Hence Hamilton's attack of the principle I had laid down, in order to
prepare the way for this new line. See minute of March the 9th. Another
proof. At one of our consultations, about the last of December, I
mentioned that I wished to give in my report on commerce, in which I
could not avoid recommending a commercial retaliation against Great
Britain. Hamilton opposed it violently: and among other arguments,
observed, that it was of more importance to us to have the posts than to
commence a commercial war; that this, and this alone, would free us from
the expense of the Indian wars; that it would therefore be the height
of imprudence in us, while treating for the surrender of the posts, to
engage in any thing which would irritate them; that if we did so, they
would naturally say, 'These people mean war; let us therefore hold what
we have in our hands.' This argument, struck me forcibly, and I
said, 'If there is a hope of obtaining the posts, I agree it would
be imprudent to risk that hope by a commercial retaliation. I will,
therefore, wait till Mr. Hammond gives me in his assignment of breaches,
and if that gives a glimmering of hope that they mean to surrender the
posts, I will not give in my report till the next session.' Now, Hammond
had received my assignment of breaches on the 15th of December, and
about the 22nd or 23rd had made me an apology for not having been able
to send me his counter-assignment of breaches; but in terms which showed
I might expect it in a few days.
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