2. Every
principle of reason assures,us, that Portugal will join us. I state this
as taking for granted, what all seem to believe, that they will not
be at peace with Algiers. I suppose, then, that a convention might be
formed between Portugal, Naples, and the United States, by which
the burthen of the war might be quotaed on them, according to their
respective wealth; and the term of it should be, when Algiers should
subscribe to a peace with all three on equal terms. This might be left
open for other nations to accede to, and many, if not most of the powers
of Europe (except France, England, Holland, and Spain, if her peace be
made), would sooner or later enter into the confederacy, for the sake of
having their peace with the piratical States guarantied by the whole.
I suppose, that, in this case, our proportion of force would not be the
half of what I first calculated on.
These are the reasons, which have influenced my judgment on this
question. I give them to you, to show you that I am imposed on by a
semblance of reason at least; and not with an expectation of their
changing your opinion.
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