-14 1—18 fl774 17—8 fl775 17-84 15-154 1-17 1776 1777 |1778 17-91 15-16 1-174 15—16 fl779 17-94 1-174 -j-1780 17—10 15-174 1-164 •j-1781 17-84 15-154 1-17 1782 I These average 4 1 7 . grs. weight i n air 41.3 grs. loss i n water i.e. or more nearly YOOJ ti the weight of water. Cassini makes a degree i n a great mile contain miles D 69 864 = 365,184 feet Then a geographical mile w i l l be of 6086.4 feet a Statute mile is 5280 f. A pendulum vibrating seconds is by Sr. I . Newton 39.2 inches = 3.2666 &c. feet Then a geographical mile of 6 0 8 6 . 1 . f. = 1863.4 second pendu­ lums. Divide the geometrical mile into 10. furlongs each furlong 10. chains each chain 10. paces Then the American mile = 6086.4 f. English = 5280 f. furlong = 608.64 f. = 660 chain = 60.864 = 66 pace = 6.0864 fathom = 6. Russian mile .750 of a geographical mile English mile .8675 Italian mile 1. 1

o r

174

t

e

n

mes

IV.

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

Scotch and I r i s h do. 1.5 old league of France 1.5 small league of do. 2. mean league of do. 2.5 great league of do. 3. Polish mile 3. Spanish do. 3.428 German mile 4. Swedish mile 5. Danish mile 5. Hungarian mile 6. A rod vibrating seconds is nearly 58¿ inches. MS ( D L C ) ; entirely in T J ' s hand; undated and erroneously placed with the rough draft and notes of T J ' s report to the House of Representatives of a plan for establishing uniformity in

currency, weights, and measures, 4 July 1790; M S is in D L C : T J Papers, 233: 41972.

IV. Notes on

i Thus in M S T J meant \ftfo. T

Coinage [Mch.-May 1784]

Notes on the establishment of a Money U n i t , and of a Coinage for the United States. I n fixing the U n i t of money, these circumstances are of principal importance. I . T h a t i t be of convenient size to be applied as a measure to the common money transactions of life. I I . T h a t it's parts and multiples be i n an easy proportion to each other, so as to facilitate the money arithmetic. I I I . T h a t the U n i t and it's parts, or divisions be so nearly of the value of some of the known coins as that they may be of easy adoption for the people. The Spanish Dollar seems to fulfil all these conditions. I . T a k i n g into our view all money transactions, great and small, I question i f a common measure of more convenient size than the Dollar could be proposed. The value of 100, 1000, 10,000 dollars is well estimated by the mind. So is that of the tenth or the hundredth of a dollar. Few transactions are above or below these limits. The expediency of attending to the size of the Money U n i t w i l l be evident to any one who w i l l consider how inconvenient i t would be to a manufacturer or merchant, i f , instead of the yard for measuring cloth, either the inch or the mile had been made the U n i t of measure, 1

2

3

4

5

175

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

1784

I I . The most easy ratio of multiplication and division is that by ten. Every one knows the facility of Decimal Arithmetic. Every one remembers, that, when learning money arithmetic, he used to be puzzled w i t h adding the farthings, taking out the fours and carrying them on; adding the pence, taking out the twelves and carrying them on; adding the shillings, taking out the twenties and carrying them on. B u t when he came to the pounds, where he had only tens to carry forward, i t was easy and free from error. The bulk of mankind are school boys thro' life. These little perplexities are always great to them. A n d even Mathematical heads feel the relief of an easier substituted for a more difficult process. Foreigners too who trade or travel among us w i l l find a great facility i n under­ standing our coins and accounts from this ratio of subdivision. Those who have had occasion to convert the Livres, sols and deniers of the French, the Gilders, stivers, and penings of the Dutch, the Pounds, shillings, pence and farthings of these several states into each other can judge how much they would have been aided had their several subdivisions been i n a decimal ratio. Certainly i n all cases where we are free to chuse between easy and difficult modes of operation, i t is most rational to chuse the easy. The Financier therefore i n his report, well proposes that our Coins should be in decimal proportions to one another. I f we adopt the Dollar for our U n i t , we should strike four coins, one of gold, two of silver, and one of copper, viz. 6

1. 2. 3. 4.

a Golden peice equal i n value to 10. Dollars. the U n i t , or Dollar itself, of silver. the Tenth of a Dollar, of silver also. the Hundredth of a Dollar, of copper.

Compare the Arithmetical operations on the same sum of money expressed i n this form, and expressed i n the pound sterling and it's divisions. Addition.

Subtraction.

