Thomas Jefferson Papers
Documents filtered by: Author="Washington, George" AND Volume="Jefferson-01-23"
sorted by: relevance
Permanent link for this document:
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-23-02-0238

George Washington to Louis XVI, 14 March 1792

George Washington to Louis XVI

Philada. March 14th. 1792.

Very great, good,
     and dear Friend and Ally.

I receive as a new proof of friendship to the United States, the letter wherein you inform me that you have accepted the Constitution presented to you in the name of your nation, and according to which it is henceforth to be governed. On an event so important to your Kingdom, and so honorable to yourself, accept the offering of my sincere congratulations, and of the Sentiments of the Senate and Representatives of the United States expressed in their resolutions enclosed.

We have watched, with the most friendly solicitude, the movements of your nation for the advancement of this happiness: we have regarded this great spectacle with the feelings natural to those who have themselves passed through like perils, and, with sincere satisfaction, we have seen this second occasion proclaim your majesty, a second time, the friend and patron of the rights of mankind.

That yourself, your family and people, under the edifice which you have now completed, may repose at length in freedom, happiness and safety, shall be our constant prayer; and that God may ever have you, great and dear friend and Ally, in his safe and holy keeping.

Written at Philadelphia, this fourteenth day of March 1792, and of our Independence the sixteenth.—Your faithful friend and ally

George Washington.
By the President
Th: Jefferson

Tr (NNC); “(Copy)” at head of text; docketed by Morris: “Copy Letter of the President of the United States to the King of france of the 14 March 1792 with Resolutions of Senate and Representatives therein referred to.” Enclosures: (1) Resolution of the House of Representatives, 10 Mch. 1792; signed by J. Trumbull, Speaker; noted in SJPL: “Resolution H.R. on acceptance of French constitution by the King”. (2) Resolution of the Senate, 13 Mch. 1792; signed by Sam. A. Otis, Secy.; noted in SJPL: “Resolution of Senate, on the K. of France’s announcing acceptance of constitution”. PrC (DLC); with enclosures. Noted in SJPL: “draught of letter from the Pres. to the K. of France”. The sealed originals of these documents and copies for Gouverneur Morris’ use were enclosed in TJ to Morris, 10 Mch. 1792 (posted 14 Mch. 1792).

Index Entries