The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-04-22

With great respect and esteem,
Your very obedient servant,
JAMES MONROE
E-rtrset qfsa letter iron, Mr.. Monroe TO
Mr.. Madison
LONDON, April 8, 1906.
AS it appeared by what occurred in nv
interview with Mr.. Fox, OH the 28th ultimo,
that some weeks at least would elapse be-
fore could hope to bring our business to "a
ny conclusion, ! thought it proper to make a
formal application to him on the 5lst, for an
orderto suspend the seizure and cendemnati-
on OF our vessels on the principle of the late
DEGREES. had not requested this in explicit
terms before, because HOPED from what pas
sedln our first interview that the whole af-
fair would have been concluded much SOON
er. ! was fearful too, that if the demand
should be granted, itwould become a reason
why nothing more should be done. This lat
ter reason it is true, still remains in some
degree IN force, if indeed it had any weight
at first 1t was. however, outweighed by the
consideration tl.at the seizures were sontl.
nued, andthat l ought not, on a mere specu-
latIVs point ef-eXpedience, as to the effect
which such an application might have on
the general question, to delay any longer
my utmostexertion to put an end to the pr'ac-
tice.
mere were also some other consderati-
ons which prevented my making the appli-
cation sooner, which had ceased, i. they did
not furnish motives for making it in the pre-
sent stage. The new ministry had lust
claim to sufficient time to become acouaint-
ed with the merits of the question, ant. even
to sound't the parliament on it, before it could
be expected to- take any step in the business
f1ad'l made the demand at an earlier period,
Thought should incur the imputation of
want OF candor, without a reasonable pros
pect OF hastenmg a decision, unless indeed
by urging 1t unseasonaby,l might promote
an improper one. To MIR. Fox especially,
much attention was due in the mode of pro-
ceedlng, on account of his character and
principles'in reference to orr country, which
are known to be just and liberal At seemed
probable that by respecting that Sentiment
towards him i'll the measures taken, his feel
ings would be gratified and his mind concl-
hated, which could not otherwise than pro-
duCe good effect. His exertions on toDics
i'll which the United States were in crested
form an important trait iii his political life {;
and 1t was evident In our first and subse
quent interviews, that he looked back on
them with interest and satisfaction This,
therefore, formed special motive foI,givine
time, and acting with delicacy in the bust
ness. At'this period, however, the appIica-
ton seemed to be free from all these obiec
tons, while it had become obviously my du
ty tie makeit by the considerations stated in
my note.
How the cabinet is disposed in this eues-
ton 1t is not IN my power to state. Some of
It's members ape known to have differed with
Mr.. Fox in respect tothe policy of G Britain
towards the United States, on former occa-
sions, and in similar cases. 1t is possible that
the spirit OF Cancellation on which the minis
try istormed, may be felt in the present one.
Every view, however, which have been a.
BILE to take Of the subject, confirms me in
the justice of the remarks which were com
municated to you in nay last of the 31st ulti-
mo-"