University of Virginia Library

1391. [further continued].

The determination of
the British cabinet to make no equal treaty
[of commerce] with us, confirms me in the
opinion * * * that the United States must
pass a navigation act against Great Britain,
and load her manufactures with duties, so as
to give a preference to those of other countries;
and I hope our Assemblies will wait
no longer, but transfer such a power to Congress,
at the sessions of this fall.—
To John Adams. Washington ed. ii, 486.
(P. Nov. 1785)