1106. CANADA, Value of.—
If the war is
lengthened we shall take Canada, which will
relieve us from Indians, and Halifax, which
will put an end to their occupation of the
American Seas, because every vessel must then
go to England to repair every accident. To
retain these would become objects of first importance
to us, and of great importance to
Europe, as the means of curtailing the British
marine. But at present, being merely in
posse, they should not be an impediment to
peace.—
To William Short. Washington ed. vi, 129.
(M.
June. 1813)
