1To James Madison from Henry Hill, 17 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
The Royal family of Portugal having embarked for Brazil, this extensive and rich Country is about to change its Colonial dynasty for an independent sovereignty, a circumstance which it is presumed will give a strong impulse and a new direction to its commerce. Persuaded that the government of the U. States will not remain idle and indifferent spectators of an event so extraordinary, and being...