5700. NATURALIZATION, Non-recognition of.—
The decrees of the British courts
that British subjects adopted here since the
peace, and carrying on commerce from hence,
are still British subjects, and their cargoes
British property, have shaken these quasicitizens
in their condition. The French adopt
the same principle as to their cargoes when
captured. * * * Is it worth our while to
go to war to support the contrary doctrine?
The British principle is clearly against the
law of nations, but which way our interest
lies is also worthy of consideration.—
To James Monroe.
Ford ed., vii, 214.
(Pa.,
March. 1798)
