No. 8.
BOSTON, _March_ 9, 1809.
SIR: In my letter No. 6, I took the liberty to express my
opinion of the probable effect of the non-intercourse law,
intended to be enacted; and of the mode by which Great Britain
may defeat the real intention of the American Government in
passing it. But as this sort of impunity recommended might,
in its application to every species of commerce that would be
carried on, be deemed by Great Britain a greater evil than war
itself, a middle course might easily be adopted, which would
deprive France of the benefits resulting from an intercourse
with America, without, in any great degree, irritating the
maritime States.
The high price of all American produce in France furnishes a
temptation which mercantile avarice will be unable to resist.
The consequence is obvious. But if, instead of condemning the
vessels and cargoes which may be arrested in pursuing this
prohibited commerce, they should be compelled to go into a
British port, and there permitted to sell them, I think the
friends of England in these States would not utter a complaint.
Indeed, I have no doubt that if, in the prosecution of a lawful
voyage, the British cruisers should treat the American ships
in this manner, their owners would, in the present state of
the European markets, think themselves very fortunate, as it
would save them the trouble and expense of landing them in a
neutral port, and from thence reshipping them to England, now
the best market in Europe for the produce of this country. The
Government of the United States would probably complain, and
Bonaparte become peremptory; but even that would only tend to
render the opposition in the Northern States more resolute, and
accelerate the dissolution of the confederacy. The generosity
and justice of Great Britain would be extolled; and the
commercial States exult in the success of individuals over a
Government inimical to commerce, and to whose measures they can
no longer submit with patient acquiescence. The elections are
begun; and I presume no vigilance or industry will be remitted
to insure the success of the Federal party. I am, &c.