To Thomas Mann Randolph, 18 April 1790
After relating the latest news Jefferson asks his son-in-law to keep a weather diary.
America on a Global Stage
The United States was finding its place on the global stage, balancing economic needs with tensions created by European wars, especially between England and France. The Barbary wars become the United States’ first foreign military conflict. How did the early United States and the Jefferson administration respond to and participate in empire building and the contest for power and authority on the world stage?
To William Short, 3 January 1793
Jefferson assesses the violence of the French Revolution in his well-known “Adam and Eve” letter to William Short.
To Rufus King, 13 July 1802
Jefferson forwards a request of the Virginia legislature to send rebellious slaves to Sierra Leone.
To Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 1 February 1803
Jefferson relies on his French friend to help maintain peaceful relations between the United States and France, informs him of James Monroe's appointment as a special envoy, and stresses the importance of the Mississippi and the American right of deposit at New Orleans.
From Mawlay Sulayman, Sultan of Morocco, 11 October 1803
Following a naval skirmish between Moroccan and American ships, the Sultan writes to assure Jefferson that he considers the treaties between the countries to still be in effect.
To James Monroe, 8 Jan. 1804
Jefferson relays news of the purchase of Louisiana as well as social differences between Great Britain and the United States where everyone is to be treated as equals.
To Mustafa Baba, Dey of Algiers, 9 June 1804
Jefferson commends the Algerian ruler’s “attachment to the Treaty which binds us together,” promises to send cannons and naval stores, and reports that additional US frigates will be sent to the Mediterranean Sea in a show of strength against Tripoli.
To Carlos IV, King of Spain, 14 October 1804
Jefferson sends a letter of credence to the monarch of Spain for James Monroe as minister extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the United States.