What area were the diplomats originally sent to buy from Napoleon in Louisiana?

The correct answer is New Orleans, as this area was a crucial port for trade and transportation during the early 19th century. When diplomats were sent to negotiate with Napoleon, their primary goal was to secure control of New Orleans to ensure that the United States had access to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. Control of New Orleans was vital for the economic interests of the agriculture-based frontier, as it provided a gateway for goods produced by farmers in the interior of the country.

Acquiring New Orleans would allow the U.S. to facilitate trade and ensure that their products could reach international markets without obstruction. The negotiations eventually led to the larger acquisition of the Louisiana Territory, but initially, the focus was specifically on this key strategic location. Other options, like Baton Rouge, Saint Louis, or Philadelphia, were not the primary concern for the U.S. diplomats at the time, as they did not carry the same level of importance in terms of economic access to the river and trade routes.