Letter, to Consuls and Vice-Consuls, August 26, 1790, New York. Draft or copy in the hand of a clerk. 2 pp., 7 3/4 x 9 1/4 in. In this letter, Thomas Jefferson provides initial and basic instructions to the consuls and vice-consuls of the United States in European and Caribbean ports. It focuses primarily on the logistics of monitoring and reporting the presence of American vessels in the ports under their authority and on other "political and commercial intelligence as you may think interesting to the United States." It authorizes consuls and vice-consuls to wear the uniform of the U.S. Navy if they choose to do so and provides details on the features of the uniform. Finally, Jefferson offers advice on maintaining good relationships with the governing authorities. He urges the consuls to avoid minor quarrels and to use the utmost respect in communications with governing officials, "never indulging in any case whatever a single expression which may irritate." Complete Transcript New York August 26, 1790.SirI expected ere this to have been able to send you an act of Congress prescribing some special duties and regulations for the exercise of the consular offices of the United States, but Congress not having been able to mature the act sufficiently, it lies over to their next Session. In the mean while I beg leave to draw your attention to some matters of information which it is interesting to receive.I must beg the favor of you to communicate to me every six months, a report of the vessels of the United States which enter at the ports of your district, specifying the name and burthen of each vessel, of what description she is (to wit, Ship, Snow,[1] Brig &c) the names of the master and owners, and number of seamen, the Port of the United States from which she cleared, places touched at, her cargo outward and inward, and the owners thereof, the port to which she is bound, & times of arrival and departure, the whole arranged in a table under different columns, and the reports closing on the last days of June & Decr.We wish you to use your endeavors that no vessel enter as an American in the Ports of your district which shall not be truly such, and that none be sold under that name which are not really of the United States.That you give to me from time to time information of all military preparations, and other indications of war which may take place in your ports; and when a war shall appear imminent, that you notify thereof the merchants and vessels of the United States within your district, that they may be duly on their guard: and in general that you communicate to me such political and commercial intelligence as you may think interesting to the United States.The Consuls & vice-Consuls of the United States are free to wear the uniform of their Navy, if they chuse to do so. This is a deep blue coat with red facings, lining and cuffs, the cuffs slashed, and a standing collar; a red waistcoat (laced or not at the election of the wearer) and blue breeches; yellow buttons with a foul anchor, and black cockades and small swords.Be pleased to observe that the vice-Consul of one district is not at all subordinate to the Consul of another. They are equally independent of each other.[2]It is understood that Consuls and vice-Consuls have authority of course to appoint their own agents in the several ports of their district, and that it is with themselves alone those agents are to correspond.It will be best not to fatigue the Government in which you reside, or those in authority under it, with applications in unimportant cases. Husband their good dispositions for occasions of some moment, and let all representations to them be couched in the most temperate & friendly terms, never indulging in any case whatever a single expression which may irritate. I have the honor to be &cHistorical BackgroundAs Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson was responsible for the consular service of the United States. I. (See website for full description). Seller Inventory # 25721

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Bibliographic Details

Title: Draft of Thomas Jefferson Circular, ...

Publisher: New York, N.Y.

Publication Date: 1790

Binding: No binding

Condition: Very Good

Book Type: Manuscript Letter

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About the Seller Since 1988, I have been the largest buyer of important content American historic documents. Thousands of documents I have handled are in museum collections, including the Emancipation Proclamation and 13th Amendments acquired for the Lincoln Museum of Fort Wayne, Indiana, now on display in the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. I am a member of the Board of Trustees of the Manuscript Society, and a member of the ABAA. References are available upon request. Starting Your Own Collection We have the expertise necessary to acquire individual items, or build a personalized collection for you. We can inspire you by creating a unique link to the historical figures, events or ideas that inspire you. Seth Kaller Inc. can handle or coordinate each aspect of the process such as: Pre-acquisition research, Physical inspection and purchasing, Auction representation, Authentication, Inventory and accounting reports, Conservation, Framing and display, and Collection management. Museum Quality\Private Ownership Most people know that markets exist for Impressionist paintings, fine English antiques, or rare coins. However, the field of historic documents has long been quietly dominated by a select few: J.P. Morgan, Henry Huntington, Malcolm Forbes. This is changing as more collectors discover the satisfaction of a personal, unique connection with history. Achieve Immortality! Become associated with your favorite museum, library, university or historical society. Important properties can be loaned for exhibition, placed on deposit or donated outright, to insure their survival for generations to come. We can handle all the arrangements for you, including working with tax attorneys and accountants, and coordinating insurance, transit, and proper acknowledgment.

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