July 31

[This is from a letter to Sir John Sinclair, July 31, 1816, on if Great Britain simply treats the United States with respect, the American government will happily offer a cordial and faithful partnership in return.]

Of what importance to you must such a nation be, whether as friends or foes. But is their friendship to be obtained by the irritating policy of fomenting among us party discord, and a teasing opposition; by bribing traitors, whose sale of themselves proves they would sell their purchasers also, if their treacheries were worth a price? How much cheaper would it be, how much easier, more honorable, more magnanimous and secure, to gain the government itself, by a moral, a friendly, and respectful course of conduct, which is all they would ask for a cordial and faithful return.