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things in 1785； when the 〃Notes on Virginia〃 were first printed；
when； the ocean being open to all nations； and their common right in
it acknowledged and exercised under regulations sanctioned by the
assent and usage of all； it was thought that the doubt might claim
some consideration。 But who in 1785 could foresee the rapid
depravity which was to render the close of that century the disgrace
of the history of man？ Who could have imagined that the two most
distinguished in the rank of nations； for science and civilization；
would have suddenly descended from that honorable eminence； and
setting at defiance all those moral laws established by the Author of
nature between nation and nation； as between man and man； would cover
earth and sea with robberies and piracies； merely because strong
enough to do it with temporal impunity； and that under this
disbandment of nations from social order； we should have been
despoiled of a thousand ships； and have thousands of our citizens
reduced to Algerine slavery。 Yet all this has taken place。 One of
these nations interdicted to our vessels all harbors of the globe
without having first proceeded to some one of hers； there paid a
tribute proportioned to the cargo； and obtained her license to
proceed to the port of destination。 The other declared them to be
lawful prize if they had touched at the port； or been visited by a
ship of the enemy nation。 Thus were we completely excluded from the
ocean。 Compare this state of things with that of '85； and say
whether an opinion founded in the circumstances of that day can be
fairly applied to those of the present。 We have experienced what we
did not then believe； that there exists both profligacy and power
enough to exclude us from the field of interchange with other
nations： that to be independent for the comforts of life we must
fabricate them ourselves。 We must now place the manufacturer by the
side of the agriculturist。 The former question is suppressed； or
rather assumes a new form。 Shall we make our own comforts； or go
without them； at the will of a foreign nation？ He； therefore； who is
now against domestic manufacture； must be for reducing us either to
dependence on that foreign nation； or to be clothed in skins； and to
live like wild beasts in dens and caverns。 I am not one of these；
experience has taught me that manufactures are now as necessary to
our independence as to our comfort； and if those who quote me as of a
different opinion； will keep pace with me in purchasing nothing
foreign where an equivalent of domestic fabric can be obtained；
without regard to difference of price； it will not be our fault if we
do not soon have a supply at home equal to our demand； and wrest that
weapon of distress from the hand which has wielded it。 If it shall
be proposed to go beyond our own supply； the question of '85 will
then recur； will our _surplus_ labor be then most beneficially
employed in the culture of the earth； or in the fabrications of art？
We have time yet for consideration； before that question will press
upon us； and the maxim to be applied will depend on the circumstances
which shall then exist； for in so complicated a science as political
economy； no one axiom can be laid down as wise and expedient for all
times and circumstances； and for their contraries。 Inattention to
this is what has called for this explanation； which reflection would
have rendered unnecessary with the candid； while nothing will do it
with those who use the former opinion only as a stalking horse； to
cover their disloyal propensities to keep us in eternal vassalage to
a foreign and unfriendly people。
I salute you with assurances of great respect and esteem。