II. To the Speaker of the House, 30 December 1802
II. To the Speaker of the House
Washington Dec. 30. 1802.
Sir
Altho’ an informal communication to the public, of the substance of the inclosed letter, may be proper for quieting the public mind, yet I refer to the consideration of the House of Representatives whether publication of it in form might not give dissatisfaction to the writer, and tend to discourage the freedom and confidence of communications between the agents of the two governments. Accept assurances of my high consideration and respect.
Th: Jefferson
RC (DNA: RG 233, PM, 7th Cong., 2d sess.); at foot of text: “The Speaker of the H. of Representatives”; endorsed by a clerk. PrC (DLC).
inclosed letter: Salcedo’s communication to Claiborne (Enclosure No. 2 listed at Document I above).