Star.
London, England, 1808-05-31 00:00:00

DANK OF IRELAND.

Sir JOHN NEWPORT coufessed he felt himself quite at a loss
I how to proceed in recommending his motion to the House. The
'principle on which it was founded was so self-evident, that it
wouldbe'ldle to enter into any argument to prove it. He could
net easily conceive upon what ground it could be opposed, for he
ecould not think that Gentlemen would be bold enough to main.
tain;that la the direction and controul of any commercial Com-
pany, it was t• matter of serious concern of what creed such per-
son employed in that direction professed to be. The first institu-
tion of the charter of the Bat,k of Ireland was in 1782; in that
Act there was no mention of religious distinctions, but in the
clauses of the Charter founded thereupon, there were introduced
certain religious restrictions In 1793; a liberal interpretation was
put on those restrictions, but after referring the point to Counsel,
one was of opinion, that they did not go to exclude Catholics from
the Direetion, but two cr three of the other.Counsci were of a dif-
ferent opiniori. lle ash.: d, howeve,r, why the common law right
of the Catholic should be taken away without any compensator;
privilege? Why take a lucrative right from the Catholic, without
.:rig him to any of the benefits derived to the Protestants.
It might le asked, why was this point brought forward now ? In
1791, the charter was renewed ; iu 1793, some of the rest:erten:3
originally imposed were removed. • When a soneiderable portion
of the inhabitants of this Country were thought to be disaffected
to the House of 1-ianover, every means were resorted to by Sir
Robert Walpole, to prevail upon that body to vest their lauded in-
terest in the national funds, that A -ouhl give them an interest in
the state sufficient to counteract their supposed disaffection. He
asked, Why rot, therefore, exteed the same well-founded policy
to the Catholics of Ireland. In the course of his observations, the
Right Hon. Baronet alluded to the disgraceful proceedings of the
Irish Parliament, in the years 1696 and 1702. The Right Hon.
Baronet then concluded with moving, That it is the opinion of
this House, that persons professing the Ronan Catholic religion
ought to be eligible to the offices cf Governor, Deputy Governor,
and Directors of the Bank of Ireland, if otherwise qualified with
respect to property.
Mr. FOSTER opposed the motion on the ground of changing
the established Charter of the Bank of Ireland. He moved that
the House do proceed to the other orders of the day.
Mr. WINDHAM asked simply, why should the present re-
striction continue ? and if no reason could be assigned why it
should continue, he asked in the name of common sense, why it
should not be removed ?
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER opposed the mo•
don on the same ground as Mr. Foster, and censured the citations
made from the Irish Journals by the Right Hon. Baronet.
Mr. MARTIN shortly replied to the Chancellor of the Exche-
quer, and the House divided on Mr. Foster's amendment.—Ayes
64—Noes 61—Majority against Sir John Newport's motion 3.
On our re-admission, we fund the House in a Committee on
the Local Militia Bill.
Mr. C. WYNNE, Mr. W. SMITH, Mr. WINDHAM, Mr.
sea VORCZ, and Sir S. ROMILLY, dejected to the clause, which
obliged every Volunteer to sign a declaration, on oath, that he had
net received more than two guineas bounty, on the ground, that
too much temptation had been already held out to perjury, par-
ticularly in the Customs, and on elections, which brought the so-
lemnity of an oath into contempt.
After a few wores from Nit T. TURTON, the oath was ex-
punged from thu clause.
On the clause relating to the qualification of officers, Lord
MILTON moved that the officers should have the same qualifi-
cations with officers of the militia. The Committee divided, when
the amendment was negatived by 107 to 31.
On the clause for punishing Local Militiamen, LordTEMP
moved an amendment, that no sentence of a Court Martial should
lse carried into effect unless referred to the Lord Lieutenant of
the County, and by him reported to the King for his Majesty's
approbation. After some debate, the Cousnahtee divided, and the
amendment was lost by 101 to 14.
The rest of the clauses were then disposed of, and the Report
received. The Bill was ordered to be recommitted on Fritlay.—
The of her orders ws re then disposed of, and the House adjourned
at half past two 0 dock.
List of the Minorityon Sir JOHN NEWPORI'S Motion,
last night, in favour of admitting Roman Catholics
into the Government and Direction of the Bank of
Ireland.

Abercromby,lloni. gempe, T. - Power, Richard
Anstrether, Right • Latouelse, R. Russell, Lord W.
Hon. Sir J. Lawrence, F. Sharpe, Richard
Aubrey, Sir John I .each, John Shipley, William
• Bagenel, Walter Levers, C. S. Smith. William
Barham J. F. ,Lemon, Sir W. • Talbot, R. W.
Bradshaw,l-lon.C. B. Madoeks, W. A. Temple, Earl
Brand, Hon. Taos. • Martin, Richard Templeton, Vis.
Combs., H. C. Maulc, Hon. W.R. Thornton, Henry
Creevey, T. .JVliitanke, Sir R. • Tierney,Rr. fin.G.
Dundas, Hen. R. 1.. Miller, Sir Thomas Vansittart, G.
Ebring ton, Viscount Milton, Viscount Vernon, G. G. V.
Eden, Hon. W.F.E. * Nlonognmery, C. • Walpt.le, lion. G.
Elliot, It r. Hon. W. Moore, Peter Ward, Hon. J. W.
Estcourt, T. G. * Newpert,Rt.lion. -.Van-ender, Sir G.
• Grattan,Rt.Hn.H. Sir 1. Western, C. C.
Greenough, G. B. • P.rrnell, Henry Whhbread, S.
Halsey, Joseph Petty, Lord H. Windham., Right
• Herbert, H. A. Philips, R. M. Hon. W.
Hippisley, Sir J.Cox Piggott, Sir A. Wynne, Sir W. W.
Horner, Francis Poosonby,Rt.Hn.G.
• Hume, W. H. • Ponsonby, Hon,G.
TELLERS.
Wynne, C. W. W. Cakraft, John.
Those marked thus • are Irish Members.
Only five Irish Members voted against the admis-
sion of Catholics into the Direction of the Bank of
Ireland, and four of these are Gentlemen in Office :
Foster, Mr. L. Foster, Mr. W. Pole, Mr. Sneyd, and
Dr. Di:lg.:wt..

