On the record
He might have burned the Florida or scuttled her at once, and his offence would have been no greater than now, while, according to the precedents, his Government would have been relieved from embarrassment.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner suggests that the American commander had options to resolve a situation without increasing the offense, referencing historical precedents.
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Tendencies of nations, as revealed in history, teach that our aims are in harmony with prevailing laws, which God, in his benevolence, has ordained for mankind.
In this contest, we may borrow from the ancient Greek, who, when his hands were cut off, fought with his stumps, and even with his teeth.
Rather would I arouse you to renewed and incessant exertion.
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