The Absence Of Jefferson And Adams: Constitutional Invention

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, two of America's Founding Fathers, were not present at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, which took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and resulted in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. Both men were abroad, engaged in diplomatic duties: Jefferson was in France, serving as the American ambassador and trade commissioner, while Adams was in England, raising funds to pay off national debts after the Revolutionary War. Despite their absence, Jefferson and Adams remained well-informed about the Convention's proceedings through correspondence with attendees such as James Madison, and expressed their insights and concerns about the formation of a new government.

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Jefferson was in France, serving as a trade commissioner and foreign minister

Thomas Jefferson was in France when the Constitutional Convention took place in 1787. He had been in the country since 1785, serving as the trade commissioner to France. In this role, Jefferson was responsible for negotiating commercial treaties with France. He also succeeded Benjamin Franklin as America's Minister to France, a position akin to today's ambassador.

Jefferson's diplomatic duties in France prevented him from physically attending the Constitutional Convention. However, he remained well-informed about the proceedings through correspondence with his close friends and fellow founding fathers, James Madison and John Adams. Jefferson expressed his disapproval of the secrecy of the Convention, believing that the discussions should be held publicly.

Jefferson's absence from the Constitutional Convention is notable, as he was a founding father and the author of the Declaration of Independence. Despite not being physically present, Jefferson remained engaged in the process and communicated his insights and concerns about the formation of the new government.

Jefferson's role as a trade commissioner and foreign minister in France was crucial for managing U.S. relations and strengthening diplomatic ties during a pivotal time in the early history of the nation. His diplomatic assignments in Europe contributed to his inability to participate directly in the Constitutional Convention.

In summary, Thomas Jefferson's absence from the Constitutional Convention was due to his diplomatic duties in France, where he served as a trade commissioner and foreign minister. Despite his physical absence, Jefferson remained informed and involved through correspondence, expressing his views and influencing the process from abroad.

Adams was in England, raising funds to pay off national debt

John Adams was in England when the Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia in 1787. He was there in a diplomatic capacity, raising funds to pay off national debts after the Revolutionary War.

Adams was one of 70 individuals collectively appointed by the original states (except Rhode Island) to the convention. However, he was unable to attend as he was abroad, serving as a diplomat for the United States.

Adams was in London as the United States Minister to Great Britain. His role was important for managing U.S. relations and seeking financial support for the country following the American Revolution.

Despite his absence, Adams kept a close watch on the convention's activities. He corresponded with Thomas Jefferson, who was also in Europe, serving as the American ambassador in Paris, France. In a letter to Adams from August 1787, Jefferson wrote:

> I am sorry they began their deliberations by so abominable a precedent as that of tying up the tongues of their members. Nothing can justify this example but the innocence of their intentions, and ignorance of the value of public discussions.

Adams and Jefferson's correspondence highlights their concerns and interest in the Constitution, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to U.S. governance even while abroad.

Jefferson and Adams kept informed and involved through correspondence

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were not present at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 due to their diplomatic duties in Europe. Jefferson was in France, serving as the American ambassador and trade commissioner, while Adams was in Great Britain, raising funds to pay off national debts after the Revolutionary War.

Despite their absence, Jefferson and Adams kept informed and involved through correspondence with those who were in attendance. Jefferson, in particular, maintained contact with James Madison, who is considered the "Father of the Constitution," and John Adams. In his letters, Jefferson expressed his disapproval of the secretive nature of the Convention, believing that it should be held more publicly. In a letter to Adams from August 1787, Jefferson wrote:

> "I am sorry they began their deliberations by so abominable a precedent as that of tying up the tongues of their members. Nothing can justify this example but the innocence of their intentions, and ignorance of the value of public discussions."

Jefferson's correspondence with Adams and Madison highlights his interest in the debates happening in Philadelphia and his ongoing commitment to U.S. governance, even while abroad. Historical records indicate that both men were actively engaged in their diplomatic roles during the Constitutional Convention, and their letters showcase their insights and concerns regarding the formation of a new government.

The Constitutional Convention was a pivotal moment in American history, leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution and a new framework for the government. Despite their physical absence, Jefferson and Adams remained aware of the developments and continued to influence the process through their correspondence and insights.

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Both were serving as diplomats, performing important duties for the US

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were not present at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 because they were serving as diplomats for the United States abroad. Jefferson was in France, and Adams was in England, representing the interests of the United States. Their diplomatic duties were crucial for strengthening international relations and securing financial support for the newly independent nation.

Jefferson, the Founding Father and author of the Declaration of Independence, served as the American ambassador to France. In this role, he negotiated commercial treaties and promoted American interests in Europe. Meanwhile, Adams was in Great Britain raising funds to pay off national debts after the Revolutionary War. Both men were actively involved in shaping the future of their country, despite their physical absence from the Convention.

The Constitutional Convention, held in Philadelphia, aimed to address issues with the Articles of Confederation, which had proven inadequate for governing the nation effectively. While Jefferson and Adams could not directly influence the discussions, they closely monitored the proceedings and maintained correspondence with those present, including James Madison and other framers. Jefferson, in particular, disagreed with the secretive nature of the Convention, believing that the debates should be held publicly.

Despite their absence, both Jefferson and Adams remained influential figures in the formation of the new government. Their letters and historical records highlight their insights, concerns, and ongoing commitment to effective governance, even while serving abroad. Jefferson and Adams's diplomatic assignments in Europe were vital for the United States during this pivotal time in its early history.

In summary, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were unable to attend the Constitutional Convention due to their important diplomatic duties overseas. Their roles in France and England, respectively, were crucial for strengthening international relations and securing financial support for the young nation. Despite their absence, they remained engaged and informed about the Convention's progress, demonstrating their dedication to the future of the United States.

Jefferson and Adams disagreed with the secrecy of the convention

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were not present at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 due to their diplomatic duties in Europe. Jefferson was in France, serving as the American ambassador and trade commissioner, while Adams was in Great Britain, raising funds to pay off national debts after the Revolutionary War.

Despite their absence, Jefferson and Adams remained well-informed about the convention's developments through correspondence with other delegates, including James Madison, and exchanged letters with each other. In a letter to Adams from August 1787, Jefferson expressed his disapproval of the secrecy of the convention:

> "I am sorry they began their deliberations by so abominable a precedent as that of tying up the tongues of their members. Nothing can justify this example but the innocence of their intentions, and ignorance of the value of public discussions."

Jefferson strongly believed that the convention's discourse should be held publicly and not kept secret from the American people. He felt that the delegates' instructions to not speak of the proceedings outside the convention demonstrated an "ignorance of the value of public discussions".

Adams shared Jefferson's concerns about the secrecy of the convention, as evidenced by their correspondence. Despite their reservations about the secrecy of the proceedings, both Jefferson and Adams recognised the importance of the convention's work in shaping the future governance of the United States.

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