Whenever the
scene became personally dangerous to you, it was proper you should leave
it, as well from personal as public motives. But what degree of danger
should be awaited, to what distance or place you should retire, are
circumstances which must rest with your own discretion, it being
impossible to prescribe them from hence. With what kind of government
you may do business, is another question. It accords with our principles
to acknowledge any government to be rightful, which is formed by the
will of the nation substantially declared. The late government was of
this kind, and was accordingly acknowledged by all the branches of ours.
So, any alteration of it which shall be made by the will of the nation
substantially declared, will doubtless be acknowledged in like manner.
With such a government every hind of business may be done. But there are
some matters which I conceive might be transacted with a government _de
facto_; such, for instance, as the reforming the unfriendly restrictions
on our commerce and navigation. Such cases you will readily distinguish
as they occur. With respect to this particular reformation of their
regulations, we cannot be too pressing for its attainment, as every
day's continuance gives it additional firmness, and endangers its taking
root in their habits and constitution; and indeed, I think they should
be told, as soon as they are in a condition to act, that if they do
not revoke the late innovations, we must lay additional and equivalent
burthens on French ships, by name.
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