£. s. d.qrs. Dollars 8 13 1 1 £ = 3 8 . 6 5 4 12 8f=20.61

£. s. d.qrs. Dollars 8 13 1 1 ^ = 3 8 . 6 5 4 12 8f=20.61

7

£13

6

8£

7

59.26

£4

176

1

2f

18.04

IV.

NOTES

Multiplication

ON

i

4 1 12

Division

by 8.

by 8. Dollars. lli=8)38.65 4.83

£. s. d.qrs.

7

£. s. d.qrs.'' Dollars. 38.65 8 13 1U 20 8 173 12

COINAGE

8 13 20

309.2 D .

173 12

2087 4

2087 4

8350 8

8)8350 35

66,800

30

¡F

16,700 1.39(1 8 £69 11 8

8

1043 260f 1 2

2)1

8

£ 1 ) 1 8f

1

A bare inspection of the above operations w i l l evince the labour which is occasioned by subdividing the U n i t into 20ths. 240ths. and 960ths. as the English do, and as we have done; and the ease of subdivisions i n a decimal ratio. The same difference arises i n making paiment. A n Englishman to pay £ 8 - 1 3 s - l l d ^qrs. must find by calculation what combination of the coins of his country w i l l pay this sum. B u t an American, having the same sum to pay, thus expressed 38.D.65 w i l l know by inspection only that 3. golden peices, 8 units or Dollars, 6 tenths and 5 coppers pay i t precisely. I I I . The t h i r d condition required is that the U n i t , it's multiples, and subdivisions coincide i n value w i t h some of the known coins so nearly, that the people may, by a quick reference i n the mind, estimate their value. I f this be not attended to, they w i l l be very long i n adopting the innovation, i f ever they adopt i t . Let us examine i n this point of view each of the 4 . coins proposed. 1. The Golden peice w i l l be jr more than a half Joe, and more than a double guinea. I t w i l l be readily estimated then by reference to either of them; but more readily and accurately as equal to 10. dollars. 2. The U n i t or Dollar is a known coin, and the most familiar of all to the minds of the people. I t is already adopted from South to North; has identified our currency, and therefore happily offers itself as an U n i t already introduced. Our public debt, our requisitions, and their apportionments have given i t actual and long possession of the place of U n i t . The course of our commerce too 10

177

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

1784

w i l l bring us more of this than of any other foreign coin, and there­ fore renders i t more worthy of attention. I know of no U n i t which can be proposed i n competition w i t h the Dollar, but the Pound. But what is the Pound? 1547. grains of fine silver i n Georgia; 1289. grains i n V i r g i n i a , Connecticut, Rhode island, Massachusets, and New Hampshire; 1 0 3 l i grains i n Maryland, Delaware, Penn­ sylvania and New Jersey; 9 6 6 f grains i n N o r t h Carolina and N e w York. W h i c h of these shall we adopt? T o which state give that preeminence of which all are so jealous? A n d on which impose the difficulties of a new estimate for their corn, their cattle and other commodities? Or shall we hang the pound sterling, as a common badge, about all their necks? T h i s contains 1718J grains of pure silver. I t is difficult to familiarize a new coin to the people. I t is more difficult to familiarize them to a new coin w i t h an old name. Happily the Dollar is familiar to them all; and is already as much referred to for a measure of value as their respective provincial pounds. 3. The T e n t h w i l l be precisely the Spanish B i t , or half pistereen. T h i s is a coin perfectly familiar to us all. W h e n we shall make a new coin then equal in value to this, i t w i l l be of ready estimate w i t h the people. 4. The Hundredth, or Copper, w i l l differ little from the copper of the 4. Eastern states which is -y^-g of a dollar; still less from the penny of New York and N . Carolina which is ^ of a dollar: and somewhat more from the penny or Copper of Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland which is of a D o l l a r . I t w i l l be about the medium between the old and the new coppers of these states, and therefore w i l l soon be substituted for them both. I n V i r g i n i a coppers have never been i n use. I t w i l l be as easy therefore to introduce them there of one value as of another. The Copper coin proposed w i l l be nearly equal to three fourths of their penny, which is the same w i t h the penny lawful of the Eastern states. A great deal of small change is useful i n a state, and tends to reduce the prices of small articles. Perhaps i t would not be amiss to coin three more peices of silver, one of the value of five tenths, or half a dollar, one of the value of two Tenths which would be equal to the Spanish pistereen, and one of the value of 5. Coppers, which would be equal to the Spanish halfbit. W e should then have five silver coins, viz. 11

12

13

14

15

16

17

1. 2.

the U n i t or Dollar. the half dollar or five tenths. ; 178

18

IV. 3.

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

the double T e n t h , equal to .2, or ¿ of a Dollar, or to the Pistereen. the T e n t h equal to a Spanish B i t . the five copper peice equal to .05 or of a Dollar, or to the Halfbit.

