5293. MISSISSIPPI RIVER NAVIGATION, Sectional opposition.—
It is true,
there were characters whose stations entitled
them to credit, and who, from geographical
prejudices, did not themselves wish the navigation
of the Mississippi to be restored to us,
and who believe, perhaps, as is common with
mankind, that their opinion was the general
opinion. But the sentiments of the great mass
of the Union were decidedly otherwise then, and
the very persons to whom M. Gardoqui alluded,
have now come over to the opinion heartily,
that the navigation of the Mississippi, in full
and unrestrained freedom, is indispensably
necessary, and must be obtained by any means
it may call for.—
To William Carmichael. Washington ed. iii, 246.
(Pa.,
1791)