Hamilton declared himself the advocate for peace.  War would derange our affairs greatly; throw us back many years in the march towards prosperity; be difficult for us to pursue, our countrymen not being disposed to become soldiers; a part of the Union feeling no interest in the war, would with difficulty be brought to exert itself; and we had no navy.  He was for every thing which would procrastinate the event.  A year, even, was a great gain to a nation strengthening as we were.  It laid open to us, too, the chapter of accidents, which in the present state of Europe, was a very pregnant one.  That while, however, he was for delaying the event of war, he had no doubt it was to take place between us for the object in question:  that jealousy and perseverance were remarkable features in the character of the Spanish government, with respect to their American possessions; that so far from receding as to their claims against us, they had been strengthening themselves in them.  He had no doubt the present communication was by authority from the court.  Under this impression he thought we should be looking forward to the day of rupture, and preparing for it.  That if we were unequal to the contest ourselves, it behoved us to provide allies for our aid.  That in this view, but two nations could be named, France and England.  France was too intimately connected with Spain in other points, and of too great mutual value, ever to separate for us.  Her affairs too, were such, that whatever issue they had, she could not be in a situation to make a respectable mediation for us.  England alone, then, remained.  It would not be easy to effect it with her; however, he was for trying it, and for sounding them on the proposition of a defensive treaty of alliance.  The inducements to such a treaty, on their part, might be, 1.  The desire of breaking up our former connections, which we knew they had long wished. 2.  A continuance of the statu quo in commerce for ten years, which he believed would be desirable to them. 3.  An admission to some navigable part of the Mississippi, by some line drawn from the Lake of the Woods to such navigable part.  He had not, he said, examined the map to see how such a line might be run, so as not to make too great a sacrifice.  The navigation of the Mississippi being a joint possession, we might then take measures in concert for the joint security of it.  He was, therefore, for immediately sounding them on this subject through our minister at London; yet so as to keep ourselves unengaged as long as possible, in hopes a favorable issue with Spain might be otherwise effected.  But he was for sounding immediately, and for not letting slip an opportunity of securing our object.

E. Randolph concurred, in general, with me.  He objected that such a reliance could not be effected without pecuniary consideration probably, which he could not give.  And what was to be their aid?  If men, our citizens would see their armies get foothold in the United States, with great jealousy; it would be difficult to protect them.  Even the French, during the distresses of the late war, excited some jealous sentiments,