4. 5.

The plan reported by the Financier is worthy of his sound judgment. I t admits however of objection i n the size of the U n i t . He proposes that this shall be the 1440th. part of a Dollar: so that i t w i l l require 1440. of his units to make the one before proposed. He was led to adopt this by a mathematical attention to our old currencies all of which this U n i t w i l l measure without leaving a fraction. B u t as our object is to get r i d of those currencies the advantage derived from this coincidence w i l l soon be past, whereas the inconveniencies of this U n i t w i l l for ever remain, i f they do not altogether prevent it's introduction. I t is defective i n two of the three requisites of a Money unit. 1. I t is inconvenient i n it's application to the ordinary money transactions. 10,000 dollars w i l l require 8. figures to express them, to w i t , 14,400,000 Units. A horse or bullock of 80. dollars value w i l l require a notation of six figures, to wit, 115,200 Units. As a money of account this w i l l be laborious, even when facilitated by the aid of decimal arithmetic: as a common measure of the value of property i t w i l l be too minute to be comprehended by the people. The French are subjected to very laborious calculations, the Livre being their ordinary money of account, and this but between £ and i of a dollar. B u t what w i l l be our labours, should our money of account be j - ^ p t h of a Dollar only? 19

20

21

2. I t is neither equal, nor near to, any of the known coins i n value. I f we determine that a Dollar shall be our U n i t , we must then say w i t h precision what a Dollar is. T h i s coin, as struck at different times, of different weights and fineness, is of different values. Sr. Isaac Newton's assay and representation to the Lords of the Treasury i n 1717 of those which he examined, make their values as follows. 22

23

the Seville peice of eight the Mexico peice of eight the Pillar peice of eight the new Seville peice of eight

dwt 17 17 17

grs. grains 12 containing 387 of pure silver, lOf 385^ 9 385| 2 4

14. 179

308^

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

1784

The Financier states the old dollar as containing 376. grains of fine silver, and the new 365 grains. I f the dollars circulating among us be of every date equally, we should examine the quantity of pure metal i n each and from them form an average for our U n i t . T h i s is a work proper to be committed to Mathematicians as well as Merchants, and which should be decided on actual and accurate experiment. The quantum of alloy is also to be decided. Some is necessary to prevent the coin from wearing too fast. Too much fills our pockets w i t h copper instead of silver. The silver coins assayed by Sr. Isaac Newton varied from 1£ to 76 pennyweight alloy i n the pound T r o y of mixed metal. The British standard has 18. d w t . T h e Spanish coins assayed by Sr. Isaac Newton have from 18. to 19i dwt., the new French crown has i n fact 19^, tho' by edict it should have 20 d w t . that is The taste of our countrymen w i l l require that their furniture plate should be as good as the British standard. Taste cannot be controuled by law. Let i t then give the law i n a point which is indifferent to a certain degree. Let the legislatures fix the alloy of furniture plate at 18. dwt. the British standard and Congress that of their coin at one ounce i n the pound, the French standard. T h i s proportion has been found convenient for the alloy of gold coin, and i t w i l l simplify the system of our mint to alloy both metals i n the same degree. The coin too being the least pure, w i l l be less easily melted into plate. These reasons are light indeed, and of course w i l l only weigh i f no heavier ones can be opposed to them. The proportion between the values of gold and silver is a mer­ cantile problem altogether. I t would be inaccurate to fix i t by the popular exchanges of a half Joe for eight dollars, a Louis for 4 . French crowns, or 5. Louis for 23. Dollars. The first of these would be to adopt the Spanish proportion between gold and silver; the second the French; the t h i r d a mere popular barter, wherein convenience is consulted more than accuracy. The legal proportion in Spain is 16. for l . i n England 15£ for 1. i n France 15. for 1. T h e Spaniards and English are found i n experience to retain an overproportion of gold coins and to lose their silver. The French have a greater proportion of silver. The difference at market has been on the decrease. T h e Financier states i t at present as at 14£ for 1. Just principles w i l l lead us to disregard legal proportions altogether; to enquire into the market price of gold i n the several countries w i t h which we shall principally be connected i n com­ merce, and to take an average from them. Perhaps we m i g h t w i t h 25

2

6

: 180

IV.

