HN ADAMS, July 11, 1786

TO JOHN ADAMS.

Paris, July 11, 1786.

Dear Sir,

Our instructions relative to the Barbary States having required us to
proceed by way of negotiation to obtain their peace, it became our
duty to do this to the best of our power. Whatever might be our private
opinions, they were to be suppressed, and the line marked out to us
was to be followed. It has been so, honestly and zealously. It was,
therefore, never material for us to consult together on the best plan
of conduct towards these States. I acknowledge I very, early thought it
would be best to effect a peace through the medium of war. Though it
is a question with which we have nothing to do, yet as you propose
some discussion of it, I shall trouble you with my reasons. Of the four
positions laid down in your letter of the 3rd instant, I agree to the
three first, which are, in substance, that the good offices of our
friends cannot procure us a peace, without paying its price, that they
cannot materially lessen that price; and that paying it, we can have the
peace in spite of the intrigues of our enemies. As to the fourth, that
the longer the negotiation is delayed, the larger will be the demand;
this will depend on the intermediate captures: if they are many and
rich, the price may be raised; if few and poor, it will be lessened.
However, if it is decided, that we shall buy a peace, I know no reason
for delaying the operation, but should rather think it ought to be
hastened: but I should prefer the obtaining it by war.

1. Justice is in favor of this opinion. 2. Honor favors it. 3. It will
procure us respect in Europe; and respect is a safeguard to interest. 4.
It will arm the federal head with the safest of all the instruments of
coercion over its delinquent members, and prevent it from using what
would be less safe. I think, that so far you go with me. But in the
next steps we shall differ. 5. I think it least expensive. 6. Equally
effectual. I ask a fleet of one hundred and fifty guns, the one half
of which shall be in constant cruise. This fleet, built, manned, and
victualled for six months, will cost four hundred and fifty thousand
pounds sterling. Its annual expense will be three hundred pounds
sterling a gun, including every thing: this will be forty-five thousand
pounds sterling a year. I take British experience for the basis of my
calculation: though we know, from our own experience, that we can do in
this way for pounds lawf