Thomas Jefferson Papers

From Thomas Jefferson to Frederick II, 2 August 1806

Done at Washington &c. Aug. 2. 1806.

Great and good friend

I recieve on behalf of the US. of America your Majesty’s formal notification that you have taken the title of King, since the treaty of peace concluded at Presburg between their Imperial majesties the emperor of the French, king of Italy, & the Emperor of Germany and Austria. the interest which the US. take in the honor & well being of every friendly sovereign, and us particularly in that of Y. M. renders this information a source of real satisfaction. and the principles of our own government admitting the right in every country to organize itself under whatever form will best promote it’s own happiness, authorize me on the part of the US. to recognize the title by which Y. M. is henceforward to be distinguished. as no distance can intercept the desires we feel for the happiness of every other people, so none can prevent occasions arising of being useful to one another. I assure Y. M. that we shall always meet such with pleasure, whether they respect your personal gratification, or the advantages of your subjects. congratulating you therefore on this new illustration of your house, already illustrious, I pray god to have you, great & good friend, in his holy keeping.

DLC: Papers of Thomas Jefferson.

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