,

THE EVENING STAR.

LONDON.

TUESDAY, MAY 91.
PRICE OF STOCKS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK:
Consols money, 68f—for July 69f —Reduced 6744.
Omnium 2 prem —4 per Cents. 8414}—Navy 5 per Cents MU.
Exch. Bills, 4s. to 6s. pre.—lndia Bonds, Is. dis. is. pre. par.

This day the different bidders for the loan gave in
their offers in the 4 per cents. When opened, the bid-
dings were as follow :
4 per Cents.
BARING to take d.llB 3 6
GOLDSIIIO ... 118 18 0
CURTIS llB 17 0 far every £.lOO
WALSII 120 10 0.
BARIUM ... 120 14 0

Yesterday, just after the STAR was put to press,
accounts reached town from Holland, that both
CHARLES and FERDINAND of Spain had abdicated
the Throne of that Monarchy in favour of NApoLEon.
The following letter states the intelligence alluded to :

" HAGUE, MAY .5 . —The KING of SPAIN has abdicated his
kingdom, with all its dependencies, in favour of ficsuarAixr.
The wretched CHARLES goes to, Champagne, with his Queen
and Family, there to live as a private individual. The Patxcr
of ASTURIAS retires In the same manner to Valency. The Pat:sec
of the Presce accompanies the !Qua, as his friend. ThCre is
but little doubt that the Grand Duke of Beao is now King of
Spain. He has already issued a Proclamation ordering a forced
Loan, In order to arm and equip all the vessels of Spain against
Britain."

We have no doubt that the general substance of
this report is correct. What else was to be expected
when the remains of the House of BOURBON put itself
into the hands of the founder of the new dynasty ?

This intelligence clues not rest merely on the au-
thority of letters : there is a aTufeh-neWsPipei--in
town, which presents extracts from the Arcniteyr,
announcing the same fact. The Dutch Paper intro-
duces the article under the following head—a KRYG
mrr SPANIEN"-J" War with Spain." From this it
would appear that appreheMioni are entertained of
resistance on the part of the:spaniih Nobles and Peo-
ple, and that other means than_ the mere.conCeisionof
the former family will be -required to ratify thii:new
acquisition.

The Dutch Paper mentions a circumstance .which
seems to confirm this, but which we were interne
measure prepared to expect from fOrmer accounts--

that when the latest ktteis left Cadiz'appreheisiont
were entertained that 'the 'English fleet was prepa-
ring to enter the Bay, This intelligence, though
communicated with much caution, betrays at the
same time an apprehension that they would be re-
ceived as friends by the enemies of the new order of
things. In other words, they seem to have no hope
that the British fleet could be prevented from accom-
plishing its object.
_ _

In the act of abdication, the KING states this mea-
sure to have been rendered necessary by the conduct
of his son ; and the ominous wcirds are repeated which
we have heard before,. 66 Noni.but the. Emperor can
save the country !"•
Some of the letters received by the vessel which
brought the above accounts state, that a decree against
commerce, much more severe than any which. prece-
ded it, has just been issued by the Dutch Government.
This Decree, which bears date the 20th instant, ab-
solutely forbids the admission of any! vessel whatever
into the Dutch ports, including even those laden with
salt, which is an article of the first necessity to.the
Dutch. Nay, it goes farther, and orders that such
vessels in any of the Dutch ports as may not have
broken bulk, shall be immediately sent away. The
preamble to this Decree states its object to be the
complete enforcement of former Decrees, which had
been found ineffective as against Great Britain, while
any import whatever was permitted.

The Captain of another vessel, which arrived yes-
terday from Cadiz, which port he left on the 11th
inst. states, that the accounts we have hld relative to
the massacres, immediately produced by the late re-
volution at Madrid, aieeiieedingly exaggerated.--=
He mentions that not -more than 300. Spaniards and
about 100 French fell -upon the 2d of May. But he
adds, that MURAT had appointed a Military Commis-
sion for the trial of such of the " rebellious Spaniards,"
for so he calls them, as had resisted his force on the
2d. The progress'of this ComMissiOn appears to have
been eitremely rapid—for upon the 3d of May 130
of. the " Rebels" forfeited their lives by the ordinary
gleans of nulitiry execution.

It appears that the American Government have
granted Licenses to several vessek to come out, not-
withstanding the embargo. This we learn through
authentic sources, from -letters which were received
by the last packet.

On the 14th of March, the following Message was
sent to the Senate And House. of Rem:ennui/es of
the United States :
I have heretofore communicated to Congress the Decrees of the
Government of France of November 91, I.BOeN and of Spain of
February 19, 1807, with the Orders of the British Government Cl
January and November, 1807. . • •
I now transmit a Decree of the P.mperor of France of Decem-
ber 17, 180,, and a similar Decree of the .3d of Januar last, by
his Catholic Majesty. Although the Decree of France has not
been received by official communication, yet the different channels
of promulgation through which the public are possessed of it,with
the formal testimony furnished by the Government of Spain in
their Decree, leave us without a doubt that such an one has been
issued. These Decrees and Orders taken together, want little of
amounting to a Declaration that every Neutral Nation: found en
the high seas, whatsoever be her cargo, and whatsoever Foreign
port be that of her departure or destination, shall be deemed law-
ful prize ; and they prove more and more the expediency of de-
taining our vessels, our seamen and property within our own har-
bours until the dangers to which they are exposed can be removed
or lessened. (Signed) I'H. JEFFERSON.

