Weekly national intelligencer., 1850-05-11
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER.
MR.. BULwER TO Mr.. CLAYTON.

We copy from the New York Express, the fol-
lowing important letter of the British Minister,
lin this city, to the Secretary of State OF the
United States, disclosing the policy OF the Govern
ment of Great Britain with reference to the Cana
das, which we regard as highly important docu-
ment touching, as it does, the free navigation OF the
River st. Lawrence
BRITIsH LEGATION, March ~, 1850
SIN have received the favor of your communication Of
YESTERDAYS date enclosing one to yourself from the Chair
man of the Committee of Commerce of the House of Re-
presenatives respecting the navigation of the River St.
Lawrence and the feelings which her Maesys Government
might entertain towards granting to the shipping and citizens
Of the United States the free transit that river in the
event Of the Canada Reciprocity Bill before Congress-
being passed by the American Legislature, and the general
cations between the Uned States and the Cana
das being placed footing satisfactory all parties
feel myself authorized to state, reply you that her
Msestys Government entertaining cordial desire to pro-
good understanding with this country and to facilitate
every aure which tend to establish the amcabe inter-
between it and the various portions Of her Maesys
empire takes o interest in the of that
which has already been condionay approved Of by the Lee
gslature Of The Canadas and which, may respectfully remark
the natural consequences of those by
which the markets Great Britain have already been opened
to the agricultural produce Of this country
The desire thus described would you may imagine, be
still further increased finding responded to here whilst
the which the Committee Commerce has suggested
and which you have complied with by addressing yourself
her Majesty representative subject which but be
Of Imperial well Colonial interest," will Also feel
tain be considered proof Of friendly spirit towards
the Government of England, and which exists throughout
her Masty domaions toward the people and Government,
Of this country
feel hesitation, therefore, in stating that the nstruc-
tions with which came to the United States me,
under such circumstances in assuring you that should bill
corresponding that which has received the sanction of the
Legislature in Canada be passed by the Legislature of the
United States and receive the sanction CT The President
the United States, her Majesty Government will be ready
respond to any application which the United States Govern
ment may then address the subject concerning which
you have applied to by at consenng open
the navigation of the River ST. Lawrence and the canals
thereto adjoining (and which would be duly specGed the
shipping and citizens Of the United States.
need observe to you that her Maestys Government
would Of course such case itself the full right
withdrawing the aforesaid concession. upon giving due notice
Of such intention, whenever might deem proper to do
as in fact the Government and Legislature Of the United
States likewise alter, whenever may deem proper
whatever regulations or laws they may sanction
1t gives great pleasure to have it thusn my power
satisfy yourself and the Committee of the House of Repre-
sentaves with respect the question contained in your
and its enclosure and avail myself of this opportunity
to you the of my highest consideration.
H. L. BULWER.
Hon. J. M. CLAYTON, &c. &c.