The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-05-03
THE LAST NOTE OF LORD ABERDEEN

THE LAST NOTE OF LORD ABERDEEN.
The Great Western brought us the reply of Lord
Aberdeen TO "the shot" Mr. Stevenson fired into
The British camp, when on his retreat 10 the UNI
ted States IL is not improbable, that Mr.. Everett
has. ere this, returned fire, but TO the fact tho
we uniformed,
Lord Aberdeen srenounces he has always
done, in the most crplich terms, any right on TIE
part of tho British Government to search american
pessels in time Of peace The right of Search he
adds, Except when specially conceded by treaty,
rs purely belligerent right, and can have no ex-
is,enco on the high seas during peace
Thus ii appears, that this,as abstract ques-
lion, the United States cannot pick quarrel with
Great Britain. H
Lord Aberdeen says sharply in the course o! his
letter that with American vessels, whatever be
their destination British cruisers have no preten>
sion in any manner TO interfere. Such vessels
must be permitted, ifengaged in il, TO enjoy mo-
nopoiy of this snhalIowod trade
The only point Of controversy now left are The
orders Of the British Government, copies of whIc
have been communicated TO Mr., Everett, TO detain
and examine suspicious vessels, and 81 they prove
to be any other than American, TO capture them
All The particulars OF the detention are to be enter
cd upon the Log Book, and forwarded Immediate
~ TO England
Great Britain having thus moderated her claim /,
there is no danger Of any difficulty springing up
from this matter, if her Cruisers conduct in The
spirit OF Lord Abe.deen's Latter. IL they go be-
yond, the British Government is liable to damages,
and must be willing TO alone for all just grounds
OF complaint.
Nobody can desire to sec the flag of The United
States used The high seas TO cover and conceal
the siave trade. There is no wish in This country
TO protect from punishment all engaged in this pi-
ratical traffic. Great Brilaln, however, disavows
all intention ofproceedng against bon" tide Amer
lean citizens concerned in American vessels, but
says in substance, 10 allow your flag wthou: in
aniry 10 protect other nations, would be nulliiy
OF our Treaty with Russia, P,ussia, Austria and
France, and open the slave trade 10 oil the world
There is DO disposition in this country 10 allow
the American flag TO protect slave traders. The
hostility Of the country is to the Ignorance and in
science Of British cruisers, who do not act in the
spirit Of Lord Aberdeens letter.
As things are then this whole matter is left open
as perhaps il best be. II is now an affair OF conf
", Of morality, and Of honesty. As long as the
cruisers conduct with propriety, they can meet
with no serious difficulty; but if they go further,
they must remember, that the American vessel has
the right 10 resist and il they touch they touch
her at ,!ier peril. The great public opinion of the
world as TO the slave tIade (Which is the NATION
AL LAw) will never allow the United States TO
protect, by its flag, directly indirectly, ihe traffic
in African Slaves-but that public, opinion, how
ever, will Justify US in resisting and Furnishing any
violen, or insoen inter ference Of the British cra
ser with the freedom os The seas.-N. Y. Express