Monroe, James (1758-1831) to John Francis Mercer
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02861 Author/Creator: Monroe, James (1758-1831) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 February 1785 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 22.4 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy
Monroe, a member of the Confederation Congress, informs Mercer, member of the Virginia House of Delegates, that a secretary will soon be appointed to assist John Adams as Minister to Great Britain. States that James McHenry, also a member of the Confederation Congress, has not mentioned a nomination for this position. Informs that the Indian Commissioner, a friend of Mercer's, presented himself before Congress. States that there are many important issues before Congress, including propositions for raising men and the regulation of commerce. Informs Mercer of his participation on a committee with Robert Livingston, Elbridge Gerry, John Beatty, Rufus King, and Thomas Johnson. Imparts the views of John Jay, former United States diplomat in Spain and France, regarding duties of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
Dear Sir
Two days since John Adams was appointed minister to the court of G.B.- having had upon several occasions the majority of votes it was at length acceded to by the States of Maryld. & Virga. wh. gave him his election. a secry. will shortly be appointed indeed tomorrow is assign'd for it; no one is in nomination nor do I hear any other person that Mr. McHenry spoke of. but whether he will be elected or not is doubtful. In the course of the last week also your friend the Indian Comr. presented himself here. what his object is I know not or how long he will continue here. propositions for raising men, regulating commerce & upon many other very important subjects [our] before Congress; upon a committee consisting of R.R. Livingston, Gerry, Beatty, King, Johnson some other gentn. & myself upon the former subject, Gerry & King were the only persons who voted for a recommendatn; but they will delay it [this business] much & perhaps for some time frustrate any measure in this import. business. I left my [trunk] you recollect in the care of Mr. Hodgkins to be sent to Batimore to Mr Pringle; Mr P. writes me he hath heard nothing of it. may I request your attention to this matter. believe me very sincerely yr. frd. & servt
Jas. Monroe
[2]I inform'd you in a preceding letter of the letter of Mr. Jay to congress upon the duties & rights of the secry. of foreign affrs.- the report evaded the point in contest & merely stated that in pursuance of former resolutions of Congress all communicatns. from abroad or elsewhere for Congress shod. be presented thro' his office & measures of his departmt. [illegible] on thro' it without saying anything abt. [illegible] to him in the first instance; the report pass'd. the rule of however is adopted of reformer to him in the first instance, but if I understand the ground upon wh. it is done not as a right in him but the pleasure of Congress.
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