The idea was hazarded in the House of Representatives
a few days ago, by a member, and an approbation expressed by another,
but rejected indignantly by every other person who spoke, and very
generally in conversation by all others: and I am satisfied such a
proposition would get no vote in the Senate. The course the legislature
means to pursue, may be inferred from the act now passed for a meeting
in May, and a proposition before them for repealing the embargo in June,
and then resuming and maintaining by force our right of navigation.
There will be considerable opposition to this last proposition, not
only from the federalists, old and new, who oppose every thing, but from
sound members of the majority. Yet it is believed it will obtain a good
majority, and that it is the only proposition which can be devised
that could obtain a majority of any kind. Final propositions, will,
therefore, be soon despatched to both the belligerents through the
resident ministers, so that their answers will be received before the
meeting in May, and will decide what is to be done. This last trial for
peace is not thought desperate. If, as is expected, Bonaparte should
be successful in Spain, however every virtuous and liberal sentiment
revolts at it, it may induce both powers to be more accommodating
with us. England will see here the only asylum for her commerce
and manufactures, worth more to her than her orders of council.
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