March 17,1808.

NAUTICAL INTELLIGENCE.

CAPTURE OF A DUTCH FRIGATE.

Coax, MAY 25.—The VIRGINIE frigate, of 38 guns,
Captain Bitace, one of the ships cruizing on this sta-
tion, has captured, after an action of one hour and a
half, the Dutch frigate Guelderland, Captain Not,
of 36 guns and 257 men, and brought her into this
harbour. The circumstances of her capture are brief!),
these : On the evening of the 19th inst. in tat. 46,
long. 14. Captain BRACE fell in with the Guelderland
and chaced her, but slid not come up with her till gnu
at night. On coming -alongside, the Vmoixtr hailed
her, to ascertain what she was : the reply N%
Dutch frigate. It was then signified from the VIII.
GINIE, that she was an English frigate ; and the Guel.
Berland was required to strike : this, however, car
refused, with a remark, that she would soccer sink.
An action immediately commenced, and a broadside
from the VIRGINIE carried away her antagonist's. niast.si
She, however, continued the action, with the most oti.'
stinate gallantry, during the period stated, when, hay.
ing 25 men killed and 40 wounded, she struck. After
the ,:vnemy had struck, site was discovered to be on
fire, and her appearance•was then extremely alarming.
It was, however, subdued, with some difficulty; and
in die effort her crew contributed their exertions, most
'Mutably and efficiently. The Guelderland was last
from Bergen, and was bound to Batavia, with stores.
She had 23. passengers on board. The bravery and
skill of the enemy are handsomely acknowledged by
Captain BRACT, and both are sufficiently confirmed
by the resistance she made to a ship as ably comman.
ded, as finely manned, and in as high a state of dis
cipline, as any in his Majesty's service. The VIROINIE
has fully repaired her damages, and exhibits a strik.
ing contrast to her disabled adversary. The Viactrar
had one man killed and one wounded in the action,
and suffered severely in her sails and rigging. The
Dutch Captain PAOL is among the wounded of his
ship.

PORTSMOUTH, MAY sr.

Sailed his Majesty's brig Mums, with the follow-
ing vessels under convoy, viz. the Bellona, Tuom.
sox, for Madeira and Jamaica ; Bruce Grove, Captain
SA.trplyea.t.t with troops ; and the Favourite, Cum*,
for Afrfc-a.;—Wilia B. E.

• ' DEAL, MAY 30.
An' lied the TEOMPEUSE at*" from the gore;
Dispatch naval transport, 'tad Loyal Escape lighter,
from Deptford ; DESPERATE gun brig from a cruize
off Boulogne. Sailed the SPARRoWHAWK sloop on
cruize ea the coast of France ; Dispatch naval trans.
port, for Portsmouth ; DARING gun brig, with the
East-Indiamen and the rest of the outward-bound, for
Portsmouth.—Wind S.E.
LEITH, MAT 28.

Arrived in. Leith Roads on Thursday morning, the
PRINCE WILLIAM HENRY Custom-house cutter, with
a Danish privateer, of four guns and two swivels,
with 55 men. She was captured off Bergen, after an
action of seven hours. The privateer had one man
killed,-and two severely wounded. The above vessel
was formerly the Hope of Lerwick, belonging to this
port,.captured very lately. She was first discovered
off Peterhead, for which port she had the appearance
of. steering, and being sloop-rigged, did not create
suspicion to the PRINCE WILLIAM HENRY ; but, upon
seeing the cutter, she changed her course, upon which
Captain Dow's, who commanded the cutter, gave
chase, and succeeded in capturing her. The Danes
attempted to board, but were fimtrated. Their guns
were managed so dexterously, that the whole were
fought on one side. Sailed from the Roads the CLIO
sloop of war. The trade that sailed for Gottenburgh
arc put back, owing to contrary winds. Sunday a
sailor on a pleasure party in our Roads, by some ac-
cident fell overboard, and was drowned.
HARWICH, MAY 90.
ved this day live sail of transports with troops
from Guernsey and Jersey,
C start s t ND, MAT SO.—Passed by the Dispatch, ?st beer, from
PE.l.lkl( Iphia ; Littlewear, Crafton, and Camperdown, Leach,
from Malta ' • ambuscade, Duval, from Gibraltar ; Carl (a prize)
and the Caledonia, M'Master, from Cork.—tiailed the Puent,
Anderson, for ?arnica; Leipzeg, Crompton, for Quebec.; Per.
severance' Roberts, for Dublin; Bstsey, Blatt", and the sr•
patch, Smith, for H-I:goland.

Letters from New York of the 13th ultimo state,
that the Session of Congress was to close on the 25th
of April. The embargo was not expected to be raised
before that period, and it was not known whether a
discretionary power, for that purpcse, would be vested
in the President. It was reported at the departure of
the Packet, that Mr. JZFFERSON had finally resigned
the Presidency. The report of the starving inha.
bitants of Martinique having revolted, and solicited
the English to take possession of the Island, is repeated
in the American papers, with the addition that our
squadron had sent them a temporary supply of pro-
visions.

Letters from Halifax state, that the Expedition ar-
rived there from England, under convoy of the Pe-
NI LOPE and Barman, had suffered greatly at sea by
storm, but fortunately no vessel was lost. Very little
apprehensions were entertained of a war between Eng-
land and America.
Several attempts were made on the 22d of March,
to set 6re to the city of Charleston.
A letter from Philalelphia,•dated April 12, says,
“ Letters from Canada mention t/Wirrest of several
French spies, and the search after others. Aruericaa
emissaries in the mean time have succeeded to detach
several Indian tribes from the interest of Great Bri-
tain. I have seen some of their Chiefs treated and
caressed here as well as at Albany and New York.
6, The news has just been received of nine American
ships having been burnt by two French frigates, that
had carried troops to the West Indies. It has caused
a great sensation, not favourable to the Gallic Fac-
tion. No talk now of a war with England."
On the 18th of March, Mr. 1..101 EMIGRE, in the
House of Representatives, moved for a repeal of the
Embargo.—The House refused to take Mr. LEVER-
MORE'S Resolution into consideration, Yeas 24,
Nays 84.

