Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826 to Gouverneur Morris re: diplomatic problems with Britain

With separate (disconjugate) docketing leaf. Discusses diplomatic problems with Great Britain concerning American neutrality and the execution of the Treaty of Paris. "We wish to be neutral... if they will execute the treaty fairly." Written at a time when Britain and Spain were on the brink of war. Jefferson was concerned about Britain trying to conquer adjacent areas like Florida. In the fall of 1789 Alexander Hamilton began informal meetings with a representative of Great Britain, Major George Beckwith in Quebec. In the spring of 1790, President Washington sent Governeur Morris to England with objective of settling unresolved terms in the Treaty of Paris. The British government did not comply with any of Morris' requests before his departure in September. In early 1790, Britain was on the verge of war with Spain over conflicting claims in the Pacific Northwest and considered requesting permission for troops to pass through the U.S. to attack the Spanish possessions of Louisiana and Florida. The situation was resolved without bloodshed.