Lot #182

Timothy Pickering Autograph Letter Signed to Spanish Diplomat on Boundary of Florida

Description

Secretary of State Pickering writes to a Spanish diplomat "relative to the running of the boundary line, along the Floridas"

Postmaster general, secretary of war, and secretary of state under George Washington (1745–1829). ALS as Secretary of State, one page, 8 x 10, August 24, 1796. Handwritten letter to the "Chevalier de Yrujo, Minister Plenipotentiary of his Catholic Majesty," in part: "I have to acknowledge the receipt of your other letter…relative to the running of the boundary line, along the Floridas; and to inform you, that any intelligence to be gained in answer to a letter you may write to the Governor of New-Orleans, will come too late to influence the movement of the American Commissioners, who will probably depart for Pittsburg in two weeks, and going down the Ohio & Mississippi, arrive at the Natchez before the 25th of October." In fine condition.

In 1794, American diplomat Thomas Pinckney was dispatched to Spain to negotiate a settlement to all matters in dispute between the two nations. There he negotiated the Treaty of San Lorenzo, signed on October 27, 1795, which defined the border between the United States and Spanish Florida and ensured unencumbered navigation on the Mississippi River. The treaty was presented to the United States Senate on February 26, 1796, and, after debate, was ratified on March 7, 1796. It was ratified by Spain on April 25, 1796, and the treaty was proclaimed on August 2, 1796. Pickering's contributions are documented in the article 'Victory in the West: A Study of the Role of Timothy Pickering in the Successful Consummation of Pinckney's Treaty' by Gerard H. Clarfield.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, and Civil War
• Dates: June 21, 2024 - July 10, 2024

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