Thomas Jefferson, third President, as Secretary of State

Manuscript letter, 1 page (9 3/8 x 7 7/8 in.; 238 x 198 mm), written in neat clerical hand, New York, 6 July 1790 to "His Excellency The President of Pennsylvania" (Thomas Mifflin); faint mat burn at right edge, repaired tear through first word of the recipient's title.

Manuscript letter, 1 page (9 3/8 x 7 7/8 in.; 238 x 198 mm), written in neat clerical hand, New York, 6 July 1790 to "His Excellency The President of Pennsylvania" (Thomas Mifflin); faint mat burn at right edge, repaired tear through first word of the recipient's title.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This was the letter of transmittal for Pennsylvania's two copies each of three recently passed congressional acts: "I have the honor to send you herein inclosed two copies duly authenticated of the Act providing the means of intercourse between the United States, and foreign Nations; Also of the Act for the relief of Nathaniel Twining; Also of the Act to satisfy the claims of John McCord against the United States, and of being with sentiments of the most perfect respect. …"

The June 1790 "Act providing the means of intercourse between the United States, and foreign Nations," was the first legislation dealing with the foreign service passed by Congress. The Act allowed the president up to $40,000 to pay ministers plenipotentiary (ambassadors) and chargés des affaires (lower level officials sent in place of ministers).  

The other acts mentioned respectively remitted a penalty incurred by Twining's failure to abide by his contract to deliver mail between Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, in 1787 and granted McCord $809.71 for supplies furnished for the Continental Army in 1776.