Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-11-09

Your Lordship is undoubtedly aware q:
the serious difficulties with which prosccu-
toin ofthe war, even for a short period, must
necessarily embarrass all future attempts
at accommodation. Passions exaspcrated
by injuries-alliances or conquests on terms
which forbid their abandonment-will;n evi-
tably herafter embittcr and protract con,
test which might now be 50 easily and hap
ply terminated.
Deeply immpresscd with these truths 7
cannot but persuade myself that his royal
highness the Prince Regent will take into his
early consideration the propositions, herein
made ON behalf of the United States, and de-
eide on them in spirit of Cancellation and
justice.
have the honor to be. with high considc-
ration, my Lord, your Lordship's most obeI
dient servant,
(Signed)
IONA. RUSSELL,
TO the right honorable
Lord discount Castlereac.h. soc. Sc.
LORD cASTLEREACH 10 MIR. RUSSELL.
Foreign Office. august 90.
Although the diplomatic relations
between the two governments have been
terminated, by declaration of war ON the
part OF the United States, have not hesita.
ted, under the peculiar circumstances Of
the case, and the authotity under which Won
act, to submit to the Prince regent the pro-
position contained in your letter the 9th
INST. tor a suspension of hostilities.
From the period at which your instruct.
ons must have been issued, it is obvious, that
this overture was determined upon by the
government of the U. States, in ignorance OF
the order in council of the 23d June last. and
as you inform me that you are not at liner
" 10 depart IRON the conditions set forth in
your letter, 1t only remains for me to a..
quaintyou that the Prince Regent, feels him.
self, under the necessity of declining Tn ac-
cede to the proposition therein contained.
as oeing on various grounds absolutely inat-
missibe.
AS soon as there was reason to apprehepd
that Mr.. Fosters functions might have
ceased IN America, and that he might have
peen Obliged to withdraw himself, in conse.,
quence OF war being declared, from the IL
nited States, before the above mentioned
order of the Esd of June, and the ;nstrnc-
lions consequent thereupon could have
reached him, measures were taken for
autnorlslng the British admiral on the A.
hcricah station to propose to the govern
ment OF the United States an immediate and
reciprocal revocation of all hostile orders
with the tender of giving full effect, in chs.
event othostilities being discontinued. to the
provisions OF the said order, upon the condi-.
tons therein specified.
IRON TINS statement you will perceive
that the view you have taken of this part ~
inc SUBJECT Is incorrect; and thar in the pre-
sent state Of relations between the two carn-
tries, the operation of the order of the S9d
June, can only be defeated by a refusal n,
the part ofyour government to desist from
hostilities, or TO comply with the condition.
expressed in the said order.
Ohoer the circumstances of your having pss
powers tonegociate, / must decline entering
into a detailed discussion ofthe propositions
which you have been directed to bring for
ward.
cannot, however refrain on one single
point from expressing my surprise namely.
that' as condition, preliminary even To a.
suspension OF hostIIities, the government of
.he Ouited States should have thought fit to
demand, that the British government sbor,d
desist from its ancient and accustomed ,,r,,-~
tee OF impressing British seamen from th..
merchant ships of foreign state, simpIyop
the assurance that law shall hereafterbe
passed to prohibit the employment of Brit
ism seamen IN the public or commercial ser.
vice of that state.
ne british government now, as hereto.
TORE. is ready to receive from the o,ern-
meat OF the United States, and amicablv =.
DISCUSS any proposition which processes to
nave IN view either to check abuse in thr ~,
orcise OF the practice of impressment, or TO
accomplish by means less liable TO yexation.
tne OBJECT tor which impressmenthas hither-
toneen found necessary, but they cannot con-
sent 10 suspend the exercise of a right upon
winch thenava strength of the empipe nam
~ depends until they are fully convinced
that means canbe devised. and will be adopt
ca oy winch the o9jectto be obtained by the
exercise OF that right can be efectualiy Sc.
have the honor to be. Sir,
Your most ob't humble servant