Home > Back to Search Results >
Letter to Washington, responded to by Thomas Jefferson...
Letter to Washington, responded to by Thomas Jefferson...
Item # 669148
August 28, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 28, 1793
* Citizen Genet - French Minister to U.S.
* President George Washington letter
* Thomas Jefferson response
Page 3 has a letter from the French minister "To General Washington, President of the United States" but it is responded to by the Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, as it is a state matter and not meant for the President's attention. It relates to the Citizen Genet Affair & the troubling situation with the on-going French Revolution.
Four pages, minor loss above the masthead affects no type, very nice condition.
AI notes: In response to Citizen Genet’s provocative letter of August 13, 1793, Thomas Jefferson, as Secretary of State, helped craft a reply that carefully balanced firmness with diplomacy. Jefferson emphasized the United States’ commitment to neutrality in the conflict between France and Britain, making clear that the government could not legally support privateers or military operations on behalf of France without violating U.S. law. At the same time, he sought to avoid personal offense, acknowledging France’s historical alliance with the United States while reminding Genet that the 1778 treaties obligated mutual respect but did not compel American involvement in European wars. Jefferson addressed Genet’s complaints about the seizure of French vessels and the restrictions on French consuls by explaining the legal limits of U.S. authority in domestic ports, asserting that neutrality was a duty of the government rather than a slight against France. The response combined reasoned appeals to law and precedent with subtle reassurance, aiming to calm tensions without antagonizing France, and reflected Jefferson’s skill in navigating the delicate early diplomatic challenges of the young republic.
Category: The 1600's and 1700's
Available Now
$65.00
