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 322 FRANCES PACKARD YOUNG that if Jackson had been brought to trial, the interior of the country would have been agitated by appeals to the sectional interests and imputations of subserviency to Ferdinand of Spain. 83 Throughout this series of incidents, Calhoun's principal idea was to bring about peace as soon as pos- CALHOUN'S sible. 84 He wished to avoid war with WAR POLICY Spain or England, whom he thought would come to Spain's aid, because of the heavy expense of war and the inevitable injury to the nation's commerce. 85 The Acquisition of Florida was a natural sequel to the conditions involving the Seminole War. TREATY FOR Before Jackson crossed the boundary ANNEXATION line, rumors were afloat that Florida was OF FLORIDA to be transferred to this country. 86 A treaty to that effect was drawn up by the Department of State and in September, 1819, was ratified by the Senate. 87 Everything was to be settled when King Ferdinand of Spain signed the same document. For various reasons this did not take place until 1821. In May, 1820, a minister from Spain told the government that the King did not wish to sign the treaty until he knew what policy the United States would assume toward the South American re- publics. 88 At the same time his attention was called away from Florida affairs by a revolution in Spain. 89 83 Letters of Monroe, VI, 87, Feb. 7, 1819. 84 State Papers, isth Cong., and Sess., I, Sec. 14, pages 37-8. 85 House of Representatives, V. 115, Documents. Am. Hist. Ass., 1899-1900, V. 2, pages 145-6. Calhoun's Letters. Niles' Register, XVI. 88 86 Nilcs' Register, XIII, 29, 95. 87 Letters of Monroe, VI, 106. 88 Letters of Monroe, VI, 118. Letters of Calhoun, House Documents, V. 115, Am. Hist. Ass., V. II, 181; 1899-1900. 89 Niles' Register, XVIII, 137.