To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Shelby, 5 October 1793
From Isaac Shelby
Kentuckey Octr. 5th. 1793
Sir
I have just now been Honoured with Your favour of the 29 of August wherein you Observe, that the Spanish Commissioners have Complained to the President of the United States, that certain persons are taking Measures to excite the inhabitants of Kentucky to join in an interprise against the Spanish Dominions on the Mississippi. I think it my duty to take this early oppertunity to Assure you that I shall be perticularly Attentive to prevent any Attempts of that Nature from this Country. I am well perswaded at present none such is in Contemplation in this State. The Citizens of Kentucky possess too just a Sence of the Obligations they owe the General Government, to embark in any interprise that would be so injurious to the United States. I have the Honour to be with very great respect & Esteem Sir Your Most Obedient servt.
Isaac Shelby
RC (DNA: RG 59, LGS); at foot of text: “The Honble. Thomas Jefferson Esqr. secy. of State.” PrC of Tr (DLC); in Benjamin Bankson’s hand; at foot of text: “Copy.” Tr (DNA: RG 46, Senate Records, 3d Cong., 1st sess.). Tr (Lb in same, TR). Tr (Lb in DNA: RG 59, DL). Tr (AHN: Papeles de Estado, legajo 3895 bis); in Spanish; attested by Josef de Jaudenes and Josef Ignacio de Viar. Recorded in SJL as received 9 Nov. 1793. Enclosed in TJ to Viar and Jaudenes, 10 Nov. 1793.
TJ submitted this letter to the President on 9 Nov. 1793, and Washington returned it the same day (, 250). It is the last letter from Shelby that TJ received as Secretary of State. See Appendix i.