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Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

TO THOMAS JEFFERSON, SECRETARY OF STATE. - George Washington, The Writings of George Washington, vol. XII (1790-1794) [1891]

Edition used:

The Writings of George Washington, collected and edited by Worthington Chauncey Ford (New York and London: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1890). Vol. XII (1790-1794).

Part of: The Writings of George Washington, 14 vols.

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TO THOMAS JEFFERSON, SECRETARY OF STATE.

Dear Sir,

As there are several matters, which must remain in a suspended state, perhaps not very conveniently, until a decision is had on the conduct of the minister of the French Republic, and as the attorney-general will, more than probably, be engaged at the Supreme Court next week, it is my wish, under these circumstances, to enter upon the consideration of the letters of that minister to-morrow at nine o’clock. I therefore desire you will be here at that hour, and bring with you all his letters, your answers, and such other papers as are connected therewith.

As the consideration of this business may require some time, I should be glad if you and the other gentlemen would take a family dinner with me at four o’clock. No other company is or will be invited. I am, dear Sir, &c.1

[1 ]For two days the conduct of Genet was made the subject of a cabinet council. It was unanimously agreed that a letter should be written to the Minister of the United States at Paris summarizing the points of difference that had arisen between the government of the United States and Genet, assigning the reasons for the opinions of the former, and desiring the recall of the latter: this letter to be laid before the French executive. Jefferson wished the desire to recall to be expressed with great delicacy; Hamilton and Knox favored peremptory terms. Knox would even have him sent away. On August 15th the draft of the letter was read for consideration, and though not agreed to till the 20th, it was dated the 16th, and a second letter dated the 23d was written. That of the 16th is printed in Jefferson’s Works, iv., 31. A copy was sent by the Secretary of State to Genet.