Thomas Jefferson: “I recommend, therefore, to the consideration of Congress such an addition to that appropriation as they may think the…”

His influence in negotiations for peace may be of value to the United States should arrangements of any sort affecting them be contemplated by other powers in the present extraordinary state of the world;

I now lay before Congress a statement of the militia of the United States according to the latest returns received by the Department of War.

I have thought that the friendly dispositions of such a power might be advantageously cherished by a mission which should manifest our willingness to meet his good will.

His high station and the relations of Russia to the predominant powers of Europe must give him weight with them according to the vicissitudes of the war.