Bulkeley and son, with whom you will leave what directions on
the subject you shall think proper.
I am, with great and sincere esteem and respect, Dear Sir, your most
obedient and most humble servant,
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CXL.*--TO MESSRS. CARMICHAEL AND SHORT, March 23, 1793
TO MESSRS. CARMICHAEL AND SHORT.
Philadelphia, March 23, 1793.
Gentlemen,
It is intimated to us in such a way as to attract our attention,
that France means to send a strong force early this spring to offer
independence to the Spanish American colonies, beginning with those on
the Mississippi; and that she will not object to the receiving those
on the east side into our confederation. Interesting considerations
require, that we should keep ourselves free to act in this case
according to circumstances, and consequently, that you should not, by
any clause of treaty, bind us to guaranty any of the Spanish colonies
against their own independence, nor indeed against any other nation.
For when we thought we might guaranty Louisiana, on their ceding the
Floridas to us, we apprehended it would be seized by Great Britain, who
would thus completely encircle us with her colonies and fleets. This
danger is now removed by the concert between Great Britain and Spain;
and the times will soon enough give independence, and consequently free
commerce to our neighbors, without our risking the involving ourselves
in a war for them.
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