1Notes for Speech by Samuel Miles Hopkins to the Electors of the Middle District, [17–24 April 1801] (Hamilton Papers)
They call the Navy Useless. They detest it because it protected our Commerce against the depredations of France; because in place of resistance we did not sue for mercy & pay tribute? Has it not protected our Commerce, saved our merchants from ruin & enabled them to send to foreign markets with advantage the productions? Is not a navy the natural safeguard of our Country &c & Standing Army...