The right of self defense never ceases. It is among the most sacred, and alike necessary to nations and to individuals, and whether the attack be made by Spain herself or by those who abuse her power, its obligation is not the less strong.

Secretary of State John Quincy Adams suggested delaying formal recognition until Florida was secured. The United States therefore promised to refrain from intervention in European affairs and demanded Europe to abstain from interfering with American matters. Nor did his friends family or associates comment on his beliefs.

In 1823 he announced the United States' opposition to any European intervention in the recently independent countries of the Americas with the Monroe Doctrine which became a landmark in American foreign policy. Born in Westmoreland County Virginia Monroe was of the planter class and fought in the American Revolutionary War. James Monroe (April 28 1758 – July 4 1831) was the fifth President of the United States (1817–1825).