6714. POLICY (American), Resistance to wrong.—
We believe that the just standing
of all nations is the health and security of
all. We consider the overwhelming power
of England on the ocean, and of France on
the land, as destructive of the prosperity and
happiness of the world, and wish both to be
reduced only to the necessity of observing
moral duties. We believe no more in Bonaparte's
fighting for the liberty of the seas,
than in Great Britain fighting for the liberties
of mankind. The object of both is the same
to draw to themselves the power, the wealth
and the resources of other nations. We resist
the enterprises of England first, because
they first come vitally home to us. And our
feelings repel the logic of bearing the lash of
George III. for fear of that of Bonaparte at
some future day. When the wrongs of France
shall reach us with equal effect, we shall resist
them also. But one at a time is enough;
and having offered a choice to the champions,
England first takes up the gauntlet.—
To James Maury. Washington ed. vi, 52.
Ford ed., ix, 349.
(M.
April. 1812)
