8048. SPAIN, Reprisal on.—
While war
with England is probable, everything leading to
it with every other nation should be avoided,
except Spain. As to her, I think it the precise
moment when we should declare to the French
government that we will instantly seize on the
Floridas as reprisal for the spoliations denied
us, and, that if by a given day they are paid to
us, we will restore all east of the Perdido, and
hold the rest subject to amicable decision.
Otherwise, we will hold them forever as a compensation
for the spoliations.—
To James Madison. Washington ed. v, 181.
Ford ed., ix, 134.
(M.
Sep. 1807)