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

safety lean to a proportion somewhat above par for gold, consider­ ing our neighborhood and commerce w i t h the sources of the coins, and the tendency which the high price of gold i n Spain has to draw thither all that of their mines, leaving silver principally for our, and other markets. I t is not impossible that 15. for 1. may be found an eligible proportion. I state i t however as conjectural only. As to the alloy for gold coin, the British is an ounce i n the pound; the French, Spanish and Portuguese differ from that only from a quarter of a grain to a grain and a half. 1 should therefore prefer the British, merely because it's fraction stands i n a more simple form, and facilitates the calculations into which i t enters. Should the U n i t be fixed at 365 grains of pure silver, gold at 15. for l . and the alloy of both be one twelfth, the weights of the coins w i l l be as follows. 27

2

8

GRAINS

the Golden peice, containing the U n i t or Dollar the half dollar or five tenths. the fifth, or pistereen. the T e n t h , or B i t the T w e n t i e t h , or halfbit.

243i

GRAINS

of pure metal.

365. 182*

2 2 . 1 2 of alloy, w i l l weigh 33.18 16.59 of alloy, will weigh 6.63 3.318

73. 36*

1.659

18Í

DWT.

11 16.

GRAINS

1.45 14.18

8.

7.09

3 1

7.63 15.818

2 9

19.9

The quantity of fine silver which shall constitute the U n i t being settled, and the proportion of the value of gold to that of silver; a table should be formed from the assay before suggested, classing the several foreign coins according to their fineness, declaring the worth of a pennyweight or grain i n each class, and that they shall be lawful tenders at those rates, i f not clipped or otherwise dimin­ ished; and where diminished offering their value for them at the mint, deducting the expence of recoinage. Here the legislatures should cooperate w i t h Congress i n providing that no money be received or paid at their treasuries, or by any of their officers, or any bank but on actual weight; i n making i t criminal i n a high degree to diminish their own coins, and i n some smaller degree to offer them i n paiment when diminished. T h a t this subject may be properly prepared and i n readiness for Congress to take up at their meeting i n November, something must now be done. The present session drawing to a close they probably would not chuse to enter far into this undertaking them­ selves. The Committee of the states however, during the recess 181

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

1784

w i l l have time to digest i t thoroughly, i f Congress w i l l fix some general principles for their government. Suppose then they be instructed T o appoint proper persons to assay and examine, w i t h the utmost accuracy practicable, the Spanish milled dollars of different dates i n circulation w i t h us. T o assay and examine i n like manner the fineness of all other the coins which may be found i n circulation w i t h i n these states. T o report to the Committee the result of these assays, by them to be laid before Congress. T o appoint also proper persons to enquire what are the propor­ tions between the values of fine gold and fine silver at the markets of the several countries w i t h which we are or probably may be connected i n commerce; and what would be a proper proportion here, having regard to the average of their values at those markets and to other circumstances, and to report the same to the Com­ mittee by them to be laid before Congress. T o prepare an Ordinance for establishing the U n i t of money w i t h i n these states; for subdividing i t ; and for striking coins of gold, silver, and copper on the following principles. T h a t the Money U n i t of these states shall be equal i n value to a Spanish milled dollar, containing so much fine silver as the assay before directed shall shew to be contained on an average in dollars of the several dates i n circulation w i t h us. T h a t this U n i t shall be divided into Tenths and Hundredths: T h a t there shall be a coin of silver of the value of an U n i t : One other of the same m e t a l of the value of one T e n t h of of an U n i t : One other of Copper of the value of the Hundredth of an Unit: T h a t there shall be a coin of Gold of the value of ten Units, according to the report before directed and the judgment of the Committee thereon; T h a t the alloy of the said coins of Gold and Silver shall be equal i n weight to one eleventh part of the fine metal. T h a t there be proper devices for these coins: T h a t measures be proposed for preventing their diminution, and also their currency and that of any others when diminished. T h a t the several foreign coins be described and classed i n the said Ordinance, the fineness of each class stated, and it's value by weight estimated i n Units and decimal parts of Units. A n d that the said draught of an Ordinance be reported to Con30

31

32

33

34

35

182

IV.

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

gress at their next meeting for their consideration and determina­ tion. Supplementory Explanations The preceding notes having been submitted to the Consideration of the Financier, he favored me w i t h his opinion and observations on them, which render necessary the following supplementory explanations. I observed i n the preceding notes that the true proportion of value between gold and silver was a mercantile problem altogether and that perhaps 15. for 1. m i g h t be found an eligible proportion. The Financier is so good as to inform me that this would be higher than the market would justify. Confident of his better information on this subject, I recede from that idea.* He also informs me that the several coins in circulation among us have been already assayed w i t h accuracy, and the result pub­ lished i n a w o r k on that subject. The assay of Sr. Isaac Newton had superseded, i n m y mind, the necessity of this operation as to the older coins which were the subject of his examination. T h i s later work w i t h equal reason may be considered as saving the same trouble as to the latter. So far then I accede to the opinions of the Financier. On the other hand he seems to concur w i t h me i n thinking his smallest fractional division too minute for an unit, and therefore proposes to transfer that denomination to his largest silver coin containing 1000 of the units first proposed, and w o r t h about 4 / 2 lawful or f-f of a dollar. The only question then remaining between us is Whether the Dollar, or this coin, be best for the U n i t . W e both agree that the ease of adoption with the people is the thing to be aimed at. 1. As to the Dollar, events have overtaken and superseded the question. I t is no longer a doubt whether the people can adopt i t w i t h ease. They have actually adopted i t , and w i l l be to be turned out of that into another tract of calculation i f another U n i t be as­ sumed. They have now two Units, which they use w i t h equal facility, viz. the pound of their respective state, and the dollar. The 36

