TO HORATIO GATES.[95]
Philada Mar. 24, 1794
Dear Sir
Your favor of the 19th has lain by me unanswered
till I could give you the result of a proposition for an
Embargo discussed for several days with shut doors.
The decision did not take place till friday afternoon.
The measure was then negatived by 48 agst 46 votes.
Those who took the lead in opposing it are now for
transferring the power to the Executive even during
the Session of Congress.
You will find in the newspapers the havoc made on
our trade in the W. Indies. Every day adds new
proofs of the ill will and contempt of G. B. towards
us. Still I do not concur with those who see in these
proceedings a design to make war in form. If she
can destroy the branches of our commerce which are
beneficial to her enemies, and continue to enjoy those
which are beneficial to herself, things are in the best
possible arrangement for her. War would turn the
arrangement agst her by breaking up the trade with
her, and forcing that with her enemies. I conclude
therefore that she will push her aggressions just so
far and no farther, than she imagines we will tolerate.
I conclude also that the readiest expedient for
stopping her career of depredation on those parts of
our trade which thwart her plans, will be to make her
feel for those which she cannot do without.
I have nothing to add to the newspaper details
with respect to events in Europe. The campaign
seems to have closed as triumphantly for the French
Republic as the fears of its enemies could have foreboded.
If that in the W. Indies should not exhibit
a reverse of fortune, the public attention may possibly
be called off from the French to "the British
Revolution," you may then renew your prophetic
wishes which have created a millenium under the
auspices of the three great Republics. . . .
