The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-11-25
Lord .4shburion 10 Mr.. Webster.

NAsHiNGIoN, july |3, lo42.
SIR: In the course of our conferences on the sew
eral subjects OF difference which the object of
my mission to endeayor to settle, the unfortunate
case of the Caroline, with its attendant consequent
ces, could not escape our attention for, alt ough il
is not of description to be susceptible Of any set
tlenent by convention or treaty, yet being
ted with the highest considerations of national honor
and dignity, it has given RISE at times to deep ex
elements, so more than once to endanger the
maintenance of peace.
The note you did the honor of addressing me
the 9th instant, reminds me that, however disposed
your Government! might be to be satisfied with the
explanations which it has been my duty TO offer the
natural anxiety Of the public mind requires that
these explanations should be more duraby recorded
in our correspondence, and you send me a copy of
your note to Mr.. Fox, her Britannia majesty's minis
ter re- and extract from the speech of the Pres-
dent Of the United States to Congress at the opening
of the present session. ready mode of presenting
the view entertained on this subject by the Govern
ment of the United States.
1t is so far satisfactory to perceive tho are per
fecly agreed as to the general principles of nerna.
tiona law applicable to this unfortunate case Re-
spect for the nvioabe character of the territory of
independent nations, is the most essential foundation
of civilization 1t is useless to sire CITIZEN princi-
pie generally acknowledged by any appeal to ali-
thorities on international law and YOU NAV be as
sured, sir, that her majesty's Government sets the
highest possible value Oh this principle and are sem
sble of their duty to support it by their conduct and
example, for the maintenance of peace AMI order in
the world If a sense of moral responsibility were
not sufficient security for their observance of this
duty towards all nations ii will be readily believed
that the most dictates of interest and policy
would lead to it in the of long contermnous
boundary of some thousand miles, with country of
such great and growing power the United States of
America, inhabited by kindred race gifted with all
its activity, and all its susceptibility points of ma
tonal honor.
Every consideration, therefore, leads us TO set as
highly your Government possibly do, this par
amount obligation of reciprocal respect for the indie
pend, Mt territory of each But however strong this
duty may be- it is admitted by all writers by all iu
rists by the occasional practice of all nations not
excepting your own, that strong overpowcring ne
cessity may arise, when this great principle may and
must be suspended. II must be so for the shortest
possible period, during the continuance of an admit
ted overrung necessity, and strictly confined within
the narrowest limits imposed by that necessity Self
defence is the first law OF nature and it must be re-
cognscd by every code which processes regulate the
condition and relations Of man Upon this modifca-
ton, if may call it, of the great general princi-
pie we also to be agreed; and on this part of
the subject have done little than repeat the
sentiments though in less forcible language admitted
and maintained by you IN the letter to which you re-
fer me.
Agreeing, therefore, on the general prn-
ciple and the possible exception TO which
it is liable, the only question betw cen us is
fairly to be assigned to such exccption-wheth-
err to use your words, there "that necessity of
sef-defeDce, instant overwhelming, leaving no oh ice
of Means which preceded the destruction of the
Caroline, while moored to the shore of the United
States Give leave to say, sir, with all possible
admiration of your very ngeni discussion Of the
general principles which are supposed TO govern the
right and practice OF interference by the people of
one country in the and quarres of Others that
this part OF your argument IS little applicable to our
immediate If Great Britain, America or any
other country suffer their people TO fit out expedi-
tons to take part IN distant quarrels, such conduct
may, according to the circumstances of each case
be Justly matter Of complaint and perhaps these
transactions have generally been IN late time too
much overlooked or connived at. But the case we
are considering IS of wholly different description.
and may be best determined by answering the follow
ing question. Surprising man standing Oh ground
where you have no legal right TO fellow him. has
weapon long enough To- reach you, and is striking you
down md endangerng your life, how long are YOU
bound TO wait for the assistance of the authority hay
ing the legal power TO relieve your or, to bring the
facts more Immediately home to the case, If cannon
are moving and setting up in a battery which can
reach you and actually destroying life and prop
erty 10y their fire, If you have demonstrated for some
tlue without effect, and see no prospect of relief
when begins your right 10 defend yourself should
you have no other means of doing than by Selling
your assaant on the verge OF a neutral territory
l am unwilling 10 recall 10 your recollection the
particulars of this case, but am obliged very short
ly TO do so, to show what at the time the extent
OF the existing justification for upon this entirely de-
ponds the question whether gross insult has or has
not been offered 10 the Government and People of
the United States
Alter some tumultuous proceedings in Upper Cana