University of Virginia Library

2514. EMBARGO, Alternative of war.—

The alternative was between that and war,
and, in fact, it is the last card we have to play,
short of war. [163]
To Levi Lincoln. Washington ed. v, 265.
(W. March. 1808)

 
[163]

“The Embargo,” says Morse in his Life of Jefferson,
“was a civilized policy, worthy of respect. Moreover,
it was a sensible policy. Jefferson alone understood
in that time the truth, which is now more
generally appreciated, that by sheer growth in population,
wealth and industry, a nation gains the
highest degree of substantial power and authority.—Editor.