In this 2^d. The President musst drop no [strikethrough: andea] expression, that may be converted into [strikethrough: an] evidence that he prefers a state of hostility with France, to a return of our accustomed relations. It is a sound principle to, avoid by all honourable means to avoid war; and a sound principle, to be prepared to meet even should negotiation prove abortive. It is sound policy [strikethrough: not] for a nation not to suffer its resources while negotiation is on foot to be so far impaired [strikethrough: the] by hostile operations, of the power with whom it negotiates, as must put it out of its power to make war with effect should it fail. This