3041. FLORIDA, Reprisal and.—[further continued] .
Should England get to
rights with us, while Bonaparte is at war with
Spain, the moment may be favorable to take
possession of our own territory held by Spain,
and so much more as may make a proper reprisal
for her spoliations. We ought, therefore,
to direct the rendezvous of our southern
recruits and gunboats so as to be in proper
position for striking * * * in an instant,
when Congress shall will it.—
To Robert Smith. Washington ed. v, 337.
(M.
Aug. 1808)
