o could count on
twelve or fifteen years' of peace, would gain by burning its navy and
building a new one in time. Its extent, therefore, must be governed by
circumstances. Since my proposition for a force adequate to the piracies
of the Mediterranean, a similar necessity has arisen in our own seas
for considerable addition to that force. Indeed, I wish we could have
a convention with the naval powers of Europe, for them to keep down
the pirates of the Mediterranean, and the slave ships on the coast of
Africa, and for us to perform the same duties for the society of nations
in our seas. In this way, those collisions would be avoided between the
vessels of war of different nations, which beget wars and constitute the
weightiest objection to navies. I salute you with constant affection and
respect.

Th: Jefferson.

[The annexed is the letter to which the foregoing is a reply.]

TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.

Montezillo, October 15, 1822. Dear Sir,

I have long entertained scruples about writing this letter, upon a
subject of some delicacy. But old age has overcome them at last.

You remember the four ships ordered by Congress to be built, and the
four captains appointed by Washington, Talbot, and Truxton, and Barry,
&c, to carry an ambassador to Algiers, and protect our commerce in the
Mediterranean. I have always imputed this measure to you; for several
reasons. First, because you frequently proposed it to me while we
were at Paris, negotiating together for peace with the Barbary powers.
Secondly, because I knew that Washington and Hamilton were not only
indifferent about a navy, but averse to it. There was no Secretary of
the Navy; only four Heads of department. You were Secretary of State;
Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury; Knox, Secretary of War; and I
believe Bradford was Attorney General. I have always suspected that you
and Knox were in favor of a navy. If Bradford was so, the majority was
clear. But Washington, I am confident, was against it in his judgment.
But his attachment to Knox, and his deference to your opinion, for I
know he had a great regard for you, might induce him to decide in favor
of you and Knox, even though Bradford united with Hamilton in opposition
to you. That Hamilton was averse to the measure, I have personal
evidence; for while it was pending, he came in a hurry and a fit of
impatience to make a visit to me. He said, he was likely to be called
upon for a large sum of money to build shi