4819. LOUISIANA, Federalist opposition.—[further continued].
These federalists [who
are raising objections against the vast extent
of our boundaries] see in this acquisition
[Louisiana] the formation of a new confederacy,
embracing all the waters of the Mississippi,
on both sides of it, and a separation
of its eastern waters from us. These combinations
depend on so many circumstances
which we cannot foresee, that I place little
reliance on them. We have seldom seen
neighborhood produce affection among nations.
The reverse is almost the universal
truth. Besides, if it should become the great
interest of those nations to separate from
this, if their happiness should depend on it
so strongly as to induce them to go through
that convulsion, why should the Atlantic
States dread it? But especially why should
we, their present inhabitants, take side in
such a question? When I view the Atlantic
States, procuring for those on the Eastern
waters of the Mississippi friendly instead of
hostile neighbors on its western waters, I do
not view it as an Englishman would the procuring
future blessings for the French nation,
with whom he has no relations of blood or
affection. The future inhabitants of the Atlantic
and Mississippi States will be our sons.
We leave them in distinct but bordering establishments.
We think we see their happiness
in their union, and we wish it. Events
may prove it otherwise; and if they see their
interest in separation, why should we take
side with our Atlantic rather than our Mississippi
descendants. It is the elder and the
younger son differing. God bless them both,
and keep them in union, if it be for their good,
but separate them, if it be better.—
To John C. Breckenridge. Washington ed. iv, 499.
Ford ed., viii, 243.
(M.
Aug. 1803)
