The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1811-07-02
Mobile. Cd Dec. 1910.
MR.. MoRIER TO MR. SMITH.
WASHINGTON. Dec 1s,b 1a1o

".
Silk deem it to be a duty incumbent
on me, considering the strict aud close ;,lii-,
ance which subsists between h,s Majesty's
government and that of Spain, to express to-
tn u vernm mt OF the United States through
you, the deep regret with which / have seen
that pars OF the Presidentss message TO Con-
gress in WIN CHI the determination of this Co
vernme mt to take possession of West Florida
is avnwed
Wahout presenting to discuss the validity
VI tn United States 70 West Florida a title
whlcnls man testify doubtful since according
TO the Presidents proclamation it is lefc
open to discussion. but which has neverthe-
less been br ught forward as one of the
pleas to justify tie occupation of these Pro-
noes, MAY II net be asked why that Pro-
vince could not have been as fairly = sub
ject OF negotiation aud adjustment in thu.
hands of the Spaniards, who possess the ac-
tual sovereignty there.as III the hands If the
Americans, who, Co obtain possession must
oegin by committing an act of hostility To
wards Spain,
Bot it may be said that The Spanish forces
IN Mexico, in Cuba, or in Pensacola. arr,
unequal TO queii the rebeilious association os
a oand oidesperadoes who are known by the
contemptuous appellation of land jobbe RS
aiowing as much (Which you will agree
WIN me,sir IS allowing great deal) would
II not nave been worthy OF the generosity OF
a tree nation like his, bearing as 1t doub,-
less does respect for The rights of a eai~
rant poop e at his moment engaged in no
Die struggle for its liberty, would itnot have
oeen an act on the pa OF this country die
satea ny me soun9es ties Of good neighbour
mood and OF friendship which exists betwees
it and Spain, to have simply offered It's as-
slstance to c:ush the comnl on enemy Of both
thah TO nave made such Interference ths.
pr text OF wrestling a province from friend.
ly power, and that, at time of her AID
versityf
Fer allow me-. sir, to enquire how can ,be
declaration In The Presidents proclamatios,
that IN The hands of he United States. thar
that territory will not cease to be a snbiecr
OF iair and friendly. adjustment, be made.
!" aCc ro with the declaration in his message.
to Congress Gmplyin permanent posses
sion) OF the adoption of ttat people into The
bosom OF the American family. The act
Consequently o. sending force to West
FLORIDA to secure by arms, what was before
subject OF friendly negotiation cannot
much tear, under any pallia ION be consider.
ed a other than an act Of open hostilitv
against Spain. w list, therefore, it is inn,
possible to disguise the deep aid lively in
'erests which his Majesty takes in every
th'hg mat relates to Spain, which would /
49, So'lNiH Gu fhCluCe I'm to mediate be-
tween Spain and the United States on any
ipolnt OF controversy which may exist be-
tween them with the utmost mpartialitv
good will toward both parties, / think
II que to the sincere wish of his Majesty to
maintain unimpared the friendship which
:. ehs moment happily exists between
Great Britain and the United States, to saw
mat such are the ties by which his Majesty
is pound to Spain that he cannot see with
,noinerence any attack upon her interests
ID America and as have no doubt thar.
the government of the u. States will attri
oute TINS represent ation to the most conrili-'
atory motives. am induced to request in.
answer TO 1t such explanation on thes ubiect.
as VIII at once convince his Majesty's 90,
yernment of the pacific disposition of the
Uhited States towards his Majesty's allies
the Spaniards, and will remove the con,ps-
ry impression which fear the Presidents
Message is likely to make.
have the honour to be, &c.
J. p MORJER>