Jefferson, Thomas. Autograph letter signed as President, 17 December 1804....

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Jefferson, Thomas. Autograph letter signed as President, 17 December 1804. Autograph letter signed ("Th: Jefferson") as President, 1 page (8 x 10 in.; 203 x 254 mm.), Washington, 17 December 1804, with integral autograph address panel on overleaf by Jefferson, Sylvanus Bourne esq. Consul of the U.S. of America at Amsterdam. Accompanied by the 2-page autograph letter from Mr. Winkelblech to which Jefferson refers in the letter here offered. Light toning. President Thomas Jefferson writes to the Consul General of The Netherlands concerning the fair and equal treatment of immigrants procuring land in the U.S., referring to the Constitutional protection of their rights. "The Constitution and laws of our country have justly deemed it be that that all men shall receive equal measure...We receive strangers freely, but use no measures to induce them to come, but the practice of equal protection & justice to all who are members of our political society." Jefferson writes in full: Sir The letter of Mr. Winkelblech of Basle [sic] Michigan you were pleased to inclose to me containing enquiries as to the terms on which lands would be granted here to the emigrants he spoke of, I put into the hands of Mr. Gallatin the Secretary of the Treasury with a request that he would give me such a statement as might serve as an answer to the letter, the disposal of the public lands being within his department. The paper now inclosed, is from him and not signed, but informal, merits full credit. It is sent to you on the presumption that Mr. Winkelblech has established the means of receiving his answer through you. The Constitution and laws of our country have justly deemed it be that that all men shall receive equal measure, than by entrusting the public servants with making distinctions in their discretion we introduced that venal favoritism into which discretion so generally degenerates emigrants are admitted to the right of purchasing lands on the same terms, with our most favored citizens, & none of the constituted authorities has the power to vary these terms. We receive strangers freely, but use no measures to induce them to come, but the practice of equal protection & justice to all who are members of our political society. I salute you with respect & consideration. Th: Jefferson Although Thomas Jefferson was in France serving as United States minister when the Federal Constitution was written in 1787, he was able to influence the development of the federal government through his correspondence. Later his actions as the first Secretary of State, Vice President, leader of the first political opposition party, and third President of the United States were crucial in shaping the look of the nation's capital and defining the powers of the Constitution and the nature of the emerging republic.