4845. LOUISIANA, Mission to France respecting.—[further continued] .
The measure was moreover
proposed from another cause. We must
know at once whether we can acquire New
Orleans or not. We are satisfied nothing
else will secure us against a war at no distant
period; and we cannot press this reason
without beginning those arrangements which
will be necessary if war is hereafter to result.
For this purpose it was necessary that
the negotiators should be fully possessed of
every idea we have on the subject, so as to
meet the propositions of the opposite party,
in whatever form they may be offered; and
give them a shape admissible by us without
being obliged to wait new instructions hence.
With this view, we have joined Mr. Monroe
with yourself at Paris, and to Mr. Pinckney
at Madrid, although we believe it will be
hardly necessary for him to go to this last
place. Should we fail in this object of the
mission, a further one will be superadded for
the other side of the channel.—
To Robert R. Livingston. Washington ed. iv, 461.
Ford ed., viii, 209.
(W.
Feb. 1803)
