sixty days after he took possession.  The treaty of Amiens was at an end; Austria was threatening; a British fleet was in the West Indies; he was disgusted at the disastrous campaign in Santo Domingo, angry with Spain, and desired to be free for new campaigns in Europe.  The First Consul, impressed by our minister’s social rank in his own country, no less than by his merciless logic and solid understanding, had given his promise that debts due for the spoliation of our commerce should be paid.  This promise, of which he was again reminded, could only be kept by realizing on sale of public lands, as he had no other resource.  Small wonder that he wished to be rid of the whole irritating subject of Louisiana.

Monroe, on his arrival in Paris, found that the negotiations for the purchase were already far advanced by Minister Livingston.  Owing to the illness of the special envoy, he was not presented to the First Consul until May 1, and hence, as a negotiator, had nothing officially to do with the treaty, which was virtually negotiated April 13, and finally concluded April 30.  On that day the treaty was signed in the presence of Napoleon by Marbois and the two American representatives, and when the negotiations were completed Napoleon made the following prophecy:  “This accession of territory strengthens forever the power of the United States.  I have given England a rival.”

The agreement, in the form of a treaty, reached Washington July 14 for ratification.  Congress was called in special session October 17; the treaty was confirmed by the Senate after two days of discussion; a resolution was passed, to take effect immediately, but only after much opposition.  Many persons were strongly opposed to the purchase, condemned the acquisition of a wilderness, and expressed their belief that the territory was not worth the price to be paid, and that its control would be difficult and unprofitable.

The exact cost ultimately agreed upon was 64,000,000 francs in the form of United States 6 per cent bonds, representing a capital of $11,250,000.  In addition to this, the American Government agreed to assume and pay the obligations of France to American citizens for French attacks upon American shipping.  These were estimated at 20,000,000 francs, or $3,750,000, making the total payment $15,000,000.  The tract comprised 554,000,000 acres.  Napoleon sold the territory for 2 cents an acre, or 10 acres for one franc.  When the negotiations were pending, Marbois expressed to Napoleon the difficulty of reaching a definite conclusion as to boundary.  When Talleyrand was questioned as to boundaries, he returned evasive answers, and said he did not know, and when pressed to be more explicit, said:  “You must take it as we received it.”  “But what did you mean to take?” asked Livingston.  “I do not know,” replied Talleyrand.  “Then you mean that we shall construe it our own way?” said Livingston again, to which Talleyrand made final reply:  “I can give you no direction.  You have made a noble bargain for yourselves, and I suppose you will make the most of it.”