Maunsell, John (ca. 1724-1795) [Copy of an unsigned paper delivered by John Maunsell to Henry Knox]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05202 Author/Creator: Maunsell, John (ca. 1724-1795) Place Written: s.l. Type: Manuscript document Date: 20 October 1791 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 31.8 x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy
Marked "Copy," but written in Henry Knox's hand. Page 3 bears an autograph endorsement signed by Henry Knox describing the document as "an unsigned paper delivered by Manor Genl Maunsell in his brittannic Majesty's service to HKnox." The document, apparently written by Maunsell, reports that "Mr. Pitt has authorised me to aquaint the Minister of the United States of America, that Great Britain is anxious to establish and preserve the strictest amity, and friendship with the United States, and that a person properly authorized will shortly be sent out ... to make the necessary arrangements for the above purpose." Maunsell was authorized to transmit to Pitt "the wishes and demands of America." Mentions that President Washington wanted "to come to an understanding with the Court of London, respecting its disposition to enter into commerical arrangements with the United States, on the principles of reciprocal advantages." Notes that General Maunsell, while not diplomatically employed, hopes the United States will be satisfied with the offer of friendship his message brings. See GLC02437.05203 for a clerical copy of this document.
[Draft]
Genl Maunsell 20 Oct 1791
Copy
"Mr. Pitt has authorised [sic] me to acquaint the Minister of the United States of America, that Great Britain is anxious to establish and preserve the strictest amity, and friendship with the United States, and that a person properly authorised will shortly be sent out, for the discussion of matters that may require it, in order to make the necessary arrangements for the above purpose. -
Mr Pitt has likewise authorised Gen M. to procure for, and to transmit to him, what were the wishes and demands of America.
As the President has, in his message to the Senate, and Assembly of the 14th February 1791 [inserted: mentioned] that soon after he was called to the administration &c he found it important to come to an under
[2] standing with the Court of London, respecting its disposition to enter into commercial arrangements with the United States, on the principles of reciprocal advantages &c as mentioned in that message, for which purpose he authorised informal conferences with the british minister, from which he does not infer any dispositions on their part, to enter into any arrangements merely commercial
General M tho' not diplomatically employed, hopes the United States will, from the message he brings, be satisfied of the friendly dispositions of the Court of London, and that the information will satisfy the Government of the United States that the disposition of Great Britain is favorable to a friendly intercourse with the United States"
The
[3] foregoing is a copy of an unsigned paper delivered by Major Genl Maunsell in his britannic Majesty's service to HKnox this 20th day of Octbr 1791 -
HKnox
[docket]
Copy -
[A paper from] [Gl]
Maunsell
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