The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1842-09-21
their irmness and patriotism, in whatever touch
es. the honor of the country,lor its great and es-
sential interests. JOHN TYLER.
Washington, Aug II, 1s42. ,..
From the National Iuezg encer.
THE TREATY OF WASHINGTON.

We presume that there is not a single reader
, of this paper who will not, on perusing the fol-
| lowing letter from Mr. Attorney General Legare,
in reply to an invitation TO the Ashburton dinner,
admire, with its truly philanthro pic spirit and
its truly patriotic sentiments;
@ WASHINGTON, Aug %, 1S42.
Gentlemen: have had the honor to receive
your letter of the 25th instant, inviting me to a
public dinner, to be given by merchants and 9TH
er citizens Of New York to the Right Honora-
bic Lord Ashburton, OH Thursday, the first Sep
tember
BE pleased to accept my thanks for your kind
ness and the assurance OF my very sincere regret
that circumstances will not permit me 10 profit
by it.
Were it only to have an opportunity of pub
licly expressing the sense entertain of the ad-
mirable temper and judgment, the clear, candid,
and7conciliatory spirit, that have marked the
whole conduct OF your distinguished guest in the
management OF discussion as delicate and COM
plcated as it has ever fallen TO the lot of any
single diplomatist to conduct, it would have af-
torded me The highest pleasure to share with you
in the gratulations befitting so auspicous an oc-
cason. 1t has been his good fortune, trust. 20
succeed in making MT merely treaty of peace,
but a peace independent of all treaty-a peace
in the hearts of two great nations-and by inspr-
ing feelings OF mutual confidence and respect, in
at once removing the causes of any immediate
rupture, and diminishing infinitely the chances
of any future collision
III do not greatly overrate the importance of
this event, it will mark an era in the history of
diplomatic intercourse and of public law. mere
etiquette, the unmeanng mysteries and NUM-
cries OF negotiation were dispensed with, andques
Il tl,
pendcDce Of nations were deeply concerned, have
been discussed with the calm and sober reason,
the strict and searching analysis, the gravity, dl
rectness and simplicity OF purpose, that belong to
the scverest judicial investigation.
Tine two high contracting parties "sought
peace in the spirit Of peace" and they have found
it in the clear and immutable principles oflnter-
national law, and in the plain rules oijustice and
good faith
will not permit myself to doubt for moment
that treaty conceived in such SPIRIT and found
ed on such basis, will be equally beneficial and
acceptable to all concerned in it.
. TO us, whose Federal Government were 1t
ever so imperfect in other respects, would be,
merely as a guaranty of internal quiet. bless
ing beyond all price-who have by this means,
sheathed forever the sword as an arbiter between
States, and consecrated, so to speak, whole
continent to perpetual peace and the reign of
the law, every prospect Of diffusing the same
spirit among Independent Powers, in their inter-
course with one another ought to be peculiarly
a subject for rejoicing.
will, with your permission, embody these
sentiments in the language Of one the most il
ustrious ornaments of our common mother
tongue 1 will give you as my own fervent
wish ...-..-. - - -
"A speedy diffusion among nations of pro-
ound respect for the law OF nations-that law of
which, more than of any other it may be said
hat "her seat is the bosom Of God, and her voice
he harmony of the world" I
have the honor 10 be- with sentiments of the
highest consideration, gentelmen, your obliged
md obedent servant, Ii. s. LEGARE.
To Messrs. James D. P. Ogden, James G.
Ring, and others, Comittee, &c.