STATE
lEL.kTIVE TO GREAT

1,..—A Note from Mr. Secret
mu, to Mr. Munroe the Ameri
Tioge ou which the attack had
woe, disavowing the act itsei
tie reparation should be made.
-cal Berkeley was recalled
sbolotion bad not reached Lon
e from Mr. Munro
owing bins that he had tran
overawe*
01„....Nbte from Mr. Cannir
bosun him that he bad just
AO copy of the President's
we! possible Chit this rigoroi
against the British natio:
sofrom the British Cablne
! joy did or did not disavow th
.;.--It wit not till the 7th
pas
Ago was able to inform Mt
omens from his Governme
bay's attention to the :
polotter he informed Mr. I
him to blend with this
• ent of American se
pit his Government cap
iflogrnent of both these ca
Lary arrangement respect
factlaaty, to heal the wou:
Milted States.
V.—Note from Mr. Ca-rii
p which he again renewed hi
issi, and assigned for a rca
sat of that transaction was as
o fst as the Government of :
petition into their own hand:
laths ha the first instance,
would be entitled take those
Otimate of the amount of r( ;
Ike former disavowal, and tt
bike a prompt and vaitable
spd regret at any attempt to
Ind without any tesemblanc
cseseillerdefirst cppatimmit,
lirL ote from Mr. Met
Arming bins that his instti
was entirely out of hia powt
poke as a distinct topic ; I
lisinary concession on the c
mix with this affair, that t
okra merchant vessels for
lotion, Mr. Muni o made
720 the ',trident Una Ileti.l
ii"filetialltlYihi —Note:"Picatjwe
Majesty,
1f
fromi her
r I
orderMa
I°l-1 it;
swim
:C'''ri :an
Roder any attempts to ad
4eould, as further evidence
*nimbly and honourAly, s
he the express purpose of t
eteclulion.
'VlM—Letter from Mr. 1
1108, and announcing that
kr: adjusting the affsie of th
Radon of the President,. of
•11—Note kom Mr. Ms
t ting into the details of :
;tipsntr since eummer 180.1, i
asmation of the President s
MOD, reparation should be 2
it. The American Govern;
efb el lea
15
w. United°thenroonfgs Swta!icrsh7 c pal arrtisettl'ldlit:
X.—Letter from Mr. It

Sut......Bein deeply
blajesty's anxiety, th:
those views of justice
conduct has been reg,
unfortunate transactic
have arisen ; and of f
would learn the fru str:
poses ; I have felt it
ceipt of the I.tter, wh
dress to me on the ss'
matter the most am.
It is with the most p
find...myself on the
d'tfeclinini to /miter
which by direction.;
litotes, you therein,
' competent, in the pi
those instructions v
the 26th January las
*seeding to the coi
add, that I am absc
Non matters uncom
am authorised to di!
any pledge con cernir
moreover, leads to t
elamation of the PTI
2d of July, 1807, is
for reparation for ti•
to Make it. It is v;
Mel myself under
lin unable to act
it becomes my dut)
my instructions, tl
stated in my forme
my mission is term
vernment in provid
not conceive that
meats respecting tl
kn own to this Gov
tions pending or u
tions, could justif
ment of the Presid
no discretion in th
I detailed, though
?nand on the part
much concern leas'
Government of th
stain from an exp.:
have no further e!
not deem it cssent
any misapprehensi
I shall therefore t;
• which has given r
more correctly to
ttples upon which
Certain desert(
of them his Nlaje:
',entered into the
repeatedly and f
officers of the rec.
but were retained
matter of notoi
v:ere on board
A zesapeake, the)
the high seas by
knetvledge of th
.tic was attacked
native Englislim;
being deterred b

