Alexander Hamilton Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-14-02-0297

Alexander Hamilton and Edmund Randolph to Thomas Jefferson, [13–15 May 1793]

Alexander Hamilton and Edmund Randolph
to Thomas Jefferson1

[Philadelphia, May 13–15, 1793]

A Perhaps the Secretary of State, revising the expression of this member of the sentence, will find terms to express his idea still more clearly and may avoid the use of a word of doubtful propriety “Contraventions.”
 
B “but be attentive”
C “mere” to be omitted
D Considering that this Letter will probably become a matter of publicity to the world is it necessary to be so strong? Would not the following suffice as a substitute?
“but our unwillingness to believe that the French Nation could be wanting in respect or friendship to us upon any occasion suspends our assent to and conclusions upon these statements ’till further evidence.” It will be observed that the words “conclusions upon” are proposed to be added to indicate that some further measure is contemplated, conformably to the declaration to Mr. ⟨– – – – –⟩ measures will be taken, ⟨– – –⟩ may be in lieu of General Knox’s amendment
E Suppose the words “bay of” were omitted
F “Expectation” is proposed to be substituted to “desire
G For the sentence between [ ]2 It is proposed to substitute this—
“They consider the rigorous exercise of that virtue as the surest means of preserving perfect harmony between the UStates and the Powers at War”

A Hamilton

Edm: Randolph

DS, in the handwriting of H, Thomas Jefferson Papers, Library of Congress.

1This document contains H’s and Randolph’s suggested changes for a letter to Jean Baptiste de Ternant, dated May 15, 1793, discussing memorials presented to the United States Government by George Hammond. See the introductory note to H to Washington, May 15, 1793. The draft of Jefferson’s letter to Ternant which contained the passages for which H and Randolph suggested substitutions has not been found. The final version of the letter incorporating most of the suggestions is printed in ASP description begins American State Papers, Documents, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United States (Washington, 1832–1861). description ends , Foreign Relations, I, 147–48, and copies may be found in the Thomas Jefferson Papers, Library of Congress; Edmond C. Genet Papers, Library of Congress; RG 59, Domestic Letters of the Department of State, Vol. 5, February 4, 1792–December 31, 1793, National Archives.

2These brackets appear in the MS.

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