USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -President Jefferson sent James Monroe to Paris in 1803 to help Robert Livingston negotiate the purchase of New Orleans. When Monroe arrived, Livingston informed him of France’s proposal to sell all of Louisiana, not just New Orleans.

Detailed explanation-2: -In a letter to U.S. minister to France Robert Livingston, President Thomas Jefferson stated, “The day that France takes possession of New Orleans…we must marry ourselves to the British fleet and nation.” Livingston was ordered to negotiate with French Finance Minister Barbé-Marbois for the purchase of New Orleans.

Detailed explanation-3: -Jefferson also worried about the constitutionality of the acquisition, for the Constitution did not specifically grant the federal government the authority to acquire more territory, and he considered an amendment to the Constitution.

Detailed explanation-4: -Monroe arrives in Paris and joins Livingston in negotiations with Finance Minister Barbé-Marbois. Monroe, Livingston, and Barbé-Marbois agree on terms of sale: $15 million for approximately 827, 000 square miles of territory.