The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 10
History
The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 10
United States -- Foreign relations -- 1775-1783; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources
As to Spain, every argument which has been stated respecting diversity
of language, manners, government, monopolies, and system of commerce,
from those which prevail in the United States of America, obtains in a
superior degree. And much more to add besides, for Spain is not only
incompetent to interchange reciprocities with the American States, but
likewise her own situation in America will at all times render her
extremely jealous of her neighbors. The only activity which Spain has
exerted in the war, has been to procure a barrier against the American
States, by annexing West Florida to her former acquisition of New
Orleans; thereby embracing the mouth of the Mississippi, and by means
of that river, jointly with her landed possessions, establishing a
strong and jealous boundary against any future progress of the
American States in those parts. Spain, therefore, cannot be looked
upon by the American States as a suitable object of their election, to
become a permanent ally and friend to them. Portugal, likewise, labors
under all the disabilities of language, manners, monopolies,
government and system of commerce. Her national power and importance
would be likewise insufficient to constitute a strong and permanent
ally to the American States. All these nations will undoubtedly be
found to have many commodious qualities for participation in commerce;
but the permanent facilities necessary to constitute a firm and
permanent ally to the American States, will be found deficient in
them.
As to the Italian States, or any other powers in the Mediterranean,
they are certainly not adequate to any competition of political
alliance with the rising States of America. They will also form very
commodious links and connexions in the general circuit of commerce;
but beyond these considerations, they have no share in the present
question. The several States in the Germanic body are in the same
predicament.
As to the Northern powers, viz. those in the Baltic, they are not
favored either by vicinity, or climate, for a frequent or facile
intercourse of commerce with America. And even respecting several
material articles of commerce, jealousies and competitions might
arise. As to political alliances, there are no such in prospect from
them to the American States. Even if there were any superfluity of
force in any of them beyond the necessities of their respective
domestic situations, the extreme distance would be conclusive against
any possible application of such power, as a political alliance
favorable to the establishment and conformation of the American
States.
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