From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 9 December 1791
To John Adams
Philadelphia Dec. 9. 1791.
Sir
The inclosed information relative to ransom and peace with the Algerines, being newly come to hand, I take the liberty of communicating it to you, and through you to the Senate. It concurs in some facts and opinions with what we had before learnt thro other channels, and differs in some others, so as, on the whole, to leave us still in considerable uncertainty as to interesting points.—I have the honor to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble servant,
Th: Jefferson
PrC (DLC); at foot of text: “The Vice-President of the U.S. President of the Senate.” Entry in SJPL reads: “Th:J. to Pres. of Senate. Ransom and peace, letter from W.S.” Enclosure: Extracts from Short to TJ, 24 Aug. 1791.
After reading TJ’s letter and enclosure, the Senate referred both documents to the committee on Algerian affairs chaired by Pierce Butler (, i, 91). For a discussion of TJ’s relations with this committee, see notes to TJ to Pierce Butler, 2 Dec. 1791.