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The Louisiana Purchase Treaty |
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The Louisiana Purchase Treaty
The Louisiana Purchase Treaty
Source: Pennsylvania at the Worlds Fair St. Louis 1904
prepared by James H Lambert, A.M. Executive Officer Pennsylvania Commission. Published 1905
The event commemorated by the St. Louis Exposition was the purchase of the Louisiana territory from France under the Administration of President Thomas Jefferson in 1803. It was the acquisition of an empire by the processes of peace and diplomacy, startling to the civilized world. Its magnitude and full significance were not appreciated at the time, but looking back over the one hundred years of development of this vast area, embracing so much of our country west of the Mississippi, none fails to recognize in the event a sufficient inspiration for the unsurpassed exposition held in the chief city within the purchased territory. Read the entire Treaty.
Table of Contents
The Louisiana Territory
France then Spain, then France again
France and the United States Avoid War
The Right of Deposit
Americans Get Interested
President Jefferson Address Congress
The Situation Becomes More Complicated
Negotiations Begin
Napoleon Determined to Cede All of Louisiana
Robert Livingston Breaks the Ice
Livingston Was Astounded
James Monroe Arrives
American Envoy On Its Own
Boundaries of The Territory
United States Pays 15 Million for Louisiana
Ratifications Take Place in Washington
Stars and Stripes Fly Over New Orleans
The New Nation Doubles in Size
The Acquisition in Retrospect The Louisiana Purchase Treaty
Until quite recently there was an evident misunderstanding, as to what was included in the Louisiana purchase as to what was included in the Louisiana standing, as may be readily appreciated from the fact that when the transfer was made there were neither explorations nor surveys. As late as 1898 the official map of the United States, published by the Department of the Interior, included Oregon, Washington, Idaho and western portions of Montana and Wyoming in the territory procured from France. Binger Herman, at the time Commissioner of the General Land office made an exhaustive investigation of this matter and the result was so convincing that the purchase did not extend west of the Rocky Mountains that the maps have undergone the necessary corrections. It was the belief that the territory west of the Mountains became ours by right of discovery, exploration and occupation by our own people, together with the cession from Spain by treaty of February 22, 1819, of such adverse rights as that nation claimed to possess. The review of Mr. Herman then made is largely drawn upon in this presentation of the extent and character of the Louisiana acquisition.
The Louisiana Territory
Louisiana -- and by that is meant the whole of the territory included in the discoveries of La Salle and as claimed by Louis XIV -- was understood to embrace all the country drained by the Mississippi and its tributaries on the West. These claims were justified by the recognized authority of those days, which gave to the discoverer of the mouth of a river the whole territory drained by it. This was in 1663. In 1712, in a grant made to Antoine de Crozat, a rich merchant of Paris, for trading purposes Louis XIV quite clearly defined his idea of the extent of this possession. He appointed "The Sieur Crozat solely to carry on a trade in all the lands possessed by us and, bounded by New Mexico and the lands of the British Carolina, the River S. Lewis, heretofore called Mississippi, from the edge of the Sea, as far as the Illinois, together with the River St. Philip, heretofore called the Missourys, and the rivers which fall directly or indirectly into all the aforesaid lands, streams, rivers and islands, be and remain comprised under the name of the Government of Louisiana, which shall be dependent upon the general Government of New France." Its full extent was really unknown, however, and remained so until after it came into the possession of the United States. But France did not claim anything beyond the Rocky Mountains. France then Spain, then France again
Crozat never made any real use of the grant to him, surrendering it five yeas after, and abandoning his colony. The same year, 1717, another grant was made to the Mississippi Commercial Company, under the regency of the Duke of Orleans. This was the celebrated John Law's Mississippi scheme. This charter was also soon surrendered. Louisiana was altogether a source of infinite trouble and expense to France. From the first effort at colonization insubordination, discord and malfeasance among those in authority continued to exist, while the maintenance of troops and the expensive contributions of merchandise constantly made to the Indian tribes in proximity -- such supplies being demanded as a condition of peace with the colonists and their alliance in time of conflict against the English -- were all very costly to the home Government. The colony had proven in all things to be wholly unprofitable. Crozat, the rich and calculating merchant, fount it to be a loss even as a present, and he gladly relinquished his grant. The Law Company lost twenty million in expensive schemes to develop a commerce under its chartered privileges. It is conceded that the French Government squandered over forty million of livres in colonization efforts in Louisiana. It was such discouragements and drawbacks that made France willing, even anxious to cede to Spain all her interest in such possessions, and to release herself from the further obligation of bearing an increasing financial burden. The treaty for the transfer was made in 1762, but it was not until 1766 that Spain took possession. The retrocession of Louisiana from Spain to France was made in 1800 by what was known as the Treaty of San Ildefonso. France and United States avoid war
Meantime the United States had become one of the nations of the earth. To its people the action of Spain was a great surprise as well as a disappointment. The recent communications of this country with France had not been of an agreeable character. Our shipping upon the seas had for some time been exposed to unexpected depredation by French cruisers. Protests to the French government and offers for amicable terms had been made without avail. Washington had frequent occasion to complain, and this condition continued into the administration of President John Adams who sent an embassy to France in 1798, consisting of Charles Cotesworth Pinkney, John Marshall and Elbridge Gerry, to adjust the differences between the two nations. The French Directory refused to give audience to the Embassy. The Americans were finally informed that they would be heard upon the payment of a liberal sum of money to the French government and a gratuity to Tallyrand. This affront was of course resented. The Embassy returned home, and Adams began preparations for war. The promptness and determination of our nation to resent the long-suffered outrages to our commerce and the personal indignities offered our accredited diplomatic representatives aroused the French to the realization that they would have war with us unless we had fair treatment from them. They chose the latter alternative and terms were agreed upon, but not until the accession to power of Napoleon Bonaparte, Who clearly foresaw the complications which his predecessors in authority had invited, not only the United States but other nations with which France was destined to engage in very costly and unprofitable wars. The Right of Deposit
