Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-09-14


was intended. If persisted i'm now, SEQ not
when tho government can consistently abandon
il hereafter. As coercion either upon France or
England, 4 cannot believe in its efficacy. II af-
fects their interests no doubt, but nations which
sacrifice men by the hundred thousand, and
treasure by the hundred millions in war, for no.
thing or worse than nothing, pay little attention
to their real interests. 1t is said to have been
the only error in the political character of John
DE Witt, that he supposed France and England
would always act upon measures according To
their effect upon their interests. There can be
no greater error than to proceed upon such cal
culations. Nine times of ten You might more
safely reverse the rule, and conclude that if a
measure is clearly for the interest of the nation
the government will reectit.
! am aware of the powerful arguments which
are urged for adhering firmly to the embargo
| system, and am convinced If such should be the
| final result, II will be decided with the best in
tentions. My best wishes will be with yoI, and
disposition to make every allowance for the
difficulties of the choice, which know TO be
| Just and necessary.
With much respect, your friend, SC.
! JOHN q. ADAMS.
Hon. -, Washington.
| Boston, June Is, 1909.
MY DEAR SIR-Ehave this moment receiv-
cd, with great pleasure, your favor Of the 10th
inst. which is the only communication have
personally received from any member of either
house. OF tire share in the
public measures which have had by my public
conduct, and by my well meant opinions given
at your request, and that of other friends devoted
to the same cause, | never have been ut any
one moment inclined to discfaim one title.
II in the course of our late history, have felt
one strong regret; It was, that my share in the
proposition and support of the measures adopted
was not greater. am not aware, indeed, that
it could have been greater; and have found
myself held at least To INV share of responsibility
for them.-That responsibility. however, con
tinue to cherish even under the harsh forms of
reproach which it has assumed from both parties:
and take more pride than Is perfectly consis-
tent with wisdom, to find Dbl beginning To load
me with the n-intercourse act, while the
blunderbusses ofthe pulpit, and the pop-guns Of
the ''autient and honorable artillery batter
I ing me with cross fire of embargo.
| shalias little dread the reproaclr of having
contributed TO tie non-intercourse act, as do
that OF having pledged every thing that had to
pledge upon the embargo. IcOnsider the whole
series Of measures, from the non-importation act.
to the proclamation of the 10th of tpril, both i'll
elusive. as links of one connected system, ana
my confidence i'll its eventual success is daily
gaming strength II Mr. k or Mr.. c., or
any Other men of their sense and standing i'll So
ciety, think sincerely, that Mr. NIadisorfs rea-
diness in acccilinsy to the proposals Of Great
| Britain, is the commencement of new system.
which as such.ti,ey are willing to hail with APP
probation, should not desire to disturb them in
their generous feelings: but ! shall take the Ii
berry To persist in my opinion that the non-im-
portation, the eEabargo, the non-intercourse,
and the proclamation of the 18th April, are all
parts of one and the same system, and in my ap-
probatiouof them all.
With esteem, JOHN G. ADAMS.
Hon. -, Washington.