3046. FLORIDA, Seizure of.—[continued].
The English will take
East Florida, pretendedly for Spain. We
should take it with a declaration; 1, that it is
a reprisal for indemnities Spain has acknowledged
due to us; 2, to keep it from falling into
hands in which it would essentially endanger
our safety; 3, that in our hands it will still
be held as a subject of negotiation. The leading
republican members should come to an understanding,
close the doors, and determine not
to separate till the vote is carried, and all the
secrecy you can enjoin should be aimed at until
the measure is executed.—
To J. W. Eppes.
Ford ed., ix, 291.
(M.
Jan. 1811)
