Adams, John, 1735-1826 to Benjamin Rush re: economic policy, declaration of war
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07306 Author/Creator: Adams, John, 1735-1826 Place Written: Quincy, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1812/06/24-26 Pagination: 3 p. + FF 23.1 x 18.5 cm Order a Copy
"The prudence of an individual is the policy of a nation. Self preservation is the first law of nature to both...France, under Washington's administration, had in defiance of all laws human and divine, plundered our commerce in every sin in Europe and the West Indies...a plan was laid...which looked forward with a prudent foresight to the defence and preservation of the country...who destroyed this system? The Congress of the Nineteeth Century who by repealing the taxes, have emptied their treasury? Who by mud docking my navy have disarmed themselves at sea?...June 26. War! War! War! Sure enough, whose 'Profligacy' is this? Whose 'Mad Ambition?' An alien law will now be wanted..." Docketed by Rush.
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