867. BONAPARTE (N.), Hatred of United States.—[continued]
It is not possible Bonaparte
should love us; and of that our commerce
had sufficient proof during his power. Our military achievements, indeed, which he
is capable of estimating, may in some degree,
moderate the effect of his aversions; and he
may, perhaps, fancy that we are to become the
natural enemies of England, as England herself
has so steadily endeavored to make us,
and as some of our own over-zealous patriots
would be willing to proclaim; and in this
view, he may admit a cold toleration of
some intercourse and commerce between the
two nations. He has certainly had time to see
the folly of turning the industry of France
from the cultures for which nature has so
highly endowed her, to those of sugar, cotton,
tobacco, and others, which the same creative
power has given to other climates; and, on
the whole, if he can conquer the passions of
his tyrannical soul, if he has understanding
enough to pursue from motives of interest,
what no moral motives lead him to, the tranquil
happiness and prosperity of his country,
rather than a ravenous thirst for human
blood, his return may become of more advantage
than injury to us.—
To John Adams. Washington ed. vi, 458.
(M.
June. 1815)
