1To Thomas Jefferson from John Smith, 30 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The Cession of the Island of New Orleans, and of Louisiana to the United States, is the most important event that has taken place since the establishment of the Federal Constitution. It will not only give us weight in the Commercial & political scale of European Governments, but, that of national Character and respectability in all the world. It will preserve peace and harmony among ourselves,...
2To Thomas Jefferson from John Smith, 9 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The fluctuating state of the Commerce, and Government of this Country, has till now prevented the adjustment of my business, but I flatter myself that in two or three weeks, I shall set out from this place for the City Washington. It is with great pleasure—that I see announced in the papers Officially, the Cession of Louisiana to the United States; and also the Island of New Orleans. I...