The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-04-22
((ontinued from last f,cge.1

nature so delicate and important; oneNShich was
$50 i,timatey connected with the sovereignty and
independence otthe nation. should be left longer
in such state of oppression. My government
felt that 1t would be wanting to what 1t owed TO
Its character in its duty, if it did endeavor
TO put an end TO practice so injurious and at
the same time SO Degrading. 1t was, therefore,
one of the objects of the project referred to, to
provide remedy for that evil But it under
stood that Great Britain complained likewise of
an injury III respect to her seamen, though Of a
different kind for that, also, it was proposed to
provide an ADEQUATE remedy. In protecting A
merican citizens from impressment, my govern
ment far from desiring to extend its protec-
ton to any who had not just claim toit. II was
ready to meet the injury complained ofby Great
Britain and to suppress it by the most esiectual
means III lis power These propositions were
neither accepted nor rejected by lord Hawkes.
bury, thong think myself perfectly correct.i in
stating that nothing occurred in conferences,
toJustify an inference that 2le thought them I'M
reasonable. They were postponed from time to
time at his instance, and finally transferred TO
lore Harrowby, his successor. / revived the sub
lect Immediately with lord Harrowty, to whom
also submitted, at the same time, proposition
relative TO boundaries. 1t happened that lord
Haoykesbufy and Mr.. King had made conven-
ton on this latter subject, within n few days of
the time when one was also concluded between
the United States and France, whereby the pro.
vince OF Louisiana was coded to those states.
AS It was not known either to lord Hawkesb,iry
OF Mr.. King, when they formed their treaty, that
one had been concluded with France, it was i'm
possible that the conditions of the French trea-
ty should be in any degree affected by that with
Great Britain. 1t how, apprehcndcd,
that IT the British treaty should be ratified by the
President and Senate, after the conditions fthe
'otier were known, without providing against ii,
that it might lay the foundation for such prcten.
sion. 1t was therefore proposed to modify the.
g<-.Na .a,,%,.
claim which would be equally unjust and unau-
tholized. AS this subject is fully explained in
my note to lord Harrowby, of the 5th of Septem-
Der, lSU4 1t Is unnecessary TO enter further into
at present The conduct of lord Harrowby in
this business was essentially the same with that
OF his predecessor. 1t was postponed from time
TO time Tor the consideration 0fthc cabinet, whose
decision was taught to expect, but never receiv-
ed. had been ordered by my government, be-
fore lord HarrOMbv came into office, to repair to
Spain on a special mission, as soon as the bus
ness with his lordsilip should be concluded O,
that fact, after waiting some time, gave h
lordship information, i'll the hope of promoting
dispatch. Still, however, the business was de,
layed; the cabinet, as l was informed, having
come to no decision on any point, till finally
was agreed between us, to postpone the whole
until my return from Spain, when it should be re-
sumed and concluded I left Great ain on
that mission III October, 1904, and returned ii.
July. 1905.
At the epoch referred to, the relations between
the two countries were of character the most
friendly. Not an American vessel had beelrcon-
demned on any. principle which was relied on by
my government, and only one that knew of OF,
any principle whatever. Their commerce with
each other asst always WILDE, when left to
ITS natural course, most fourishing, and that
which the Uuted States claimed as q neutral
power with other nations, footing which
was perfectly satisfactory TO their government.
AT my return, however, the scene was complete
dy changed. system of seizure and condemn
alton Of Americ an vessels had been commenced
on principle, respecting which, it was presu-
med, that no new discussion could ever arise
one which was considered as having been so
completely settled between the governmental
that IN the project above referred To, 1t was no,
contemplated to make provision for it: prin-
ciplc which had been rsIrounced by Great Bri.
tain in her treaty with the United States in 1894
which had been condemned by the commissioners
who sat under that treaty which had been re-
nounced by the court OF admiralty in a subse-
quent decision by lord Hawkesbury in a formal
communicate with my predecessor misc b,
the tre1tv with Russ N the same wear; and
what is perhaps SUI more conclusive, by the
government, III the sanction which ID been pi
ven 10 that commerce for the two preceding wears
OF the j could not otherwise than be much
surprised at a proceeding, which considered
Objectionable in so mary views, and fastened to
remonstrate against 1t to lord Mulgrave in scve
raj notes, whose dates are annexed To these
his lordshipnevcr honored me withea conclusive
answer, with one which Acknowledgements mea-
sure an act OF the government, or disciaimed
1T on its part. 'ihe proceeding has been highly
Injurious to the United States. About / 30 of
their vessels have been seized, several of which
were condemned, all taken from their course
detained and otherwise subjected to heavy los
SEES and damages. To the immediate sufferers il
has been very disastrous but tie Ill effect has
not been confined to them only. 1t has been Sc
vciely felt in the general commerce of the coun
try.
4 have thought it my dutyto give you above
sketch ofthc several topics depending between
our governments, which submitted to your
consideration. They are all of nature very IN
terestng, as / ana persuaded you will find by A.
perusal Of the documents referred TO- But the
late seizure and condemnation of American YES
sells are acts which have proved so highly niuri
Gus to the United States, and have SO essentially
changed the relations between the countries that
they VIII, iiattcr myself obtain from YOU a more
immediate and particular attention. beg Won to
be assured that shall be happy 20 have it in nv
power to transmit to my government, without de-
lay, such communications on Your part, which
m;U serve not only to heal the wound which has
been thus unexpectedly received but TO Dromo,,
III other respects, by suitable arrangements, the
reciprocal and permanent interests oil both natl
ons, and the best understanding between their
governments.
beg YOU TO accept the assurance of the high
consideration with which have The honor To be
sir.