Volume 44: 1 July to 10 November 1804

© 2019 Princeton University Press

Cover of Volume 44, which displays the title and publisher of the volume, as well as names of the project editors.

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Aaron Burr fells Alexander Hamilton in a duel at Weehawken, New Jersey, in July, but Jefferson, caring little for either adversary or for disruptive partisan warfare, gives the event only limited notice. Through the summer and into the autumn, he contends with the problem of filling the offices necessary for the establishment of Orleans Territory on 1 October. In this he is constrained by his lack of knowledge about potential officeholders. Meanwhile, a delegation with a memorial from disgruntled Louisianians travels to Washington. In August, the U.S. Mediterranean squadron bombards Tripoli. The United States has uneasy relationships around its periphery. Jefferson compiles information on British aggressions in American ports and waters, and drafts a bill to allow federal judges and state governors to call on military assistance when British commanders spurn civil authority. Another bill seeks to prevent merchant ships from arming for trade with Haiti. Contested claims to West Florida, access to the Gulf of Mexico, tensions along the Texas-Louisiana boundary, and unresolved maritime claims exacerbate relations with Spain. Jefferson continues his policy of pushing Native American nations to give up their lands east of the Mississippi River. Yellow fever has devastating effects in New Orleans. In October, Abigail Adams terminates the brief revival of their correspondence, musing: Affection still lingers in the Bosom, even after esteem has taken its flight. In his annual message in November, Jefferson urges Congress to advance the general good. He commences a systematic, long-running record to manage his guest lists for official dinners.