Madison, James (1751-1836) [to Robert R. Livingston]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02899 Author/Creator: Madison, James (1751-1836) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Letter signed Date: 19 December 1801 Pagination: 5 p. : docket ; 26.3 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy
Says Convention of Mortefontaine, as exchanged by William Vans Murray, arrived on 9 October 1801. President Jefferson had it sent to the Senate for advice and consent since the French ratification was not pure and simple in the ordinary form. No action had yet to be taken, especially since many members were absent. Believes delay will not be long and hopes this will not cause a problem with the French government. There are some questions about a duty placed on American tobacco and hopes that "unreasonable and inconvenient" regulations on both sides can be corrected. Worries that British interpretation of regulations from Jay's Treaty of 1794 will effect the interpretation of this treaty. Hopes it will not lead to a conditional repeal of regulations by the French. Encloses copy of Jefferson's message to the Senate of 11 December 1801, asking for advice and consent on treaty. Also encloses newspapers and an account of insurrection at Santo Domingo. He claims the island is calm now. None of the enclosures are included. Madison must have sent this before the Senate ratified the treaty on 19 December 1801. Two days later Jefferson and Madison signed it.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
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