2567. EMBARGO, Necessity for.—[further continued].
The belligerent powers of Europe [France and England] have interdicted
our commerce with nearly the whole
world. They have declared it shall be carried
on with such places, in such articles, and in
such measure only, as they shall dictate: thus
prostrating all the principles of right which
have hitherto protected it. After exhausting
the cup of forbearance and of conciliation to
its dregs, we found it necessary, on behalf of
that commerce, to take time to call it home into
a state of safety, to put the towns and harbors
which carry it on into a condition of defence,
and to make further preparation for enforcing
the redress of its wrongs, and restoring it to its
rightful freedom. This required a certain
measure of time, which, although not admitting
specific limitation, must, from its avowed objects,
have been obvious to all; and the progress
actually made towards the accomplishment
of these objects, proves it now to be near its
term.—
To Dr. William Eustis. Washington ed. v, 410.
Ford ed., ix, 235.
(W.
Jan. 1809)
