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158 1795 "government & its agents, which the activity of the English fails not to turn to their profit. It is high time that this country, even for the benefit of Spain, should come into the possession of France. Should Spain keep it much longer, England will soon obtain it. In fact, she partly possesses it already, there being several English garrisons stationed upon the Spanish territories along the Mississippi; and the numerous inhabitants of the Indian territory throughout this immense district, so rich in skins, are unacquainted with any but English traders. When the English shall have established themselves still more firmly in this trade, they will become more important, & then the rich Spanish settlements in Mexico will not be long secure. This opinion, which to me appears very clear, should be established beyond a doubt by Frenchmen, who penetrate farther into the country than I have done." xxxxxxx "Finally, the possession of Louisiana by the French would set bounds to the childish avarice of the Americans, who wish to grasp at every thing: an avarice arising more from a restless character, than from political views, which prevents them from fixing themselves in any new state, which injures their real strength, & disturbs their neighbors. Besides, it must be considered that the United States, on account of their weakness, will always continue more friendly to a nation, that has the power of injuring them, than one that has not, and that can only offer them advantages. A generous nation will never