Thomas Jefferson Papers

From Thomas Jefferson to William Loughton Smith, 18 March 1793

To William Loughton Smith

Mar. 18. 93.

Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mr. Smith. Supposing his enquiries to go to the ordinary foreign establishment (not to the extraordinary respecting the Barbary powers) he has the honor to inform him that the salary of our Min. Plenipo. is 9000. D. per ann. and their secretaries 1350. D. That of a Minister Resident is 4500. D. and no secretary allowed, because the fund not sufficient. Treaties and other contingencies (which include Outfit and Return) may be set down at nearly the balance remaining of the 40,000 D. a year; that fund being about 5, or 10,000 D. less than would have sufficed for the establishment desired by the Executive. The establishment has consequently been reduced just within the limits of the fund.

RC (DLC: William Loughton Smith Papers); endorsed by Smith. PrC (DLC). Tr (DLC); 19th-century copy. At foot of RC Smith wrote:

“Minis. P. to England  9000
 Outfit  9000
 Secretary  1350
Min. P. to France  9000
 Outfit  9000
 Secrety  1350
 Minis. Resident Holld  4500
   Do.  Do.   Portugal  4500
   Do.    Spain  4500
52200
 Deduct Outfit 18000
34000.”

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