Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1814-10-26

ofaUhr commissioners. 1t was Inferred, from
that letter, and other circuspnnRnces. that
Mr.. Bayard, Mr.. Gallatin a +. Adams.
would be in Gottenburg, - Ind ic has
beenunderstood. from -oeher S6nrces, that
Mr.. Clay and Mr.. Russell had arrived there
about the 18th of April. II is therefore ex.
pected that meeting will have-taken place
in May. and that we shall soon be made &C
1uain.ed with your sentiments of the proba-
bic RESULTS of the negotiation.
1t Is impossible. Win the lights which
have reached US, to ascertain the present
disposition Of the British government towards
an accommodation with the United States
We think il probable that the late events ia
France may have had a teudency to increase
its Pretensions. ~
at war with Great Britain, and Injured
by France. the United States have sustained
the attitude founded on those relations. No
reliance was 1laced on the good Offices OF
France, in br = the war with Great Bril-.
tain to salts Try conclusion. Looking
steadily to an honorable peace. and the uls
innate attainment of justice from both DOW
ers. the President has endeavored, by con-
sis,ens and honorable policy. to take advan-
tage of every Circumstance that might pro-
mote that result. He, nevertheless, knew
that France held place in the political sys
tenn OF Europe and of the world, which as a
check on England, could not fail to be uses
full to US. What effect the late events may
have had, in these respects, is the important
circumstance Of which you are doubtless
better informed than we can be-
The President accepted the mediation of
Russia, from a respect for the character of
the Emperor, and belief that our cause in
all the points of controversy, would gain
strength by being made known to him. On
the same principle he preferred Gin accepts.
ing the British overture, to treat iAdepen>
dently of the Russian mediation) to open the
negotiation on the continent, rather than at
London.
1t was inferred from the general poiicy Of
Russia, and the friendly sentiment and inter,
position of the Emperor, that's respect for
both would have much influence with the I,ri-
fish cabinet, in promoting pacific policy to
wards US. Tie manner, however, in v hich it is
understood that general pscification is tax
ing place; the influence Great Britain may
have in modifying the arrangements involved in
It the resources she may be able to emplo,
exclusively against The U States; and the un
certainty of the precise course which Russia
may pursue in relation to the war between the
United States ard Great Britain naturally
claim attention, and raise the import ant qucs-
ton, IN reference to the subject OF imsressment
on which It is presumed your negotiations will
essentially turn, whether your powers ought
not to be enlarged, SO as to enable you to give
90 those circumstances all the weight 10 which
they my be entitled. On full considerations IL
has been decided, that in case no stimulation
can be obtained from the British government
at this moment, when its pretensions may have
BEEN much heightened by recent events, and
the stale OF Europe bs most favorable 10 them.
either reiniquishing the claim TO impress from,
American vessels, or disseminating the practice
even in consideration OF the proposed exclusion
from them of British seamtn n, you may concur
An an article, stipulating, that the subject of
impressment, together with that ofconlmerce
sbetweenthe two countries, be referred to se-
parate negotiation, ts be undertaken without
delay, at such place as you nay be able to agree
on, Preterring this city, If to be obtained, an
mex at the close cfthis letter, project Of an
article expressing, more distinctly, the idea
WINCH 1t Is intended To communicate, not mean
ing thereby to restrain you in any respect as /,
form-Commerce and seamen, the objects OF
lmPrcssmt mt, may, with great propriety be ar.
ranged IN the same Instrument. BY stipulating
that commissioners shall forthwith be appoint.
ed tor the purpose, and that all rights on this
subject shall in the mean time, be reserved, the
faith of the British government will be pledged
to fair experiment in an amicable mode, and
the honor and rights ofthe United States secur
ed. The United States having resisted by war
the practice OF impressnent, and continued the
war unth that practice has ceased, by q peace
IN Europe, their object has been essentially ob.
tanned Tor the present. II may reasonably be
expected, that the arrangement contemplated
and provided for. will take effect before new
war in Europe shall furnish an occasion for re.
wing the practice.-Should this arrangement.
however, fail, and the practice be again reyiy-
ed. the U. States will be again at liberty 70 re-
pei IL by war; and that they will do so cannot
be doubted; for after the proof which they have
already given of i firm resistance in that mode
persevered in until the practice had ceased, un-
der circumstances the most unfayorabie it can
not be presumed that the practice will ever be
tolerated again. Certain it is, that every day
will renderit more ineligible in G. Britain to
make the attempt.
In contemplating the appointment Of com
rnissioners, to be made after the ratification Of
the present treaty. to- negotiate and conclude
treaty to regulate commerce and TO provide
against impressment, it is meant only to show
the extentto which you may 90, in a spirit oil
accommodation, If necessary. Should the IIr,.
tish government be willing TO take the subject
up Immediately with you, it would be much
preferred, in which case the proposed article
would, of course, be adapted to the purpose.
Information has been received from quar-.
ter deserving attention, that the late events in
France have produced such an effect on She
British government, as to make it probable that
demand Will be msde at Gottenburg, to sur.
render our right to the fisheries tn absndo, all