University of Virginia Library

6702. POLICY (American), Gulf of Mexico.—

We begin to broach the idea that
we consider the Gulf Stream as of our
waters, in which hostilities and cruising are
to be frowned on for the present, and prohibited
so soon as either consent or force
will permit us. We shall never permit another
privateer to cruise within it, and shall
forbid our harbors to national cruisers.
This is essential for our tranquillity and commerce.—
To James Monroe. Washington ed. v, 12. Ford ed., viii, 450.
(W. May. 1806)