I could honestly, therefore, join in the declaration proposed, that we
aim not at the acquisition of any of those possessions, that we will not
stand in the way of any amicable arrangement between them and the mother
country; but that we will oppose, with all our means, the forcible
interposition of any other power, as auxiliary, stipendiary, or under
any other form or pretext, and most especially, their transfer to any
power by conquest, cession, or acquisition in any other way. I should
think it, therefore, advisable, that the Executive should encourage the
British government to a continuance in the dispositions expressed in
these letters, by an assurance of his concurrence with them as far as
his authority goes; and that as it may lead to war, the declaration of
which requires an act of Congress, the case shall be laid before them
for consideration at their first meeting, and under the reasonable
aspect in which it is seen by himself.
I have been so long weaned from political subjects, and have so long
ceased to take any interest in them, that I am sensible I am not
qualified to offer opinions on them worthy of any attention. But the
question now proposed involves consequences so lasting, and effects so
decisive of our future destinies, as to re-kindle all the interest I
have heretofore felt on such occasions, and to induce me to the hazard
of opinions, which will prove only my wish to contribute still my mite
towards any thing which may be useful to our country.
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