| Essays 
But methinks it well behooves merchants (men 
more enlightened by their education, and perfectly 
free from any such force or obligation) to consider 
well of the justice of a war before they voluntarily 
engage a gang of ruffians to attack their fellow mer- 
chants of a neighboring nation, to plunder them of 
their property, and perhaps ruin them and their 
families if they yield it, or to wound, maim, and mur- 
der them if they endeavor to defend it. Yet these 
things are done by Christian merchants, whether a 
war be just or unjust, and it can hardly be just on 
both sides. They are done by English and Ameri- 
can merchants, who, nevertheless, complain of pri- 
vate theft, and hang by dozens the thieves they have 
taught by their own example. 
It is high time, for the sake of humanity, that a 
stop were put to this enormity. The United States 
of America, though better situated than any Euro- 
pean nation to make profit by privateering (most of 
the trade of Europe, with the West Indies, passing 
before their doors), are, as far as in them lies, en- 
deavoring to abolish the practice, by offering in all 
their treaties with other powers an article, engaging 
solemnly that in case of future war no privateer shall 
be commissioned on either side, and that unarmed 
merchant-ships on both sides shall pursue their voy- 
ages unmolested.” This will be a happy improve- 
ment of the laws of nations. The humane and the 
just cannot but wish general success to the propo- 
t This offer having been accepted by the late king of Prussia, a 
treaty of amity and commerce was concluded between that monarch 
and the United States, containing the following humane, philanthropic 
1785] 261