ional debt.”The number of diplomatic missions overseas was reduced from seven to three (Paris, London, and Madrid). The United States army was cut by about a third and was deprived of a general staff. In total left as an authorized force of 3,312. Jefferson backed his actions by bringing to light the dangers posed by standing armies and showing off the civilian militia in the states. The Navy also had is share of drastic reductions. A mere six active ships after a cutting of nineteen captains leaving only nine in active service. A large Navy, Jefferson stated, would give unnecessary weight to the demands of commerce and increase the chances of war by posing a threat to the European powers. By 1802, naval expenditures dropped by more than a half to a total of $915,000. However in response to following international dealings, the budget for the navy increased subsequently.Not before long, Jefferson learned that Spain had ceded the vast province of Louisiana back to France. Going so far as to suggest to the French that the United States might be willing to join them in overturning Toussaint L‘Ouverture, Jefferson promptly shifted his course. New Orleans was so connected to American interests that if the French gained control of that port, “we must marry ourselves to the British fleet and nation.” When the news that the Spanish had suspended the right o Americans to deposit goods in New Orleans reached Washington, Jefferson asked Congress to appropriate a $2 million dollar fund to purchase the port. In company of this, he also requested funds in to increase the army and to build riverboats suitable for a war in the west. Jefferson’s determination was given emphasis when he instructed the American negotiators in Paris to open discussions with the British government just in case the French refused to sell New Orleans. The attack and seizure of the U.S. frigate Chesapeake by the British warship Leopard in...
