[Extract]

Pray confer with some of Your ablest Friends at Congress upon the Subject of forreign Alliances. what Terms it will be expedient to offer. Nations, like Individuals, are govern'd by their Interest ー Great Britain will bid against Us ー whatever European Power takes us [b]y the Hand must risque a War with her. ー We want but two things ー a regular Supply of Military Stores, and a naval protection of our Trade & Coasts ー for the first we are able & willing to pay the Value in the produce of our Country ー for the second, we must give something adequate ー to offer what is not worth accepting will be trifleing with ourselves. ー Our Exports shou'd not be bound or affected by Treaty; our Right to these shou'd be sacredly retain'd ー In our Imports perhaps We may make Concessions, so far as to give a preference to the Manufacturers or produce of a particular Country: this wou'd indeed have the Effect of every other Monopoly: We shou'd be furnished with Goods of more Quality, & at a higher price than in an open Market; but this wou'd only force Us earlier into Manufactures ー It is an important & delicate Subject, & requires thorough Consideration ー I know you will excuse my loose Thoughts; which I give You in a Hurry, without order, but without Reserve.