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

Congress.
LETTERS FROM MR.. MONROE TO MR.
RUSSELL CHARGE DIES AFFAIREs IN
C. BRITAIN.
Extract ofa letter. from Mr.. Monroe to Mr.
RusseH, dated
"JUNE goth, 1912.
This letter is committed to Mr. Foster,
who has promised to deliver it TO you in
safety.
"On the 18th of this month declaration
of war against Great Britain passed Con-
gress. ] send you copy of the act, of the
Presidents message, and the report of the
committee of Foreign Relations, which bro't
The subject under consideration.
l his measure has leen produced by the
continued aggressions of the British govern
ment on the rights of the United States, and
the presumption arising from hat and other
facts, which it is Unnecessary to recite, that
no favorable change of policy might be ex
pected from it. 1t was impossible for the
United States to surrender their rights, by
relinquishing the ground which they had ia
ken, and it was equally incompatible with
their interests and character to rely longer
| on measures which had failed to accomplish
their objects. War was the only remaining
tanned, you will find by the documents trans
mitted that it was adopted with decision.
Gas war has been resorted to from neces-
sity, and Of course with reluctance, this go
vernment looks forward to the restoration OF
peace with much interest, and sincere de-
sire to promote it on conditions. just, equal
and honorable TO both the parties. 1t is in
the power of Great Britain to terminate the
war on such conditions, Git would be very Sal
tiSfactory to the President to meet it in ar
! rangements to that effect.
Although there are many just and weighty
causes of complaint against Great Britain
| you will perceive by the documents trans
mitted, that the orders in council, and other
blockades illegal, according to the principle:
| lately acknowledged, and the impressmcnt
OF our seamen, are considered to be of the
| highest Importance. If the orders in coun.
Gil are repealed, and no Illegal blockades are
| substituted to them, and orders are given L
discontinue the impressment of seamen from
our vessels, and to restore those already i'm
! pressed, there is no reason why hostilitie:
| should not Immediately cease. Securing
| these objects, you are authorised to StipuatC
| an armistice, to commence from the sigma.
| ture OF the instrument providing for it or a
| the end If fifty or sixty days, or other the
| shortest term that the British government
will assent to. Defnitive arrangements will
be made on these and every other difference
| by treaty, to be concluded either here or
| London, though it is much desired that thS
| subject should be entered on in this city
AS an inducement to the British govern
| ment to discontinue the practice of impress
ment from our vessels, you may give assn
rance that law will be passed Ito be recip
rocaD to prohibit the employment of British
| in he t,ubI;c oil
| of the United States. There can be no doub
thatsuch an arrangement would prove mucl
more efficacious in securing to Great Britain
her seamcn. than the practice to which it i
| proposed to be a substitute, independent O
| all the other objections to it.
| Indemnity for injuries received under tn,
| orders i'll council, and other edcts violating
| our rights, seems to be incident to their re
| peal but the President is willing that th'
| consideration Of that claim should not b,
| pressed at this time, so as to interfere will
| the preliminary arrangement alluded to.
| will be proper to bring it into view merely
to show that it is expected that provision
| will be made for it in the treaty which is t
| follow. Every other interest may also b,
| provided for at the same time.
| it is hoped that the British government
| will find it consistent with its interest ant
| honor, to terminate the war by an arms
| tice III the manner and on the conditions pro
! posed. In so doing, i. will abandon no right
it will sacrifice no interest it will abstain on
ly from violating ctr rights, and, in return
it will restore peace with the power from
whom, in a friendly commercial intercourse
so many advantages will be derived, not Il
mention the injuries which cannot fail to re
suit from prosecution of the war"
Mr.. MONROE 10 Mr.. RUSSELL.
dated DCfartment Of State,
July 81 1912.