Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-04-01


the late transaction between the Leopard
and the Chesapeake; which till the re-
ceipt of your letter, imagine to be the on
ly question actually in discussion between
us, and in consideration of the delicacy and
pressing importance of which, we had, BY
common consent, waved the consideration
of all other matters pending between our two
governments.
Into the discussion of this question am
prepared TO enter with what disposition,
on the part of his majesty's government, to
consult the feelings and the honor of the
government ofthe U. States, it isnot neces-
sary for me here TO declare-for you have
yourself done justice TO the sincerity of that
disposition.
The difficulties in the way of such adj
justment are already smoothed, by the
disavowal, voluntarily offered, at the very
outest of the discussion, of the general and
unqualified pretenson to search ships of
war for deserters There remained ONLY
tn ascertain the facts of the particular.
Case, aud to proportion the reparaticn to
the wrong.
Is the British government not to under
stand, that you, sir, are not authorised to
enter into this question Sc parately and dis
tmctly without having obtained, rs pre-
hm'nary concession, the consent of this coun-
try 20 enter into discussion with respect to
the practice of searching merchant vessels
for deserters9
Whether any arrangement can be devils
ed, by Which this practice may admit Of
Modification, without prejudice to the es-
sential rights and interests OF Great Britain,
is question, which as | have already SAID,
the British government may, at a proper
season, be ready to entertain but, whe-
ther the consent of Great Britain TO the
entering into such discussion shall be ex-
ertcd as the price Of an amicable adjust
mens, as the condition OIL being admitted to
make honorable PREPARATION for an injury,
IS question of quite different sort, and
one whice can be Answered no otherwise
than by an unqualified refusal.
Earnestly recommend 10 you, therefore, to
consider whether the instructions which YOU
have received from vour government, may not
leave YOU at liberty to come to an adjustment
ofthe case ofthe Leopard and tic Chesapeake,
independently of the other question, with
which it appears to have been unnecessarily
connected.
If your tons leave YOU no discretion,
cannot press you TO act in contradiction to
them. In that there can be no advsnt age
IN pursuing discussion which YOU are not au .
thorisedto conclude and shall have only to
regret that the disposition of his majesty TO
terminate that difference amicably and salts
faotorily, is for the present rendered unavail-
ing.
In that case, his majesty in pursuance of the
disposition OF which lac has given such signal
proofs, viii lose no time in sending minister
TO America, furnished with the necessary in.
structions and powers for bringing this unfortu-
nate dispute TO 4 conclusion, consistent with
the harmony subsisting between Great Britain
and the United States But, in order to avoid
the inconvenience which has arisen, from the
MKT nature Of your instructions, that minister
will not be empowered to entertain, as connect
ed with this subject, any proposition respect
ing the search Of merchant vessels.
II will, however, be far more satisfactory to
his msicsty to learn. that upon reconsideration,
you think Yourself authorised to separate the
two questions.
hone you will allow me tn express, at the
same time, the sincere pleasure which should
feel in having to treat with you, sir personally,
Tor the establishment of good understand.
ing between our two count. les
have the honor TO be, &c.
(Sisned) GEORGE CANNING.