In view of these relations and complications with France, it was not unnatural the rumor that Spain had ceded Louisiana to France should arouse fears that the French would exercise an even more exclusive and rigorous policy than had the Spaniards. The latter by treaty in 1795 granted the right to deposit the merchandise and effects of Americans at New Orleans for the term of three years, and at the end of that period, the agreement stipulated that "the privilege should either be continued at New Orleans or an equivalent establishment assigned on another part of the banks of the Mississippi." Even after the lapse of three years a tacit permission continued. The Spanish intendant, however, soon followed this with an announcement that the right of deposit no longer existed. Americans Get Interested
American interest which had become considerable in that section were greatly affected. There was an outburst of intense indignation, and remonstrance came from settlers and planters on lands tributary to the Mississippi. It was at once assumed that the Spanish revocation was the result of the cession to France, and that it was secretly prompted in advance by the latter power. Angry and excited appeals and petitions for relief were addressed to the Congress. The conclusion was everywhere reached that a policy of exclusion was to be enforce which would mean the extinction of American commerce and navigation rights along the Mississippi, and compel the abandonment of enterprising and flourishing communities already established there. The inhabitants proclaimed that "The Mississippi is ours by the law of nature." They threatened that if the Congress refused effectual protection, to adopt measures which their safety required, even if they endangered the peace of the nation. President Jefferson Address Congress
In the older States along the Atlantic seaboard the people caught up the cry from their relatives and fellow countrymen on the then far distant frontiers of Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee and Kentucky, and emphasized the demand on the Congress for relief by peaceful means if possible, but if such failed, then by war. It became a party issue of the time. President Jefferson, who foresaw the growing discontent, endeavored to allay the excitement by assurances of every possible effort on his part. In a message to the Congress late in December 1802 he said "that he was aware of the obligation to maintain in all cases the rights of the nation, and to employ for that purpose those just and honorable means which belong to the character of the United States." In a reply from the House of Representatives, the body reminded the President that they held it to be their duty "to express their unalterable determination to maintain the boundaries and rights of navigation and commerce through the river Mississippi, as established by existing treaties" The Situation Becomes More Complicated
The situation was still more complicated by the fact that war between France and England was about to ensue, though this ultimately proved to be of advantage to the United States. It was determined at once to press negotiations upon France for terms. As the exigency required the best effort and the best talent, James Monroe was chosen to co-operate with Robert R. Livingston, the American Minister to France. In addition to the high qualifications possessed by Mr. Monroe, he was especially recommended because while a member of Congress he asserted the rights of the Western people to the navigation of their great rivers. It became evident to President Jefferson that unless a favorable result were secured through negotiations, a resort must be had to war, and he even went so far as to instruct the ministers to consult with England, having in view an alliance against France. Negotiations Begin
There was no thought of purchasing the whole of the Louisiana territory when our envoys went abroad. Their instructions were to "procure a cession to the United States of New Orleans and East and West Florida, or as much thereof as the actual proprietor can be prevailed upon to part with." It was also required that "the navigation of the river Mississippi, in the whole breadth from its source to the Ocean, and in all its passages to and from the same, shall be equally free and common to citizens of the United States and of the French Republic." It was suggested that if France declined to cede to this country the whole of the Island of Orleans, then a part should be sought, if no more than space enough upon which to establish a large commercial town on the bank of the river; or if unable to procure a complete jurisdiction over any convenient spot whatever, the envoys were instructed to secure a right of deposit with the privilege of holding real estate for commercial purposes. All this was exceedingly modest in comparison with the momentous results achieved by the negotiations. Napoleon Determined to Cede All of Louisiana
Napoleon determined to cede the whole of the Louisiana territory before it was asked of him. No one could better appreciate the difficulties which confronted him. About to engage in a war with England that would require all his attention and all his resources, he understood that he would be in no position to protect colonies at a great distance across the seas. It would require a large naval force, and France was inferior to England in naval power. The recent French losses in San Domingo, with the proximity to Louisiana of the British naval armaments in this quarter, with well equipped garrisons in Jamaica and the Windward Islands, readily suggested to Napoleon the necessity for prompt action with regard to Louisiana, if he would save it from the hands of England. He declared to his counselors that "the English shall not have the Mississippi which they covet. The conquest of Louisiana would be easy if they only took the trouble to make a descent there. I have not a moment to lose in putting it out of their reach. I think of ceding it to the United States. They only ask of me one town in Louisiana, but I already consider the colony as entirely lost, and it appears to me that in the hands of this growing power it will be more useful to the policy, and even to the commerce of France than if I should attempt to keep it." A little later he directed the Marquis de Marbois, whom he had selected as plenipotentiary on the part of the French Republic in these transactions, to negotiate the offer with the envoys of the United States for the whole of Louisiana.
