The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
FOREIGN RELATIONS / EMBARGO
The embargo keeping at home our vessels, cargoes and seamen, saves us
the necessity of making their capture the cause of immediate war; for,
if going to England, France had determined to take them, if to any
other place, England was to take them. Till they return to some sense
of moral duty, therefore, we keep within ourselves. This gives time.
Time may produce peace in Europe; peace in Europe removes all causes
of difference, till another European war; and by that time our debt
may be paid, our revenues clear, and our strength increased.
to John Taylor, 6 January 1808
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