The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-04-01

the decision, a decision, in rendering which,
every rule of evidence is violated, as it puts
the proof of innocence On the accused and
is further highly Objectionable, as there is too
much reasons to believe that it has been often
guided more by the fitness of the party. for
service, than any other circumstance. The.
distressing examples of this system of ag-
gression, as it has affected individuals, on a
scale OF vast extent. it is unnecessary to re-
coant here. They may be easily imagined
VolumiHous documents which prove them,
are in the possession of both governments
II is possible that this practice NAV in GER
tam cases, and under certain circumstances.
have been extended to the vessels of other
powers but with them there was an infal-
lible criterion to prevent error. 1t would be
easy to distinguish between an Englishmah
and Spaniard, an Italian or S&ede and
the clear and irresistible evidence of his ma
tlonat character, and perhaps of his Cesepti-
on, would establish the British claim to the
individual, and reconcile the nation into
whose service he had entered, to his surren-
der But the very circumstances which
would constitute an infaiible criterion in
those cases, would be sure to produce endless
error in the other. WHO'S SO skillful in ply
siognomy as to distinguish between an Anne
rcan and an Englishman, especially among
those whose profession and whose sea terms
are the same? It's evident that this prao-
tice, as applied to foreign nation, to any
great extent, has grown out of the Ameri-
can revolution, and that it is impossible for
the United States not to see in it the asserti-
on OF a claim which is utterly incompatible
with that great event When the character
OF this. claim, and the permoious tendency
OF the practice, are maturely weighed il
must furnish cause for surprise, that some
lJuss and friendly arrangement has not long
SINCE oeen adopted, to prevent the evils incl
dent to 1T.
MY government is aware that his Maiesty's
government has also an interest of impor-
lance to attend to in this delicate concern
and am Instructed to state, on it's part tn at
the best disposition exists to provide for it.
The. ", ,. are from desiring to profit of a
resource which does not belong to them, es-
peclally 20 the prejudice of a friendly pow
Ter. In securing them against a practice
which is found to be so highly injurious to
their dearest rights, and most valuable inte-
rests every suitable provision will be made
ItoSlNe equai security 90 those of Great Bri-
tam. On this point am authorised to enter
Iln5o such an engagement as will, l am per-
suaded, be adequate to the object.
| lhls great interest of impressment has
been blended IN all It's relations, as you will
perceive, by TO act Of the u. States. Its con-
nectloh with the late disastrous incident as
been produced by an extraordinary act Of
violence, OF which they we're the victims on
| lly. That act which exhibits The prete sions
in its widest range, has become identified
with the general practice, in the feelings and
sympathies of the nation, and in the senti-
ment of the government. trust, therefore,
that his majesty's government Will be equal
! ly disposed to take up the who're subject at
this time, and Ill making the PREPARATION
which the particular injury claims, provide
a remedy Tor the whole evil. NV govern
ment locks to this complete adjustment with
confidence, as being indispensably necessa-
ny to heal the deep wound which has been
inflicted on the national honor of the United
States, by SO great and unjustifable an out
rage.
l avail myself, with great satisfaction, of
the opportunity which this communication af-
lords, to acknowledge the prompt assurance
which you gave me of the disposition of his
MaJesty's government, to make a suitable
PREPARATION to the government of the U. S.
for the injury, of which, by its order, it is
now my duty to complain; and for the frank
disavowal OF the pretension on which it was
founded hasten to transmit copies of those
documents, to my government, by whom, l
trust, they are by this time received.
lhave the honor TO be, with great considc-
ration, Sir, your most obedient humble scrv't.
(Signed)
JAMES MONROE.
me right hon GEORGE
| CANNING, sc. &c. &c.
| (Io be Continued. J