3. The resources of the next campaign lay in taxation, in the strictest economy, and in the assistance which we may reasonably hope to receive from the enemies of Great Britain, while we are making every exertion in the common cause. We flatter ourselves, that those powers who wish for peace, and who see America as the great object in Britain, in carrying on the war, will not suffer it to be lengthened out beyond the present year, when, by a moderate supply to us, they can terminate it in the course of one campaign. We form some expectations from the wisdom and generosity of Spain; and as we know she has the means, so we cannot suppose she can want the inclination to promote her own interests, and insure the esteem and gratitude of a rising nation, whose commerce and alliance cannot but be important from the situation of her Colonies.

4. This question is answered above, only it may be proper to observe, that if, in this reasonable expectation, America should be disappointed, she will still find resources in herself, not indeed to expel the enemy, but to preclude them from extending their conquests, and to compel them to offer her such terms as are necessary for her security, though perhaps short of her wishes.

5. The commercial connexion between the United States and Spain, will naturally be very extensive, if it meets with the least encouragement. The Spanish Islands will be supplied with provisions from them, at such easy rates as must give them great advantages in the cultivation of sugars, for which America will afford a considerable market; fish, lumber, and iron will also be exported to them if it should be permitted; and salt, as well as sugar, brought back in return, if the duties should be lowered, or a drawback allowed on the exportation. Our trade with Spain will consist chiefly in naval stores, masts, iron, furs, fish, and tobacco; in return for which we shall take the produce and manufactures of Spain of almost every kind.

6. It is impossible for the United States to use means to prevent an illicit commerce with the Spanish Colonies, without interfering in their internal regulations. All they can do, is, to consider the regulations made for that purpose as binding upon their subjects, and not to demand satisfaction if they suffer by the penalties, which the laws attempted to be infringed, may impose. To this they will not object, while the punishment is reasonable, and not confined to crimes committed within the jurisdiction of the power imposing it. If it is extended further, such further extension must depend upon treaties between the United States and Spain, and will be the subject of discussion whenever such treaty shall be set on foot.

7. Spain will be allowed, without the least difficulty, either to purchase vessels built in America, or to appoint agents of her own for building vessels of any kind, as well as for arming them, if she thinks proper, from the iron founderies, which are lately erected here, and which will continue to increase in proportion to the encouragement which shall be given them.

The last question must be referred to a general treaty, and is of such a nature as not to be properly answered here.[23]

I am, with great regard and esteem,

ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.

FOOTNOTES:

[22] A Spanish gentleman residing in Philadelphia, and apparently intrusted with some kind of agency by the Spanish government.