FACE OF COUNTRY, &c.—BOOK I. 
object, into two great parties, nothing can long retain them in 
union. In an extensive region like ours, even with the aid of our 
thousand newspapers , popular feeling cannot be suddenly arous¬ 
ed to such a pitch of passion and phrenzy, as to break down the 
barriers of reason; and the northern and southern interests, (of 
which we hear) are neutralized by the weight of several impor¬ 
tant states whose interests are connected with that of both The 
western states, like the southern, are devoted to agriculture, but 
at the same time, dependent on the commerce of the northern 
for the conveniences and luxuries of life. 
The security our western settlements will derive against the 
numerous tribes of savages, who would be at the disposal of any 
power holding Louisiana, may be ranked amongst the most cer¬ 
tain advantages of the acquisition. Our vicinity to the Mexican 
provinces will enable us to carry on a trade, which if permitted 
to be free, must in a short time become of incalculable value. It 
is ardently to be wished that these people during their present 
struggles may be able to throw off the foreign government, 
which ruled them as it were by the spells of Circe, by using eve¬ 
ry art to retain them in ignorance, and to render them debased. 
Could these people become independent and be regenerated by 
the ennobling spirit of freedom, the northern continent would be 
exclusively possessed by two great nations, Americans and Mexi¬ 
cans, united in friendship by harmonizing interests and sympa¬ 
thy of governments. 
The intrinsic value of Louisiana notwithstanding the vast ex¬ 
tent which may be considered almost barren, is beyond calcula¬ 
tion. The territory of the Missouri, and the state of Louisiana, 
are equal in extent to any three of the largest states, containing 
every variety of soil and climate, and capable of producing what¬ 
ever may administer to the convenience or luxury of man ; rich 
in minerals, fertile in soil, and favorably situated for every com¬ 
merce and manufacture. 
