Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1811-11-14

(Continued.)
MR.. FOSTER to Mr.. MONROE.
Washingtos CRY Jnip IL, 1911.
SIR.
In consequence -four conversation of
yesterday, and the observations which Won
made respecting that part of my letter to YOU
of the Sd inst. wherein have alluded to the
principle on which his Majesty's Orders in
Council were originally founded, / think il
right to explain myself in order to preeen.
any possible mistake as to the present situa-
ton ofneutral trade with his Majesty's enc
mics.
1t viii only be necessary for me to repeat
what has already, long since, been announ-
ced to the American government namely,
that his Majesty's Order in Council of April
%, 1909, superseded those of Novem-
Der 1907, and relieved the system of retail
iation adopted by his Majesty against his en-
emies from what was considered in this coun-
try as the most objectionable part of it the
option given TO ncutrals to trade with the
enemies of Great Britain through British
ports on payment of a transit duty.
1 his explanation, sir, win, trust, be suf-
hcient to do away any impression that you
may have received to the contrary from nv
Sc'~t seeeiOhS iNSltclilS TIE Effects winch
his Majesty's Orders in Council originally
bad On the trade of neutral nations. Those
observations were merely meant as prelimi-
nary to consideration Of the question now
at issue between the two countries.
have the honor to be, with the highest
consideration and respect, sir, your most o.
bedient humble servant,
AUG. J. FOSTER.
TO the Hon. James Monroe, &c.
Mr.. FOSTER TO Mr.. MONROE.
Washington, July IA, 1871.
SIR,
His Majesty's Packet Boat having been
So long detained, and fortnight having e.
Iapsed since nv arrival at this capital, His
Royal Highness the Prince Regent viii
necessarily expect that should have to
transmit to bis ROYAL Highness some offci-
al communication as to the line of conduct
the American government mean to pursue,
trust YOU will excuse me therefore, sir, il
without pressing for detailed answer to my
note of the 3rd instI anxioudy desire to
know from you what is the Presidents de-
termination with respect to suspending the
operation of the late Act of Congress prohi-
biting all importation from the British Domi-
Mons
There have been repeated avowals lately
made by the government of France, that the
DEGREES Of Berlin and Milan were still in full
force, and the acts of that government have
corresponded with those avowals.
The measures of retaliation pursued by G.
Britain against those DEGREES are consequent-
w to the great regret of his Royal Highness
ef.u ;itr~
/ have had the honor to state to you the
light in which His Royal Highness the Prince
Regent viewed the proclamation of the Pre-
sdent of last November, and the surprizc
with which he learnt the subsequent mea-
sures Of Congress against the British trade.
American ships seized under His Males
ty's Orders in Council, even after that Pro-
clamation appeared, were not Immediately
condemned, because it was believed that the
insiduous professions of France might have
led the American government and the mer-
chants of America into al erroneous con
struction of the intentions of France.
But when the veil was thrown aside, and
the French ruler himself avowed the cont
nucd existence of his invariable system, il
was not expected by his His Royal Highres'
America would have refused to retrace the
steps she had taken.
freS0 prOOfS nave SINCE pCChTTtu VI tNe
resolution Of the French government tocast
away oil consideration Of the rights ofnation'
in the unprecedented warfare they have a.
dopted.
America however still persits IN her inju-
rious measures against the commerce OF
Great Britain and his Royal Highness has in
consequence been obliged to look to means
Of retaliation against those measures which
his Royal Highness cannot but consider as
most unjusfifable.
How desirable would it not be, sir, II a stop
could be put toany material progress in such
a system Of retaliation, which, from step to
step, may lead to the most uufriendly situa-
fion between the two countries!
Ills Majestv's government will necessari-
~ be guided in great degree by the contents
Of my first dispatches as to the conduct they
must adopt towards America.
Allow ne then, sir, 20 repeat my request
20 learn from you whether may not convey
20 MS ROYAL Hghness what know would be
most grateful to his Royal Highness' feelings,
namely the hope that he may be enabled by
the speedy return Ct America from her I'M
friendly attitude towards G.. Britain, oforget
altogether that lie ever was obliged to have
any other object in view besides that OF en-
80, - 2LE