1. The resolution of 7 Sept. 1785 authorized the secretary for foreign affairs, whenever he judged that the national “safety or interest” required it, to inspect letters in the post office, except those to or from Congress. It was to remain in effect for a period of twelve months, but was renewed and made permanent on 23 Oct. 1786 (see resolution, below). Dft in the hand of Charles Pinckney, DNA: PCC, item 25, 2: 445; C in the hand of CT, DNA: PCC, item 3, Secret Journal, 233; printed, JCC, description begins Worthington C. Ford et al., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, D.C., 1904–37) description ends 29: 685. See above for JJ’s letter to the President of Congress of 2 Sept. 1785, intimating his desire for such a power.

2. Barbé Marbois to JJ, 25 Aug. 1785, C in French with English trans., DNA: Domestic Letters description begins Domestic Letters of the Department of State, 1784–1906, RG59, item 120, National Archives (M40). Accessed on Fold3.com. description ends , 1: 420–22 (EJ: 1744); DC, description begins William A. Weaver, ed., Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States of America, from the Signing of the Definitive Treaty of Peace, 10th September, 1783, to the Adoption of the Constitution, March 4, 1789 (7 vols.; Washington, D.C., 1833–34) description ends 1: 244–45.

3. CT reported to Congress that it was not “necessary or proper” for Congress to render an opinion on Barbé Marbois’s 25 Aug. query whether French subjects can purchase and own real estate in the United States since a treaty existed between the two countries. CT contended that if doubts arose as to the “force and meaning” of the treaty and an explanation was necessary, it could only be given by the joint act of the contracting parties. CT Report to Congress, 8 Sept. 1785, ALS, DNA: PCC, item 180, 2; JCC, description begins Worthington C. Ford et al., eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789 (34 vols.; Washington, D.C., 1904–37) description ends 29: 688.