2529. EMBARGO, Averts war.—[continued].
The Embargo, keeping at
home our vessels, cargoes and seamen, saves
us the necessity of making their capture the
cause of immediate war; for, if going to England,
France had determined to take them, if
to any other place, England was to take them.
Till they return to some sense of moral duty,
therefore, we keep within ourselves. This
gives time. Time may produce peace in Europe;
peace in Europe removes all causes of
difference, till another European war; and by
that time our debt may be paid, our revenues
clear, and our strength increased.—
To John Taylor. Washington ed. v, 227.
(W.
Jan. 1808)
