III. FREEHOLDER'S QUESTIONS TO GENERAL MARSHALL
VIRGINIA. Fredericksburg, Oct. 2
POLITICAL QUESTIONS
Addressed to General MARSHALL with his Answer thereto
To J. MARSHALL, Esq.
Richmond, Sept. 12.
Dear Sir,
Under a conviction that it will be of utility, should the answers to the following questions be such as I anticipate, I state them with a confidence of your readiness to give replies. They will, at all events, greatly satisfy my mind.
1st. Do you not in heart, and sentiment, profess yourself an American—attached to the genuine principles of the Constitution, as sanctioned by the will of the people, for their general liberty, prosperity and happiness?
2d. Do you conceive that the true interest and prosperity of America, is materially, or at all, dependent upon an alliance with any foreign nation? If you do, please state the causes, and a preference, if any exists, with the reasons for that preference.
3d. Are you in favor of an alliance, offensive and defensive, with Great Britain? In fine, are you disposed to advocate any other, or a closer connection with that nation, than exists at the ratification of the treaty of 1794? If so, please state your reasons.
4th. By what general principles, in your view, have the measures of our Administration and Government, in respect to France, been consistent with true policy or necessity? And could not the consequences have been avoided by a different line of conduct on our part?