37

38

39

40

* I n a newspaper which frequently gives good details in political ceconomy I find under the Hamburgh head that the present market price of gold and silver is in England 15.5 for 1; in Russia 15; in Holland 14.75; in Savoy 14.6; in France 14.42; in Spain 14.3; in Germany 14.155; the average of

which is 14.675 or 14f. I would still incline to give a little more than the market price for gold because of it's superior convenience in transportation. [Ed. Note:—TJ gathered this informa­ tion in Apr. 1785. See T J to Monroe, 15 Apr. 1785.]

183 :

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

1784

first of these is peculiar to each state: the second happily common to all. I n each state the people have an easy rule for converting the pound of their state into dollars, or dollars into pounds. A n d this is enough for them without knowing how this may be done i n every state of the Union. Such of them as live near enough the borders of their state to have dealings w i t h their neighbors learn also the rule of their neighbors. Thus i n V i r g i n i a and the Eastern states where the dollar is 6 / or ^ of a pound, to t u r n pounds into dollars they multiply by 10. and divide by 3. to t u r n dollars into pounds they multiply by 3. and divide by 10. Those i n V i r g i n i a who live near to Carolina where the dollar is 8 / or of a pound learn the operation of that state, which is a multiplication by 4 . and division by 10 et e converso. Those who live near M a r y l a n d where the dollar is 7 / 6 or f of a pound, multiply by 3 and divide by 8, or e converso. A l l these operations are easy, and have been found by experience not too much for the arithmetic of the people, when they have occasion to convert their old unit into dollars, or the reverse. 2. As to the U n i t of the Financier i n the states where the dollar is ^ of a pound, this U n i t w i l l be It's conversion into the pound then w i l l be by a multiplication by 5 and division by 2 4 . I n the states where the dollar is f of a pound, this unit w i l l be f-f of a pound, and the operation must be to multiply by 25 and divide by 96. or e converso. Where the dollar is ^ of a pound, this unit w i l l be The simplicity of the fraction, and of course the facility of conversion and reconversion, is therefore against this unit, and in favor of the dollar, i n every instance. The only advantage i t has over the dollar is that i t w i l l i n every case express our farthings without a remainder; whereas, tho the dollar and it's decimals w i l l do this i n many cases, i t w i l l not i n all. B u t , even i n these, by extending your notation one figure further, to w i t , to thousandths, you approximate to perfect accuracy w i t h i n less than the two thousandth part of a dollar; an atom i n money which every one would neglect. Against this single inconvenience the other advan­ tages of the dollar are more than sufficient to preponderate. T h i s unit w i l l present to the people a new coin, and whether they en­ deavor to estimate it's value by comparing i t w i t h a pound, or w i t h a dollar, the Units they now possess, they w i l l find the fraction very compound, and of course less accomodated to their comprehension and habits than the dollar. Indeed the probability is that they could never be led to compute i n i t generally. The Financier supposes that the jj^ of a dollar is not sufficiently 184

IV.

N O T E S

O N

C O I N A G E

small where the poor are purchasers or venders. I f i t is not, make a smaller coin. B u t I suspect that i t is small enough. Let us examine facts, i n countries where we are acquainted w i t h them. I n V i r ­ ginia, where our towns are few, small, and of course their demand for necessaries very limited, we have never yet been able to intro­ duce a copper coin at all. The smallest coin which any body w i l l receive there is the half-bit, or -fa of a dollar. I n those states where the towns are larger and more populous, a more habitual barter for small wants has called for a copper coin fa or -fa or of a dollar. I n England where the towns are many and populous, and where ages of experience have matured the conveniencies of inter­ course, they have found that some wants may be supplied for a farthing, or j±j of a dollar, and they have accomodated a coin to this want. T h i s business is evidently progressive. I n V i r g i n i a we are far behind. I n some other states they are farther advanced, to wit to the appreciation of fa, fa, of a dollar. T o this most advanced state then I accomodated m y smallest coin i n the decimal arrangement as a money of paiment, corresponding w i t h the money of account. I have no doubt the time w i l l come when a smaller coin w i l l be called for. W h e n i t comes, let i t be made. I t w i l l probably be the half of the copper I propose, that is to say or .005 of a dollar, this being very nearly the farthing of England. B u t i t w i l l be time enough to make i t when the people shall be ready to receive it. 5

