5741. NAVIGATION, Reduction of British.—[further continued].
The Navigation Act proposed
in the late Congress, but which lies
over to the next, * * * is perfectly innocent
as to other nations, is strictly just as to
the English, cannot be parried by them, and
if adopted by other nations would inevitably
defeat their navigation act, and reduce their
power on the sea within safer limits. It is
indeed extremely to be desired that other
nations would adopt it. * * * Could
France, Spain and Portugal agree to concur
in such a measure, it would soon be fatally
felt by the navy of England.—
To David Humphreys.
Ford ed., v, 302.
(Pa.,
March. 1791)
