The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1809-12-07

at Norfoik or Hampton between some 9TH
GERS belonging TO the Afr icaine and some of
the inhabitan.s, and that it originated in the
indiscre ton OF the former. No attention
havi ing been called for. and no enquiries
made, the truth OF the case is unknown
But II was never supposed that MIR JACK
son himself, who was ON board the frigzte,
had been personally insu.tcd. Nor is it yet
perceived IN what way he considers it as
having happened. j, is need ess to remark
that any representation on the subject would
have instantly received every proper atten-
ton.
Another ground on which protection was
ASKED for, is the supposed tendency of the
Language Of our newspa pers to excite opu
lar violence on Mr.. Jaci:son's person. Had
he been longer aud better acquainted with
the habits and spirit of the American peo-
pie, he would probably never have enter
tanned an apprehension of that sort. If he
meant toasimadvert on the free language OF
the newspapers, he might justly be remind
ed that our laws, as those of his country,
set bounds to that freedom that the free
dom OF British prints, however great with
respect to public characters Of the United
States, has never been topic OF complaint,
and that surprising the latitude of the Ameri
can Press to exceed that Of Great Britain,
the difference is infinitely less in this res
Pect between the two. than between the Bri
fish press and that of the other nations Of
Europe.
The second note seems to he essentially
intended as justification of the conduct of
Mr.. jackson in that part of his correspond
ence which has given umbrage. IL he in
tended it as Il conclliatory advance, he ought
not to have preceded it by demand OF pass
ports. nor by the spirit or the manner in
which that demand was made. He ought,
IN tact, II such was his object, to have sub
sttuted an explanation in the place OF his
reply TO my premonitory letter. But who
Their he had one or other, or both of these
ooJects III view, 1t was necessary for him to
have done more than is attempted in this
paper.
1t was never objected to him that he had
stated /, as fact that the three propositi.
OILS In question had been submitted 10 me by
MIR. Erskinc, nor that he stated it, as made
known to him BY the instructions of Mr.
Canning. that the instruction 10 Mr.. Frs
kane Containing those three conditions was
the only one from which his authority was
derived TO conclude arrangement in the
matter to which it related. The objection
was that a knowledge of this restriction of
the authority of Mr.. Erskine was imputed
To this government, and the repetition of
the lmputation even after it had been Pc
renptorily disclaimed. This was so gross
an attack on the honor and veracity of the
government, TO forbid all further com
munications from him. Care was, nevcrthe
less, taken at the same time to leave the
door open for such as might be made thro'
amy otner channel, however little the proba-
bility that any satisfactory communications
would be received through any channel
here
To the other enclosures add a printed
copy OF apaper purportiug to be circular
letter from M. Jackson to the British con-
suls in the United States. This paper speaks
tor itself. AS its contents entirely CORES
pond with the paper last referred to, as thev
were unnecessary for the ostcnsible object
OF the letter, which was to make known
Mr.. Jacison's change of residence, and as
the paper was at once put INTO circulation,
itcen only be regarded as a virtual address
to the American people of representation
previously addressed to their government
procedure which Cannot fail to be seen i'll
Its true light by his sovereign.
ne observations, TO which so much ex
tent has been given in this letter, with those
contained in the correspondence with Mr..
Jackson, will make you fully acquainted
with the conduct and the character he has
developed, with the necessity of the step ia
Ken IN refusing further com munications from
MN, and with the grounds on which the Pre-
sldent lnstructS you To request that he may
be immediately recalled. You are particu-
iariy instructed at tine same time in making
these communications to do it in manner
that will leave no doubt Of the unCiimnished
desire OF the United States To unite in all
The means the best calculated to establish
TIC relations of the two countries on the so
I'D foundation of justice, of friendship and
OF mutual interest.
With great respect, &c.
r. SMITH.
I'm. Pinkney, Esq. C'c sc. &C.
{ Documents 70 be continued.