261

Lot 261: America-France Printed Treaty 1800

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Lot  261: America-France Printed Treaty 1800
<b>Autographs</b><hr><b>Printed Broadsheet 'Treaty between France and America'
</b>

<b>(TREATY OF MORFONTAINE).</b>
December 24, 1800, MASSACHUSETTS SPY, BROADSHEET EXTRA, Choice Very Fine. Double-sided Broadsheet, 17' x 10.25', four-column layout. Featuring a full accounting of the treaty between the 'French Republic and the U. States of America.' Signed in print on page 2 by Joseph Buonaparte, C.P. Fleurieu, Roederer, Oliv. Ellsworth, W.R. Davie, and W.V. Murray. Lightly toned page; a light dampstain, approximately 5' x 7', does not affect legibility. A rare, historic broadsheet from the early years of the United States.

After the XYZ affair stunned the nation, relations between France and the United States were tense and slowly deteriorating. Two years of hostilities at sea, known as the Quasi-War with France, began, and the United States began preparing for the possibility of full-scale war. By the end of June 1798, Congress had made progress toward creating a navy, an 'additional army' that would serve during the international crisis, and a 'provisional army' which would be called upon should an actual state of war be declared. Not surprisingly, George Washington was named Commander in Chief of all the armed forces. Fortunately, President John Adams was able to negotiate an end to the hostilities before they progressed to a full state of war. The Quasi-War ended on September 3, 1800 with the Treaty of Morfontaine. The provisions of the treaty are set forth in this rare broadsheet.