The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1809-05-03

NV lrCiinaion Tor the tranquility oil u retired
life, you mignt think that l was seeking a
place, or had some farther object in view,
than the simple one Of promoting peace te-
tween the two republicks. But hope, under
present circumstances, that YOU will believe
my motive to be pure and unmixcd, and that
the object of my letter is to' call your atten-
ton to the true state Of facts.
Perhaps few men, who cannot pretend TO
have been in the secrets Of either govern
ment, are in a better situation than myself
TO Judge OF the motives of both Ito 3ssign the
true causes, and trace out the progress of
their unhappy MISUNDERSTANDING, or 10 ar-
prcciatc their present dispositions, preten-
sions and wishes. / I'm certain there is none
who iabours more sincerely for the restoration
of harmony, upolr terms hUncurablc to the u.
States and advantageous to the cause OF libcr-
y.
i win not in this. place, go over the history
of past transactions. Il would be- Of little
use.--The object is to seize the n,slady in its
present state and try to drrest its progress.
The dispute at this moment may be eharsc-
tcrizsd simply and literally speaking MS
anderssanding ~ ca,snot peIss1ade myso.f to
give it 'harsher name, as il applies TO either
government. 1t clear that neither OF them
has an interest in going to war with the other,
and am equally convinced that neither Of
them had the inclination that is, believe
the balance ofinclinaticn as well rs OK inter
est, on both sides, is in favour of peace. But
each government, though sensible Of this truth
withrcspectto itself, is ignorant of it, witt,
respect to the other. Each believes the other
determined ON, war, and ascribcs al its
conduct, to q dcrp-rootcd hostility The,
least they can do therefore under. this imprcs-
sion, is TO prepare for IN event which thvy
both believe inevitable, while they both wish
to avoid it. But by what fatality is it that a
calamity SO dreadful must be rendered incvit-
able because il is thought SO Both govern
ments have tongues and both have ears. Why
will they not speak Why will they not listenl
The causes that have hitherto prevented them
are not difficult to ASSIGN / could easily ex-
plain them, as believe, to the satisfaction of
both parties and without throwing SO much
At present ascribes to the other. But will
avoid speaking of any past, provocation on
either side. The point that wish to cstab-,
ish in your mind is, that the French Dirccs
TORY, is at present sincerely dcsirous ofrestor-
ing harmony between this country and the.
United States, on terms honourablc and ad-
vantagcous to both parties. wish to con-
vince you of tLis,and through you,the Amer
lean government, because that government
being desirous of the same thing, would not
fail to take such steps as would lead immcdi-
ately to the object.
In offering you my proofs of the present
disposition ON this side, you will permit me
q observe, that some of them arc from their.
nature incapable ofbcing detailed, ard others
improper to be trusted to the casualties of a
lctter.--But will mention few that are
ostensiblc, and so far as they 60 undeniablc.
First, the Directory he's declared that j. will
receive and treat with any Minister from A
mcrica, who shall appear to be sent with a
sincere intention Of treating and terminating
existing difficulties. / have no doubt but this
was the intention when the last Envoys were
sent but from some unfortunate circum-
stances the Directory did not believe it. Sc
ccnd, as preliminary, it has been declared
that in the negotiation there shall be no ques-i
ton of loans ofmoncy, or apologies for oHen-
sive speeches pronounced by the executive,
ON either side. Third, all commissions given
to privateers in the West-Indes are recalled
and when new commissions are issued, the
owners and commanders are to be restricted
under bonds, to the legal object of capture
Fourth, an embargo that was laid on Ameri-
can ships within the republick, ,in consequence
OF report that war had been begun on the
part Of the United States, was taken of as
soon as twas fscertained that such war had
not been begun. And new declaration was
at the same time sent 10 America of thu
wishes of France to treat. These facts v1l
doubtless conc to your knowledge though
other channels, before you receive tbs letter.
But there arc other facts which ir my mind
are equally clear, though to ycr will be des-
titu,c of corrpborating circumstances and
must rcston my own information and opinion.
lst. That this government contemplatcs ajust
indemnity forspoIiaticns o., American COM
nicrce, to be $certained by commissioners in
a manner similar to the one prescribed in our
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