The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
SEA POWER
Our people are decided in the opinion, that it is necessary for us to
take a share in the occupation of the ocean, and their established
habits induce them to require that the sea be kept open to them, and
that that line of policy be pursued, which will render the use of that
element to them as great as possible. I think it a duty in those
entrusted with the administration of their affairs, to conform
themselves to the decided choice of their constituents; and that
therefore, we should, in every instance, preserve an equality of right
to them in the transportation of commodities, in the right of fishing,
and in the other uses of the sea.
But what will be the consequence? Frequent wars without a doubt Their
property will be violated on the sea, and in foreign ports, their
persons will be insulted, imprisoned, &c., for pretended debts,
contracts, crimes, contra-band, &c., &C These insults must be
resented, even if we had no feelings, yet to prevent their eternal
repetition; or, in other words, our commerce on the ocean and in other
countries, must be paid for by frequent war. The justest dispositions
possible in ourselves, will not secure us against it. It would be
necessary that all other nations were just also. Justice indeed, on
our part, will save us from those wars which would have been produced
by a contrary disposition. But how can we prevent those produced by
the wrongs of other nati6ns? By putting ourselves in a condition to
punish them. Weakness provokes insult and injury, while a condition to
punish, often prevents them. This reasoning leads to the necessity of
some naval force; that being the only weapon by which we can reach an
enemy. I think it to our interest to punish the first insult; because
an insult unpunished is the parent of many others. We are not, at
this moment, in a condition to do it, but we should put ourselves into
it, as soon as possible. If a war with England should take place, it
seems to me that the first thing necessary would be a resolution to
abandon the carrying trade, because we cannot protect it. Foreign
nations must, in that case, be invited to bring us what we want, and
to take our productions in their own bottoms.
to John Jay, 23 August 1785
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