But in demonstrating by our conduct that we do not fear war in the necessary protection of our rights and honor we shall give no room to infer that we abandon the desire of peace.
John Adams: “But in demonstrating by our conduct that we do not fear war in the necessary protection of our rights and honor we shall…”
Editor's note · Context
John Adams emphasizes the importance of demonstrating strength in protecting national rights while still desiring peace.
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The commerce of the United States is essential, if not to their existence, at least to their comfort, their growth, prosperity, and happiness.
May this territory be the residence of virtue and happiness!
We can not, without committing a dangerous imprudence, abandon those measures of self protection which are adapted to our situation and to which, notwithstanding our pacific policy, the violence and injustice of others may again compel us…
In this city may that piety and virtue, that wisdom and magnanimity, that constancy and self-government, which adorned the great character whose name it bears be forever held in veneration!