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Primary sourceLetter1794-1796

The Writings of James Monroe, Volume II, 1794-1796

James Monroe · 1794-1796

A volume of Monroe's own letters and papers from 1794 to 1796, covering his time as U.S. minister to France.

These are Monroe's own letters and papers, written during his diplomatic mission to France.

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Title page of 'The Writings of James Monroe, Volume II, 1794-1796'. Centered black text reads 'THE WRITINGS OF JAMES MONROE', then 'VOLUME II.' and '1794-1796' on a white background.
James Monroe, The Writings of James Monroe, Volume II, 1794-1796, edited by Henry Putzel.

About this source

What it is

This volume, edited by Henry Putzel, contains the writings of James Monroe from 1794 to 1796, a period that includes his service as Minister Plenipotentiary to France.

Why it matters

Monroe's letters from this period reveal the challenges of early American diplomacy, including his efforts to maintain friendship with France and his strained relationship with the U.S. administration, which did not always trust or fully inform him. This collection offers a direct window into his diplomatic career before he became president.

Look closer

  • What does Monroe's correspondence suggest about the difficulties of representing a young nation abroad?
  • Why might the U.S. government have withheld full information from its own minister?
  • How might Monroe's experience in France have shaped his later views as president?

This letter is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of James Monroe on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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