Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1842-09-15
Lsr3 .AshbHrfon 10 Mr. Webster. -
VACCINATION T.. ~ -

u,
Sir: The letter you did me the honor Of address
sing me on The l7lh instant, informed me thai you
were Tow prepared aud authorized TO enter with
me into discussion Of that portion Of the q ference
between our Two countries which relate, to the
Northeastern boundary; and we had the follovin,
day our FIRST formal conference for this purpose with
view TO consider. in the FIRST instance, the best
mode OF proceeding to arrive at what is so much
desired by all parties-an nmcab!e, and at the same
time equitable, settlement OF controversy which
with the best intentions, the authorities Of the two
countries, Tor nearly half century, have in vain
endeavored 10 effect.
The result OF this conference has been, that
have been invited by you 10 state generally my
view oil this case, and OF the expectation of my
Government; and although q IN aware, that in tho
ordinary practice OF diplomatic intercourse, should
expose myself 10 some disadvantage by.so doing |
nevertheless do not hesitate TO comply, promising
only, that the following observations are 10 be con
sideTed merely as memoranda for discussion, and
not ns formal propositions TO have any binding ef.
feet, should our negotiation have the unfortunate
fate OF the many which have preceded it, Of end.
ing in disappointment.
believe you are sufficiently aware of,he circum.
stances which induced me personally to undertake
this mission If the part which, during long life,
have taken IN public affairs is marked by any par
tlcuar character, 1t has been an earnest persever.
ing desire 10 maintain peace and to promote harmo
ny between our two countries. NV exertions were
unavailingly employed TO prevent the last unfouI-
nate war, and have since been unremtiing in watch
Jog any passing clouds which might at any time
forbode its renewal. On the accession 10 power Of
the present ministers in England, perceiVing the
same wise and honorable spirit 10 prevail with theuo
could not resist the temptation and the hope of be-
ing OF some service 10 my country, and 10 our com
mon rnce, at a time Of life when no other cause
could have had sufficient in crest TO draw me from
retirement better suited to my age and to my incl.
nation.
trust, sir, that you will have perceived in IN.
course OF my hitherto informal Communications with
you, that approach my duties generally without
any OF those devices and mar uvfes wish arc sup
posed, believe ignoranty, TO be the useful tools Of
ordinary diplomacy. With person Of your pene-
traton they would avail little as thew would with
the intelligent public Of the two great enlightened
countries of whose Interests we nre treating know
no other mode Of acting than an open, plain denl-
ing, and therefore disregard, willingly oil the dij
advantage OF complying with the invitation given
me TO be the first TO speak this estion al the
elslern boundary. IL is already agreed that we nb
stain from continued digcusson Of the arguments
by which the lines Of the two countries nre recuro
cally maintained; and have so well observed this
rule that have not even communicated TO you
volume Of additional Controversial matter which I
brought with me, and much of which would, il con
roversy were our object, he Of no inconsiderable
weight ard importance. IL would be in the event
only Of the failure OF this negotiation which | will
no, anticipate, that VIC should be again driven into
The labyrinth from which II s our purpose 20 esctpe
and that failing to interpret strictly the words Of Inc
treaty, We should be obi ged 10 search again into
contemporaneous occurrences md opinions for min
epe5 OF construction which might shed light on the
actual intentions Of the parties.
Our success, must, on the contrary, depend on tho
reciprocal admission, or presumption that tho rnyal
arbiter was 50 far right when he came 10 tic con-
clusiou which others had come 10 before him, tina,
the treaty OF 1888 was not execuiable according 10
lS strict expression and that the case was therefore
one Tor agreement by compromise. The oniv point
upon which thought IL my dr:y 70 enter upon snv
thing like controversy, is that referred to in nv lot
ter OF the l3ih Instant, and did 50 to rescue nv
government and myself from an imputation Of IN.
worthy motives and the charge that they had set ur
a claim which they knew 70 be unfounded, from
mere considerations OF policy or convensnce.-
The assertions Of persons IN my position on subjects
connected with their diplomatic duties, are naturally
received by the world with some ca uton; but rust
q a. you will believe mo when I assure you that
should not be the person 10 come here on any such
Grand.
do not pretend, nor have over though. the claim
ofGrtat Bfitoin, with respect 10 this boundary env
| more than the claim Of Amorios, 10 DO unattended
with difficulties. The claims have been considefed
by impartial men, Of high authority ard unoYss
Foned ability, 70 be equally 30 attended and t6ere
fore IL is that this is question n, ,o,e'
and il is this compromise which il ba, become an,
duty 70 endeavor 10 accomplish.
vii only here add tho most solemn assurance.
Which would not lightly make, that after a LONG
and careful considorat OF OIL the arguments and
lnlerences, direct and ercumsianual bearing on tle
"hoe OF this truly difficult question, i IS nv settled
conviction that II the intent Of the parties 10
the treaty Of peace Of 1888, however inpsrfeety
.note intentions may have been executed 10 leue
70 Ofeat Britain by their description Of boundaries
'"' ""oe o. h9 vac" Of the riyor 81. John.