8872. WAR, Bribery vs.—
I hope we shall
drub the Indians well this summer, and then
change our plan from war to bribery. We
must do as the Spaniards and English do.
keep them in peace by liberal and constant
presents. They find it the cheapest plan, and
so shall we. The expense of this summer's
expedition would have served for presents for
half a century. In this way, hostilities being
suspended for some length of time, a real
affection may succeed on our frontiers to that
hatred now existing there. Another powerful
motive is that in this way we may leave
no pretext for raising or continuing an army.
Every rag of an Indian depredation will,
otherwise, serve as a ground to raise troops
with those who think a standing army and a
public debt necessary for the happiness of the
United States, and we shall never be permitted
to get rid of either.—
To James Monroe.
Ford ed., v, 319.
(Pa.,
1791)
