The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 40: 23 October 1804 to 15 March 1805

The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 40, is a collection of Jefferson's correspondence, public papers, and other writings from 23 October 1804 to 15 March 1805. This volume covers a wide range of topics, including the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Barbary Wars, and the impeachment of Samuel Chase.

The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 40: 4 March to 10 July 1803

by Thomas Jefferson

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22438 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	848 pages

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Louisiana Purchase

The Louisiana Purchase was one of the most significant events in Jefferson's presidency. In 1803, the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million. This purchase doubled the size of the United States and gave the country control of the Mississippi River. Jefferson believed that the Louisiana Purchase was essential for the future growth and prosperity of the United States.

In a letter to Robert Livingston, Jefferson wrote: "The acquisition of Louisiana has been a great blessing to this country. It has more than doubled our territory, and given us a new outlet to the sea. It has secured to us the Mississippi and the Missouri, and opened to us the vast regions beyond them. It has doubled our population at one stroke, and has given us a new and more central seat of government."

Lewis and Clark Expedition

The Lewis and Clark Expedition was another major event during Jefferson's presidency. In 1804, Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to lead an expedition to explore the Louisiana Territory. The expedition lasted for two years and covered over 8,000 miles. Lewis and Clark made valuable scientific discoveries and helped to open up the West to American settlement.

In a letter to Congress, Jefferson wrote: "The expedition of Messrs. Lewis and Clark, to explore the Missouri River and the Western Ocean, has had all the success which could have been expected. They have traced the Missouri to its source, and have discovered the passage from that river to the Pacific Ocean."

Barbary Wars

The Barbary Wars were a series of conflicts between the United States and the Barbary States of North Africa. The Barbary States were known for their piracy, and they demanded tribute from American ships that sailed in the Mediterranean Sea. Jefferson refused to pay tribute, and the United States fought a series of wars against the Barbary States. In 1805, the United States signed a peace treaty with Tripoli, the last of the Barbary States.

In a letter to Congress, Jefferson wrote: "The war with Tripoli is at an end. The treaty of peace, with the articles annexed, has been ratified by the Senate, and will be published in the newspapers. I congratulate you on this happy event."

Impeachment of Samuel Chase

Samuel Chase was a Supreme Court Justice who was impeached by the House of Representatives in 1804. Chase was accused of bias and misconduct in his trials of political opponents. The Senate acquitted Chase by a vote of 19 to 15. Jefferson believed that Chase was guilty of misconduct, but he opposed his removal from office.

In a letter to James Monroe, Jefferson wrote: "The impeachment of Judge Chase has been carried on with great talent and zeal by the managers. The evidence is so strong against him that I do not see how he can escape. But I doubt whether the Senate will remove him from office. The majority of the Senate is composed of his friends, and they will probably vote to acquit him."

The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 40, is a valuable resource for scholars and anyone interested in the history of the United States. This volume covers a wide range of topics, and it provides a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the most important figures in American history.

The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 40: 4 March to 10 July 1803

by Thomas Jefferson

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22438 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	848 pages

FREE