From Thomas Jefferson to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, 22 March 1792
To the Speaker of the House of Representatives
Philadelphia March 22. 1792.
Sir
According to the Resolution of the House of Representatives of February 23. 1791, I had prepared to lay before them, at their present meeting, a Report on the commerce and navigation of the United States with foreign nations. A possibility, however, has arisen that the existing state of things to which that Report was adapted, may be changed in several of it’s parts, and may call for a corresponding change of measures. I take the liberty, therefore, to express an opinion that a suspension of proceedings herein, till the next Session of Congress, will be expedient, and to propose withholding the Report till then, unless the House of Representatives shall be pleased to signify their pleasure to the contrary.—I have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem and respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant,
Th: Jefferson
PrC (DLC); in clerk’s hand except for signature. FC (DNA: RG 360, DL). Entry in SJPL reads: “Report Th: J. on commerce of US. with foreign nations.”
The House of Representatives read TJ’s letter this day and tabled it, thus signifying its acceptance of his wish to delay submission of the Report on Commerce till Congress’ next session (, i, 543). TJ undoubtedly decided to withhold this report because of the possibility that the United States might conclude a treaty of commerce with Spain in the interval. TJ did not submit the Report on Commerce to the House until 16 Dec. 1793.