TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON AND JAMES MONROE.
D. OF S. MSS. INSTR.
Department of State, April 18th—1803.
Gentlemen,
The reasonable and friendly views with which you have
been instructed by the President to enter into negotiations
with the French Government, justify him in expecting from
them an issue favorable to the tranquility and to the useful
relations between the two countries. It is not forgotten
however that these views, instead of being reciprocal, may
find on the part of France, a temper adverse to harmony, and
schemes of ambition, requiring on the part of the United
States, as well as of others, the arrangements suggested by a
provident regard to events. Among these arrangements,
the President conceives that a common interest may recommend
a candid understanding and a closer connection with
Great Britain; and he presumes that the occasion may
present itself to the British Government in the same light.
He accordingly authorizes you, or either of you in case the
prospect of your discussions with the French Government
should make it expedient, to open a confidential communication
with Ministers of the British Government, and to confer
freely and fully on the precautions and provisions best
adapted to the crisis, and in which that Government may
be disposed to concur, transmitting to your own without
delay, the result of these consultations.
With sentiments of high respect. &c
