Diplomatic relations with France
Item
Type
Autograph Letter Signed
Title
Diplomatic relations with France
Description
Several months after the Jay Treaty, McHenry insists that the United States still highly values neutrality. If the treaty bothers France and triggers hostilities, McHenry argues, it is not the United States that is to blame.
year created
1796
month created
06
day created
18
author
sent from location
War Office
recipient
in collection
in image
notable person/group
Peter Hoffman
James McHenry
Executive
French
notable location
War Office
France
notable item/thing
Treaties
notable idea/issue
Neutrality
Quasi-War
Jay Treaty
document number
1796061800001
page start
1
transcription
War office 18 June 1796
Dear Sir
In reply to your letter of the 14th, I can only say: that our government (as far as the Executive is concerned) will adhere most faithfully and religiously to its treaties, wth all foreign nations; - that it views neutrality now as it has heretofore as a great national blessing, which it ought to endeavour to preserve by all lawful and prudent means in its power: - that if any circumstances, which the government could not controul, may have excited France to any improper conduct, it is not the Executive of the United States that is to be blamed. Above all, I hope and believe France to be too wise and politic to give into any decisive steps (unless instigated thereto by our own people) which might produce ill will, or what is worse, hostilities between the two nations.
My family are well, and I am always and very sincerely yours
James McHenry
Peter Hoffman Eqr
Dear Sir
In reply to your letter of the 14th, I can only say: that our government (as far as the Executive is concerned) will adhere most faithfully and religiously to its treaties, wth all foreign nations; - that it views neutrality now as it has heretofore as a great national blessing, which it ought to endeavour to preserve by all lawful and prudent means in its power: - that if any circumstances, which the government could not controul, may have excited France to any improper conduct, it is not the Executive of the United States that is to be blamed. Above all, I hope and believe France to be too wise and politic to give into any decisive steps (unless instigated thereto by our own people) which might produce ill will, or what is worse, hostilities between the two nations.
My family are well, and I am always and very sincerely yours
James McHenry
Peter Hoffman Eqr
Item sets
Document instances
| In image | In source | Location in source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| [view document] (1 pages) | BRC05 (1 pages) | Collection: James McHenry Papers | B: 1, 1 |
Document names
| Type | Name | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | James McHenry | War Office | [n/a] |
| Recipient | Peter Hoffman | [unknown] | [n/a] |