1 0

00

M y proposition then is that our Notation of money shall be decimal, descending ad libitum of the person n o t i n g ; that the U n i t of this notation shall be a dollar, that coins shall be accomo­ dated to i t from ten dollars to the hundredth of a dollar; and that to set this on foot, the resolutions be adopted which were proposed i n the Notes, only substituting an enquiry into the fineness of the coins in lieu of an assay of t h e m . 41

42

MS ( D L C : T J Papers, 10: 1678a); 12 numbered pages entirely in T J ' s hand; undated, but the first 8 pages consisting of the "Notes" proper were written before 12 Apr. and probably before 23 Mch.; pages 9-12 consisting of the "Supplementory Explanations" were written between 7 and 11 May after T J had received Morris' reply to his letter of 26 Apr. and before he left Congress (see notes 36 and 42 below). This M S is obviously a fair copy and not a composition draft. Because of the decisive influence of T J ' s proposals it is important to establish the relationship of this text to other copies. There

must have been a rough draft in T J ' s hands, despite his remark to Robert Morris in his letter of 26 Apr. that "an insurmountable aversion to copying obliges me . . . to desire a return of the inclosed paper of which I retain no copy." This must have meant that T J , in the last busy days of Congress, intended to submit this copy to Congress instead of copying it or making a revision of the whole text in the light of Morris' comments. But in any case there were other copies of parts or the whole of his "Notes," as follows: ( 1 ) A M S of that part of the "Notes" consisting of instructions to the Committee

185

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

of the States ( D L C : T J Papers, 10: 5 6 8 ) , probably copied from the miss­ ing rough draft and certainly amended after T J had received Morris' letter of 30 Apr.; printed above with T J ' s report on the Committee of the States ( V o l . 6: 528-9). ( 2 ) A M S copy in Samuel Osgood's hand of a major part of the "Notes"; see note 22 below. T h i s M S ( N H i : Osgood Papers) consists of 4 pages, endorsed: "Jefferson on Current Money. Samuel Osgood's paper." Since Osgood was disqualified for holding his seat after 1 Mch. 1784, having been a delegate for three years, and since this disqualification was confirmed by Con­ gress on 23 Mch., it is very likely that Osgood made this copy before the lat­ ter date; he may have sat in Congress in the interval between 1 and 23 Mch. but he did not vote (Burnett, Letters of Members, v u , lxviii). It is true, of course, that in 1785 he was a member of the Board of the Treasury that re­ ported favorably upon T J ' s proposals and he could have made a copy of the "Notes" at that time; but a full text of T J ' s document was then available to him and there would have been no ob­ ject in making a partial copy. The Osgood text is chiefly valuable for its evidence that T J must have been at work on the "Notes" early in Mch. 1784. ( 3 ) A M S copy of the "Notes" in Charles Thomson's hand ( D N A : P C C , No. 137, I I , p. 363-86); 16 pages, undated, endorsed by Thomson: "Mr Jefferson's Notes on the establishment of a Money Unit and of a Coinage for the United States." In his letter to Thomson of 14 July 1785, T J referred to "the paper I left with you on our coinage." This may refer to the miss­ ing rough draft or to another copy by T J , also missing, from which Thomson made his copy. At any rate, the unique variations of the Thomson M S are so many and are of such character as to make it certain that, unlike Osgood and Howell, Thomson did not copy from the present M S but from some other miss­ ing text. See notes 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 19, 25, 27, 32, and 33 below. (4) A printed text that appeared as an appendix to T J ' s Notes on the State of Virginia (Paris, 1785) under the title "Notes on the Establisment [sic] of a Money Unit, and of a Coinage for the United States," 14 pages. T h i s was also print­ ed separately from the same types; under date of 14 July 1785 T J sent to Charles Thomson "100 [printed] copies of the paper I left with you on our coinage" ( T J to Thomson, 14 July

