commerce and alliance cannot but be important
from the situation of her Colonies.

4. This question is answered above, only it may be proper to observe,
that if, in this reasonable expectation, America should be
disappointed, she will still find resources in herself, not indeed to
expel the enemy, but to preclude them from extending their conquests,
and to compel them to offer her such terms as are necessary for her
security, though perhaps short of her wishes.

5. The commercial connexion between the United States and Spain, will
naturally be very extensive, if it meets with the least
encouragement. The Spanish Islands will be supplied with provisions
from them, at such easy rates as must give them great advantages in
the cultivation of sugars, for which America will afford a
considerable market; fish, lumber, and iron will also be exported to
them if it should be permitted; and salt, as well as sugar, brought
back in return, if the duties should be lowered, or a drawback allowed
on the exportation. Our trade with Spain will consist chiefly in naval
stores, masts, iron, furs, fish, and tobacco; in return for which we
shall take the produce and manufactures of Spain of almost every kind.

6. It is impossible for the United States to use means to prevent an
illicit commerce with the Spanish Colonies, without interfering in
their internal regulations. All they can do, is, to consider the
regulations made for that purpose as binding upon their subjects, and
not to demand satisfaction if they suffer by the penalties, which the
laws attempted to be infringed, may impose. To this they will not
object, while the punishment is reasonable, and not confined to crimes
committed within the jurisdiction of the power imposing it. If it is
extended further, such further extension must depend upon treaties
between the United States and Spain, and will be the subject of
discussion whenever such treaty shall be set on foot.

7. Spain will be allowed, without the least difficulty, either to
purchase vessels built in America, or to appoint agents of her own for
building vessels of any kind, as well as for arming them, if she
thinks proper, from the iron founderies, which are lately erected
here, and which will continue to increase in proportion to the
encouragement which shall be given them.

The last question must be referred to a general treaty, and is of such
a nature as not to be properly answered here.[23]

I am, with great re