Title
[Document, 1785 August 14]
Library Location
Name
Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826 (Author)
Jay, John, 1745-1829 (Addressee)
Format
correspondence
Digital Project
Papers of John Jay
Date
August 14, 1785
Language
English
Physical Description
5 pages
Subjects
United States--History--1783-1865; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
The return of d'Adhemar from London makes it likely that La Luzerne will succeed him as ambassador. The activities and France and Britain indicate that there is a growing tension between them which could result in war. Of the two, Britain is the least prepared. The British King as Elector of Hanover is confederated with Prussia to defeat the Emperor's pretensions toward Bavaria. It appears that the one ally Britain will not alienate is the Ottoman Porte. France dispatches a "scientific expedition" to the South Seas, but it seems to Jefferson that its purpose is colonization- perhaps of the Western coast of North America. It would be of interest to know if France's interest in colonization has past- for if she will establish a colony or trading post on the Western coast of North America, would she refuse a colony on the Eastern coast, if it were offered? There is no apparent intention to pursue further the issue of Longchamps' assault on de Marbois. Vergennes inquired recently into the state of American finances, but no mention was made of the arrearages in interest on the French loan.
Identifier
columbia.jay.10104