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

QUESTIONS AS TO FRANCE 1 W. MSS. - Thomas Jefferson, The Works, vol. 7 (Correspondence 1792-1793) [1905]

Edition used:

The Works of Thomas Jefferson, Federal Edition (New York and London, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904-5). Vol. 7

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

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


QUESTIONS AS TO FRANCE1W. MSS.

[Feb. 12, 1793.]

Questions arising on the application of France for 3. millions of livres to be sent in Provisions to France.

  • I. 1. Has the Legislature furnished the money?
  • 2. Is that money in it’s place, or has it been withdrawn for other purposes?
  • 3. If it has, should we not take the first proper occasion of rectifying the transaction by repaying the money to those for whom the law provided it?
  • 4. Is the application from France for an arrearage or an advance?
  • 5. Have we money any where at command to answer this call?
  • 6. If we have not, should we not procure it by loan under the act for borrowing 12. millions?

II. Whether & How far we may venture to pay in advance?

[1 ]Sent to the President with the following letter:

Philadelphia Feb. 12. 1793.

Sir,—

According to the desire you expressed the other day when speaking of the application of France for 3. millions of livres, I have the honour to inclose a statement of the Questions which appear to me to enter into the consideration of that application. After putting them on paper, I saw that some developments & observations would be necessary to explain their propriety & connection. These therefore I put down summarily on another paper, also inclosed. As they relate to the affairs of another department, some of these ideas may be wrong. You will be readily able however to correct them from the information you possess, or may procure from that department. Still, however, combining & weighing them with the ideas of others, and most of all, trying them by your own judgment, they may contribute to enable you to form an ultimate decision of what is right; in which decision no man on earth has more confidence than he who has the honor to be with sincere and affectionate respect, Dear Sir, Your most obedt. & most humble servt.