The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-11-25
Lord .9shburi0n 10 Mr.. Webster.
WASHINGTON, 9th August, 1912.


SIR The note you did me the honor of addressing
me the Sth instant, the subject of impressment,
shall be transmitted without delay 10 my Govern
ment, and will, you may be assured, receive from
them the deliberate attention which its Importance
deserves.
The object Of my mission was mainly the settle
ment Of existing subjects of difference, and diff
ferences have could have arisen Of late years with
r. spect to impressment, because the practice has
since the peace wholly ceased, and cannot consistent
ly with existing laws and regulations for manning
her Majesty's navy, be, under the present circum-
stances, renewed.
DESTROYS, however, Of looking far forward into fi-
turity to anticipate possible of disagree
ment, and sensible of the anxiety of the American
people on this grave subject of past irritation,
should be sorry in any way to discourage the attempt
at some settlement of it; and although without al-
thority to enter upon it here during the limited contin-
uance ofmy mission, entertain confident hope that
this task may be accomplished when undertaken,
with the spirit Of candor and cancellation which has
marked all our late negotiations
Ii not being our intention TO endeavor now to come
to any agreement on this subject, may be permitted
to abstain from noticing, at length your very ingeni
arguments relating to it, and from discussing the
graver matters of constitutional and international
law growing out of them. These sufficiently show
that the question is requiring calm considerations
though must, at the same time admit that they
prove a strong necessity of some settlement for the
preservation of that good understanding which, |
trust we may fater ourselves that our Joint labors
have now succeeded in establishing.
am well aware that the laws Of our two coun-
tries maintain opposite principles respecting aegi-
ance to the sovereign. America, receiving every
year. by thousands, the emigrants of Europe, main
tains the doctrine suitable to her condition of the
right of transferring allegiance at will The laws of
Great Britain have maintained, from all time, the
opposite doctrine. The duties of allegiance are held
to be indeieasble, and it is believed that this doc
trne, under various notifications prevails in most if
not in all, the civilized States of Europe
Emigration, the modern mode by which the popu.
lation of the world peaceaby finds its level is for
the benefit OF all, and emnently for the benefit of
humanity. The fertile deserts of America are gra-
dually advancing to the highest state of cultivation
and production, while the emgrant acquires comfort
which his own confined home could not afford him.
If there were anything in our laws our practice
on either side tending to impede this march of prov-
Dental humanity, could not be too eager to pro-
vide remedy; but as this does not appear to be the
case, we may safely leave this part of the subject
without ndulgng in abstract speculations having no
material practical application to matters in discussion
between us.
But it must be admitted that serious practical
question doe arise, rather has existed from prac-
tees formerly attending the mode of manning the
British navy in times of war. The principle is, that
all subjects oil the crown are in case Of necessity
bound to their country, and the scattering man
naturally taken for the naval service. This IS not
is sometimes supposed, any arbitrary principle of
monarchical government, but one founded on the ma
tural duty OF every man to defend the life Of his
country and all the analogy of your laws would
lead to the conclusion tina the principle would
hold good in the United States if their geographical
position did not make its application unnecessary.
The very anomalous condition of the two countries
with relation to each other here creates serious diff
hculty. Our people not dstingushable and owing
the peculiar habits of sailors vessels very
generally manned from common stock 1t is diff
cult, under these circumstances, to execute laws
which at times have been thought to be essential for
the existence OF the country, without risk of injury
TO others. The extent and Importance of those IN
jures however, formidable that it admitted
that some remedy should, if possible, be applied
all events, It must be fairly and honestly attempted
IL IS true that during the continuance of peace no
practical grievance arise but it is also that
II is for that reason the proper for the calm
and deliberate consideration of important subject
have much reason to hope that satisfactory ar
rangement respecting 1T may be made, to set at
rest all apprehension and anxiety and | will only
further repeat the of the sincere DISPOSE
ton of my Government favorably to consider all mat
tiers having for their object the promoting and main
tanning undisturbed kind and friendly feelings with
tne United States.
beg, sir, on this occasion of closing the CORE
spondence with you connected with my mission, TO
express the satisfaction feel at its successful termi-
nation, and TO assure you of my high consideration
and personal esteem and regard
ASH3URTON.
Hon. DANIEL WEBSTER, sc. sc. sc.
I OST.--Near the Railroad Office, pair of silver
~ mounted SpectacIes, in leather case. The
hnIav he, lnl,