[Wilson Cary Nicholas] to S[amuel] Smith, acknowledges a letter from the President discussing the possibility of including him in the mission to France with Armstrong and Bowdoin over the claim to the Floridas, "I was never more embarrassed in my life. I feel with great force the obligation that every man is under to serve his country. My attachment to the President is such, that nothing could be more painful to me, than to refuse to comply with his wishes." Neither does he feel such a mission to be improper since our contract [for the Louisiana Purchase] was with France and France is honor bound to help resolve any border disputes with Spain. Indicates his distrust and apprehension concerning Great Britain, including impressments and the seizure of American vessels., 1806 April 03

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