Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) to unknown
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08925 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Manuscript document signed Date: February 1803 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 25 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy
Circular letter in which President Jefferson urges the state governments to "carry into effect the militia system adopted by the national legislature." Explains that "None but an armed nation can dispense with a standing army. to keep ours armed and disciplined, is therefore at all times important," which is particularly important since there had been "an infraction of treaty committed without colour or pretext." Asks for a report on Maryland's military supplies and readiness. The broken treaty Jefferson referred to was the Spanish closing of the port of New Orleans to U.S. shipping in October 1802. The recipient is listed as "Sir," but it was probably Maryland Governor, John Francis Mercer. On page two "Maryland" is written in pencil.
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