From Thomas Jefferson to François Baudin, 20 September 1787
To François Baudin
Paris Sep. 20. 1787.
Sir
I have duly received the letter of Aug. 31. which you did me the honour to write me. The power of appointing Consuls for the United states of America rests with Congress alone. As yet they have made but one appointment in France, which was that of Mr. Barclay. Perhaps it may yet be some time before any such appointments are made, as the convention for defining the Consular powers is not yet settled. I shall by the first occasion transmit your letter to Congress, and have no doubt that if they should appoint a Consul for your island they will pay to your application that just attention which your services and your character merit. I have the honour to be with much respect Sir Your most obedient & most humble servant,
Th: Jefferson
PrC (DLC); at foot of text: “M. Baudin. negociant à St. Martin. Isle de Rhé.”
I shall by the first occasion transmit your letter to congress: TJ had received Baudin’s letter on 12 Sep. and he wrote Jay only a week afterward, but presumably he did not then (or ever) transmit the application.