1784

1785). A copy of the separate printing is D L C : A C . 9 0 1 . W 7 (No. 5, Vol. 49, in the series of [Oliver] Wolcott pam­ phlets. ( 5 ) Another printed text of T J ' s "Notes" is included in a docu­ ment issued by Congress in 1785 en­ titled Propositions respecting the Coin­ age of Gold, Silver, and Copper. T h i s 12-page pamphlet was issued as a re­ sult of the Grand Committee's report of 13 May 1785 ( J C C , x x v m , 534-8; M S in Hugh Williamson's hand in D N A : P C C , No. 26, p. 537-42) which Congress directed "To be printed with the plans of the late Superint. of fi­ nance and of M r . Jefferson" and of which the official copy, endorsed and marked by Thomson is in D N A : P C C , No. 26, p. 545-56. ( 6 ) Another text was published in The Providence Ga­ zette, and Country Journal of 24 July 1784, with an introductory statement quoted above in editorial note. T h i s represents the earliest datable version of the text, having been taken from a copy sent by David Howell to Gov. Jabez Bowen on 12 Apr. 1784; the copy that Howell sent is missing, but, like that of Osgood, it was probably copied from T J ' s M S . A copy of the Providence Gazette is in D N A : P C C , No. 26, p. 559, bound up with the M S copy of the report of the Grand Com­ mittee of 13 May 1785 and with the official copy of Propositions; it was this issue of the Gazette that was employed as printer's copy when Congress de­ cided to issue the Grand Committee's report "with the plans of the late Superint. of finance and of M r . Jeffer­ son." W h y Thomson should have chos­ en this early version of the text in preference to his own later copy is not known, though the fact that David Howell was chairman of the Grand Committee and was no doubt respon­ sible for conveying this copy of the Gazette to Congress may be explana­ tion enough. T h e texts of T J ' s "Notes" as published in the Gazette and as printed in Propositions agree precisely in all particulars, not merely in the fact that they fail to include the suggestion of a half-dollar coin, but also in a num­ ber of variations in figures or phrase­ ology peculiar to these two texts alone (see notes 1, 10, 13, 20, 21, 24, 29, 31, 3 4 ) . Whether the errors that are included in these distinctive variations were made by Howell in copying or by the printer of the Gazette cannot be determined. For convenience, the above texts are referred to in the notes below as M S 1

186

IV.

NOTES

ON

(the text printed above), M S 2 (the single leaf containing that part of "Notes" comprising an instruction to the Committee of the States, in T J Papers, 10: 1568), Osgood M S , Thomson M S , Gazette, Propositions, and N S V (the printed text as given in appendix to the 1785 edition of Notes on the State of Virginia). M S 1 and of course N S V which was printed from it are the only texts to include "Supplementory Explanations." I n the notes below only the more significant variations between texts are indicated. 1 The title, both in Gazette and in Propositions, but in no other text, reads "Notes on the Establishment of a Money Mint, and of a Coinage for the United States." See Document v n , note 4. 2 This sentence is lacking in Thomson M S , but is present in all other texts. 3 T J first wrote "a convenient" in MS 1 and then altered it to read as above. 4 Thomson M S reads: ". . . nearly of the same value"; no other text agrees with this reading. s I n M S 1 T J deleted "better" at this point and then interlined "of more convenient size." 6 Thomson M S reads: ". . . who have trade or who travel among us"; this reading is not in any other text. 7 T h e abbreviation "qrs." is lacking in Thomson M S but not in any other text. s Thomson M S differs from other texts by presenting the final figures as: "1391.8 69.11.8." o Thomson M S differs from other texts by presenting the final figures as: u .2087 4 8

8350

4

1043

f

12

260

}

21.8

20

1.1.8 10 Gazette and Propositions, but no other texts, contain the erroneous reading "964ths." 11 Thomson M S , but no other text, reads "state" for "provincial." 12 I n M S 1 T J originally wrote, and then deleted all following the word "pistereen": . . . or half pistereen in 4i

COINAGE

some of the states, and in others will differ from it but by a very small fraction." These words are not deleted in Osgood M S , Thomson M S , Gazette, or Propositions; hence it is certain that T J did not make the deletion until late April and probable that he did not make it until he was preparing M S 1 for printing in N S V in 1785. 13 This word is not in Gazette or Propositions, but is in all other texts. 1 As originally written, M S 1 reads as follows: "The Hundredth or Copper will be very nearly the penny or copper of (the four Eastern states) N. York and N . Carolina, this being g ^ of a Dollar, and will not be very different from the penny or Copper of Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, which is * of a Dollar, (nor from the copper of the four Eastern states which is J of a Dollar)." This passage was then altered by deletion and interlineation to read as above. Thomson M S , Gazette, and Propositions agree with the text as originally phrased, but Osgood M S agrees with the text after it was altered. This points to the obvious conclusion that T J had made the alteration in M S 1 in Mch. before Osgood left Congress and that Thomson, who made his copy late in Apr., was using another text. 4

