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LETTER: Thomas Jefferson to Buy W. Florida, 1806

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Post-Revolutionary War to Civil War

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Thomas Jefferson's Attempt To Buy West Florida In 1806 for Two Million Dollars

April 8, 1806, Autograph Letter from New York Congressman Josiah Masters to United States Vice-President George Clinton, regarding funding for a plan to purchase West Florida, Choice Very Fine.
This 1806 dated Autograph Letter is Signed, "Josiah Masters," 2 pages, measuring 9" x 7.25" being written from Washington, DC by U.S. Congressman (NY) Josiah Masters to George Clinton, then Vice-President under Thomas Jefferson. Leaks of sensitive political information are nothing new, as is shown by this letter, regarding American plans to buy West Florida from Spain. This letter reads, in full:
"Dear Sir - It having been mentioned several times in debate before the house that the Administration, or some of them, had made application to the Secretary of the Treasury for the two millions to purchase the Florida, prior to the session of Congress. This report it was said had come from a Reputable Member of Congress from New York. I was conscious I had not mentioned the conversation of Mr. Galatin to any person. On investigation I found & also Mr. Kirkholder (?) [that] you had mentioned it. As there was some little misunderstanding what the exact conversation was, I was under the necessity of remarking what you had said was true. Doct. Leib tells me you told him, that it was Madison who made the application. I understood it was the President. The substance of Galatin's conversation I understood as follows: That the President thought it a favorable time & was anxious to make the purchase, and had made application to him for the money (two millions) and trust to Congress to make the appropriation after their meeting; to which he replied to the President that Congress would soon be in session and it would be most proper & best to wait until then. Be so kind as to write to me by the next mail what Mr. Galatin's conversation was to you & ( ) touching that application for the two millions of dollars. - I remain your friend and humble sert. - Josiah Masters." As shown by the docketing on the back, which reads: "George Clinton Jr - Copy 8, April 1806 - Dr Galatins conversation on that the President wanted two Million Dr".
This is the first draft of the letter, with corrections, which was retained in Josiah Masters' files. Aside from a couple small holes (not affecting the writing) and some browning along the outer edge, this letter is in great condition. From the Josiah Masters Family Archive.

Josiah Masters (1763-1822) graduated from Yale University in 1783 and began practicing law in New York state. He served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for New York during 1805-1809.

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