S[amuel] Smith to Wilson Cary Nicholas, note: "Burn this letter." Mentions the burial of General [James] Jackson (1757- 1806) on March 20, 1806 with every possible honor and believes he will be missed greatly in the [Senate?]. Believes the Senate grows weaker at every change and says that Mr. [Thomas?] Worthington has taken the head and quotes boldly what the President wants. The President must attend to public opinion. Smith was told that [John] Armstrong (1758-1843), minister to France, had completely lost the confidence of his friends, and that to buoy him up, [President Jefferson] joined [James] Bowdoin to Armstrong to help make the final arrangements with Spain. The Vice President [George Clinton] told [Jefferson] that there was such hostility to Armstrong that any treaty made by him would be in danger. Smith states, "The business is to bribe France with seven millions of dollars to counsel [miserable?] Spain to give us the Floridas & fix our western boundary. The vote of Senate, the recommendations & Entreaty of Friends, desiring a Mission might be sent to London had no effect on the President- he was absolutely was determined not to do it." Smith also refers to the "loud language of John Randolph" [of Roanoke?], the need to replace [James] Monroe "(who is notorious)" in Great Britain with a Federalist, who is a well-informed merchant, and comments about Randolph, "I am far from approving the conduct of Mr. R. It was highly indiscreet & improper - had done a great deal of mischief - nor is he done - It will do more - It will shake the confidence of the people in the President." He also refers to the Speaker [Joseph Hopper?] Nicholson's disgust and determination to leave public life, the Spanish pressing on the United States western border and a recent fight to drive them across the Sabine River., 1806 March 21

S[amuel] Smith to Wilson Cary Nicholas, note: "Burn this letter." Mentions the burial of General [James] Jackson (1757- 1806) on March 20, 1806 with every possible honor and believes he will be missed greatly in the [Senate?]. Believes the Senate grows weaker at every change and says that Mr. [Thomas?] Worthington has taken the head and quotes boldly what the President wants. The President must attend to public opinion. Smith was told that [John] Armstrong (1758-1843), minister to France, had completely lost the confidence of his friends, and that to buoy him up, [President Jefferson] joined [James] Bowdoin to Armstrong to help make the final arrangements with Spain. The Vice President [George Clinton] told [Jefferson] that there was such hostility to Armstrong that any treaty made by him would be in danger. Smith states, "The business is to bribe France with seven millions of dollars to counsel [miserable?] Spain to give us the Floridas & fix our western boundary. The vote of Senate, the recommendations & Entreaty of Friends, desiring a Mission might be sent to London had no effect on the President- he was absolutely was determined not to do it." Smith also refers to the "loud language of John Randolph" [of Roanoke?], the need to replace [James] Monroe "(who is notorious)" in Great Britain with a Federalist, who is a well-informed merchant, and comments about Randolph, "I am far from approving the conduct of Mr. R. It was highly indiscreet & improper - had done a great deal of mischief - nor is he done - It will do more - It will shake the confidence of the people in the President." He also refers to the Speaker [Joseph Hopper?] Nicholson's disgust and determination to leave public life, the Spanish pressing on the United States western border and a recent fight to drive them across the Sabine River., 1806 March 21, Box: 1, Folder: 109. Papers of the Randolph Family of Edgehill and Wilson Cary Nicholas, MSS 5533. Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library. https://archives.lib.virginia.edu/repositories/3/archival_objects/218379 Accessed December 23, 2024.