The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 46: 9 March to 5 July 1805

Jefferson returns to Monticello, reads about Native American tribes, Spanish and French colonial settlements, and the Louisiana Territory, seeks Spanish consent for a U.S. exploration along the Red River, and considers using a new law to constrain privateers. He also searches for a new farm manager and waits for reports from Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.

Format: Hardback
Length: 832 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Congress adjourns early in March, and Jefferson returns to Monticello for a month. Upon his return to Washington, he engages in correspondence with territorial governors regarding appointments to legislative councils. He also delves into information about Native American tribes, Spanish and French colonial settlements, and the geography of the Louisiana Territory. In private, he expresses his belief that Spain has responded to American advances with jealousy, secret malice, and ill faith. A new law grants civil authority over foreign warships in U.S. harbors, and he contemplates utilizing it to restrain privateers as well. Federalist opponents raise "antient slanders" to question his past private and official actions. His personal finances increasingly rely on bank loans. He initiates a search for a new farm manager at Monticello.

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark write from Fort Mandan in April before embarking on their journey up the Missouri River. Jefferson will not receive their reports until mid-July. In the Mediterranean, William Eaton coordinates the capture of the port of Derna, and Tobias Lear negotiates terms of peace with Pasha Yusuf Qaramanli to end the conflict with Tripoli. These events will not reach the United States until September.

Weight: 1262g
Dimension: 166 x 245 x 53 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691230740