Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1809-08-01
Mr.. ERsKINE's INSTRUCTIONS.
NV YORK. Iane q.

COM If a dishdtch from 6fr SecresqyY
Canning, tofhe hon. ID. " Erskiae; d1-
ted Foreign OGicr, 23fJonuary. 1902.
SIR-If there really exists in those in
dividusis, who are to have a Leading snare
in the new administration OF the United
States, that disposition to come to COM
plete and cordial unders anding with Great
Britain, of which you have received from
them such positive assurances: in meeting
that disposition, il would be useless and IL !.
prcstabie TO recur to n recapitulztihn OF
the causes from which the differences be-
tween the two governments have arisen, or
OF the arguments already So often repeated
in support OF that system of retaliation, to
which his majesty has uawillinsly had to
have recourse.
That system his majesty must unques.
6onabiy Continue TO maintain, unless the
OBJECT of 1t can be otherwise accomplish
ed.
But after the profession on the part CT so
many OF the leading ministers Of the govern
ment of the United States, of sincere de-
sire TO contribute to that Object in a IN an
ner which should render the continuance
Of the system adoptedsby the British CO.
vernucnt unnecessary, it is thought right
that AFFAIR opportunity should he Afforded
10 the Asne an government 20 explain It's
msanins and give proof of its sincerity
The extension Of the Introduction of the
American haroors TO the shios of war of
France as well as Of G Britain, is, as sta :
ted in ray former dispatch, an acceptable
sympton or a system 5of Importantly to-
wards Both bellg .rents the first that has
been publicly manifested by the A Tericaa
government. -,
The like extension of the non-importa-
tion act to other bellgerenfs is equally proc
per in tilis view. These measures re noys
those preliminary objections, which nus.
otherwise have preciuded any useful or
amiSable discussion.
In this state OF things, it is possible for
Great Brstain to entertain propositions.
which, whle such manifest u ,rsia!ty was
shewn to her enemies, were not consistent
either with her dignity or her intcresI.
From the reporE OF yOdr conversations
with Mr.. Madison, Mr.. Gallatin, and Mr.
Smith, II appears:@z
LIST. That the American govern nent is
prepared, N the. evenI OF MS rnajes.y's con.
senting to withdraw the orders in coanci
of January ard November 1907, to with
draw contemPoraneoasly on Its part the
Introduction OF It's harjors TO ships Of war
and all nov -Intereourse and nnn.importation
acts, 30 far as respects Great Britain, lea.
wing them ~ force with respect to France
and the powers which adopt or act under
her DEGREES.
"a. (What is of tho utmost Importance
as precluding new source Of misunder.
standing, whioh might arise after the al
Justment oftne other questions) That A.
Tnerica is willing TO renouncc, during the
present Var, the pTsfensioa ofcarrying on
iatime Of war all trade with the enemy,
colonies, from which she was excluded du.
ring peace.
80. Great Britain, for the purpose of sc
curing the operations Of the emDarzo, aot
81 tie bona Rde intention of America tc
prevent her citizens from trading win
France, and the powers adopting and act.
log under the French decrees, is to be con
s'dered as being az liberty to Capture all
such American vessels as NAV be fouaI
attempting 70 trade with the ports of aoy
OF these powers; without which secar,t,
for tue observance OF the emDaryo. the
raising It nor,inaIly with respect to Grea,
Britain alone, would in fact, raise il win
respect 70 al the world.