Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1810-05-11


'oi NJ. ChamPagny nay be in reason
and general utility, and consequently
however desirable to be made the es-
tablished law on the subject of block
ades,Fa different practice has too long
prevailed among all nations, France as
well as others, and is too strongly au-
thenticatcd by the writer's of admitted
authority to be combatted by the u.
States.
If you should receive from the
FRENCH government explanations pro-
per to be communicated to Mr. Pink
ney, you will not fail to transmit the
same to him without delay. And
should they be such as to make it i'm.
portant that Mr. Pinkncy should i'm.
mediately found thereon an applica-
ton tosthe British government 10 pre-
pare the way for repeal of the Berlin
decree, you viii be pleased to hasten
the communication 70 him by special
messenger. Whatever the explanati-
ons may be, you viii of course trans
nit them to this department., with
such other information as NAV be in.
teresting.
With great respect, &c.
(oigned)
r. SMITH.
Gen. John Armstrong, &c. &c. &c.
Mr.. Smith to Mr.. Pinkneye
Department of State, Nov. II, 1909.
SIR,
From the enclosed copy of letter
from M: Champagny to Gen. ARA
strong, 1t appears that the French go
vernment has taken ground in rela-
ton to the British violation of our neu-
trail rights, not the same with that
heretofore taken, and which it is pro
per you should be acquainted with.
You will observe that the terms stating
the condition on which the Berlin de-
cree will be.revoked are not free from
obscurity. They admit the construc.
ton however, that if G.. Britain will
aunul her illegal biockades as distinct
from her orders in conncil, such as the
blockade from the E!be to Brest, &c.
prior to the Berlin decree, and per.
haps of subsequent date, but still dis
tinct from her orders In council, that
France will put an end to. her Berlin
decree, or at least the Illegal part oil ii.
Whilst therefore it becomes important
TO take proper steps, as will be done,
ahrough Gen. Armstrong, to ascertain
the real and precise meaning of NJ.
Champ gny's letter, it is important
also that your interposition should be
used TO ascertain the actual state of The
British blockades distinct from the or.
ders in council, whether merely on
paper or hcrwise illegal, & whether
prior or subsequent to the Berlin de.
cree, and TO feel the pulse of the
British government On The propriety
OF putting them ouS of the way in order
10 give force to our call on France 10
prepare the way for repeal of the or
GERS in council, by her repeal OF that
decree.
In the execution OF this task I rely
on the judgment and delicacy by which
i am persuaded you will be guided
and on your keeping In mind the desire
of this government to en;angie itself
as lutte as possibl. in the question OF
priority In the violation of our neutral
rights, and to commit ITSELF as little as
possible to either belligerent as to the
course TO be taken with the other.
II it should be found that no illegal
blockades are nov in force, and so
declared by q. Britain, or that the
british government IS ready to revoke
and withdraw all such as may not be
consistent with the definition oil block
a6e in the Russian treaty of June 1901,
1T will be desirable that you lose no
time in giving the information to Gen.
Armstrong, and, whateyer may be
the result of your enquiries, that you
hastena COMMUNICATION of it to me.
Writing on short notice of the pre-
sent Conveyance, l have only to add
the assurance of my esteem and great
consideration, &c.
(Signed)