3161. FRANCE, Peace with.—[further continued] .
I have not been insensible
under the atrocious depredations they [the
French] have committed on our commerce.
* * * But though deeply feeling the injuries
of France, I did not think war the
surest means of redressing them. I did believe,
that a mission sincerely disposed to
preserve peace, would obtain for us a peaceable
and honorable settlement and restitution,
and I appeal to you to say, whether this might
not have been obtained, if either of your colleagues
had been of the same sentiment with
yourself.—
To Elbridge Gerry. Washington ed. iv, 269.
Ford ed., vii, 329.
(P.
1799)
