1334. COAST LINE, Jurisdiction and.—[continued].
I think myself that the
limits of our [marine] protection are of great
consequence, and would not hesitate the sacrifice
of money to obtain them large. I would
say, for instance, to Great Britain, “we will
pay you for such of these vessels [taken by
France] as you choose; only requiring in return
that the distance of their capture from
shore shall, as between us, be ever considered
as within our limits; now say for yourself,
which of these vessels you will accept payment
for”. With France it might not be so
easy to purchase distance by pecuniary sacrifices;
but if by giving up all further reclamation
of the vessels in their hands, they could
be led to fix the same limits (say three
leagues) I should think it an advantageous
purchase.—
To President Washington.
Ford ed., vi, 434.
(M.
Oct. 1793)
