The desire of breaking up our
former connections, which we knew they had long wished. 2. A continuance
of the statu quo in commerce for ten years, which he believed would
be desirable to them. 3. An admission to some navigable part of the
Mississippi, by some line drawn from the Lake of the Woods to such
navigable part. He had not, he said, examined the map to see how such
a line might be run, so as not to make too great a sacrifice. The
navigation of the Mississippi being a joint possession, we might
then take measures in concert for the joint security of it. He was,
therefore, for immediately sounding them on this subject through our
minister at London; yet so as to keep ourselves unengaged as long as
possible, in hopes a favorable issue with Spain might be otherwise
effected. But he was for sounding immediately, and for not letting slip
an opportunity of securing our object.
E. Randolph concurred, in general, with me. He objected that such a
reliance could not be effected without pecuniary consideration probably,
which he could not give. And what was to be their aid? If men, our
citizens would see their armies get foothold in the United States, with
great jealousy; it would be difficult to protect them. Even the French,
during the distresses of the late war, excited some jealous sentiments,
Hamilton said, money was often but not always demanded, and the aid he
should propose to stipulate would be in ships.
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