The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1814-10-17
DOCUMENTS.

and RmsseH, to NJ. Monroe, Seereta,y Of State,
dated Chenl, 1914 August, 1914. ~ D.hE ,
SrR-Ve have the honor 10 inform you that the
British Commissioners, Id. Gambler, Henry Goul-
burn, Esq and William Adams, Esq arrived in This
city on Saturday evening, the sixth inst. The day
after their arrival, Mr. Baker, ter Secretary, called
upon US to give notice of the fact, and propose
meeting, M certain hour, on the ensuing day.
The place having been agreed upon, we accordingly
met, at one O'Clock, on Monday, the 9Th inst.
We enclose, herewith, a copy Of the full powers
exhibited by the British Commissioners at that con-
Terence which was opened on their part by an ex-
preston of the sincere and earnest desire OF their
government, that the negotiation might result in
solid peace honorable to both parties They, ut the
same time, declared, that events which had occur
red since the first proposal for this negotiatop, had
altered the pacific disposition Of their government, or
varied its views as TO the terms upon which it was
Wiling TO conclude the peace.
We answered, that we heard these declarations
with great satisfaction, and that government had
acccded to the proposal OF negotiation, with the most
sincere desire to put end to the differences which
divided the two countries, and 10 lay upon just and
liberal grounds the foundation OF peace, which, Sc
curing the rights and interests Of both nations. should
unite them by lasting bonds of amy.
The British Commissioner then stated the follow
ing subjects those upon which 1t appeared 10 them
that the discussions would be likely turn, and on
which they were instructed.
l. The forcible seizure Of mariners on board OF
inerchsn, vessels and in connection with it, the claim
of his Britannia Majesty to the allegiance OF all the
native subjects Of Great Britain.
We understood them to intimate, that the British
government did not PROPOSE this point as one which
they were particularly desirous OF discussing but
that, as Il had occupied so prominent place in the
disputes between the two countries, II necessarily at
tracted notice and was considered as subject which
would come under discussion.
@ The Indian allies of Great Britain to be includ
ed in the pacifcation, and definite boundary to be
settled for their territory A
The British Commissioners stated, that an arrange.
ment upon this point was a cine qua non : that they
were not authorized TO conclude treaty OF peace
which did not mbrace the Indians, rs allies OF his
Britannia Majesty, and that the establishment OF
definite boundary Of the Indian territory neccs
sary to secure permanent peace, not only with the
Indians, but also between the United States and
Great Britain.
g. A revision Of the boundary line between the
United States and the adjacent British colonies.
With respect to tlih point they expressly disclam-
ed any intention, the part of their gosernnrentto TO
acquire Increase Of territory and represented the
proposed revision intended merely for the purpose
of preventing uncertainty and dispute.
After having stated these three points, as subjects
Of discussion, the British Commissioners added. that
before they desired any answer from us, they felt 1t
Incumbent upon them to declare, that the British
government did not deny the right of the Americans
10 the fisheries generally or in the open seas but
that the privileges formerly granted by treaty 'S the
British jurisdiction, and Of landing and drying fish
on the shores Of the British territories, would pot be
renewed without an equivalent
The extent Of what was considered by them as
waters peculiarly British, was not stated From The
manner in which they brought this subject into view,
they seemed to wish To understand that they
not xious that it should be discussed and that they
only intended 10 give us notice that these privileges
had ceased exist, and would not be again granted
without an equivalent, nor unless We thought proper
l. sl.As
renewal.
The British Commissioners having stated, that
these were all the subjects which they intended 10
bring forward or to suggest, requested to BE inform
ed, whether were instructed tn enter into nego-
tiaton on these several points and, whether there
was any amongst these which we thought ii unneces
sary to bring into the negotiation and they desired
us 10 state, on our part, such other subjects
might intend 10 propose for discussion in the course
of the negotiation. The meeting was then adjourn.
ed to the next day, in order to afford us the oppor
tunity o. consultation among ourselves, before we
gave answer
In the course Of the evening Of the same day. we
received your letters of the 25th and 9Th OF June
There be no hesitation, on our part, an informing
the British Commissioners, that We were not instruct.
cd on the subjects Of Indian paccatiou or boundary,
and Of fisheries Nor did il seem probable, although
neittsr of these points has been stated with suf ien
precision IN thNt first verbal conference, that they
could be admitted in any shape. We did not wish,
however, 70 prejud the result, or by any hasty pro-
ceeding, abruptly 10 break Oft the negotiation. Il
was not impossible that the subject Of the Indians
the British government bad received erroneous i'm
pressions from the ladian traders in Canada which
our representations might removes and IL appeared,
at all events, important, to ascertain distinctly the
precise intentions Of Grea,.Drit.in both points.
we. therefore though, advisable to invite the Bri.
tish Commissioners TO general conversation on all
the points stating to them, at the same time,
want of instructions on two Of them, and holding
out no expectation Of the probability OF agree
ing to any article respecting them.
Al our meeting ON the ensuing day we Informed
the British Commissioners, ., that upon the FIRST and
third points proposed oy them We were provided
with instructions, and We presented fir,lef cub
iects coasidesed by our government a. suitable for
/, discussion; st
lat de6Aon Of blockade. and a. Ear a. might
be mutually agreed Of other neutral and beIigersnt
rights.