Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-04-01
[F0Hr Dollars Per Annum--Paid in AaDancc.l

than are here recited. 1t involves no oues.
ton OF belligerent ON one side, and of neu-
trail on the other. 1t pursues the vessel of
friend for an unlawful purpose, which il
executes in manner equally unlawful. T..
very commercial vessel of the o. 5. that
nayigates the ocean is liable to be invaded
by II, and not an Individual on board any of
them is secure while the practice is main.
tanned. 1t sets up every officer Of his ma
IJesty's navy as judge. from whose tlecisi-
on there is no appeal. IL makesh,m Judge,
not OF property, which is held more sacred,
nor of the liberty of his fellow subjects on,v
however great the trust, and liable ia abuse
on the main ocean, but of that of the ci,;,ens
OF another power. whose rights as a nation.
are trampled on by the decision eicc;si.
on IN rendering which, every rule of evil
uence Is violated, as il puts the proof of in
nocence on the accused and is further
hiBnIy objectionable, as there is too much
reason to believe that it has been often rui-
ueo more by the fitness of the party for SER
vice, than any other circumstance. The
distressing examples of this system of ey-
gression, as il LAS affected individuals. on
a scale OF vast extent, it is unnecessary TO
recount here. They may be easily imagi-
ned Voluminous documents which prove
them, are IN the possession of both govern.
ments
Its possible that this practice may in
oSr'"'h cases, ana under certain circum-
s,so'ces' nave peen extended TO the vessels
OIL .'her powers; hut with them there was
an intallible criter 10 prevent error T.,
would be easy TO distinguish between an
Englishman end Spaniard, an ItaI;an- ar
Swede; and the clear and irres,yt;hIe o.
vidence OF his national character, and ner-
Eaps OF ms desertion, would establish the
British Clam to the individual. and recon.
Gle the nation into whose service he had
entered, TO his surrender. But the very
circumstances which would constitute NJ,
intaiib'e criterion in those cases. wouId he
sure to produce endless error in the o,her
VINO IS SO skil.ul il physiognomy as TO dis
tinguish between an American and an En-
giishman, especially among those whose nro-
tession and whose sea-terms are the sane ;
IL is evident that this practice, as applied
20 foreign nation, to any great extent, has
grown our OF the american revolution. and
that " Is imposSible for the u. S not 10 see
I'M. 'he assertion OF 2 Claim which is utter
Incompatible with that great event
When the character of this claim, and ,he
perncious Tendency of the practice. are ~.
tnrely weighed, it must furnish cause FIR
surprise, that some Just and friendly ar.
rangement has not long since been adopted.
20 prevent the evils incid mt 70 il.
MY government is aware that In. males
" 5 government has also an interest of I'M
portance TO attend to, in this delicate con
Lern------and am instructed to state. on ito
part, that the best disposition exists ia nro-
vide for il The u. S. are far from dear
ing to profit OF resource which does NOT
belong TO them, especially to the prejudice
OF friendly power. In securing them n :
gainst practice, which is found 10 be 90
highly Injurious to their dearest rights. and
most vaiu able Interests, every suitable pro.
VISION VIII be made to give equal sec. rity
TO those OF Great Britain. On this point /
am authorised to enter into such an enaage-
ment as wiz, am persuaded, be adequate
to the object
This great interest of impressment. has
been blended in sIl its relations. as Won will
perceive, by no act of the u. 5. its con-
nection with the late disastrous incident
has been produced by an extraordinary ac,
OF violence, OF which they we're the victims
only. That act, wbich exhibits tie pre-
tension M its widest range, has become
hcnuNd with the general practice, in the.
feelings aEd sympa;hies of the nation,
ana ln the sentiment OF The government
trust, therefore, that his maicsty's govern
ment will be equally disposed to take up the
whole subject at this tims, and in making
the reparation which the particular injury
claims, provide remedy for the whole
evil. My government looks To this COM
Iplete adjustment with confidence, as being
Iindisrcnsibiy necessary to heal the deer
wc1nd which has been inflicted ON the ma
tiHhal honor of the u. S. by so great and
lunlnsuhable an outrage.
] avail myself, with great satisfaction, Of
the opportunity which this commun, cation
affords, TO acknowledge the prompt assnr.
ance which you gave me Of the disposition. ol
his majesty's government, to make a suita.
bic PREPARATION to the government of the u
| ). for tho injury, Of which, by us order, IL
IS now my duty to complain and for The
frank 6isavnwd Of the pre,ension ON winch
Il was founded. / FASTENED 20 transmit CO.
pies OF those documents 10 my government.
by whom, trust, they arc by this time re-
ceived
have the honor 70 be,
with great consideration,
SIR,
your most OF. humble serv't,
CoignedJ JAMES MONROE.