Political Quotes

Thomas Jefferson: “Instead, therefore, of an augmentation of military force proportioned to our extension of frontier, I propose a moderate…”

On the record
Instead, therefore, of an augmentation of military force proportioned to our extension of frontier, I propose a moderate enlargement of the capital employed in that commerce as a more effectual, economical, and humane instrument for preserving peace and good neighborhood with them.
Said by
Thomas Jefferson
Democratic Republican · Virginia

Editor's note · Context

Jefferson advocates for a strategic approach to maintaining peace with Native Americans through commerce rather than military force.

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More from Thomas Jefferson

Jan 16, 1809

When the documents concerning the relations between the United States and Great Britain were laid before Congress at the commencement of the session, the answer of Mr. Pinkney to the letter of Mr. Canning had not been received.

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Jan 16, 1809

The letter of Mr. Canning, however, having lately appeared in print, unaccompanied by that of Mr. Pinkney in reply, and having a tendency to make impressions not warranted by the statements of Mr. Pinkney, it has become proper that the…

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Jan 12, 1809

$2,000 were deposited in the hands of the Attorney-General of the United States to pay expenses incident to the prosecution of Aaron Burr and his accomplices for treason and misdemeanors alleged to have been committed by them.

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Feb 24, 1809

I now lay before Congress a statement of the militia of the United States according to the latest returns received by the Department of War.

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