The Complete Anas of Thomas Jefferson (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1903 Excerpt: ...origin. This last opinion was adopted by the President. Our citizens who have joined in these hostilities against nations at peace with the United States, are they punishable? E. Randolph gave an official opinion they were. Thomas Jefferson, Hamilton, and Knox joined in the opinion. All thought it our duty to have prosecutions instituted against them, that the laws might pronounce on their case. In the first instance, two only were prosecuted merely to try the question, and to satisfy the complaint of the British minister; and because it was thought they might have offended unwittingly. But a subsequent armament of a vessel at New York taking place with full knowledge of this prosecution, all the persons engaged in it, citizens and foreigners, were ordered to be prosecuted. May the prohibition extend to the means of the party arming, or are they only prohibited from using our means for the annoyance of their enemies? Thomas Jefferson of opinion they are free to use their own means, t. e., to mount their own guns, &c. Hamilton and Knox of opinion they are not to put even their own implements or means into a posture of annoyance. The President has as yet not decided this. May an armed vessel arriving here be prohibited to employ their own citizens found here as seamen or mariners? Thomas Jefferson, --They cannot be prohibited to recruit their own citizens. Hamilton and Knox, --They may and ought to be prohibited. No decision yet by the President. It appears to me the President wished the Little Sarah had been stopped by military coercion, that is, by firing on her; yet I do not belive he would have ordered it himself had he been here, though he would be glad if we had ordered it. The United States being a ship-building nation, may they sell ships, prepared ...