Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) [Letters from Thomas Jefferson, John Jay, and Benjamin Franklin]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03633 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Place Written: Paris, France Type: Manuscript letter Date: 3 August - 10 November 1787 Pagination: 2 p. ; 22.7 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy
Copies of three letters to Thomas Barclay. First one from Thomas Jefferson, written in Paris, dated 3 August. Presents Barclay with a tribute for his work as "Consul General for that Country [France] and Minister to the Court of Morocco, also as Agent in some particular Transactions for the state of Virginia ... " Second one from John Jay, dated 5 October from the Office of Foreign Affairs. Forwards a document from Congress "expressing their approbation of your conduct in the state of Negociations [sic] with Morocco." Third one from Benjamin Franklin, written at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated 10 November. Commends Barclay for his "conduct in the service of the United States ... " Originally enclosed with GLC02437.04043.
Barclay was appointed the first American consul to France by George Washington and negotiated the first Treaty of Friendship and Commerce between the U.S. and Morocco in 1786. Barclay was appointed as the first U.S. Consul to Morocco but died before reaching his post.
Paris August 3d 1787 -
Dear Sir.
As you have acted, since my arrival in France in the Characters of Consul General for that Country and Minister to the Court of Morocco, & also as Agent in some particular Transactions for the State of Virginia, I think it a Duty to yourself, to Truth and to Justice, on your departure for America, to declare, that in all these characters you have acted with Judgement, with attention, with Integrity and honour. I beg you to accept this feeble Tribute to Truth, and assurance of Sincere attachment and friendship from - Dear Sir
Your most obedient
Mr. Barclay. & most humble servant
(Sign'd.) Th. Jefferson.
Dear Sir. Office for foreign affairs
5th. Octor .1787 -
I have the honor of transmitting to you herewith inclos'd, an Act of Congress expressing their approbation of your conduct in the late Negociations with Morocco. The Talents and Disinterestedness Manifested in these Negociations are no less honorable to you, than advantageous to our Country, and as approbation shou'd always attend and reward Merit, I am happy [2] in respecting that their Union on this Occasion cannot fail to give you very Sensible Pleasure. With Sincere Esteem & Regard, I am
Dear Sir
Your most obedient
and humble servt.
(Sign'd.) John Jay.
Thomas Barclay Esqr. &
Philadelphia Novr. 10th. 1787 -
Sir.
It is with great Pleasure I add my Testimonial to those you are already possess'd of that your conduct in the service of the United States, as their Consul while I was in France, and had the best opportunity of being acquainted with it, was not only unexceptionable, but highly advantageous to the Publick - you having by your Skill and ability in the management of their commercial business, saved them some Thousands of Pounds. With great and Sincere Esteem, I am
Sir
Your most obedt.
and most humble Servt.
(Sign'd.) B. Franklin.
Thomas Barclay Esqr.
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