The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1814-01-11

jjesty's ambassador at the court of St. Pc
tersburg presented to the Russian govern.
| uent ON the first of September preceding.
by this communication it appears that
his Royal flighness the Prince Regent re-
ljected the mediation offered by his Impe.
rial Majesty to promote peace between
the United States and Great Bri ain, but
proposed to treat directly with the United
states at Gottenburg or London, aud that
he had requested the interpretation of the
good Offices of the Emperor in favor of
such an arrangement.
Having laid your Lordship's commu-
nication before the President. am in
structed to state. for the inform ation Of his
Royal Highness the Prince Regent, that the
President has seen with regret this new ob
stacie TO the commencement of iregoca-
ton tor the accommodation OF differences be-
tween the United States and Great Britain.
AS the Emperor of Russia was distinsui he'd
tor his rectitude and impartiality, and was
moreover engaged in war as an ally o
England, whereby it was his interest TO pro-
mote peace between the United States and
Great Britain, the President could not doubt
that his Royal Highuess the Prince REGENT
would accept the mediation, which his I'm
periai Majesty had offered TO them. It was
the confidence with which the high chsrac-
ter of the Emperor inspired the President,
that induced him, disregarding ccnsidera-
tons, which more cautious policy might
nave Suggestcd, to accept the overture with
pronptitude, & To send ministers to St. Pc
tersburg. e. take advantage of it. 1t would
have been very satisfact.r. the President
his Ro, al Highness the Prince r gent hid
found it compatible with the views OF Great
Britain. To adopt similar measure, as much
delay might have been avoided. in accom-
~ ltg h rt,rx -. ..-t~
OF nigh Importance to both nations.
Ehe course proposed as a substitute for ne.
goc'stions at st Petersburg, under the auspices of
the Emperor OF Russia, could not, must remark n
your I'ordshp, have been required tor the purpose
OF keeping the United States un.onnected AGAINST
Greae britsia with any affairs Of the continent.
L here was nothing in the proposed mediation tend.
ING to such a result-The terms of the overture ia
uicated the contr ~. In oferiug to bring the par
ties together. not umpire, but as q com mon
TREND, TO discuss and settle their differences and
respective Claims IN manner satisfactory To them
selves, Ills Imperial Majesty showed the intsres
~hlceh !s took in the welfare of both parties
Wherever the United States may treat, they will
treat with the sincere desire they have repeatedly
manifested, OF terminating the present contest with
"reat Britain conditions of reciprocity consistent
with the rights ofboth parties, sovereign and in
dependent nations, and calculated not ony to estab-
hih present harmony but to provide, far as pos
s'be, against future collisions which might interrupt
It.
before giving an answer to the proposition com
munieated by your Lordslip, TO treat with the Uni
ted States independently of the Russian Mediation
It would have been agreeable To the Presideut 10
have heard from the Plenipo.enaries of tie United
States, sent to st Petersburg. The offer Of Me.
dst'on by one power, aud the acceptance OF it by
another forms relation between them, the delics 4
ey ot which cannot but be feit-Frorn the known
character however of the Emperor & the benevo.
lent views with vhch his mediation was offered, the
frenGent cannot doubt that he will with satsfac.
lion concurrence of the IT, States in aa alternative
winch, under exstn circumstances, Affords the best
prospect obtaining speedily what the object os
his interpostio / accordingly instructed 10
make known to your Lordship for the information
OF His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, that the
i'resdent accedes to his proposition, and will take
the measures depending him for carrying it into
effect at Gottenburs with little delsy SIS possible
It being presum d that His Majesty the King o.
Sweden, as the friend Of both parties will readily
scquesee in the choice of place for their pacific
negotiations, within his dominions.
The Preaisnt s duly sensible Of the attention o,
iis Royal Hi5hnsss the Prime r gent, in giving the
orders TO the Admiral comma 0ding the British squad.
ron on this eoast which your Lordsiip las eommu.
meat d
! have the homo. 20 be, &c.
- JAMES MONROE