Monroe, James (1758-1831) The Commissary of Foreign Affairs to the Minister Planipotentiary of the United States of America
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00496.065.02 Author/Creator: Monroe, James (1758-1831) Place Written: Paris, France Type: Autograph document Date: 22 August 1794 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 26 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Transcribed letter, with response, declining government-subsidized housing as it contradicts the Constitution. Philibert Buchot was Commissary of Foreign Affairs for the French Republic in 1794. Monroe was Minister to France from 1794-1796. Serves as supplementary material to GLC00496.065.02.
[draft]
The Commissary of Foreign Affairs to the Minister Planipotentiary of the United States of America
Paris 4th Fructidor, 2d. year of the Republic
Citizens
After having received the representative of our ally, with the most distinguished marks of affection, the government of the Republic desires to do every thing which depends on it, to make his residence in France agreeable to him. With this view the committee of public safety authorises [sic] me to offer you, in the name of the Republic, a national house for your accommodation I pray you therefore, to make known to me your intentions in this respect; as likewise to designate the quarter which will be most agreeable to you.-
--- The Minister Planipotentiary of the United States of America to the Commissary of Foreign Relations for the French Republic Citizen:
Paris, August 22 1794
I was favored yesterday with yours of that date, informing me that the Committee of Public Safety had authorised [sic] you, in name of the Republic, to appropriate a house for my use, as minister of their ally, the Untied States of America, and in such a part of this city, as I should designate. I received this communication with peculiar satisfaction, because I consider it a proof of the sincere regard, which the committee entertains for their ally whose servant I am. But upon this occasion I am not permitted to indulge, in any respect, my own opinion or feelings. The constitution of my country, an extract from which, is hereto annexed, has prescribed a line of conduct for me, which it is my duty to follow. The committee of public safety, and you, citizen, respect too highly the fundamental law of your own country, not to approve my reason for declining the kind offer, you have made me. Tell all, however, immediately communicate it to our government, and doubt not it will produce these, the good effect, it merits.
Extract from the Constitution of the United States.
No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States, and no person holding any office of profit or trust, under ----------- without the consent of Congress, accept of any present, involvement, office, or title of any kind ------ from any king, prince, or foreign state.
[note on side of verso]: offer of a house with reply
<Signature>
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