The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
FOREIGN RELATIONS / SPAIN AND SOUTH AMERICA
The ground you have taken with Spain is sound in every part. It is
the true ground, especially, as to the South Americans. When subjects
are able to maintain themselves in the field, they are then an
independent power as to all neutral nations, are entitled to their
commerce, and to protection within their limits. Every kindness which
can be shown the South Americans, every friendly office and aid within
the limits of the law of nations, I would extend to them, without
fearing Spain or her Swiss auxiliaries. For this is but an assertion
of our own independence. But to join in their war, as General Scott
proposes, and to which even some members of Congress seem to squint,
is what we ought not to do as yet. On the question of our interest in
their independence, were that alone a sufficient motive of action,
much may be said on both sides. When they are free, they will drive
every article of our produce from every market, by underselling it,
and change the condition of our existence, forcing us into other
habits and pursuits. We shall, indeed, have in exchange some commerce
with them, but in what I know not, for we shall have nothing to offer
which they cannot raise cheaper; and their separation from Spain seals
our everlasting peace with her On the other hand, so long as they are
dependent, Spain, from her jealousy, is our natural enemy, and always
in either open or secret hostility with us. These countries, too, in
war, will be a powerful weight in her scale, and, in peace, totally
shut to us. Interest then, on the whole, would wish their
independence, and justice makes the wish a duty. They have a right to
be free, and we a right to aid them, as a strong man has a right to
assist a weak one assailed by a robber or murderer.
to James Monroe, 4 February 1816
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