There might be some who would be for war against the Indians, if
it were to stop there, but who would not be for it, if it were to lead
to a war against Spain. I thought it should be laid before both Houses,
because it concerned the question of declaring war, which was the
function equally of both Houses. I thought a simple acknowledgment of
the receipt of the letter should be made by me to the Spanish Charges,
expressing that it contained some things very unexpected to us, but that
we should refer the whole, as they had proposed, to the negotiators
at Madrid. This would secure to us a continuation of the suspension
of Indian hostilities, which the Governor of New Orleans said he had
brought about till the result of the negotiation at Madrid should be
known; would not commit us as to running or not running the line, or
imply any admission of doubt about our tentorial right; and would avoid
a rupture with Spain, which was much to be desired, while we had similar
points to discuss with Great Britain. Hamilton declared himself the
advocate for peace. War would derange our affairs greatly; throw us
back many years in the march towards prosperity; be difficult for us to
pursue, our countrymen not being disposed to become soldiers; a part
of the Union feeling no interest in the war, would with difficulty be
brought to exert itself; and we had no navy. He was for every thing
which would procrastinate the event.
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