Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-04-04

conference or in writing, as you may thihA most
proper; but, in either case, II is tne PRESIDENT
wish that il should be done in the most concili-
atory and friendly manner.
| am, with great respect, sir,
Your obedient servant,
H. CLAY.
JAMES Brown, Envoy Extraordinary
and Minister Plenipotentiary Y. >. to France.
No. 90:
Extract of Letter, No. IS, from Mr.. Everett. M
mister to Spain, TO the Secretary Of State, dated
MADRID, November 81, 1925.
CATER conversing with the Duke, (del Infan-
tado,) as much as was necessary upon the direct
relations between the two countries, the oppor-
tunity being favorable for longer interview,
availed myself of it TO introduce the subject OF
the Colonies, upon which had not before said
any thing to him, / told him, that 1t was
part Of my instructions to intimate to His Ma
iesty's Government, in the most delicate man
ner possible, the full conviction OF that OF the
United States, THAT the question OF the lnde-
pendence of the Colonies, was, IN point OF fact,
settled and their strong desire, that the war
might as soon as possible be brought to close.
| inquired Of him, whether there was at pre-
sent any disposition in His MaJesty's Cabine1
towards change Of policy upon this subject
tie replied in the negative, but did not express
himself to this effect with the same fullness ard
decision, that had observed in Mr.. Zea's COM
munications. Ipresume, however, that this
difference, which was certainly very pereeptl-
bic and obvious, is rather owing to the differ
ence in the characters of the men, and their
habit Of expressing themselves, than to any &C
tual intention in the Cabinet to yield AT least,
do not learn from any other quarter, that such
an intention is supposed TO exist. The Duke
said, that the matter was delicate one; that
he could easily imagine, how inconvenient and
injurious it must be to the United States TO
have this struggle constantly going on at their
doors and that he was not surprised or dissa-
tisfed, thai they should exert their influence in
underwriting TO procure the termination OF 1t
in the way which they thought just; but, that
he King could not yet resolve to abandon his
rights, or give up the hope, that thess countries
would in one way or another be ultimately
brought back 10 their allegiance. then sug-
eested 10 him particularly the opinion enter
lained by the Government Of the United States,
that the loss of the Island Of Cuba and Porto
Rico. would be the inevitable effect OF the
continuance Of the struggle for two or three
years longer; but that Spain, by making peace
at once, might very probably retain them
When made this remark to Mr.. lea, he an
swered. that the King did not consier these ISL
and as in danger in any event, and that his Ma
iestv confidently trusted, that he should not on
" retain them, but reconquer very shortly all
the other American Provinces. The Dukes
answer was quite different. He inquired OF me
in reply upon what evidence the American Co.
vernmen, founded the opinion, that Spain would
be able 10 retain these Islards, in case OF her
recognizing the independence OF the other Colo
MES. This question seemed to suppose the
persuasion, that the Islands must at all events
be lost, unless the King should recover the
whole of his American possessions. replied,
that the principal circumstance IN favor OF THIS
opinion was the fact, that no symptoms OF
disposition 10 separate from the mother eouh-
try, had yet appeared in the Islands; and that as
their situation, in consequence OF the opening
Of the ports, was extremely fourlshlns, there
was room to suppose, that they were contenteu
with it. He acquiesccd in this remark, ana eA-
pressed his deep regret, that similar system
Of allowing full freedom OF trade, had not
been adopted in season, Ill regard TO the o'her
Colonies. This was the substance OF our con,
versation. The general impression received
from it was, that there is al present no direct
intention in the Cabinet to change their poiicy;
but, that there is at least as much prooaollity
of recognition now, as before the late minis
terial revolution. l mentioned to the Duke,
that Mr.. Zea had expressed wish, that would
give him in writing what had to say by order
Of my Government upon this subject, and IN
quired of him, whether this would also be a
greeable to him. He said, that he had no o.
lection whatever to receive such communica-
ton; and shall accordingly at my leisure pre-
pare and transmit ONE"