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Dear Sir,
My last to you was of the 14th ult., by the ship Betsey, Captain Thomas Watson. Since that time, I have had the pleasure of receiving and laying before Congress your despatches of the 6th, 8th, and 10th August last.
We concur so perfectly in sentiment respecting public affairs, and what ought to be done, that I find no occasion to enlarge on those heads.
In a late report, I have called the attention of Congress to this serious question, viz. whether the United States should withdraw their attention from the ocean, and leave foreigners to fetch and carry for them, or whether it is more their interest to look forward to naval strength and maritime importance, and to take and persevere in the measures proper to attain it.
The diversity of opinions on this point renders it necessary that it should be well considered, and finally decided. The eastern and middle States are generally for the latter system ; and though the others do not openly avow their preferring the former, yet they are evidently inclined to it. Hence it is that the most leading men in Congress from that quarter do not only not promote measures for vesting Congress with power to regulate trade, but, as the common phrase is, throw cold water on all such ideas.
Having few or no ships of their own, they are averse to such duties on foreign ones as will greatly advance the price of freight ; nor do they seem much disposed to sacrifice any present profits for the sake of their neighbours who have ships and wish to have more.
We have heard much of the Alsrerines havinsr declared war against the United States. None of our advices are official ; but as the intelligence comes directly from Nantes, Bordeaux, and L'Orient, there seems to be much reason to fear it is true.
The public papers herewith sent will inform you of our common occurrences ; and I wish it was in my power to tell you what Congress mean to do respecting many matters on which they are to decide. The representation is at present slender, and will, I suspect, continue so till the new members come on.
I have the honour to be
Your very obedient servant,
- New York
- Source:
- The Life John Jay With Selections from His Correspondence and Miscellaneous Papers. by His Son, William Jay in Two Volumes. Vol. II., 1833.
