The adventurous commercial spirit of America has made several of the maritime powers of Europe uneasy. Those with colonies in America know the potential of the States to create a powerful maritime and see their colonies would be threatened. They would seek to deprive America of active commerce of our own bottoms. If we continue united we can use prohibitory regulations throughout the States to cause foreign countries to bid against each other for our markets, three million strong and increasing, focused on agriculture; a value to any manufacturing nation. America could exclude Great Britain from our ports and would that not allow us to negotiate valuable commercial privileges with her? She could conduct her commerce with America through the Dutch, but using their freight services would reduce her compensation and result in the increase of the price of her commodities. Would this not facilitate competition of other nations? The result would be relaxation of Great Britain's present system and an increase in our privileges in her markets elsewhere.
The Union also would provide further influence of European nations from establishment of a federal navy. The Union would put in our power the ability to create a navy, sufficient to sway the outcome between to contending parties, should we use the navy to assist one of them. If we add the value of supplies from this country to, say, military operations in the West Indies, it would enable us to bargain for commercial advantages. Without a navy, our commerce would be prey for any nation at war. A nation even forfeits the privilege of neutrality unless defended by adequate power.
In a state of disunion, the power of maritime nations would avail themselves of our universal impotence. The profits of our trade would be snatched from us to enrich our enemies and poverty and disgrace would spread over our county. There are significant rights to consider: the fisheries, the navigation of the Western lakes and the Mississippi. What would happen to these rights upon dissolution of the Union? France and Britain are interested in our fisheries, and no comment needs be made regarding Spain and the Mississippi.
A navy of the United States would utilize the resources of all the States: the southern state would furnish tar, pitch, and turpentine; their wood is more solid and long lasting texture; the southern and middle states will provide the iron, and of better quality; the Northern will provide seamen.
The Union of the states will allow one to provide the staples for another when a crop fails. The variety of articles from each of the states will allow more stable commerce as great demand occurs in some periods for some articles which may become unsalable in other periods. The combined commerce of all 13 states will be more favorable with a Union than without.
Europe has extended dominion over Africa, Asia, and America by force and fraud and has considered the rest of mankind created for her benefit. American can vindicate the honor of the human race. Union will allow us to do it.