Details
PICKERING, TIMOTHY, Secretary of State. Autograph letter signed as Secretary of State, to Frederick Jacob Wicklehausen, U.S. Consul at Bremen, Germany; "Department of State," Philadelphia, 8 June 1798. 2 pages, 4to, 252 x 200 mm. (10 x 7 13/16 in.), integral address leaf, panel in Pickering's hand with circular "Foreign Office 90" handstamp, seal tears, otherwise in fine condition.
"ARMS ALONE CAN SECURE OUR RIGHTS AGAINST A NATION WHOSE GOVERNMENT MAKES ITS POWER THE SOLE RULE OF ITS CONDUCT"
A striking, strongly worded letter in which Pickering gives vent to his impatience with French and British violations of American neutrality and arbitrary restrictions on U.S. maritime trade. Pickering acknowledges receipt of "your semiannual return of American vessels at Bremen...You suggest the idea of giving to our vessels destined to Europe certificates to show that their cargoes do not consist of the manufactures or produce of the British dominions, to guard them against the decree of the French Government passed last January. We had some time ago been apprized of the decree: but as it is a violation of the law of nations and of every principle of justice, we shall not think ourselves bound to guard by certificates against its effects. Arms alone can secure our rights against a nation whose Government makes its power the sole rule of its conduct...."
"ARMS ALONE CAN SECURE OUR RIGHTS AGAINST A NATION WHOSE GOVERNMENT MAKES ITS POWER THE SOLE RULE OF ITS CONDUCT"
A striking, strongly worded letter in which Pickering gives vent to his impatience with French and British violations of American neutrality and arbitrary restrictions on U.S. maritime trade. Pickering acknowledges receipt of "your semiannual return of American vessels at Bremen...You suggest the idea of giving to our vessels destined to Europe certificates to show that their cargoes do not consist of the manufactures or produce of the British dominions, to guard them against the decree of the French Government passed last January. We had some time ago been apprized of the decree: but as it is a violation of the law of nations and of every principle of justice, we shall not think ourselves bound to guard by certificates against its effects. Arms alone can secure our rights against a nation whose Government makes its power the sole rule of its conduct...."