Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1805-05-25
NEGOTIATION FOR LOUISIANA


THE public have right to know the
history Of their great public events. Much
has been said concerning the extent OF
MIR. Livingston's inrtruetions 10 negoci.
ate Tor that important and extensive pro.
vince; and many spcculations have been
published as 10 the respective merits OF
that gentleman, and of Mr.. Monroe his
colleague, in efFecting the treaty. The
business being now happily completed,
and adjusted to the satisfaction Of Spain,
France, the United States, and The inha-
b,an,s of the coded country themselves,
there seems to be peculiar satisfaction in
taking minute review of this great trans.
action. With this intention we publish
an account of the beginning and progress
lat the treaty, until the conclusion on the
S0th April, 1903. The faels are said 10
have been written from Paris TO DIR. Nit
chel by gentleman of the first credible
u and information there: and are sub
stantislIy the same which were circulated
at Washington while the treaty and con-
yention for Louisiana were under. consi.
deration by the Senate and Congress.
They shew the bold and decided conduct
OF Mr.. Livingston. and give fair view oil
ms talents az negociator, as well as oi
the share he had and the part he aeled in
the acquisition of louisiana. - er. -5dp.
Mr.. L. had long foreseen that the pos
session of the cas-, bank Of the Mississip.
pi. 10 which a,one the views of our govern
ment extended, would be insufficient to
insure oar tranquility, if an active, pow
eriuL and enlightened people occupied
the west bank, particularly that beautiful
country that lies above the river Arkansas.
opposite to our western settlements. He
therefore, (though without powers) first
cndeavored to satisfy the people in power
at Paris, that the establishment would be
OF no use to them; and that if they pos
sessed LouisiaDa,it was proper 10 give US
all the country above the Arkansas, in or
der to interpose us between them and Ca
nada.--He got his reflections on this sub
Ject submitted to the first consul, thro' the
brother OF the latter; and, notwithstard.
ing his violent attachment to it, procured
an assurance from him that some arrange
ment should he made satisfactory to US
on this subject, and that IL should be done
in America by General Bernadotte.
In March Mr.. l.. ventured upon what
was there considered as bold and hazard.
Gus measure in dirc9 & forcible address
TO the first consul presented on the sub
Jeet OF our claims; upon which having re-
ceived from him hosifipe assurance that
they should be fully and promptly paid.
Mr.. l.. began TO look forward TO this as a
means OF accomplishing bis other objeet
because he felt an assurance that the FIRST
consul could not 90 back from his perso-
nal promise nor, in case OF war, which
began 10 be probable, could he find any
other means Of discharging il.
The spirited condaa Of our nation in
the affair Of New Orleans was also of use,
and so strongly pressed by MIR. l.. that
the French minister called upon him for
some proposition relative to that country.
Though wholly without powers, he ven
tured on the 18th March 10 make them
explicitly Tor the east side Of the river. and
all above the Arkansas, on the west; he
received verbal assurance few DAYS af-
ter, that the next day should bring him
full and satisfactory answer and he doubt
ed moi that such was prepared when, I'M
fortunately, letters from Mr.. Pichon were
received, 4" and that all was quiet" This
determined them 20 wait 10 see whether
the war would pass over, and whether a
better bargain could not be made. But as
our minister continued 10 press the exc
cution Of their promise for the debt. and