From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 3 November 1792
To Thomas Jefferson
Philadelphia Novr 3d 1792.
Dear Sir,
Your letter to Messrs Carmichael and Short (now returned) is full & proper. I have added a word or two with A pencil, which may be inserted or not as you shall think best.1 The intention of them is to do away the charge of Sovereignty over more than are within our own territory.2
The erazures from the Speech—as you advise—are made, except exchange the word “high” for “just” If facts will justify the former (as I think they indubitably do) policy, I conceive, is much in its favor: For while so many unpleasant things are announced as the Speech contains, it cannot be amiss to accompany them with communications of a more agreeable nature.3 I am always—Yours
Go: Washington
ALS, DLC: Jefferson Papers; ADfS, DNA: RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB, DLC:GW.
1. Jefferson had enclosed a draft of his letter to William Carmichael and William Short in a brief cover letter to GW of this date (DNA: RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters). For Jefferson’s final version, also dated 3 Nov. and including a revision made at GW’s suggestion, see 24:565–67, and note 2.
2. Both the draft and letter-book versions of this letter include the word “assumed” before “Sovereignty” and the words “of the Creeks” after “more.”
3. For Jefferson’s suggested changes to a draft of GW’s message to Congress, see his letter to GW of 1 November. For the final version, see GW’s Address to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, 6 Nov. 1792.