The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
FOREIGN RELATIONS / BRITAIN AND FRANCE AT WAR
The world, as you justly observe, is truly in an awful state. Two
nations of overgrown power are endeavoring to establish, the one an
universal dominion by sea, the other by land. We naturally fear that
which comes into immediate contact with us, leaving remoter dangers to
the chapter of accidents. We are now in hourly expectation of hearing
from our ministers in London, by the return of the Revenge. Whether
she will bring us war or peace, or the middle state of
non-intercourse, seems suspended in equal balance. With every wish for
peace, permitted by the circumstances forced upon us, we look to war
as equally probable. ...
The present aspect of our foreign relations has encouraged here a
general spirit of encouragement to domestic manufacture. The Merino
breed of sheep is well established with us, and fine samples of cloth
are sent on from the north. Considerable manufactures of cotton are
also commencing. Philadelphia, particularly, is becoming more
manufacturing than commercial.
to James Maury, 21 November 1807
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