human
I wish I could approve all else as I do the wine and the food; but I cannot understand. Here we sit, after being crowded like herrings in a box--myself, my lady here, and these others. Is this the placing his Majesty's minister should have at the President's table? Is this what we should demand here?
gpt
The indignity is to all of us alike, smiled Burr.
human
Mr. Jefferson believes in a great human democracy. I myself regret to state that I cannot quite go with him to the lengths he fancies.
gpt
I shall report the entire matter to his Majesty's government! said Mr. Merry, again helping himself to wine.
human
To be received here by a man in his stable clothes--so to meet us when we come formally to pay our call to this government--that is an insult! I fancy it to be a direct and intentional one.
gpt
Insult is small word for it, broke in the irate Spanish minister, still further down the table.
human
I certainly shall report to my own government what has happened here--of that be very sure!
gpt
Give me leave, sir, continued Merry.
human
This republic, what is it? What has it done?
gpt
I ask as much, affirmed Yrujo.
human
A small war with your own country, Great Britain, sir--in which only your generosity held you back--that is all this country can claim. In the South, my people own the mouth of the great river--we own Florida--we own the province of Texas--all the Southern and Western lands. True, Louis XV--to save it from Great Britain, perhaps, sir --he bowed to the British minister--
gpt
I say that Western country is ours, he still insisted, warming to his oration now.
human
Suppose, under coercion, our sovereign did cede it to Napoleon, who claims it now? Does Spain not govern it still? Do we not collect the revenues? Is not the whole system of law enforced under the flag of Spain, all along the great river yonder? Possession, exploration, discovery--those are the rights under which territories are annexed. France has the title to that West, but we hold the land itself--we administer it. And never shall it go from under our flag, unless it be through the act of stronger foreign powers. Spain will fight!
gpt
Will Spain fight? demanded a deep and melodious voice. It was that of Aaron Burr who spoke now, half in query, half in challenge.
human
Would Spain fight--and would Great Britain, if need were and the time came?
gpt
Our past is proof enough,
human
Divide and conquer?