Washington, George. Autograph letter signed, 27 March 1798....

Click the image to load the highest resolution version.

Sold on Jun 11, 2015 for:

$33,000.00 Bid Source: Internet bidder

Get one of these:

Share this lot

Track Item Printable Auction Results

Sell One of These

Description

Auction Info

Guides & Info

Description

Washington, George. Autograph letter signed, 27 March 1798. Autograph letter signed ("Go Washington"), 2 pages (7.4 x 8.8 in.; 188 x 224 mm.), front and back, "Mount Vernon", 27 March 1798, to "James McHenry Esqr.", who was serving as Secretary of War (1796-1800) under President John Adams. Minor toning on single margin; archival reinforcement on overleaf hinge. With the new nation on the brink of war with France, former President George Washington informs the Secretary of War of a treasonable plot - soon to be known as the XYZ Affair. "...if founded, what punishment can be too great for the Actors in so diabolical a Drama. The period is big with events...It has always been my belief that Providence has not led us so in the path of Independence of one Nation to throw us into the arms of another." Washington writes in full: Dear Sir, Your favour of - came safe, and in due time, for the information contained in it, I thank you; your request was immediately complied with, as every one of a similar nature shall be. A Report is circulated in Alexandria and its vicinity, transmitted (it is said) in private letters from Philadelphia, that a correspondence has been discovered, or more properly, letters have been intercepted from some M rs. of C g s to the D ct y of F , of a treasonable nature - Containing, among other matters, advice not to receive our Envoys; on the contrary, to menace us with hostile appearances, and they might rely upon bringing the U. States to her terms. The name of one person has been mentioned to me. Cruel must these Reports be if unfounded; - and if founded, what punishment can be too great for the Actors in so diabolical a Drama. The period is big with events, but what it will produce is beyond the reach of humankind. On this, and upon all other occasions, I hope the best. It has always been my belief that Providence has not led us so in the path of Independence of one Nation to throw us into the arms of another. And that the machinations of those who are attempting it, will, sooner of later, recoil upon their own heads. Heaven grant it may happen soon, upon all those whose conduct deserve it. With truth I am always Yours Go Washington After his Presidency, George Washington, maintaining a keen interest in the course of the country, kept up a regular correspondence with Secretary of War James McHenry, who briefed him on affairs of state. In this extraordinary letter, Washington informs McHenry that he has learned the identity of one participant in a treasonable plot - the infamous "XYZ Affair" - not yet fully exposed to the public. According to Washington's understanding of the plot, members of Congress advised the Directory of France not to receive the United States' envoys and to maintain a "hostile appearance" - so that the United States would accede to France's terms. Relations with France at the time of this letter were already badly strained. One year earlier, on 15 May 1797, a special session of Congress had been called, but before it could be assembled, the news arrived that the French Directory had declared all Americans serving on British vessels to be pirates. On 16 May, President John Adams delivered his first war message (of seven) to Congress, but did not ask for a formal declaration of war. Instead, he recommended the arming of merchant vessels, the enlargement of the naval force, and the reorganization of the militia. Two weeks later (31 May), he appointed commissioners to secure a treaty of commerce and amity with France. By March of 1798, it was clear that the mission to France was a failure. On 19 March, President Adams reiterated the recommendations he had made in his earlier war message, and issued an executive order that authorized the arming of merchant vessels. Meanwhile, the Republicans hoped to embarrass the administration by calling for the publication of dispatches from the commission to France to the House of Representatives - the same correspondence Washington describes in his letter to McHenry. Though the Republicans reversed their position once they read the correspondence, the dispatches were printed and distributed (3 April 1798). In this famous "XYZ Affair," it was revealed that three unofficial agents of the French foreign minister, Tallyrand - identified as X, Y, and Z - had asked for a sizable "loan" to France, a $250,000 "gratuity" for Tallyrand, and an apology for the President's 16 May 1797 address. The American nation was poised for war. Without officially declaring war, however, Congress declared the treaties with France null and void, increased the army, ordered the construction or purchase of new ships, and created a navy department. On 28 May 1798, Congress authorized Adams to order the commanders of American naval warships to seize any French armed ships interfering with American commercial shipping. Congress also authorized Adams to raise a 10,000 man volunteer army for a period of three years. On 13 June 1798, Congress passed legislation suspending commerce with France and her dependencies. As well, President Adams signed four acts that came to be known as the Alien and Sedition Acts: the period of residence for full citizenship was lengthened from 5 to 14 years (18 June); all aliens regarded as dangerous to public peace and safety could be deported (25 June); enemy aliens in a time of war could be arrested, imprisoned, or banished (6 July); and fines and imprisonment were authorized for citizens or aliens who entered into combinations to oppose execution of national laws, foment insurrection, or to write, publish, or utter false or malicious statements about the chief executive, the legislature, or the government (14 July). [Enforcement of the act resulted in the prosecution of 25 and the conviction of 10 Republican editors and printers.] Though Adams had brilliantly master-minded a plan that effectively prevented war with France, and had preserved the neutrality of the United States, it was also the beginning of the end of the Federalist Party. And it spelled the end of his Presidential career.