1390. [further continued] .
The British * * * attempt
without disguise to possess themselves
of the carriage of our produce, and to prohibit
our own vessels from participating of
it. This has raised a general indignation in
America. The States see, however, that their
constitutions have provided no means of counteracting
it. They are, therefore, beginning
to invest Congress with the absolute power
of regulating their commerce, only reserving
all revenue arising from it to the State
in which it is levied. This will consolidate
our Federal building very much, and for this
we shall be indebted to the British.—
To Count Van Hogendorp. Washington ed. i, 465.
Ford ed., iv, 104.
(P.
Oct. 1785)
