The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1809-04-25

to be ascertaied by commissioners in a
manner similar 10 the one prescribed in our
treaty with Enghrd. Cd. That the legisla-
ton viii soon be changed here, with respect
to ncut,als, and that all Gags will be put Oh
the footing of tile law Of nations. Sd. That
a public agent would have been named and
sent to Phuadeiphiasoon after Mr.. Gerry s
departure, were it iot for the approximations
that he would not have beenreceived. There
was doubt whethei the American govern
ment would not have already taken such
measures of hostili;ysas to be unwilling to
listen to terms Of accommodation, and the
Directory did not choose to risque the chance
ct seeing its offers refused. eth. That the
directory considers these declarations and
transactions rs I; sufa ;ient overture on its
part. That it has retrealca to an open
ground that is quito unsuspicions. That a
refusal OH the part ofthe American govern
ment to meet on this ground, will be follow
ed by immediate wan sand that it will be a
war of the most terrible and vindictive kind.
his, sir, is my view of the present state
OF tact. Should i make that Impression iii
your mind, which i desire, for the sake OF
humanity. that it may, you will judge whe-
Their 1t does not comport with the indcpcn-
dence of the United States and the dignity
of their government, to send another minis
ter to form new treaties with the French re-
public. In war, there is clearly nothing to
be gained by US, not even honor Honor in
deed may be saved by war, and so it may be
by negotiation. But the calam:ties insepa-
rablc from war of this kind, and under
Observation-Disclosures, would be incalcula-
BILE. l do not say that the United States or
any portion of them would be conquered /;
but they would sacrifice great numbers of
their best citizens, burthen themselves with
four times their present debt, overturn the
purcst system of morals, and lose the fair
est opportunity that ever nation had, OF
rising to greatness and happiness on the ba-
sis of liberty.
Were writing to ayoung General. whose
name was still TO be created, l might deem 1t
useless to ask him to stifle in its birth, war
en- which he had founded his hopes of future
honors. But you, sir, having already earned
and acquired all those that can render a man
great and happy, can surely have no object
OF ambition but to render your country SO.
10 engage your influence in favor of a new
attempt at negotiation, / thought it only ne
ccssary to convince you, that such an attempt
would be well received here, and probably
attended with success. | can do no more than
assure you that this is my sincere opinion
and that my information is drawn from I'M
suspected sources.
am not accustomed to interpose nv adj
vice IN the administration Of any country,
and should not have done it now, did j not
believe it my duty as citizen of my own,
and friend to all others. see two great
nations rushing on each others bayonets,
without any other cause of contention but
misunderstanding. Isludder at the pros
pect, and wish to throw myself between the
vans, and suspend the onset, till word of
explanation can pass. Ihope my letter vii.
have thrown sowe light upon the subject !;
but ifit shall not, hope you will excuse
the attempt, for you know my zeal is no.
nest.
i have the honor to be, sir,
With great respect,
Your most obedient and
Most humble servant,