Adams stated that America would be on the side of emerging right, but not necessarily fighting for it.
…”wherever the standard of freedom and independence, has been or shall be unfurled, there will her heart, her benedictions and her prayers be. But she goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy. …”
“… The fundamental maxims of her policy would insensibly change from liberty to force … She might become the dictatress of the world. She would be no longer the ruler of her own spirit.”