But to those who expect us to calculate whether a compliance with unjust demands will not cost us less than a war we must leave as a question of calculation for them also whether to retire from unjust demands will not cost them less than a war. We can do to each other very sensible injuries by war, but mutual advantages of peace make that the best interest of both.

Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) American political philosopher, polymath, statesman, US President (1801–09)

Message (1804-11-08) to Congress, Annual Message (State of the Union)
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