Robert Livingston Breaks the Ice
Of this the envoys of the United States were in entire ignorance at the time. For the Floridas and for new Orleans they were authorized to offer two million dollars. Jefferson feared to the last moment that even the least of his proposals would be rejected by France. While Livingston, The American Minister at Paris, was exceedingly nervous and never confident, various efforts were made by him before Monroe's arrival to reach some terms. Livingston Was Astounded
When Talleyrand met Livingston, after a stormy interview between himself, Napoleon and Marbois, in which Napoleon had declared his purpose to part with all of Louisiana, Livingston was astounded to hear him ask "what will you give for the whole?" It was so unexpected that he could not immediately reply. The next day he undertook to follow up this advantage. Approaching Talleyrand on the proposition for the cession of the whole of Louisiana, Talleyrand explained that the suggestion was only a personal one of his own. Livingston, writing to Madison, Secretary of State, at the time of this interview, said that Talleyrand told him he would answer his not "but do it evasively, because Louisiana was not theirs." This served to make Livingston still more suspicious thereafter, and he became strongly of the opinion that the delays were intended to gain time. Even when Marbois seriously submitted to him the proposition for the whole of Louisiana, he hesitated to confide in his good faith. What influenced him quite as much was the realization that he was without authority to entertain such and enlarged scheme, however sincerely offered. James Monroe Arrives
While the true condition remained unknown to him, and while he was still suffering the greatest distrust of his surroundings, Monroe arrived. At his first meeting with his colleague Livingston said to him, "Only force can give us New Orleans. We must employ force. Let us first get possession of the country and negotiate afterwards." On the following day a conference with Marbois speedily convinced Monroe of the victory which was close at hand. Marbois and Monroe were old friends of revolutionary days, and the French Statesman confided to the American the conclusions of Napoleon with a reliable statement of the motive for the same. It can be understood that the overtures of Marbois afterward said, "Instead of the cession of a town and its inconsiderable territory, a vast portion of America was in some sort offered to the United States; they only asked for the mere right of navigating the Mississippi, and their sovereignty was about to be extended over the largest rivers of the world." American Envoy On Its Own
It was impossible for the American envoys to consult the home government for further instruction. The distance was great, there were no ocean cables, and time was important. They accepted the responsibility thus forced upon them and entered into an agreement for the cession of the whole of Louisiana. Marbois submitted the draft, describing the territory conveyed as the same which had been acquired by the Republic of France by virtue of the treaty concluded with Spain at San Ildefonso. This description was very vague and unsatisfactory as to the actual Boundaries and extent of the purchase. The American envoys insisted upon something more definite. The domain lying east of the Mississippi had all been determined by various treaties, and the claims of the different nations were generally well known, though some were not conceded, while the great empire west of the Mississippi continued a source of much trouble and uncertainty, as no satisfactory data were offered for specific boundary, and none could be agreed upon. Boundaries of The Territory
Marbois presented the difficulty to Napoleon, and expressed his regret that so important a point was involved in so much obscurity. This, however, did not trouble the conscience of Napoleon, who replied that "if an obscurity did not already exist, it would, perhaps, be good policy to put one there." Even when questioned as to the Eastern boundary, evasive answers were given. Livingston asked Talleyrand for the description contained in the instructions given by his nation previously to Laussat, and which contained a definition of the cession.
"What," asked Livingston, "are the Eastern boundaries of Louisiana?"
"I do not know," replied Talleyrand; "you must take it as we received it."
"But what did you mean to take?" asked Livingston.
"I do not Know," replied Talleyrand.
"Then you mean that we shall construe it our own way?" said Livingston.
