Ellery, William (1727-1820) to William Stedman re: embargo, Florida and the Miranda expedition
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06827 Author/Creator: Ellery, William (1727-1820) Place Written: Newport Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1806/03/15 Pagination: 2 p. + addr. 25.3 x 20.3 cm Order a Copy
Ellery thanks Stedman, Federalist representative from Massachusetts, for his letters, remarks that "I cannot perceive any good arising out of partial restrictions of trade with G.B. but I can see great evil springing from a total non-Importatation edict." He writes "I wish we may obtain the Floridas by such an exchange as I have often mentioned. I don't wish to know secrets, but I am well satisfied that two million of dollars will not purchase them." He also talks about the Miranda expedition to liberate Venzuela of Spanish rule: "You will I hope be able to reassue that the Government hath not given any countenance to such an impolitic measure, and that they will be able to convince Spain that they reprobate it. But as the expedition was undertaken and fitted out in the U.S. I am afraid that the innocence and ignorance of Government will not satisfy the Spaniard." Remarking that "The Devil appears... to be putting his foot in our measures," Ellery concludes by relating an amusing (and characteristic) anecdote concerning the Devil in Massachusetts politics.
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