Thus, we may consider the flames of
war as completely kindled in two distinct parts of this quarter of
the globe, and that though France and England have not yet engaged
themselves in it, the probabilities are that they will do it.
I have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem and respect, Sir,
your most obedient and most humble servant,
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER XCVI.--TO MR. CARNES, September 22, 1787
TO MR. CARNES.
Paris, September 22, 1787.
Sir,
I am honored by your favor of the 17th instant. A war between France and
England does not necessarily engage America in it; and I think she
will be disposed rather to avail herself of the advantages of a neutral
power. By the former usage of nations, the goods of a friend were safe,
though taken in an enemy bottom, and those of an enemy were lawful
prize, though found in a free bottom. But in our treaties with France,
&c. we have established the simpler rule, that a free bottom makes free
goods, and an enemy bottom, enemy goods. The same rule has been adopted
by the treaty of armed neutrality between Russia, Sweden, Denmark,
Holland, and Portugal, and assented to by France and Spain.
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