To this Tallyrand made final reply, "I can give you no direction; you have made a noble bargain for yourselves, and I suppose you will make the most of it." United States Pays 15 Million for Louisiana
This problem did not long worry the American envoys. They were as eager as the French to close the agreement, and if need be, rely upon future treaty stipulations for more certainty as to boundaries. All this led to some carelessness in the form of the treaty, but no serious trouble ever arose from it. The price agreed upon finally was sixty million Francs, in the form of United States six per cent. bonds to the value of $11,250,000, and in addition to this, our government assumed the payment of certain debts due from France to American citizens on account of depredations on the seas, aggregating $3,750,000, making a total amount paid for the Louisiana Territory $15,000,000. Ratifications Take Place in Washington
It was the wish of Napoleon that ratifications should be exchanged at Washington rather than at Paris, and the treaties were sent forward as speedily as possible. The Congress was convened in October, and immediately there was a spirited discussion as to the authority to annex foreign territory to the Union. There were many opponents of that measure of expansion. It was declared that "the vast and unmanageable extent which the accession of Louisiana will give the United States; the consequent dispersion of our population and the destruction of that balance which is so important to maintain between the Eastern and Western States, threatens at no very distant day the subversion of our Union." Many other similar views were expressed, and almost every sort of evil predicted as the result of the acquisition.
The treaty was ultimately ratified. then arose certain other difficulties owing to the fact that Louisiana still remained in possession and under the Government of Spain, that power not having as yet surrendered it to France under the treaty of San Ildefonso, though three years had elapsed. The Spanish Minister entered a strong protest against the ratification and execution of the treaty with the United States. The suspicion became general that England was prompting Spain to defeat the purchase. The transfer was finally made, however; first from Spain to France and Twenty days later from France to the United States.
Stars and Stripes Fly Over New Orleans
On December 20, 1803, the American troops marched into New Orleans, the colors of France were hauled down and the stars and stripes floated over the city and gave protection to the territory. The American Governor, addressing the people present, significantly announced that "the cession secures to you and your descendants the inheritance of Liberty, perpetual lands, and magistrates whom you will elect yourselves." This was declaring the whole spirit of our government; and so it remains to this day. This transfer took place in a building in New Orleans known as the Cabildo, a replica of which attracted much attention at the Exposition as the Louisiana State pavilion The New Nation Doubles in Size
This acquisition practically doubled the land possessions of the United States, for it is of nearly the same extent as the thirteen Original States. It covered an area of 875,025 square miles, excluding all west of the Rocky Mountains and also East of the Mississippi, which latter, by other treaties is counted as a portion of the Florida cession , and of that from Great Britain. Out of the Louisiana purchase proper have been formed the entire States of Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, parts of the States of Minnesota, Kansas, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Louisiana, and all of the Indian Territory, and part of Oklahoma Territory. The area is larger than Great Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Italy combined. It had a population at the time of the purchase of 100,000; it had 15,000,000 in 1904. The Acquisition in Retrospect
All the prophecies of evil have been put to shame. It did not require the one hundred years that have elapsed since the purchase to demonstrate the extraordinary value of it and justify the statesmanship which brought it about. Many of those who opposed it -- who wildly insisted that it would not be worth what it cost -- lived to realize their error. It was inevitable that all this territory would in time be included within the boundaries of the United States but delay in acquiring it would have increased the cost and embarrassment, and retarded the progress of our country both in population and general prosperity. The money value of the annual products of any one of the States wholly or in part taken from the Louisiana Territory is sufficient to pay the original cost of the acquisition over and over again. It was a momentous event in our history and well entitled to be commerated at it was by the great Exposition.
The Louisiana State Building
The State of Louisiana had contributed to the Exposition a building of much historical interest in its reproduction of the famous Cabildo, in which the transfer of the Louisiana Purchase was consummated in 1803. The building, adjoining that of the Government, was erected at a cost of $22,000, and was the exact size of the original, 95 by 107 feet, but was more than a replica, the actual doors and roof the old Spanish structure were removed and brought to St. Louis for the new Cabildo. The interior was ornamented with choice paintings, some of them old masters brought to America by Joseph Bonapart. There were portraits of Livingston, Monroe and Marbois, who signed the treaty between France and the United States, and of Jefferson, Napoleon, Salcedo, Laussat, Wilkinson and Claiborne; and there was a painting showing New Orleans as it was in 1803. In the collection of antique furniture in the building were two priceless pieces, -- Napoleon's china-cabinet and the desk on which the treaty of 1803 was signed. Above the desk hung a facsimile of the great treaty that meant so much to the nation, and whose centennial anniversary the Exposition celebrated. The gardens in front of the Cabildo suggested the beautiful Jackson Square on which the original faces, and contained a reproduction of the famous heroic equestrian statue of General Jackson.
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