The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 4 (of 9) / Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private

by Thomas Jefferson

TO BARON DE HUMBOLDT.

June 9, 1804

Thomas Jefferson asks leave to observe to Baron de Humboldt that the question of limits of Louisiana, between Spain and the United States is this. They claim to hold to the river Mexicana or Sabine, and from the head of that northwardly along the heads of the waters of the Mississippi, to the head of the Red river and so on. We claim to the North river from its mouth to the source either of its eastern or western branch, thence to the head of Red river, and so on. Can the Baron inform me what population may be between those lines, of white, red, or black people? And whether any and what mines are within them? The information will be thankfully received. He tenders him his respectful salutations.