Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-04-05
No. IS.
Mr.. Bro,cn 10 M.. Clay.


SIR: In order to comply with the instructions
contained in your despatch No. 3, obtained an
interview with his Excellency, the Baron de
Damas on the Cd instant. reminded him that
in the month of July last, had, in spirit Of
frankness, disclosed 10 him the views OF the Pre-
sident Of the United States, IN relation TO the
Islands of Cuba and Porto Rico, and that had
then stated to him that the United States could
not see with indifference, those islands passing
from Spain 10 any other European Government;
and that for the United States, no change was
desired in their political or commercial condi-
ton, nor in the possession which SPAN has OF
them. informed him that was now instruct
ed 10 add, in the same frank and friendly spirit,
and in order to guard against all possible diff
ficulties that might arise on the subject that we
could not consent to the occupation Of those
Islands by any other European Power than
Spain, under any contingency whatever. Dis
claiming, as we now did, all designs on them
ourselves, we believed we might justly claim
an unreserved communication of the views OF
other great naratime states in relation to them.
observed that the President could not suppose
state Of things in which 1t would be right or
proper that possessions so important should be
occupied by either England or France, without
the concurrence, or, a. least knowledge, Of the
United States.
The Baron de Damas appeared to concur en-
tirely in the view which took of the subject,
and inquired whether il had been mentioned to
the British Government. / told him that a ST.
milar communication had been made to Mr..
Canning, and had sufficient reason TO think
that the British Government concurred with
the President in the policy Of not disturbing
the possession Of those Islands in favor of either
Of the great maratime nations.
then, in. the most delicate and friendly man.
ner, alluded to the French squadron which had
appeared in the West Indies, and on the A
merican coast last summer, and stated that
my government would expect that in case
France should again send out naval force dis
proportionate in the extent of its armament to
the ordinary purpose of peace establishment,
its design and object should be communicated
to the government of the United States. The
Baron de Damas answered that the vessels
composing that squadron had been stationed
at different places, where the number on each
station was not more than sufficient for the
service of protecting French commerce and
their West India Islands, that it had become
necessary dehnitively 10 settle the relations be-
tween France and St. Domingo; that this squad
ron was hastily collected for that object, and
that the nature Of the service required secrecy.
He said that it was not only right in itself, but
had been customary with the French Govern
ment to communicate TO friendly Governments
in time Of peace, the objects of considerable
fleets sent on distant service; that the peculiar
circumstances in the instance / alluded to, had
occasioned departure from the rule, but that,
in future, the United States should be duly APP
prised of the objects of every such squadron,
sent into their vicinity. The Baron de Damas
closed the conference by saying that he would
communicate what had passed, to the King, to
whom, he was sure, it would give great salts
faction.
On the same day, addressed short note to
the Baron de Damas, of which enclose copy;
and, meeting him in the evening, told him, IN
an informal manner, that had written it with
the design Of avoiding any mistake in my COM
munication to the President, of what had pass
ed at the conference. He said he was well sa-
tisfed that no mistake existed on either side,
and that he had communicated our converse
ton to the king.
have the honor to be, with great respect,
sir, your most obedient servant,
JAMES BROWN.