Thomas Jefferson's Letter to John Jay

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Revolutionary ideas had become familiar to Brazilian students at European universities in the late 18th century. At the time this document was created, Thomas Jefferson was the United States envoy to France. In Marseilles on May 4, 1787, Thomas Jefferson penned a letter to John Jay who was the United States' Secretary of State. Based on information given early in the letter, Jefferson was in the area for the purpose of gathering information on matters pertaining to commerce and to learn more about the agriculture of European rice. He states in his letter, “the mass of our countrymen being interested in agriculture... to enable them to adapt their productions to the market, to point out markets for them, and endeavor to obtain favorable terms of reception, is within the line of my duty.”

While Jefferson was attending to his preordained duties, he was approached by a Brazilian student at Montpelier who requested United States support for Brazilian independence. In his letter to John Jay, Thomas Jefferson describes Brazil's situation, the disposition of Brazilians to start a rebellion for independence, and its natural resources. This letter contains Jefferson's account of his communications with the native as well as his discussion with a Mexican prior to his encounter with the Brazilian.

This letter is in the first person point of view. The advantage of this point of view is the ability to hear the thoughts of Thomas Jefferson and to approach the situation from his perspective. However, because Jefferson is the narrator, this source can not b considered thoroughly objective. The trustworthiness of the account must be questioned. For example, in his letter to John Jay, Jefferson includes an excerpt of the letter he receiv...

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... K. Manchester is an authority on the history of Brazil and its relations with Great Britain. In an article entitled, “The Recognition of Brazilian Independence”, Manchester argues, “the struggle for independence in Brazil was influenced decisively by the intimate and unique ties which bound Portuguese America to Europe.”; independence was ultimately won by diplomacy. In his letter to John Jay, Thomas Jefferson cautiously explores the possibilities of engaging in a war with Portugal for the independence of Brazil and recognizes that the colony cannot conduct a revolution without the help of a powerful nation. Brazil considered the North American revolution a precedent for theirs. Jefferson maintained that the United States was not in any condition to engage in war. Jefferson's letter helps discredit the United States as Brazil’s primary benefactor during this time.

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