8946. WAR OF 1812, Benefits of.—
The British war has left us in debt; but that is a
cheap price for the good it has done us. The
establishment of the necessary manufactures
among ourselves, the proof that our government
is solid and can stand the shock of war,
and is superior even to civil schism, are precious
facts for us; and of these the strongest
proofs were furnished, when, with four Eastern
States tied to us, as dead to living bodies, all
doubt was removed as to the achievements of
the war, had it continued. But its best effect
has been the complete suppression of party.
The federalists who were truly American, and
their great mass was so, have separated from
their brethren who were mere Anglomen, and
are received with cordiality into the republican ranks.—
To Marquis de Lafayette. Washington ed. vii, 66.
Ford ed., x, 83.
(M.
1817)