cuntitances host
tkeuz,,h they and

SPATE PAPERS, ! hct of the British Ater, his Majesty's Government which Great Britain is in amity, b an pereons hold-
eyeetetve To GREAT BRITAIN AND AMI,IIC,L, directed that a positive disavowal of the right of ing authority finder his Majesty's .t ;from
] search asserted in this case, and of the act of the the disavowal of the pretention of the right of searchr 1
isee Note from Mr. Secrelary Canning, dated the 2d of An- British officer as being unauthorized, and a promise of national shiPs ; and frotii the further assitrance of
es, toldr..Monroe the American Minister disclaiming_ the prea of repatation should be conveyed to the American that disavowals given in his Majesty's Proclemation
eon which the attack had been made Upon the Chesapeake Minister in London, before he had made any re- of the 16th of October last. Neither under these
disavowing the act itself, accompanied with an assurance
sentation by order of the United States.
see, .
mention should be made—and as an evidence of sincerity, concurrent eireunistances can the plea of necessity be
traj Berkeley was recalled. At this time the President's pro- This disavowal; made on the 2d of August last, maintained ; and if such a proceeding has not the
~atP."--• had not reached London. was transmitted by him to his Governmeat, before the plea of necessity, it assumes die character of aggres-
s..Note from Mr. Munro to Mr. Canning, dated August 6, 6th of
that month ; but before Mr. Munro had re- sion. If these concurrent securities against such an
hint that he had transmitted the above document to his
ceived his orders to demand reparation, his Majesty' apprehension have any value, the necessity no longer
60e13M11210.4,,ibte.from Mr. Canning td Mr. Munro, dated .August 8, learnt, with what surprise it is needless to well exists ;if they are of no value, negociation cannot be
tiloin him that he ha d u.st received from Mr. inquired
if
upon, that the President of the United States had in. attempted, as the basis tipon which it yews, the mu-
Jee sop of tee President's Proclamation, andif it terdicted by his proclamation, bearing date the 2d tual confidence of the two parties, W•Rild trl wholly
of possible that this rtgorous measure. was to be carried into Jul.- •
a lys 1807, the entry of all their ports to the whole of wanting.
against the British nation, without first asking for an explae
from the British Cabinet, end ascertaining whether his Ma. his navy. This surprise was certainly increased, when From the moment after the unfortunate affair of
eldid or did not disavow the act of his officers. in the letter delivered by that Minister, to require re- the Chesapeake, that his Majesty's Naval Cuinmanders
rkwit was not till the 7th of the following month that Mr. dress for the wrong, although it went into details un- in these waters had ascertained that they were safe
go„,, was able to inform Mr. Canning that he bad received in- .
connected with it, not only no concern was expressed front the effervescence of that popular fury, under
rodeo from his Government to make a formal request of the
on the part of the Unied States, at having felt them- which the most glaring outrages were committed,
*ivy's attention to the affair. of the Chesapeake. In the
and by which they were very naturally led to the
ottener he informed Mr. Cannmg, that his instructions corn- selves compelled to tut ca measures of so much injury
ogee to blend with
. this affair the old dispute respecting the and indignity towards a friendly power, but no men- supposition that they were objects of particular hosti-
ent of American seamen from our Merchant vessels ; lion was made of the causes of such measures being lily, and that a state of war against them, requiring
rat his Government expected nothing less than a complete
sfrotent of bat% these cases at once-declaring that a satin- resorted to or even of the fact of their having been precautions on their part, had commenced, no conduct
wet arrangement respecting the seamen was indispensably adopted. or
addition to the embarrassment arising has been imputed to them, which could vindicate
wears, to heal the wound inflicted on the honour of the II from these circumstances, and the insufficiency of the the necessity of maintaining in force the President's
see sw.es. 1 explanations subsequently given to Mr. Canning, the Proclamation. Since that time such of those officers
y,—Nore from Mr. Caging to Mr. Munro, dated Sept. 23,
introduction of a subject foreign to that- of the com- as have been necessitated by the circumstances of the
:were he again renewed his inquiries respecting the Proclaim-
0, u,l assigned for a reason, that as the only question arising plaint, became the main impediment to the success of war to remain in these waters, have held no commu-
Ages transaction was as to the amount of reparation due, in the discussions which took place in London. When I nication with the shore, except in an instance too tri-
vte sese Government of the United States bad taken that re- I had the honour to open the negociation with you, Sir, Qing to dwell upon, and instantly disavowed by the
etheir own hands, by rewirting to measures of rota- jets as I had learnt, that the President's proclamation was commanding officer ; and they have acquiesced quiet-
ists., is the first instance, in so far the British Government I
yam be raided take those measures into consideration in tees I still in force, it became my duty, conformably to my ly in various privations, highly prejudicial to the ser-
e/emu of the amount of ri -.oration die. Mr. Canning repeated instructions, to require its recall, as a preliminary to vice they were upon, and in consequence of an inter-
et former disavowal, and the former assurance of readiness to further discussion ; had it not been in force, I was diet, which had they been regardless of their duties
Joke a prompt and suitable satisfaction ; expressing both surprise
not ordered to have taken it into consideration in the towards a State in amity with their Sovereign, and
serene at any attempt to blend two questions entirely distinct
1,,j witheet any' tesernblance to each other.--4TAia excellent Note adjustment cf reparation ; and it was considered as had they not carefully repressed the feelings its tone
we eilVe thefirst cfrisariunity.) hardly possible, that it should not have been recalled, and language had a direct tendency to provoke in
vie_ 'otefrom Mr. Mui.ro to Mr. Canning, dated Sept. 29,
immediately upon the knowledge of his Majesty's disc- them, would have rather created than have averted
seeming him that his instructions were peremptory, and that it. vowel of the attack upon the Chesapeake, as an un- the evils it was stated to be intended to prevent; were
ito entirely out of his power to treat of the affair of the Cheia-
apthorized act. But his Majesty could not suffer the they regarded of those duties, it was unnecessary.
cake as a distinct topic ; but that he must first obtain as a pre-
binary concestion on the part of Great Britain, her consent tol negotiation to be carried on, on his behalf, under an Had they felt themselves obliged completely to era-
ses with this affair, that concerning the right she claimed to interdict, which, even if justifiable in the first moment cuate the waters of the United States, especialle whilst
lurch merchant vessels for English deserters. As to the Procla- of irritation, cannot be continued after the declaration an enemy's squadron was harboured in them. they
