The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1811-11-15
con.radictoy language held bo.h by himself

contradictory language held both BY himself
and his ministers. as
shall be extremely happy, to receive
from you, sir, the Information that in a frank
and unambiguous manner the Chief of the
French government had revoked his de-
Crees. Why he should net do so is irexpli-
CaOle, it he means to revert to the ordinary
rules of war, but while he exercises such
dcspotic sway wherever his influence ex-
tends, to rum the resources of England, it
cannot oc expected that G. Britain shall not
use the means she possesses for the purpose
OF making him feel the pressure of his own
system. There is every reason TO believe
that ere long the effects on the enemies of
q. Is. viii be such as irresistibly TO pro-
dnce a Change which will place commerce
on it's former oasis
In the mean time, sir, hope you will not
think 1t extraordinary if should contend
that the seizure OF American ships by France,
since November 1, and the positive and un-
quaiiied declarations of the French govern
inent are stronger proofs of the continued
existence OF the French DEGREES and the bad
fastn of the ruler of France, than the res
toration OF Iive or six vessels, too palpably
given up for tailacious purposes or in tcsti-
mcny of his satisfaction at the attitude ta-
ken by America, is proof of their revo-
cation, or of his return to the principles of
justice.
will only repeat, sir, in answer to your
observations on the late condemnation CT the
ships taken under His Majesty's Orders in
Council, what have already had the honour
to state to you, that the delay which took
place in their condemnation was not in
consequence of any doubt existing i'll His
MJesty's government, as to whether the
French ocotces were revoked, as you seem
to imagine, but in consequence of its being
thought that the American government.
upon Its appearing that they were deceived
by France, would have ceased their iniuri-
Gus measures against the british commerce.
A considerable time elapsed before the de-
clsion took place ON those ships, and there
is ~ doubt, but that had the United States
government not persisted in their unfriendly
attitude towards Great Britain on discover
ling the Ill faith of France, a spirit of con-
!. Citation in His Majesty's government would
| have caused their release.
/ In reply 10 Your observations on the pre-
tensions OF Great Britain relative to the re-
vocation of the French DEGREES, beg to re-
! peat that the sum Of the demand made by
England is that France should follow the es-
tablished laws of warfare as practised in
former wars in Europe. Her ruler by his
DEGREES of Berlin and Milan declared him
self no longer bound by them, he has openly
renowned them in his violent efforts to ruin
pied on the rights of independent nations to
effect his purpose. If the French govern
ment make use of means of unprecedented
violence to prevent the intercourse of Eng
land with unoftending neutrals, can it be
eXpected that England should tamely suffer
the establishment of such a novel system of
war without retaliation, and endeavoring in
her turn to prevent the French from enioy-
ing the advantages of which she is unlaw-
fully deprived?
| Having explained already the situation in
which the question of the blockade of Nav
| 1906, rests according to the views of his Ma.
jesty's government, and the desire of Great
| Britain to conduct her system of blockade
according to the laws of nations, will only
! advert to it on this occasion for the purpose
of taking the liberty of acknowledging to YOU
! the very great pleasure received from the
highly honorable mark of respect which you
have taken the occasion to express for the
i illustrious statesman from whose counsels
that measure emanated.
need not repeat to you, sir, what sincere
4 satisfaction it would give me if without the
sacrifice of the essential rights and interests
of Great Britain all the points in discussion
between our two countries could be finally
adjusted.
have the honor to be, with the hiphes,
consideration and respect, sir, your most O.
bedient humble servant,
! AUG. J. FOSTER.
To the Honorable
fumes Monroe, &c. Urc.
| MR. MONROE TO Mr.. FOSTER.