Letter from Thomas Jefferson to [William] Carmichael and [William] Short, 18 March 1792

Jefferson writes to Carmichael and Short, who as commissioners to Spain, are negotiating about navigation of the Mississippi River. He encloses their commission [not present] together with his instructions. Asks for frequent progress reports and authorizes use of a courier if necessary and the expense can be justified. Jefferson's instructions include a discussion of the boundary bet. Georgia and Florida; the right of the U.S. to free navigation of the whole length and breadth of the Mississippi River and the law of nature and nations which says oceans and rivers arefree to inhabitants of all areas through which they pass. Also wants an "entrepot" where cargoes can be unloaded safely for transshipment, etc. Instructions are printed in the Amer. State Papers, Foreign Relations, Vol. I, pp.252-57.

Filson Historical Society Manuscript Collection

Mss. C J [Presidents ' Papers]