THOMAS JEFFERSON’S 1802 STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

1802-jeff-sou-fp.jpgPRESIDENT JEFFERSON TALKS OF “REPURCHASING” LAND FROM THE INDIANS AND SETTING NEW “BORDERS” TO ENCOURAGE WHITE SETTLEMENT

The Connecticut Courant, Hartford
Wednesday, December 29, 1802

In a time of relative peace with European nations, the President notes the transfer of a huge territory that would have tremendous implications for the U.S. the following year: “The cession of the Spanish province of Louisiana to France, which took place in the course of the late war, will, if carried into effect, make a change in the aspect of our foreign relations, which will doubtless have just weight in any deliberations of the legislature connected with that subject.” In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase would be consumated in which America would gain the total area of the enormous territory,buying it from Napoleon, literally doubling its size with the stroke of a pen.

In regard to the Native American population in the East, Jefferson states: “In order to remove every ground of difference possible with our Indian neighbors, I have proceeded in the work of settling with them and marking the boundaries between us. That with Choctaw Nation is fixed in one part and will be through the whole within a short time. The country to which their title had been extinguished before the Revolution is sufficient to receive a very respectful population, which Congress will probably see the expediency of encouraging so soon as the limits shall be declared.”

THE HAITIAN REVOLUTION: Two reports from the beleagured island in the midst of the “Negro uprising” against the occupying European troops. The revolt would ultimately be successful under Toussaint Louverture and Henri Christophe.

Four pages, folio, and in very fine condition with original margins (deckled edges). A superb original newspaper with “THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE” beginning smack on page one, rolling over to the 2nd page, and signed, in type, “THOMAS JEFFERSON.” These early State of the Union messages have become next to impossible to locate.

$750

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Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, Early America