Volume II Part 69 (1/2)
III. FREEHOLDER'S QUESTIONS TO GENERAL MARSHALL
VIRGINIA. Fredericksburg, Oct. 2
POLITICAL QUESTIONS
_Addressed to General_ MARSHALL _with his Answer thereto_
To J. MARSHALL, Esq.
RICHMOND, Sept. 12.
DEAR SIR,
Under a conviction that it will be of utility, should the answers to the following questions be such as I antic.i.p.ate, I state them with a confidence of your readiness to give replies. They will, at all events, greatly satisfy my mind.
_1st._ Do you not in heart, and sentiment, profess yourself an American--attached to the genuine principles of the Const.i.tution, as sanctioned by the will of the people, for their general liberty, prosperity and happiness?
_2d._ Do you conceive that the true interest and prosperity of _America_, is materially, or at all, dependent upon an alliance with any foreign nation? If you do, please state the causes, and a preference, if any exists, with the reasons for that preference.
_3d._ Are you in favor of an alliance, offensive and defensive, with _Great Britain_? In fine, are you disposed to advocate any other, or a closer connection with that nation, than exists at the ratification of the treaty of 1794? If so, please state your reasons.
_4th._ By what general principles, in your view, have the measures of our Administration and Government, in respect to _France_, been consistent with true policy or necessity? And could not the consequences have been avoided by a different line of conduct on our part?
_5th._ Are you an advocate for the Alien and Sedition Bills? Or, in the event of your election, will you use your influence to obtain a appeal of these laws?
A FREEHOLDER
(_Columbian Centinel_, Boston, Ma.s.s., Sat.u.r.day, October 20, 1798.)
MARSHALL'S ANSWERS TO FREEHOLDER'S QUESTIONS
RICHMOND, Sept. 20, '98.
DEAR SIR:--
I have just received your letter of yesterday, [_sic_] and shall with equal candor and satisfaction, answer all your queries. Every citizen has a right to know the political sentiments of the man who is proposed as his representative; and mine have never been of a nature to shun examination. To those who think another gentleman more capable of serving the district than myself, it would be useless to explain my opinions because whatever my opinions may be, they will, and ought, to vote for that other; but I cannot help wis.h.i.+ng that those who think differently, would know my real principles, and not attribute to me those I never possessed; and with which active calumny has been pleased to asperse me.
_Answ._ 1. In heart and sentiment, as well as by birth and interest, I am an American, attached to the genuine principles of the const.i.tution, as sanctioned by the will of the people, for their general liberty, prosperity and happiness. I consider that const.i.tution as the rock of our political salvation, which has preserved us from misery, division and civil wars; and which will yet preserve us if we value it rightly and support it firmly.
_2._ I do not think the interest and prosperity of America, at all dependent on the alliance with any foreign nation; nor does the man exist who would regret more than myself the formation of such an alliance. In truth, America has, in my opinion, no motive for forming such connection, and very powerful motives for avoiding them. Europe is eternally engaged in wars in which we have no interest; and with which the fondest policy forbids us to intermeddle.
We ought to avoid any compact which may endanger our being involved in them. My sentiments on this subject are detailed at large in the beginning of the memorial addressed by the late envoys from the United States to the minister of foreign affairs of the French Republic, where the neutrality of the United States is justified, and the reasons for that neutrality stated.
_3rd._ I am not in favor of an alliance offensive and defensive with Great Britain nor for closer connection with that nation than already exists. No man in existence is more decidedly opposed to such an alliance, or more fully convinced of the evils that would result from it. I never have, in thought, word, or deed, given the smallest reason to suspect I wished it; nor do I believe any man acquainted with me does suspect it. Those who originate and countenance such an idea, may (if they know me) design to impose on others, but they do not impose on themselves.
The whole of my politics respecting foreign nations are reducible to this single position. We ought to have commercial intercourse with all, but political ties with none. Let us buy cheap and sell as dear as possible. Let commerce go wherever individual, and consequently national interest, will carry it; but let us never connect ourselves politically with any nation whatever.