doi:10.7916/f931-mj89Document, 1786 June 27correspondencetextUnited States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783Jay, John, 1745-1829De Pinto informs Adams that the Portuguese Queen has ordered that American ships be protected by a squadron cruising in the mouth of the straits. If the United States should ever be able to pay taxes and begin a navy, the war with the Algerines is a good opportunity; Adams' opinion is that whatever gain might come would be thrown away in the expenses and losses of the war. A war effort would be good for business and "would give us an eclat" but it would cost money.