motion, Isle. Muni° made the following material concession—
Majesty's sentiments upon the transaction, ex- could have done it ; but under the admission of hos-
The the President did net brli.me that Me Brit.'M Government lead a:.en- f his
r,..hhe,,,,d,a of ha- Officers, and Mat Me Fre:lama:ion vvae intended cept in a spirit of hostility. tile compulsion, and under such compulsion carried
fly fa preen: order scat in the isri.sd :lion cit.& United:States. It might have been fairly contended, that in the into full effect, his Majesty could not have dissem-
1/11.—Nee from Mr. Canning to Mr. Munro, informing him •
first instance, the exercise cf such an act of power, bled the extent cf the injury received.
hat his Majesty, finding Mr.. MUIIIFO.4 powers so litelied es to ,
before reparation was refused or unduly protracted, In the several cases adduced, in which Great Bri-
iender any attempts to adjust the affair en Lendon,.hopeless,
*add, as further evidence of his disposition tb terminate it both was incompatible with the pureoses and essence of taro reouired certain preliminaries, previously to en-
/feebly and honoue_bly, seid a Minister to. the.tTnited States; pacific negociation, and with a demand of redress tering into nec-ociation, she regulated her conduct
seee express purpose of bringing this unfortntmod business to a through that channel ; but such have been his Ma- by the same principles to which she now adheres,
woo,
.jesty's conciliatory views, that this argument has not and refused, whilst no hostility was exhibited on her
Vlll.—Letter from Mr. Rose to Mr:Maddison, dated/an. 2c.),
!MS, and anlouncing that he cannot enter upon inty.:Beeociatien ' been insisted on, altlieugh it might now be the more part, to treat with powers whose proceedings denoted
for adjusting the atiltr• of the Chesapeake, as long as the Procla; fottibly urged, as it appears that the Government of it towards her, and who maintained their right in
maim of the President,. bf ,the 24,3u1y, t Fa:, en.hti be in force. the ifeifeel States was, from the first, sensible, that what they had assumed.
'M.—Note fie:m.lor. Madcfiion to Mr Rose,ditted sth March,
p. even had hostijity been meditated by the British Go- ' From the consideretions thus offered, I trust that
teeing into the details of the conduct adopted towards Ameritan
Oki since summer 1804, in order to skew that before tine Pro- vernment, it would not have commenced it in such neither the order of reason or that of usage are in con-
of the President should become a subject of considera- a manner. But the exception taken is to the enforce- tradict ion to the demand I have urged, nor em I
ion, !venation should be made for the aurmision that preceded ment, continued up to the present time, of measures aware how the order of time opposes the revocation in
I. The American Government demand, that previous to a din- hi el
in
egniy unfriendly their tendency, persisted in, the first instance, of that act, which affects injuriously
seer: of the Proclamation due satisfaction should be made to
de United States, and that the satisfaction ought to extend to all not only after the disavowal in question, the promise one of the parties, and is still avowed by the other.
the wrongs which precedes! and produced that act. of the proffer of suitable reparation, and the nneweci The subject is thus preseateel to you, Sir, in the
X.—Letter from Mr. Rose to Mr. Maidlson, dated assurances of his Majesty's
eti am:cable dispositions, but, light in which it was natural that it should offer it-
. Washington, March 17, 1808. after security has given in a public instru- self to his Majesty's Government. It certainly con-1
Stn—Being deeply impressed With the sense of hi, meat, bearing date the 16th of October, 1807, that ceived the President's Proclamation to rest chiefly I
Majesty's anxiety, that full effect should be given to the claim to theseizure of deserters from the naeonel and most materially upon the attaek made upon the
those views of justice and moderation, by which his ships of other powers, cannot again be brought for- frigate of the United States, the Chesapeake,. by his
conduct has been regulated through the whole of the ward by his Majesty's Naval Officers. it isunnecessary Majesty's ship Leopard, although other topics werell
hare =fortunate transaction whence the present differences to dwell upon the injury and indignity to which his addneed as accetsaries. In thit apprehension it may
I
hare arisen ; and of the disappointment with which he Majesty's service is exposed, both as touching the free- be held to have been sufficiently warranted by the ,
I
*Dale= the frustration Of his just and equitable pur- dem and security of correspondence of his Agents, and precise time at which, and tile circumstances under li
poses; I have felt it incumbent upon me, on the re- accredited Ministers in the United States, or as re which it was issued, and by its whole context ; and
ceipt of the letter, which you did me the honour to ad- suiting from a measure, which, in time of war, ex- the more so, as the impulse under which it was drawn
ereato me on the sth instant, to apply anew to this eludes die whole of his navy from all their ports, which up, appears to have been so sudden, as to have Iprematter1pre-
matter the most ample and serious consideration.— ports are re eapletele open to the fleets of his ene- , eluded a due enaniination of all the grounds of elle-
It is with the most painful sensations of regret, that mies. It will be sufficient to observe, that even where gation contained in it ; and here I beg leave to assure
1 fredenyself on the result cf it, under the necessity exemptions from it are granted, they are made subject you, that with respect to the spirit and tone of that
efflecliniaito enter into the terms of negociation, to such conditions, that of the three last British ships instrument, it would be highly satisfactory to• rac, if
srhich by dieectioneof• the President of the United of war which have entered these ports upon public I could feel myself justified in expressing, on the part
States, you thereine offer. . .I do not feel myself business, two] of them, his Majesty's ship Statira, hay- of his Majesty, any degree of coincidence with the
competent, in the preSenelnepasce, to depart from ing on limed a Minister sent out for the adjustment of opinions you have announced; or when thus appealed
those instructions which I" staled in my letter of the present differences, and a schooner bearing dis- to, and making every allowance for the irritation of
the 26th January last, andewhicir'eretelude me from patches, in consequence of their inability to procures the moment, J could dissemble the extreme surprize
2n:ceding to the condition tbus-roposea• I should pilots, were obliged to enter these waters with- experienced by Cleat Britain, thet the Government
add, that lam absolutely prolnbited,ffofn entetelig out such assistance, arch were exposed to consider- of a friendly nation, even before an amicable demand
epee matters unconnected with the specific, Object I able danger. Great Britain, by the forms este- of reparation was made, and yet meaning to make
in authorised to discuss, much less can • I thus give blished, could repair the wrongs committed, even that demand, should have issued an edict directing
\
antpledgeconcerning them. Thocondition suggested, to the satisfaction of the United States, no other- measures of injury very disproportionate to what it
