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

be very satisfactory to the President to meet
the British government in such arrangements
rs may terminate without delay the hostilities
which now exist between the U. States and G..
Britain, on conditions honorable to both natl
ons.
| At the moment of the declaration of war, the
President gave signal proof of the attachment
of the United States to peace. Instructions
were given at that early period to the late
charge DIES affares OF the U. States at London,
| To propose to the British government an ar
4 rnistice on conditions which it was presumed
would have been satisfactory. It has been seen
with roget that the propositions made by Mr.
Monroe, particularly in regard TO the impor-
| tant interest ofimpressment, was rejected and
| that hone was offered, through that channel
| as II basis on which hostities might cease.
AS your government has authorized you to
propose a cessation of hostilties, and is doubt
less aware OF the important and salutary effect
which a satisfactory adj ustment of this differ
ence cannot fail to have on the future relati-
ons between the two countries, 1 indulge the
hope that it has, ere this, given you full power
tor the purpose. Experience has sufficiently
evinced that no peace can be durable unless
this object is provided for. 1t is presumed,
therefore, that it is equally the interest OF both
countries to adjust it at this time.
Without further discussing questions OF right,
the President is DESTROYS to provide a remedy
for the evils complained of on both sides. The
claim of the British government is to take from
the merchant vessels Of other countries British
subjects. In the practice, the commanders of
British ships of war often take from the mer-
chant vessels of the U. States American citi-
zens. 1.-THE u. States prohibit the employment
of British subjects i'll their service, and inforce
the prohibition By suitable regulations and
penalties, the motive for the practice is taken
away. II is in this mode that the President is
willing to accommodate thisimportant contro-
vcrsy with the British government, and it can
not be conceived on what ground the arrange
ment can be refused.
suspension of the practice Of imprcssment,
, pending the armistice, seems to be a necessary
consequence. 1t cannot be presumed, while
the parties are engaged in negotiation to
, adjust amicably this important difference, that
. the U. States would admit the right or acqui
esce in the practice of the opposite party; or
that G. Britain would be unwilling to restrain
her cruizers from practice which would have
the strongest tendency to defeat the negocia
ton. 1t is presumable that both parties would
enter into the negotiation with n sincere de-
sire to give it effect. For this purpose it is
necessary that clear and distinct understand
ing be first obtained between them, of the &C
commodation which each is prepared TO make.
IL the British government is willing to suspend
the practice of impressment from American
vessels on consideration that the u States will
| cACiuOe SeaIIlen lFOHi Incr SerVlCc, tnS
| regulations by which this compromise should
: be carried into effect would be solely the OBJ
! ject ofnegociation. The armistice would be
of short duration. 1.-THE parties agreed, peace
r would be the result. If the negotiation failed,
r each would be restored to its former state, and
to all its pretensions, by recurring to war.
Lord Castlereagh, in his note to Mr. Russell,
, | seems TO have supposed, that, had the British
!, | government accepted the propositions made to
: it, 6. Britain would have suspended immedi
ately the exercise of right, on the mere as
, | surance OF this government that law would
(, be afterwards passed to prohibit the employ.
= | ment of British seamen in the service of the U
: States, and that G.. Britain would have no a
gency in the regulation TO give effect to that
: proposition. Such an idea was not in tho con
temptation of this government, nor is to be rea
sonably inferred from Mr.. Russell's note lest
: however, by possibility such an inference nigh
;, be drawn from the instructions to Mr.. r. ant
i anxious that there should be no misunderstood
ing IN thecase, subsequent instructions were Civ
en- to Mr.. R.with view to obviate every obJec
, tion of the kind alluded to- AS they bear date oil
u the 9th of July, and were forwarded by tn,
. British packet Althea, it is more than probable
= that they may have been received and acted
= on.
lam happy to explain to you thus fully the
, views of my government on this important sub
y jcct. The President desires that the whcl
|
= mated on such conditions as may secure sole
:. and durable peace. To accomplish this grea
~ object it is necessary that the interest of i'm
~ pressnent be satisfactorily arranged. He i
willing that G. Britain should be secured a
y gainst the evils of which she complains. III
~ seeks on the other hand that the citizens q
the United States should be protected agains
~ practice which, while it degrades the nation
- deprives them of their rights as freemen. take
= them by force from their families and thei
country into foreign service, to fight the bat
=, ties ofaforeign power, perhaps against thei
- own kindred and country.
ie abstain from entering, in this communities
= ton, into other grounds of difference. Tn
q orders in council having. been repealed, (wit
- reservation not impairing corresponding
J. right on the part of the United States,) and n
e illegal blockades revived ar instituted in thei
Ut w stead, and an understanding being obtained o
10 the subject Of impressment, in the mode here
-. in proposed, the Presidents willing to agre
's TO cessation of hostilities, with a view I
VI arrange by treaty, in a more distinct and anpl
W manner, and 10 the satisfaction of both partie.
- every other subject of controversy.
will only add, that If there be no objectio
&c to an accommodation of the difference relatin
to impressment in the mode proposed, othe
", than the suspension of the British claim to in
al pressment during the armistice, there can
none TO proceeding, without the armistice,
y" an immediate discussion and arrangement Of q
article on that subject. This great question b
ing satisfactorily adjusted, the way will be opc
either for an armistice or any other course lea
ing most conveniently and expeditiously to
:. general pacifcation.
have the honor, &c.
JAMES MONROE.
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