Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1841-11-18
RIGHT OF SEARCH

The English papers lately received
contain a correspondence between Nj
Stevenson, the late Minister to Great
! Britain, and Lord Palmerston, on the
subject Of the illegal seizures and dctcn-
iions Of American vessels, on the coas,
of Africa. The correspondence is OF
some length and the gist Of it will be
found in The following summary, from the
n. y. Explcss:
"The first letter given is from Mr.
Stevenson to Niscount Palmcrston, da-
ted Nov 10, l84l. Mr. Stevenson eDlers
into detailed history ofthc detention and
search OF tee American brig Douglas, Of
Massachusetts, by British cruiser -
lie then refers to former rrespondence
between the two governments on the
subject, and expresses the regret which
the Government Of the United States
feels that the remonstrances which have
been heretofore made, should have pro-
we'd unavaling in preventing the repe-
tiion OF such abuses as those which
have so repeatedly been made the sub
jeci of complaint against Her Majes-
tvs naval officers. While the govern.
men, of the United States and the ma
lion at large feel strong desire for the
complete annihilation Of the African
slave-trade, regarded by them as by
most civilized nations, as alike repugnant
10 Justice and humanity, aud which in
relation To the United States, is not the
less so to all the dictates Of a sound poll
cy, they have declined to become par
" in treaties with other nations for the
suppression ofthe slave trade, though re-
pca,edly urged by Her Maies,y's Gov
errmenl To do 80. The United States
have been forced 10 decline all conven-
tionai arrangements, by which the OIL
GERS of ships of war of either country
would have the right TO board, search, or
rapture, in foreign ports for adjudication,
the vessels OF each other engaged in the
slave trade. Indeed il may be well
doubted, apart from other considerations,
whether The constitutional powers OF the
American government would be compe-
tent To carry into effect those portions Of
the existing system, SO Indispensably
necessary to give il the character of
Just reciprocity. II will not, however,
be understood that the United States
have been insensible to the friendly spirit
Of confidence with which these npplicn-
lions have been made on the part Of Her
Malesty's government, or that the Uni
ted States have ceased 10 feel that strong
soiciiude for the total annihilation Of the
traffic, which has distinguished the whole
course oftheir policy. On the cont ntrnry,
having been the first TO abolish, within
the extent of their authority, the trans
portation of the natives OF Africa into
slavery, by prohibiting the introduction
Of slaves and by furnishing their own
citizens for participating IN the traffic.
and having, moreover, taken the steps
which il deemed proper to prevent the IA
buse ofthcir flag by the subjects of other
powers the government Of the Unlied
States cannot but feel sincere graiifca-
lion at he progress made, by the efforts
Of other actions, for the general extInc-
ton Of this odious traffic, and, copss-
quenily, undininished solicitude to give
the fullest efficacy TO their own laws and
regulations on the subject
Mr.. Stevenson adds that our Cavern.
nent cannot, however, consent TINT the
provisions Of the treaties 10 force between
Great Britain and other powers for It. alb.
clifton, and to which they are not party,
should be made to operate upon the com
perce and citizens Of the United States
lie was therefore instructed, ~ p,e-
sen,Ing this case to Lord Palmcrs,nn's