1

¥

T

ïï

¥

is T J originally wrote "two" in M S 1, then deleted it and interlined "three." Gazette and Propositions both follow the original reading. Thomson M S and Osgood M S agree with the altered reading. See note 18. 16 The phrase "one of the value of five tenths, or half a dollar" is interlined in M S 1. Gazette and Propositions do not contain this interlineation. Thomson M S and Osgood M S agree with the altered reading. See note 18. 17 T J originally wrote "four" in M S 1, then deleted it and interlined "five." Gazette and Propositions both follow the original reading. Thomson M S and Osgood M S agree with the altered reading. See note 18. is This line inserted in M S 1 after four coins had been listed and numbered, and numbers 2, 3, and 4 were accordingly changed by overwriting to 3, 4, and 5. Gazette and Propositions both follow the original reading; Thomson M S and Osgood M S contain the inserted line concerning the half-dollar and coins are numbered from 1 to 5. As proved by T J ' s letter to Hopkinson, this half-dollar coin was added before 3 May 1784, and the fact that the copy made by Osgood includes the .50 piece

187

NOTES

ON

COINAGE

indicates that it was made in Mch. A l terations indicated in notes 15-17 were, of course, made at the same time. See note 29. i» Thomson M S reads: ". . . make them the one before proposed." No other text agrees with this reading. 20 Gazette and Propositions, but no other texts, read: " . . . a 5th and 6th of a dollar." 21 T h i s word is not in Gazette or Propositions, but is in all other texts. 2 2 T h e Osgood M S ends at this point. 23 T J originally wrote in M S 1: "If we having determined . . ." and then altered this clause to read as above. 24 Gazette and Propositions, but no other texts, read "19 9," erroneously. 25 This sentence is not in Thomson MS; all other texts that cover this part of "Notes" include it. 26 N S V , but no other text, reads "6 for 1," but it is obvious that "1" had dropped out before "6" in some copies. A similar press error occurred four sentences below where some copies of N S V read "4¿ for 1" instead of " 1 4 | for 1." 27 Thomson M S reads "from £ of a grain and an half," erroneously; no other text covering this part of "Notes" agrees with this reading. 28 T J meant, of course, "1. for 15." A l l other copies covering this part of "Notes" accept the error unquestioningly but the Board of Treasury noted it in 1786 ( JCC, x x x , 168). 29 This line is not in Gazette or Propositions. See note 18. It is interlined in M S 1. See note 18. so M S 2 begins at this point ( see Vol. 6: 528-9). 31 Gazette and Propositions read ". . . all the other coins," but no other texts covering this part of "Notes" agree with this reading. 32 Thomson M S , but no other text, reads as follows: "To receive and lay before Congress the reports on the result of these assays." 33 Thomson M S , but no other text, reads "the." 34 Preceding four words are not in Gazette or Propositions, but are in all other texts covering this part of "Notes." 35 M S 2 has the following interlined

1784

at this point: "That for the convenience of paiment there shall also be a gold coin of 5. units, and silver coins of \ , , and fo of a [unit]." This does not appear in any other text and must have been inserted in M S 2 even after M S 1 had been printed in N S V , for on 28 Aug. 1785, after N S V had been printed, T J wrote to Monroe: " I see by the public papers you have adopted the dollar as your money unit. I n the arrangement of coins I proposed, I ought to have inserted a gold coin of 5. dollars, which being within 2 / of the value of a guinea will be very convenient." This interlineation, of course, had the effect only of adding the fivedollar gold coin; the silver coins of A> * T&ÏÏ" * f r were certainly added before 3 May 1784; see notes 18 and 29. 36 AH texts except Osgood M S ( see note 2 2 ) , M S 1, and N S V end at this point. Below text of N S V is "Annapolis, April, 1784." See note 42. 37 This word interlined in M S 1 in substitution for "acquiesce," deleted. 38 N S V reads: "latter coins." 39 T J originally wrote in M S 1 "he concurs with me," and then altered it in favor of the more cautious phrase above. 40 T h i s word interlined in M S 1 in substitution for "line," deleted. Ford, m , 455, gives the natural but erroneous reading ". . . will have to be turned out," & c ; M S 1 and N S V both have the reading as given above. 41 T h e following is deleted in M S 1 at this point: "and that he shall be accomodated with coins in a decimal progression also whereof the dollar shall be the Unit, and in." 42 At the end of N S V , there is the following precise date: "Annapolis, May 9, 1784"; see note 36. T h e substitution of "an enquiry into the fineness of the coins in lieu of an assay of them" (and consequent alterations) may have been made before T J left Annapolis (see Vol. 6: 528-9), but in M S 2 they seem to be in the same ink as the interlineation described above in note 35. I f this is correct, then all of these alterations were made in Paris in 1785 after N S V was printed. 2

T

188

ÏÏ

T

a n