In jefferson’s opinion, of what importance is the mississippi river to the safety, security and unity of the american states?

At the beginning of 1801, Napoleon wanted to occupy Louisiana militarily. The newly appointed President Jefferson knew he could lose that region, because of the French or the British. Since there were no roads at that time, control of the Mississippi River was vital for the transport of all kinds of products, as well as troops, so Tomas Jefferson hastened the exploration of the same and the west. Surprisingly, the following year France agreed to sell the Louisiana Territory to the USA, which secured control of the Mississippi River and New Orleans. For 15 million dollars, Jefferson increased the size of the USA and gained control of the river, driving the French away from the country.