19 December 1801
Madison, James, 1751-1836
Letter signed
Title: [to Robert R. Livingston]
Says Convention of Mortefontaine, as exchanged by William Vans Murray, arrived on 9 October 1801. President Jefferson had it sent to the Senate for advice and consent since the French ratification was not pure and simple in the ordinary form. No action had yet to be taken, especially since many members were absent. Believes delay will not be long and hopes this will not cause a problem with the French government. There are some questions about a duty placed on American tobacco and hopes that "unreasonable and inconvenient" regulations on both sides can be corrected. Worries that British…
GLC02899