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. A year, even, was a great gain to a
nation strengthening as we were. It laid open to us, too, the chapter
of accidents, which in the present state of Europe, was a very pregnant
one. That while, however, he was for delaying the event of war, he had
no doubt it was to take place between us for the object in question:
that jealousy and perseverance were remarkable features in the character
of the Spanish government, with respect to their American possessions;
that so far from receding as to their claims against us, they had
been strengthening themselves in them. He had no doubt the present
communication was by authority from the court. Under this impression
he thought we should be looking forward to the day of rupture, and
preparing for it. That if we were unequal to the contest ourselves, it
behoved us to provide allies for our aid. That in this view, but two
nations could be named, France and England. France was too intimately
connected with Spain in other points, and of too great mutual value,
ever to separate for us. Her affairs too, were such, that whatever
issue they had, she could not be in a situation to make a respectable
mediation for us. England alone, then, remained. It would not be easy to
effect it with her; however, he was for trying it, and for sounding them
on the proposition of a defensive treaty of alliance. The inducements to
such a treaty, on their part, might be, 1. 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 securit