The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1807-02-24

Ceyion and the. empire of Myfore. England
might join that ofthe Cape of Good Hope.
But all our efforts mum fail, when the coun-
ellis of our enemies have ceafed to be animated
by the noble ambition of concilia,inE the good
OF the world with the prefeut PROPERTY OF
their country, and the prefent with the lattng
PROPERTY of their country. And no profperi-
extravagant and unjuft policy, which would
defpoi Gxty millions of inhabitants, their rich
and brave neghbors, of all commerce and of all
| navigation.
Immediately after the death Of the firf minif
ter OF England, it was eafy for MS TO perceive,
that the continuation of negotiations had no
other object than to cover the plans OF
this fourth coalition, deftroyed in its birth. In
ehis new 6tuation, we have adopted as the in
variable rule of our conduct, determination
not to evacuate either Berlin or Warfaw, or the
provinces which the force of arms has thrown
into our hands before general peace fhall be
concluded, before the Spaniih, Dutch and
French colonies fhal be reftored, before the
foundations of the Ottoman power fha!l be fix
ed, and the abfo1ute independence of this vaft
empire, the 6rft nterefs of our people, irrevo-
caby confecrated.
We have put the Britifh lies in fate oil
blockade, and we have ordered meafures to be
taken againe them, which are.repugnant to our
feelings.
This meafure has compelled us to facri6ce
the interefts of individuals to the quarrels OF
kings; and after 70 many years of civilization,
to adopt principles, which characterized the
barbarity of the hrft ages. But we have been
conftrained, for the good of our peop!s and
our allies, to oppofe the common enemy with
the fame arms which it ufed againlt US. Thefe
determinations, commanded by juit fentiment
ofreciprocity, have not been infpired either by
PATTON or by hatred. Thefe offers which we
made, after the dcltrueton of three coalitions
which 70 greatly contributed to the glory of our
people, we again make, now that our arms
have obtained new triumphs. We are ready TO
make peace with England, with Ruflia and
with Pruflia. But it can be concluded only on
BATS, which will prevent any one whatever
from arrogatng any right of supremacy in re-
gard to us, which will reftore colonies to the
mother country, and which will guarantee to
Our commerce and to our induary the profperi.
ty to which they ought to attain.
And if thefe difpo6tions fhould retard the
Establishment of general peace, however fhort
may be the delay, it will appear long to our
heart. But we are certain that our people will
appreciate the nifdom of our political motives
they will think with US that partial peace is
nothing more than truce, which would make
us lOfe all our acquired advantages, and give
q
in general peace that France can find happi-
nefs.
We are at crifs, important to the deainy
of nations and the people of France will fhow
themfelves worthy of that deftny which awaits
them. The SenatuJ Cor.jialta5, which we have
laid before you, & which willplace at your dipo-
ition. on the hrft days of the year, the conicrp-
ton of 1907, which in ordinary circumstances
ought not to have been raifed till the month OF
September, will be executed with alacrity by
fathers as well as by children. In what more
propitious moment could we call our youth to
arms ? In order to join their fandards, they
will have to pats through the capitals OF oar e
nemies and fields of battle, ennobled by the vic
tories Of their elder brethren.
Given at Berlin the elf of November, 500
(Sgned)
NAPOLEON.
BY the Emperor.
The miElter fecretary of fate.
(Signed)
H B. MARET.