Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1846-02-10
Nh. McLISEr To MK. BUCHANAN.

| LONDON, January 3. 1876.
SIk: Ireceived the 29h of December yosr
dated the 9th OF that month; and the day following
sought with Lord Aberdeen in order that in
conformity with your instructions, night br NJ TO his no
the warse preparations making by Great Britain and
u possible, ascertain their real character and object.
IL wi escape you that upon such subject IL Is not
always obtain categorical answers, entirely
definite official nformaon; and did doubt that frank
personal conference the best, If the only mode OF
obtaining any satisfactory information whatever.
In introducing the subject, adserted at the time
to the information the President had received, from vsre-
~ OF sources OF the extensive warke preparations making
by Great Britain and the natural inference upon his
that the present pacific vi the relations of Great
Britain with all the powers OF Europe, they could only look
TO rupture with the United States on the Oregon ques
Lord Aberdeen said very promptly and frankly that it
would be improper disguise that with the sincerest de-
avoid H. they were obliged 10 look To the possibility
of rupture with tho United States, and that IN such
css, the waIlike preparations now making would be
useful and Important bu; he stated at the same me very
positively and distinctly that they mad direct reference
such rupture and would have been made 10 the same
way and the without regard the relations
Of Great Britain and the United States.
lie also adverted the fact that such preparations as
actually making had been commenced before the re
lauons bctween the United Sts'ss and Great Britain had
become they appeared u be, and there
fore could that time have had any connexlon with
difficulties which had since grown out at the Oregon ques
He thought, too that the representations 10 the
extent Of the preparations must have been exaggerated
He denied that they related particularly as had been IN
formed distant service; that they making any
addition the old form of marine. lie stated that the
extensive and formidable Pars OF their preparations
the Notifications Of the principle aud exposed porIs
and stations which lie thought could hardly be suPpos,
oguard against Invasion from the United States and to the
increase OF the number Of vessels i'll lieu OF the old
craft which appeared other nations were about TO adopt
and winch he confessed he though matter of doubtful
policy In short he assumed the preparations IN progress
TO be only part at and prudent system OF naionsl
defence and protection and OF preparing in time Of peace
for the eIgencos of war, should unfortunately come
from quarter whatever; and he distinctly repeated his
disclaimer that they had particular direct reference TO
rupture with the United Sttes the Oregon question or
any other ground
In regard my own opinion upon this subject which
! the President has been pleased to desire,
is altogether probable that the possibility OF other diff
culies from other quarters in Europe
may have its influence debating the policy OF tho e1-
tensve preparations in progress IN all OF the kngdom
and, with undated confidence IN tie iIanknets and
sishtiorwardness Of Lord Aberdeen and without
ng ~ dsusi in the slightest degree the sincerity OF his
disclaimers in recent conversations do not think II
ought TO be assumed by any that warike preparations
upon such scale as that upon which they are undenab
making here could not have indirect reference To
the possible contingency OF rupture with And at the
same time II IS perfectly obvious that they ia grea
degree and especially far they consist Of augmeu
ton IN the number Of steam vessels and OF the naval
uno generally precisely Of the character be the
appropriate aud the useful with county
am not prepared TO nor do deem II material 10 de
eide now tar we have right 10 expect an explicit dis
caiuer Of the character I'd purposes OF tue wnTke pre-
partitions making by Greti Britain, under the cTcum
stances They may be the dictate of various po
Icy, aud the result OF many and without attempting
TO assign TO each it, particular Influence, am by
prepared To admit that the apprehension OF difficulties with
tue United States had share hem and very cIea
Ihat rupture with the United States should grow
present difficulties, this country will be as fully
eeelualy prepared for it all points, and for oil ssib
purposes, as If that and that alone, had been tho object
all her wIrlIke preparations. She will be IN situation Il
act and strike promptly and sIgnsy she could hay,
been with her energies exclusively directed to that end
aud feel tim Guy add, that to expect, in
rupture becomes 4be, that this Government, thu
~ complete will promptly End vigorously eIeri he
utmost TO Inc the utmost possible injury upon
country and ell its interests would not DO dong justice
such a crs.
think It ought to be expect d, indeed from oil learn
cannO, doubt, that In OF hosuliues the aim Of thu
Government will be to strike is heayeu blow the com
mencement IN the expectation Of being thereby enabled
shorten toe duration Of the war.
have the honor Il be, &c.
LOUIS McLANE.