Possible war declaration against France
Item
Type
Draft Letter
Title
Possible war declaration against France
Description
Submits his views of the subjects for communication between the heads of departments and generals. Argues that France aims at "universal dominion" and that the vices of her government render war indispensable to her. Suggests that President Adams should recommend to Congress in his speech to immediately declare war against France, although open to another alternative from the President as long as it falls in the best interests of the nation. Heavily criticizes the "faction" heading the domestic opposition against anti-French policies, calling them "enemies" of the government.
year created
1798
month created
11
day created
25
author
sent from location
War Department
in collection
in image
note
Missing pages
notable person/group
James McHenry
family
officers
John Adams
Congress
[Democratic-Republicans]
French
Directory
Timothy Pickering
military
navy
minister
notable location
Trenton
Philadelphia
War Office
departments
France
Europe
notable item/thing
Communication
finances
negotiation
notable idea/issue
War
French Revolution
war declaration
opposition
partisanship
faction
defense
document number
1798112500201
page start
1
Item sets
Transcribe this document
Document instances
| In image | In source | Location in source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| [view document] (8 pages) | BRM15 (8 pages) | Collection: James McHenry Papers | B: 3, 7, fragment |
Document names
| Type | Name | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | James McHenry | War Department | [n/a] |