moreover,leads to the direct inference, that the. Pro- wise than by the channel of negociation ; yet she knew was an unauthorized offence, and both in its
daslation of the President of the United States of the avowed distinctly that a wrong was committed, and terms and in its purport so injurious to the Govern-
2ofJuly, 1307, is maintained either as an equivalent 1
that she was ready to make reparation for it : it can- silent to which that demand was to-'oe addressed, and
fie reparation for the time being, or as a compulsion I not therefore be contended, that the unavoidable de- tending to call forth in both nations the feelings under
to make it. It is with the mere profound regret, that eeey of actual reparation subjected her to the impute- which a friendly adjustment would be the most diffi.
I feel myself under the necessity of declaring, that I don of persisting in an aggression which was disclaim- cult. But if, as I learn from you, Sir, the proclama-
sto unable to act upon the terms thus proposed ; as ed from the first ; nor if this is true, however much i lion rests silbstantially on other causes, it is then pe-
it becomes my duty to inform you, in conformity to she will !egret any impediment in the adjustment al culiarly to be regretted, that, together with the de-
By instructions, that on the rejection of the demand a difference in which the feelings of this nation are so ', mend for redress made in Septernlserlast, the Govern_
wee in my former letter, on the part of his Majesty, materially interested, can she consistently with a due; ment of the United States did not think fit to offer a
ey mission is terminated.. And as his Majesty's Go- care of her own honour and interests, allow it to be i notification or an explanation of so momentous a
velment in providing me with those instructions, did concluded on her part under an adherence to a on-
ii measure, or to declare that its recall must be more
tot conceive that after the declaration of his senti-• duct which has a decided character of enmity in the or less connected with the adja!atment of other ailed-
scents respecting the affair of the Chun/oche was made proceedings held towards her by the other party. I ged wrongs. Neither did it dank it necessary to re-
,
Ininwn to this Government, the state of an e transac- I know not In what view the perseverance in the 1 turns any answer to the remonstrance given in by his
tions pending or unterminated between the two Na- President's Proclamation up to this moment, can be Majesty's envoy at Washington, on the 13th July,
!ions, could justify the perseverance in the enforce- considered, but in that of a measure of retaliation, 1807, in which he represented, " that he
merit of the President's Proclamation. I can exercise or of self assumed reparation, or a measure intended that interdiction to be so unfriendly in its object, and
110 discretion in this print. As on a former occasion to compel reparation, unless it be that which, if I so injurious in its consequences to his Majesty's inte-
I detailed, though sueeinctly, the motives for that de- rightly understand, you define it to be, a measure of rests, that lie could not !drain from expressing the
mead on the part of his Majesty, which I with so I
precaution. most sincere regret that it ever should have been is-
much concern learn to he deemed inadmissible by the If, when a wrong is committed, retaliation is in- ! siisd, and most earnestly deprecating its being en-
Government of the United States, I should here ab- stantly resorted to by the injured party, the door to forced."
stain from an exposition of them, which visibly can I'pacific adjustment is closed, and the means of conci-1 It could not be supposed that e circumstance of
have no further effecton the negotiation, if I did Ration are precluded. The right to demand repara- so great weight could be overlooked by his Majesty's
not deem it essential that they should not be left under • don is incompatible with the assumption of it. When Government, in determining the line of conduct to be
any misanprehension which I might be able to remove. parties are in a state of mutual hostility, they are so held in The negociation : and as little could it "be ex.
I shalt therteere take a short review of the transaction far on a footiag, and as such they may treat ; but a petted to pass it over, wheti on the failure of the dis-
ehice has given rise to these discussions, in order the party disclaiming every unfriendly intention, and cussion with Mr.Munro,it directed a special mission to
more correctly to determine the soundness of the mere giving unequivocal proofs of an amicable disposition, ' b. e sent. to the United States. It had the less reason to ,
siples upon which the demand is made. cannot be expected to treat with another, whose con- imagine that any other grievances could be connected,
of
deserters from his Majesty's navy, nia' ny duct towards it has the direct effects of actual hosti- withthat, forthe adjustmenelef which lam empowered
ci them his Maje-ty's natural born subjects, having . lity. If then, the enforcement of the President's pro- to. negotiate, as Mr.. Munro, in his letter to. Mr. Can
entered into the service of the United States, were . clarnation up to the present moment, is a measure of rung of the 12th of July last, had stated with respect
rtecatedly and frui ' w demanded by the .gritish self-assumed reparat.ten, it is directly repugnant
.. to the to other subjects of reolonstrance, that it was impro-
nese
oEstrs of ihe recraitieg ri. fficers of the United States, '. spirit and fact of amicable ne.geciations ; if it is a niea.., per to mingle them with the
. present more serious
but ‘ecre retained in their new service. As it was a sure to compel reparat ion, it is equally
.so ; and by the cause of complaint, an opinion to which -Mr. Can- I
mattcr of nstoriety, that several of these deserters perseverance in it, Great Britain is disp=osed with the ning declared his perfect assent in his letter to
'em en le are the frigate of the United States the duty of proffering redress. But if it is a measure of that Minister. o!the2d of the subsequent month ;so
k - 's:iist-lke, 7-1.,?y were demanded of that frigate on precaution in order to secure reparation, or in order to that this act vas left as single and distinct, to be
*rt f:i,:n .E.,i:s by his majesty's ship Leopard, and all compel it, it falls under the objections I havejust stated. singly and distinctly considered. His Majesty's Go-
ceeeelstless of their presence on board being denied, . If it is a precaution adopted as a guard against acts of vernment, therefore, could not, consistently with any I
ee.was attacked, and four of them, one avteeedly a violence apple:tended on the pbeart of his Majesty's Na- view of the subject then before it, or, indeed, with the
native Felseisernan, were taken out of her. • Withoist s-al Officers, it surely cannot .
.considered as being as just object of my mission, direct or empower me to
from die renewed enter upon matters not connected with that of the'
eee..- deterred by the consideration of how far car-' effect tutl a security as that arising
sue:stances l'astlle in their nature had
provoked, assurances of his l'elajesty's. friendly diseysitio.n, which Chess's:sake : and they could with the less propriety
.'''''oll !1.-eV undoubtedly by no means justified this imply a due observance of the rights of nations, with da it, as in order to render the adjustment of diffe-

