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

TO THE SECRETARY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON) - Thomas Jefferson, The Works, vol. 4 (Notes on Virginia II, Correspondence 1782-1786) [1905]

Edition used:

The Works of Thomas Jefferson, Federal Edition (New York and London, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904-5). Vol. 4.

Part of: The Works of Thomas Jefferson, 12 vols.

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TO THE SECRETARY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON)

j. mss.

Pha Mar 13, 1783.

Sir,

—Supposing the despatches received by the Washington may have enabled Congress to decide on the expediency of continuing or of countermanding my mission to Europe I take the liberty of expressing to you the satisfaction it will give me to receive their ultimate will so soon as other business will permit them to revert to this subject. I have &c.1

[1 ]The following resolution was passed by Congress in response to this letter.

April 1st, 1783.

“Resolved, That the Secretary for Foreign Affairs inform the Hon. Thomas Jefferson, in answer to his letter of the 13th of March, that Congress consider the object of his appointment so far advanced as to render it unnecessary for him to pursue his voyage, and that Congress are well satisfied with the readiness he has shown in undertaking a service which from the present situation of affairs they apprehend can be dispensed with.”