<P> The American government used $3 million in gold as a down payment, and issued bonds for the balance to pay France for the purchase . Earlier that year, Francis Baring and Company of London had become the U.S. government's official banking agent in London . Because of this favored position, the U.S. asked the Baring firm to handle the transaction . Francis Baring's son Alexander was in Paris at the time and helped in the negotiations . Another Baring advantage was a close relationship with Hope and Company of Amsterdam . The two banking houses worked together to facilitate and underwrite the Purchase . </P> <P> Because Napoleon wanted to receive his money as quickly as possible, the two firms received the American bonds and shipped the gold to France . Napoleon used the money to finance his planned invasion of England, which never took place . </P>

Who sold us the louisiana purchase and why