The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 39

(Princeton University Press) This volume of Thomas Jefferson’s papers opens on November 13, 1802, when Jefferson is in Washington, and closes on March 3, 1803, the final day of his second year as president. The central issue of these months is the closing of the right of deposit at New Orleans, an act that threatens the economic well-being of Westerners. Negotiating with France, Jefferson also proposes the “bargain” known today as the Louisiana Purchase. In a message to Congress, he seeks $2,500 for the exploration of the Missouri River, headed by his secretary Meriwether Lewis. Oberg is senior research scholar and professor at Princeton University, and general editor of The Papers of Thomas Jefferson.