Extract from Thomas Jefferson’s Third Annual Message to Congress

whilst the property & sovereignty of the Missisipi and it’s waters secure an independant outlet for the produce of the Western states, & an uncontrouled navigation through their whole course, free from collision with other powers, & the dangers to our peace from that source, the fertility of the country, it’s climate & extent, promise in due season, important aids to our treasury, an ample provision for our posterity, & a wide spread for the blessings of freedom and equal laws.

MS (DLC); dateline at foot of text.
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October 17, 1803
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