University of Virginia Library

1232. CHESAPEAKE, Interdiction of British ships.—[further continued] .

The authority of the
proclamation is to be maintained, no supplies
to be permitted to be carried to the British
vessels, nor their vessels permitted to land.
For these purposes force, and to any extent,
is to be applied, if necessary, but not unless'
necessary; nor, considering how short a time
the present state of things has to continue,
would I recommend any extraordinary vigilance
or great industry in seeking even just
occasions for collision. It will suffice to do
what is right when the occasion comes into
their way.—
To Albert Gallatin. Washington ed. v, 202.
(Oct. 1807)