Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1809-07-28

have ml9undefSsoOu. + rou tue arrange
ment as published in the newspapers, 1t
seemed as If the measures adopted had
been preconcerted, for every thing follow.
ed in such order, that il was almost i'm
possible to believe but what Mr. Erskine,
of whose ability he had the highest opinion,
conceived that he was acting strictly ac-
cording to his Instructions. II must be e.
vident that by the disavowal of this ar
rangement, the difficulties in the further
ne~ociaton with America would be mate.
rally Increased, and when known in Ame-
RIGA, it might give riseto some imputations
against the character and good faith of
this country, under the impression that a
trick had been resorted to for the sake of
obtaining little temporary advantage for
ourselves. A fearful responsibility, there
fore rested upon ministers, aud investiga-
zion might take place.
The Earl of Liverpool agreed that the
disavowal Of this arrangement must neces.
sarily increase the difficulties in the nego.
ciation with America; but that could not
be imputed TO ministers, as in making the
arrangement, Mr.. Erskine had not only ac-
ted unauthorized by his instructions, but in
direct contradiction to his instructions he
thought IL necessary to state this distinctly,
as the Noble Earl appeared to have misun-
.derstood his Noble Friend. Care would be
taken in the, Order, which would appear as
soon as the course ofbusiness would allow,
thar those vessels which, in the mean time,
: had sailed in consequence of the confidence
reposed in the arrangement made in A.
merica, should be excluded from the opera
tion of that order. and that those persons
VINO had thus embarked their goods should
not be losers. AS TO the discussion OF the
subject, Ministers would be anxious, when
the proper time arrived, that every possi-
pie information should begiyen to Parlia-
msDt.
We have already stated that a commu-
nication has been made to q depuration of
merchants, stating, that although our gov
ernment have found themselves under ne.
cessity of disappearing of the proceedings
of Mr.. Erskine, they feel themselves bound
In order to the preserving the public faith,
TO make an order to protect all American
vessel. which shall sail from the y. States
Subsequent to the 9th of June, for limited
/ time; that innocent individuals, meaning to
carry on legitimate trade may not be SUR
prised by coDdemnations in an intercourse
they had reason to believe lawful.--And
in order, to put British subjects as nearly
as possible on the same footing as Ameri.
cans, communication has also been made
20 the merchants, that Licences will be
granted TO allwho shall apply for them, to
export freely to Holland, during such time
as chat trade shall be open to America. 1t
appears tous, however, that the relief will
be very short of what could be wished, be-
cause the Americans must have a great adj
vantage in direct intercourse for Colonial
produce, sc. but we are not aware that
much more could by any possibility be done,
under the distressing circumstances 10
which this country is placed, by what has
lately occurred in America.
Since writing the above, we have been
made acquainted with some further par
tcnlars a deputation ofmerchants waited
yesterday upon the Board of Trade, to learn
what was meant in relation to themselves
and their commerce, under the present CIR
cumstances, whereby il should appear, that
America was 20 be admitted for limited
period TO the unrestri cted trade of the Con-
tinent, from which they had been so long
excluded. The proposed order of council,
to be published in Saturdays Gazette, was
first read TO them; from which they learn
ca, that Mr.. Erskine had entered into ar
rangements for watch he possessed no au-
thority whatever from his Majcsty's gov
eminent at home, which arrangement
could not of course be ratified; yet that his
Majesty being still disposed 70 grant a.
great indulgence as the present circumstan.
ces would admit to the merchants of the
u. States, had therefore made it known
that all vessels, sailing from America up.
on the strength of MIR. Erskine's void agree
meDt, between the sth of June and the 9Th
OF August ensuing, would be permitted Il
proceed to Holland direct, with their car
goes unmoiested, Notwithstanding the port
of Holland are declared 10 be in state o
blockade. This being the case, the mex
topic of inquiry was, what concessions wer,
to be made to British merchants trading T.
the same ports, in order to place them OF
an equal footing with the Americans -
they were informed, as we, have alread,
said, that they were to have licences gran
sed them for that purpose.
The deprivation considered this relief 4
be extremely inadequate. Lord Bathurs
said to the gentlemen, {" You are nearer t
the Continent than America. ard therefore
with facilities which we shall grant yo
your merchandise being first there, tn
markets will be glutted with il before Tn
American ships arrive" To this it wa
replied, that America being able to supp
arucles at a much less expgnce, the con
tioebtal traders would wait the arrival G
. their ships. This may be the case bu
we do not see that any measure government
could a1opt could remedy this evil. exceu