Highly probable that in recent Russian-British treaty Britain excluded naval stores from Law of Contraband in exchange for Russia yielding position that "free ships make free goods." As to "most favored nation" policy, it is John Jay's opinion that Britain intends this to include us as it is her policy to "continue on friendly terms with us." Talleyrand's position vis-a-vis the United States will b e based upon expediency as he will not possibly be governed by "any moral Principles." Internal French difficulties make difficult negotiations with the Directory. Our security must be based upon "a state of defense at home." This is difficult to do because Americans are not totally unified at home, having been misled into error; but they are now recovering from same.
Subjects
United States--History--Constitutional period, 1789-1809; Jay, John, 1745-1829