The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-04-05

than with respect to any other nation an,
is felt by them to be more rigid and veX
atous. But these circumstances cannot fur
nish an argument for the Suspension of tn,
| exercise of the right with respect to Ame
RIGA; unless it be contendcd, that multiplied.
ty of frauds and difficulty of detection are
reasons against suspicion or motives fol
acquiescence.
As little foundation is there for the com
PLANT that the practice has grown out of the
recognition OF American independence and
that the character Of chat event is affected
by its continuance.
1t is needless TO repeat that those rights
existed in their fullest force, for ages prcvi-
Gus to the establishment of the u States of
America as an independent government -
and 1t would be difficult to contend that the
recognition OF that independence can have
operated any change in this respect; unless
1t can be shewn that in acknowledging the
government of the U. States, G Britain vir-
tuaily abdicated her own rights as naval
power; or unless there were any express
stipuations by which the ancient and pre-
scrlptive usages of G.. Britain, founded in the
soundest principles of natural law, though
still enforced against other independent ma
tons OF the world, were to be suspended
Whenever they might come in contact with
the interests or the feelings of the Ameri
can people.
| would now recall your attention to the
consideration OF the question respecting the
late transaction between the Leopard and
the Chesapeake; which till the receipt of
your letter, imagined to be the only CUES
ton actually ind iscusSion between us, and in
consideration OF the delicacv and pressing
Importance of which, we had, by common
consent, waved the consideration of all other
matters pending between our two govern
ments.
iate the discussion 'of this question I am
prepared to enter; with what disposition,
on the part OF his majesty's government, to
consult the feelings and the honor of the CO.
Vernment OF the u. States, it is not necessary
tor me here to deClare-for YOU have your-
self done justice to the sincerity Of that dis
position.
The difficulties in the way of such adjust
ment are already smoo-hed, by the disavow-
al, voluntarily offered, at the very outset of
the discussion, of the general and unqualif-
ed pretension to search ships of war for de-
serters There remained only to ascertain
the facts OF the particular case, and to pro-
portion the PREPARATION to the wrong.
Is the British government now to under
stand, that you, sir, are not authorised 20 en-
ter into this question separately and distinct
~; without having obtained, as a prelimi-
nary concession, the consent of this country
to enter into discussion with respect to the
practice OF searching merchant vessels for
deserters?i
Whether any arrangement can be devils
ed, by which this practice may admit of
modification, without prejudice to the essen
tai rights and interests of G. Britain, is a
question, which as l have already said, the
British government may, at proper season,
be ready to entertain: but, whether the con-
sent OF u. Britain to the entering into such
discussion shall be eXerted at the price of
an amlcable adjustment, as the condition OF
being admitted to make honorable repara-
ton tor an injury, is a question of quite
different sort, and one which can be answer
ed no otherwise than by an unqualified refu-.
SAL
iearnestly recommend to you, therefore,
to consider whether the instructions which
you have received from your government,
may not leave you at liberty to come to an
adjustment of the case of the Leopard and
Chesapeake, independently of the other
question, with which it appears to have been
unnecessarily connected
Ii your instructions leave you no discreti-
on, cannot press you to act in contradict
on to them. In that case there can be no adj
vantage in pursuing a discussion which Won
are not authorised to conclude; and shall
have only to regret that the disposition of his
majesty TO termlnatethat difference AMIGA
oily and satisfactorily, is for the present rem
dered unavaiiing.
In that case, his majesty, in pursuance
of the disposition of which he has given
such signal proofs, will lose no time in send
ing minister to America, furnished with
the necessary instructions and powers for
bringing this unfortunate dispute to a conclu
consistent with the harmony subsisting be-
tween 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 connected with
his subject, any proposition respecting the
search OF merchant vessels.
1t will, however, be far more satisfactory
20 his majesty to learn, that upou re-consi
Iteration, you think yourself authorised to
separate the two questions.
| hove you will allow me to express. at
the same time, the sincere pleasure which
u should feel i'll having to treat with you. sir.
personally for me re-establishment of
good understanding between our two coun
tries.
have the honor to be, &c.
(Signcd) GEORGE CANNING.
Portland Place, Sehfembcr %. 1907.
SIR have had the honor to receive
your letter of the 23d of this month. and
shall transmit it without delay to my gov
ernment.
I rapce;yo 49,, :.