Washington, George (1732-1799) to John Marshall
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05288 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Mount Vernon, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 July 1796 Pagination: 1 p. : address ; 22.7 x 18.3 cm. Order a Copy
Marked private. President Washington offers the Ministry of France to Marshall. Says it was necessary to recall Monroe, the current minister. Hopes he will accept the offer as soon as possible. Post script says he wants Marshall to see him when he goes to Philadelphia for the session of the Supreme Court. Ultimately, Marshall declined the offer. Washington was angry at Monroe's inability to control French rage over the Jay Treaty of 1795.
Notes: Fitzpatrick, Writings of Washington.35: 128-129. In 1776 Marshall transferred to the 15th Virginia as a captain-lieutenant. Marshall was also a historian and biographer. He published the early biography of George Washington in 5 volume set in 1804.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Mount Vernon 8 July 1796
Private
Dear Sir,
In confidence I inform you, that it has become indispensably necessary to recall our Minister at Paris; and to send one in his place who will explain, faithfully, the views of this government, and ascertain those of France.
Nothing would be more pleasing to me, than that you should be this Organ; if it were only for a temporary absence of a few months. But it being feared that even this could not be made to comport with your present pursuits, I have, in order that as little delay as possible may be incurred, put the enclosed letter under cover, to be forwarded to its address, if you decline the present offer; or to be returned to me, if you accept it.
Your own correct knowledge of circumstances render details unnecessary, I shall only add therefore that
I am - Dear Sir
Your Obedt
Go: Washington
[inserted in left margin:]
P.S. Hearing that you propose to attend the next meeting of the Supreme Court at Philadelphia I should be glad to see you at this place in your way.
[address leaf:]
John Marshall Esq.
Richmond
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