The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
DEFENSE / PREPAREDNESS
Your exhortation to make a provision of arms is undoubtedly wise, and
we have not been inattentive to it. Our internal resources for cannon
are great, and those for small arms considerable, and in full
employment. We shall not suffer from that want, should we have war;
and of the possibility of that you will judge by the enclosed
proclamation, and by what you know of the character of the English
government. Never since the battle of Lexington have I seen this
country in such a state of exasperation as at present, and even that
did not produce such unanimity. The federalists themselves coalesce
with us as to the object, though they will return to their trade of
censuring every measure taken to obtain it.
to Dupont de Nemours, 14 July 1807
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