The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 11
History
The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 11
United States -- Foreign relations -- 1775-1783; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources
2. It is not expected, that in the present situation of the country,
the whole sum of eight millions of dollars can be raised in time. What
the deficiency will be, must depend on the motions and strength of our
enemy early the next spring; the success of our commerce; the
remittances that shall be made to this country by our allies, which,
being expended here, may, by frequent taxes, be brought into the
public treasury, and repeatedly applied to public use.
3. The resources of the next campaign lay in taxation, in the
strictest economy, and in the assistance which we may reasonably hope
to receive from the enemies of Great Britain, while we are making
every exertion in the common cause. We flatter ourselves, that those
powers who wish for peace, and who see America as the great object in
Britain, in carrying on the war, will not suffer it to be lengthened
out beyond the present year, when, by a moderate supply to us, they
can terminate it in the course of one campaign. We form some
expectations from the wisdom and generosity of Spain; and as we know
she has the means, so we cannot suppose she can want the inclination
to promote her own interests, and insure the esteem and gratitude of a
rising nation, whose commerce and alliance cannot but be important
from the situation of her Colonies.
4. This question is answered above, only it may be proper to observe,
that if, in this reasonable expectation, America should be
disappointed, she will still find resources in herself, not indeed to
expel the enemy, but to preclude them from extending their conquests,
and to compel them to offer her such terms as are necessary for her
security, though perhaps short of her wishes.
5. The commercial connexion between the United States and Spain, will
naturally be very extensive, if it meets with the least
encouragement. The Spanish Islands will be supplied with provisions
from them, at such easy rates as must give them great advantages in
the cultivation of sugars, for which America will afford a
considerable market; fish, lumber, and iron will also be exported to
them if it should be permitted; and salt, as well as sugar, brought
back in return, if the duties should be lowered, or a drawback allowed
on the exportation. Our trade with Spain will consist chiefly in naval
stores, masts, iron, furs, fish, and tobacco; in return for which we
shall take the produce and manufactures of Spain of almost every kind.
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