The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-05-10

V,
an omission which we know tohave benin
territorial. From a full view of all these
circumstances we think it fair TIC infer, that
this government intends to conform it's con-
duct i'll future to the just claims of the Uni
ted States, on this great interest, while by
particular motives of policy, IL deems it
proper to relinquish a claim, especially at
this time, which has been long sustained and
acted on by it, and which has been heretofore
strongly supported by the national feeling,
or more properly speaking, prejudice; for
we cannot believe that the Interest of the
nation is in favor oft, more especially if the
project which we proposed should be adopt
ed, or correspondent regulations entered in
to to reduce the same effect by friendly CO.
operation between the two governments
We are therefore OF opinion, if the negoti-
alton had contemplated an arrangement of
this point alone, that il would be- proper to
close the business amiCably, on the ground
on which it is thus placed, rather than to
break off abruptly and take an unfricudly at
ttude, from which no advantage could pos
sibly arise i'll any one respect, and much
injury might and most probably would for a
enc at least, even to this very interest. How
much stronger then is the obligation to pro-
coed, when the other objects of the negotia-
ton are taken also into view, all of which
raj OF which, OF the first consequence, it is,
as we believe. in our power to arrange. We
are aware that our instructions impose on
us the necessity of providing satisfactorily
Tor this great interest, as one OF the conditi-
ons on which treaty shall be formed. But
it does not appear, that the fair object of
that instruction will not be satisfied by the
arrangement thus made. The prohibition
Tot to conclude a treaty otherwise than on
the condition adVcrtcd to, is fairly to be IN
derstood as applicable to refusal on the
part or this government, to arrange the bu-
sines on just principles, and an adherence
by it to its former improper and offensive
conduct, which it is well known is not the
case. Impellcd by these considerations and
motives. we shall so forward in the negoti-
alton, and use our best efforts to place the
other points Oh the most advantageous foot
ing that may be practicable. We are the
more confirmed i'll this resolution, from the
consideration, that we shall be able to do it
without exposing our government or country
to any, the slightest Inconvenience. 1t is
known to the British commissioners, that in
proceeding under existing circumstances, we
shall do it in our own responsibility re-
sponsibllity, however, which we undertake
in full confidence, that cur conduct and the
motives of it will be approved.
We shall meet the British commissioners
Tomorrow to proceed in the negotiation,
which we arc pursuadcd it will not require
any considerable length of time to conclude.
All the other topics have been heretofore
brought into view and discussed, but without
any intention in that stage, on either side,
to push dehnitive settlement CT them So
much, however, has been said on each by
the British commissioners, as to enable us,
as we presume, to form tolerably correct
estimate OF what may be obtained on several,
especially those of the greatest Importance
In respect to the trade with enemies colo
MES, they have repeatedly told us, that on
condition we should land the -cargoes in the
u. States, store them for month, and change
the ship, they would agree that the trade
might be free afterwards in the production
OF those colonies, to other countries inclu-
ding the pareat' country of the colony. We
have refueed.to comply with the condition in
respect to the storing of the goods for Il
month, and changing the ship. Some ar.
rangement more advantageous to us tn an
their proposition, will, we have no doubt, be
obtained. The question of blockade, and o.
thers connected with it, may, we think, be
satisfactorily arranged. They will agree
also to acknowledge our jurisdiction to the
extent OF a league, from our coast we have
claimed that acknowledgment to the extent
willput on the footing it held under the trea-
ty OF 1874 / hat with the West ladies',
must, we fear, rest on the ground of the m ost
favored nation only. Something we think
may also be done inTavour of an intercourse
with the British provinces to the nor tn of us.
But our claim toan indemnity has been much
though we have never ceased to
pressit with great zeal. We shall continue
10 use our best endeavtrs to place all these
great concerns on the most just and advanta-
5eou5 ground in our power, and shall h astcn
to communicate to you the result with the
greatest possible dispatch, as soon as the bust
ness is concluded.
We have been cautious not to ccaipromit
ourselves with respect to the law, which was
passed the last session of the congress, pro-
hibiting the importation of certain British
into the United States, after
the 18th of this month, either with this go
vernment or individuals. We think it our
duty, however, to observe, that our opinion
of the propriety OF suspending that law, re-
mained unchanged, as it was communicated
toyou in our letter of September the 18th.
Indeed the uniform concliating disposition
OF this government, has strengthened us in
that opinion.
0f the state of the war on the continent
the gazettcs which accompany this, will
give yoa al the information which we pos