Thomas Jefferson Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-16-02-0192

To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Franklin, 8 April 1790

From Benjamin Franklin

Philadelphia April 8th. 1790.

Sir

I received your Letter of the 31st past, relating to Encroachments made on the Eastern Limits of the United-States, by Settlers under the British Government, pretending that it is the Western and not the Eastern River of the Bay of Passamaquoddy, which was designated by the Name of St. Croix in the Treaty of Peace with that Nation; and requesting of me to communicate any Facts, which my Memory or Papers may enable me to recollect, and which may indicate the true River the Commissioners on both Sides had in their View, to establish as the Boundary between the two Nations.—Your Letter found me under a severe Fit of my Malady, which prevented my answering it sooner, or attending indeed to any kind of Business.—I now can assure you that I am perfectly clear in the Remembrance that the Map we used in tracing the Boundary was brought to the Treaty by the Commissioners from England, and that it was the same that was published by Mitchell above 20 Years before. Having a Copy of that Map by me in loose Sheets I send you that Sheet which contains the Bay of Passamaquoddy, where you will see that Part of the Boundary traced.—I remember too that in that Part of the Boundary, we relied much on the Opinion of Mr Adams, who had been concerned in some former Disputes concerning those Territories. I think therefore that you may obtain still farther Lights from him. That the Map we used was Mitchel’s Map, Congress were acquainted, at the Time, by a Letter to their Secretary for foreign Affairs, which I suppose may be found upon their Files. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Esteem & Respect Sir, Your most obedient & most hble Servant,

B. Franklin

RC (DNA: RG 76, Boundary and Claims Commissions); in the hand of Benjamin F. Bache, except for signature; addressed: “The Honble. Ths. Jefferson Esqr. Secretary of State New-York” postmarked (within circle): “AP 8” and “free” endorsed by TJ as received 12 Apr. 1790. Not recorded in SJL. FC (DNA: RG 59, PCC No. 120). Enclosure: See illustration and notes accompanying it in this volume.

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