Page:Henry Adams' History of the United States Vol. 2.djvu/360

1801. shortly before he left the United States to return home: —


 * "The advantages to be ultimately reaped from a perserverance in the line of conduct which Great Britain has adopted for the last four years appear to my mind to be infallible and of infinite magnitude; the profitable consequences of a state of hostility, small and uncertain. I have been pleasing my imagination with looking forward to the distant spectacle of all the northern continent of America covered with friendly though not subject States, consuming our manufactures, speaking our language, proud of their parent State, attached to her prosperity.  War must bring with it extensive damage to our navigation, the probable loss of Canada, and the world behind it, the propagation of enmity and prejudices which it may be impossible to eradicate.  The system of the American government does not strike me, with the near view I have of it, as being in so perilous a situation as is imagined in Europe.  I am willing to avoid political prophecies, but I confess I think it will get on well enough if the country remains in peace; and if they go to war, the fabric may acquire strength.  God forbid that it should be to our detriment, and to the triumph of our enemies!"