When, after the most laborious investigation, and serious
reflection, without partial considerations, or personal
motives, measures have been adopted or recommended, I can
receive no higher testimony of their rectitude, than the
approbation of an assembly, so independent, patriotic, and
enlightened, as the Senate of the United States.
Nothing has afforded me more entire satisfaction, than the
coincidence of your judgment with mine, in the opinion of
the essential importance of our commerce, and the absolute
necessity of a maritime defence. What is it, that has drawn
to Europe the superfluous riches of the three other
quarters of the globe, but a marine? What is it that has
drained the wealth of Europe itself into the coffers of two
or three of its principal commercial powers, but a marine?
The world has furnished no example of a flourishing
commerce, without a maritime protection; and a moderate
knowledge of man and his history will convince any one,
that no such prodigy ever can arise. A mercantile marine
and a military marine must grow up together; one cannot
long exist without the other.