Thomas Jefferson Papers
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James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 11 November 1812

From James Monroe

Washington novr 11th 1812

Dear Sir

Mr Russell has arrived at New York & is expected here in a day or two. He made the second proposition to the British govt1 authorised by his instructions, which you have seen published, which was also rejected, & in terms rather acrimonious, imputing to it a character—which it did not merit. This govt has been sincerely desirous of an accomodation but it appears that the British govt will not even treat on the subject of impressment, as a condition of, or connected with measures leading to, peace. Put down our arms, and they will receive, our communications on that subject, & pay to them the same favorable attention that they have hertofore done.

The Massach: elections are terminating unfavorably, as will probably those of N. Hamshire.

your friend

Jas Monroe

RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 17 Dec. 1812 and so recorded in SJL.

Jonathan Russell, the American chargé d’affaires at London, ended his mission following the rejection of his proposition for a treaty with Great Britain eliminating the impressment of American seamen (Madison, Papers description begins William T. Hutchinson, Robert A. Rutland, John C. A. Stagg, and others, eds., The Papers of James Madison, 1962– , 31 vols.  Congress. Ser., 17 vols.  Pres. Ser., 6 vols.  Sec. of State Ser., 8 vols description ends , Pres. Ser., 5:415n; Washington National Intelligencer, 5 Nov. 1812). The elections added more Federalists to the congressional delegations of Massachusetts and New Hampshire (Rhode Island Newport Mercury, 14 Nov. 1812).

1Word interlined.

Index Entries

  • impressment; of American seamen search
  • Massachusetts; elections in search
  • Monroe, James; as secretary of state search
  • Monroe, James; letters from search
  • New Hampshire; elections in search
  • Russell, Jonathan; U.S. chargé at London search