Page:Confederate Military History - 1899 - Volume 1.djvu/199

Rh hered to the policy of avoiding entangling alliances. Meanwhile, the outrages and insults of Great Britain became intolerable. The attack on the Chesapeake, the insolence of the British officers who were practically blockading the coast, the continued depredations on commerce, and the impressment of American seamen, had reached a pitch of arrogance and aggression to which even the pacific temper of Jefferson could no longer submit.

It would appear the most obvious policy to accept the overtures of Napoleon. A powerful ally, ready to bestow the coveted prize, Florida, solicited friendship. Yet Jefferson declined. Something, however, must be done. He decided on the policy which he believed best for his country, though not for himself. He believed that the United States was not prepared for war. The end of his term of office was approaching. He had ardently hoped to be the instrument for acquiring Florida. He must now sacrifice this cherished purpose. He turned from the beckoning hand of Napoleon with a pang, and resigned the acquisition of Florida to his successors in office. The final success of his policy was reserved to crown the presidential administration of the able negotiator who had borne so many disappointments in urging it in foreign courts.

Yet Jefferson laid the foundation of the foreign policy which finally gained Florida, and through the whole course of his administration adhered to it with a firmness which neither the taunts of political enemies nor the alienation of political friends could shake.

No man ever followed the convictions of his judgment with more tenacity than Jefferson. Courteous to others from the native kindness of his heart, he never obtruded a display of obstinacy. His judgment was illuminated by the most profound intellect in America; his firmness was that of conviction, and not of self-will. Pliant in matters of minor import, he was as inflexible as Napoleon