Alabama state intelligencer., 1831-12-24

1t affords me satisfaction to inform you that su 2 gestions, made by my direction, to the Charge d Al fairs of His Britannc Majesty, to this Government have had their desired effect in producing the release of certain American citizens who were imprisoned for setting up the authority of the State Of Mane d place in the disputed Territory under the actua jurisdiction of his Britannc Majesty From thls and the assurances have received oi the desire o the local authorities to avoid any cause oi collision have the best hope. that good understanding VII be kept up until 1t IS confirmed ny the nhai dlsPosi ton of the subject
 The amicabIe relations which now subsis between the United States and Great Britain, the increasing intercourse between their citizens, and the rapid ob liberation of unfriendly prejudces to which former events naturally gave rise-concurred to present this a fit period for renewing our endeavors to provide against the recurrence of causes oi lrrltalon which, in the event of war between Great Britain and any other power, would inevitably endan- ger our peace Animated by the sncerest desire to avoid such state things and peacefully to secure. under all possible circumstances, the rights and honor of the country have given such instructions to the Minister lately sent to the Court of London, will evnce that desire: and if met by acorresPon- dent disposition which we cannot doubt, will put an end 10 causes of collision, which, without ad- vantage to either tend to es,range from each other two nations who have every motive to preserve. not only peace but an intercourse of the most amlcable nature.
 In my message at the opening of the last session Of Congress expressed confident hope t1at the justice of our claims upon France, urged as they were with perseverance and sgnal ability by our minister there, would finally be acknowledged This hope has been realized treaty has been signed which will immediately be laid before the Senate for its appreciation; and which, containing stipulations that require Legislative acts must have the concurrence of both houses before it be ried into effect. By it, the French Government en- gage to pay q sum which, if not quite equal to that which may be found due to our citizens, will yet, 1t IS believed, under all circumstances, be deemed sa- isfacory tohose interested The offer ofa gross sum- instead ofthe satisfaction ofeach individual claim, was accepted, because the only alternatives were rig erous exaction ofthe whole amount stated be due each claim. which might, in some instances, be ex aggeraed by design in others overrated through CT TOT and which therefore it would have been both ungracous and un just to have insisted on, or set clement by mixed commission, 10 which the French negoators were very ayerse, anI which experience in other cases had shewn to be dia,ory, and often wholly inadequate to the end. A comparatively small sum stipulated on our part to go to the ex- tinction ofall clans by French citizens onr Gov ernment and reduction ofdutles on our cotton and their wines has been agreed on, | consideration for the rununcation of an important claim for com meroial privileges under the construction they gave to the treaty for the cesson Of Louisiana.
 Should this Treaty receive the proper sanction, source of irritation will be stepped, that has for ny years in some degree alicnaed from each other, two nations, who from interest well as the re- membrance of early associations, ought to cherish the most friendly relations an encouragement will be given for perseverance in the demands Of lustce, by this proof, that if steadily pursued, tley will be listened to: and admonii:on will be offered to those Powers, if any, which may be inclined to eyade them, that they will never be abandoned. Above all, d just confidence will be inspired in our fellow citizens, that their Government will exert all the powers with which they have invested if, in support of their just claims upon Foreign nations; athe same time that the frank acknowledgement and provision for the payment ofthose which were addressed to our equity, although unsupported by legal proof, at- fords practical illustration of our submission to the Divine rule or doing to others what we desire they should do unto us.
 Sweden and Denmark having made compensa ton for the irregularities committed by their vessels or in their ports to the perfect satisfaction ofthe parties concernad and having renewed the Treaties of Commerce entered into with hem, our political and commercial relations with those Powers conli- nue to be on the most friendly footing.
 With Spain our differences, up to the 22nd Feb ruary, 16I9 were settled by tie treaty of Washing lon ofthat date; but at subsequent period oar com merce with the States, formerly colonies of Spain the continent orAinerica was annoyed and frequent ly interrupted by her public and private armed sips they captured many ofour vessels prosecuting law ful commerce and sold them and their cargoes; and nt one time, to oar demands of restoration and in- demnity opposed the allegation, thai they were ta- ken in violation of blockade ot all the ports of those States. This blockade was decIara!ory only and the inadequacy of the force to maintain it was go manifest, that this allegation was varied to d charge of trade in contrhand of war. This, iu it's turn, was also found untenable, and the minister whom sent with instructions to press for ,he repa ration that due to injured fellow citizens has transmitted an answer to his demand, by which the captures declared to have been legal, are usi fled, because the independence of the States of A. merca never having been acknowledged by Spain she had right to prohibit trade with them under her old colonial laws. This ground of defence was contradictory, not only to those which had been formerly alleged, but to the uniform practice and established laws of nations, and had been abandoned by Spain herself in the convention which granted indemnity to British subjects for captures made at the same time, under the same circumstances, and for the same allegations with those of which we com plain.
 however indulge the hope that further reflection will lead to other views, and feel confident that when His Catholic Majesty shall be convinced of the justice of the claim, his desire to preserve fiend ly relations between the two countries, which is my earnest eadesvor to maintan will induce him to ac cede to our demand. have therefore despatched special messenger with instructions 10 our Minis ter to bring the once more to his considerations to the end that if, which cannot bring myself be- lieve the same decision that cannot but be deemed uniriendly denial of justice should be persisted in, the matter may before your adjournment, be laid before you, the constitutional judges of what is pro- per to be done when negotiation for redress ofinury fails.
 The conclusion of treaty for indemnity with France, seemed to present favorable opportunity to renew wouT claims ofa similar nature on other powers and particularly in the case of those upon Napes especially in the course of former negoiia- tons with that power failure to induce France 10 render us justice, used an argument against The desires of the merchants who were the principal sufferers, have therefore, beeu acceded to, and mission has been instituted for the special