resifts of such a hatiwt, the me T easy and the mire
consnicpous, the Min'sters. c urged especially with
stiCli offices, havt been, with feweif 'any .exceptions,
restricted to the precise ;Glair to be negotiated. Whit
isespeet therefore to those other causes of complaint,
Upon which i;du informed me that she President's
proelamitiou rests, I cannot be furnished with docu-
ments enabling me either to admit or to amtrovert
those statements cf grievance, forezn to the attack
upon that ship, contained in your letter, or atithoriscd
to discuss the matters themselves. I shall therefore
not allow myself to offer such comments as my per-
sonal knowledge of some ot these transactions suggests
to me, although their tendency wool l meterially at-
feet both the marked manner in which those transac-
tions. are pout-a-eyed, and the disadvantageous light
in which his Majesty's Government is represented to
have acted respecting them. I am, moreover, led to
the persuasiod, that my Government will be the more
easily able to rescue itself front inculpation, bf the in-
ference arising feoth passages in Mr. Munro's letters to
Mr. Secretary Canning, of the 29th of Sept ember last,
that the differences unhappily existing between the
two nations were in a train oCadjustment.
If his Majesty has not pernitted me to enter into
the discussion of the search of hentral merchant ships
for British seamen, together with the adiuttmesit of
the amount of reparation for the attack upon the Che-
sapeake, it was nowise with a view of precluding the
further agitation of that question at a suitable time ;
but it was that the negociation might be relieved from
the embarrassment arising from the connection of the
present matter with one so foreign to it, and, as it
was but too well known, so difficult to be adjusted—
of a right distinctly disclaimed, with one which GI eat
Britain has at all times asserted, of enforcing her
claim to the
.services of her naterel born subjects,
when found on board merchant vessels of other na-
dons ; a claim which she founds on that principle of
universal law, which gives to the state the right of re-
quiring the aid and assistance of her native citizens.
The recurrence therefore to that course of negocia-
tion, which had been originally settled between Mr.
Secretary Canning and Mr. Munro, and which had
been alone broke us upon by the orders subsequently
received by that Minister, can cr.ly be considered as a
resumption of that course of things which Great Bri-
tain strenuously conteeded there was no grouid to
depart from. I may observe, that this purpose might
have been effected without the intervention of a Spe-
cial Minister.
It will be in your recollection, Sir, that in our fret
interview I stated the condition, which makes the sub-
ject of the present letter, before I wee info' med by you,
that the President of the United Otates would con-
sent to the separation of the two subjects.
I had trueted that the exposition, which I added in
my letter of the 26th of January to the verbal expla-
nation I had before offered, of the grounds of his
Majesty's demand, was both in its purport, and in
the terms in which it was couched, such as to prevent
a suspicion that they were in their intention deroga-
tory to the honour, or calculated to wound the just
sensibility of this nation. I may add, that such a
supposition could not be reconciled with the various
ostensible and unequivocal demonstrations of his Ma-
jesty's good faith and anxiety, that this transaction
should be brought to an amicable termination, which
were exhibited even prior to any remonstrances on the
pert, or by order of this Government. The other
topics which I felt myself authorised to advance in
that letter, in illustration of that amicable disposition
on the part of the King, were brought forv.ard from
the conviction I entertained, that they must be of a
nature to be satisfactory to this Government, aed
therefore such as it was particularly my duty to en-
force,
but not with a view to rest upon them the right
to advance the claim which I have stated.
I may here remark, it is obvious that far from re-
quiring that the first steps towards an arrangement if
reparation should be taken by the United States, Great
Britain has already made them openly and distinctly:
they are indubitable testimonies to the respect borne
and decidedly marked by Great Britain, to the tics
of amity subsisting between the two nations, and of
her cordial desire to maintain them unimpaired ; and
as such alone they were urged.
As his Majesty would have derived sincere satis-
faction from the evidence of corresponding f 'clings
on the part of the United States, so it would be the
more painful to me to dwell upon a series of insults
and menaces, which, without any provocatio or
warlike preparation on the part of Great Br' tein,
have been for months accumulated upon her through
the United States, and but too frequently from quar-
ters whose authority necessarily and powerfully com-
manded attention.
I ought, perhaps, to apologize for adverting to an
incidental expression in your letter, if I did not etink
it right to remove any ambiguity respecting the na-
ture of the claim which Great Britain maintains to her
seamen, native citizens of the realm, who have de-
serted from her service to that of other Powers ; it is,
that on demand they shall be discharged forthwith,
and consequently they. shall instantly be freed from
their newly contracted obligations.
Before I close this letter, allow me to state to you,
Sir, that I have felt it my duty to transmit to his Ma-
jesty's Governeitent the exposition contained in your
letter of the sth instant, of the various demands on
the honour and faith of Great Britain, on which the
complaint is made, that satisfaction has not been af-
forded to the United States, and on which, conjointly
with the affair of the Chesapeake, you inform me that
the Proclamation of the President of the United States
of the 2d of July,• 1807, is founded. It will be fa,
his Majesty's Government to determine, on the part
of Great Britain, whether any and what obligations
remain to be fulfilled by her—whether any denial, or
such protraction of redress have occurred on her part,
as to render necessary or justifiable the perseverance •
in an edict, which, when not necessary or -justifiable,
assumes a character of aggression—and whether, int
the result of these considerations, the present negoci-
ation can be resumed on the part Of Ms Majesty, with
a due regard for his own honour, or with a prospect
of a more successful termination. I have the hones.'
I to be, with the highest consideration, Sir,
Your obedient and most humble servant,
(Signed) a. Is. 11,!5.E.
Xl.—Letter from Mr. Erskine to Mr. Maddiscit, -
htuary R 3, transmitting the Ordm• In Council. TIA p-i,
maintained in this letter, rxi tee language in which it i, A
are the same as those which our Peade,s may remember
read in Lord liowicis abswer to Mr. Pis., a d his disizee!As
to Mr. Erskine at the time of the jinni gof Order in Couz..:i!
of the 7th of January.