Ellsworth, Oliver (1745-1807) to Rufus King
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02505.17 Author/Creator: Ellsworth, Oliver (1745-1807) Place Written: Bath, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 March 1801 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 23.1 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Ellsworth as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to King as American Minister to England. Ellsworth was selected by Adams as one of three peace commissioners that was sent to France in 1799. The team of diplomats successfully negotiated the Treaty of Mortefontaine, which freed the United States from its treaty obligations dating from the Revolution. Ellsworth developed a kidney ailment afterward and was in Bath trying to recover his health. Thanks King for sending him a packet of information. In reference to the tie in the electoral college of the election of 1800, Ellsworth says he wants every scrap of information on "the fate of two questions, both too important for passion to decide." Says it is strange that King's letter was not acknowledged by the Secretary of State John Marshall since the Senate has discussed it. Laments "the Embarrassments of this Country, as well as that they are not better understood in our own."
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