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"AN OPEN RUPTURE MAY ENSUE" ADAMS, JOHN QUINCY. Autograph Letter Signed, to Sylvanus Bourne, written during the fallout from the XYZ affair,
"AN OPEN RUPTURE MAY ENSUE" ADAMS, JOHN QUINCY. Autograph Letter Signed, to Sylvanus Bourne, written during the fallout from the XYZ affair, concerning the deteriorating relationship with France, mentioning one of the resolutions which authorized a more effectual defense of American ships, on a political attack against Bourne in which Bourne is portrayed as an associate of Elbridge Gerry, and suggesting that an open war is possible. 1 page, folded small 4to sheet with integral address leaf; usual folds, remnants of prior mounting along left edge. Berlin, 13 July 1798
- Notes: "... The Resolutions proposed by Mr. Sitgreaves have passed into a Law. It was time when French privateers were taking our own vessels within our own rivers to take some effectual measure of defence. An open rupture may ensue, and I know not how any American could expect to avoid it by forbearance after what we have seen. The attack against you is in Porcupine's Gazette. It states that Russell had published in the Centinel a letter from you dated 20 March saying that you had received a letter from Mr. Gerry in which was mentioned that the Commissioners had then had three audiences and that the negotiation was in a successful train. Porcupine considers it a false account to amuse our Countrymen with groundless hopes, and says that both you and Russell are known democrats. The temper of our Country indeed by the last accounts is very high. They are growing weary of suffering the most unbounded and unprovoked plunder, under false pretences of friendship and the exactions of robbery combines with the vilest political imposture and hypocrisy. They have borne with it already too long..."
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