Post-Revolutionary War to Civil War
Mr. Jefferson’s speech... Plans for an Expedition to Explore the Newly Acquired Louisiana Territory
March 24, 1804-Dated Newspaper, Jefferson’s Speech Exploring the New Acquired Louisiana Territory, “The Newport Mercury,” Newport, Rhode Island, Choice Very Fine.
This a complete, 4-page issue of the March 24, 1804 edition of the Newport Mercury, No. 2189, Published by Ann Barber. In addition to the usual local and foreign news, this issue carries a report on the week’s activities in the United States House of Representatives, including plans for an expedition to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. This report reads, in part:

“Dr. Mitchell made a report from the committee of commerce and manufacturers, who were directed to enquire into the expediency of authorising the president to cause to be explored certain unknown parts of Louisiana. The report contains much interesting information respecting the topography and natural history of Louisiana, and concludes with the opinion that it will be honorable and useful for the United States, to make some public provision for ascertaining the extent and boundaries of Louisiana, and to appropriate a sum not exceeding ( ) dollars, to make surveys on the Red River and Arkansas, or such other parts of Louisiana, as the President may see fit.”

Also in this issue is an editorial from the London Courier of December 8, 1803, commenting on the speech made by President Jefferson at the opening session of Congress, in which he referred to the Louisiana Purchase. According to the writer, the view in England was that France sold Louisiana to the United States in order to deter America from allying with the British in their war against France.

“... Mr. Jefferson’s speech ... described the government of France as “enlightened,” as seeing with “just discernment,” and as desirous of “promoting peace and friendship with America.” The purposes of deception may be answered by withholding facts as well as by advancing unfounded assertions. Is there a man so ignorant of the history of the last year as not to know that France gave up Louisiana for no other reason than to avert the hostility of America at the moment she saw a rupture with England inevitable? She gave it up, that she might be the more able to fight Great Britain, not that she might do justice or promote the interests of the United States. To Great Britain more than to France is America indebted for that cession .... Had not the war between this country and France taken place, we well know what would have been the fate of Louisiana; it would not have been ceded to America; it would have been seized by France ...”

Also in this issue is a notice from John L. Boss, cashier of the Rhode Island Union Bank, stating the bank’s hours and terms of business, and also the statement, “That the bank shall receive and pay all current Coins, according to the rates and value that are or shall be established by Congress.” This newspaper is complete and in nice condition, easy to read, with toning and some light foxing.