But it is necessary that some power should extend
assistance to the Brazilians, since Spain would certainly unite herself
with Portugal; and in spite of our advantages for defence, we could not
make it effectual, or, at least, it would be imprudent to hazard the
attempt, without some assurance of success. In this state of affairs,
Sir, we can, with propriety, look only to the United States, not only
because we are following her example, but, moreover, because nature, in
making us inhabitants of the same continent, has in some sort united
us in the bonds of a common patriotism. On our part, we are prepared to
furnish the necessary supplies of money, and at all times to acknowledge
the debt of gratitude due to our benefactors. I have thus, Sir, laid
before you a summary of my views. It is in discharge of this commission
that I have come to France, since I could not effect it in America
without exciting suspicion. It now remains for you to decide whether
those views can be accomplished. Should you desire to consult your
nation on them, it is in my power to give you all the information you
may require.
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