LETTERS

FROM MESSRS. MONROE AND PINKNEY TO MR. MADISON. [Accompanying President's Message, March 22, 1808, published in the preceding volume.]

SIR,

LONDON, JULY 25, 1806.

You will have been surprised at not hearing from us sooner, on the business confided to us, under the commission with which we are honoured by the President. The delay proceeded from a desire to give you some satisfactory information of our progress in it, which it was not in our power to do. It happened unfortunately, just about the time of Mr. Pinkney's arrival, on the 24th ultimo, that Mr. Fox was taken ill of a dropsical complaint, from which he has not yet recovered, and probably never will. That circumstance opposed to us a serious obstacle, which it was difficult to surmount, even in the first stage. As Mr. Fox was the official organ of the government, we could not approach it in that mode through any other channel; and as he and his friends are believed to be favourably disposed to the objects of our mission, and are strong in the cabinet, it seemed to be hazardous to make any experiment for that purpose which might have a tendency to irritate them. Thus we were kept for some time at a stand. Every necessary step was taken with the department of foreign affairs, without making any advance. At length, through the good offices of Lord Holland, to whom, as the relative of Mr. Fox we presumed we might apply, without giving offence to him or his friends, we obtained our recognition of the king. And we trust now that the door is open, that we shall soon be able to proceed in the business, on which we have to treat, with some suitable organ of the government. We persuade ourselves, if Mr. Fox should * VOL. III.

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continue unable to act, that some other person will be appointed to meet us in his stead. We have the pleasure to enclose you a copy of the several notes which have passed in this introductory stage of the business.

Our audience of the king took place on the 21st instant. The reception was quite a favourable one. To the assurances which we gave of the friendly policy of the United States towards Great Britain, as particularly exemplified by the present mission, his majesty, in return, expressed himself to be highly satisfied with the proof which that measure gave of that disposition in their government, as that Mr. Pinkney had been selected from among their citizens to be employed in it. His other remarks, though not applicable to the topick of existing differences, were nevertheless of a conciliatory and friendly character.

We beg you to be assured, that we shall continue to exert our best efforts to accomplish the important objects of our mission. Of the actual disposition of this government on that subject, and of the prospect of a satisfactory adjustment, it is not in our power to speak from any recent occurrence. The general view, as founded on the sentiments which have been expressed by those about the government, with whom we have conferred, is favourable. We cannot but believe, that the delay to which we were subjected in obtaining our recognition by the king, ought to be attributed to Mr. Fox's indisposition alone. It is, however, proper to mention, that a negotiation with France is still depending, and that many entertain the expectation, that it will terminate in peace. We are not aware that such an event is likely soon to happen, and we flatter ourselves, even in case it should, that the motive for preserving a good understanding with the United States, in the present situation of the world, is otherwise sufficiently strong with this government to induce it to accede to a fair and satisfactory adjustment of differences with them.

We have received your letter of May 30, and shall not fail to pay due attention to the instruction it communi

cates.

We have the honour to be, with great consideration and esteem, sir, your very obedient servants,

JAMES MONROE.

WILLIAM PINKNEY.

To Mr. Fox.

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LOW LAYTON, JUNE 21, 1806.

MR. MONROE presents his compliments to Mr. Fox, and has the honour to inform him of the arrival of Mr. Pinkney at Liverpool, and to request that he will be so good as to give an order that his baggage and effects may be landed and brought to London. Mr. Monroe presumes that Mr. Pinkney, being in a diplomatic character, will be permitted to proceed on his journey there without the sanction of a passport; should it be necessary, he requests that Mr. Fox will be so good as to send him one.

From Mr. Fox.

STABLE YARD, JUNE 22, 1806. Mr. Fox presents his compliments to Mr. Monroe, and will be very glad to see him here to-morrow at 12 o'clock.

Mr. Fox is very much obliged to Mr. Monroe for his note informing him of Mr. Pinkney's arrival. He ima. gines that no passport is necessary for that gentleman to proceed to London. The order respecting his baggage and effects shall immediately be expedited.

To Mr. Fox.

LOW LAYTON, JUNE 23, 1806.

MR. MONROE presents his compliments to Mr. Fox, and regrets that he had not the pleasure of receiving his note of yesterday till so late an hour this day, as to render it impossible for him to comply with his obliging invitation. The hour appointed for him to call in Stable Yard had not only passed, but he concluded that before he could arrive in Downing street, Mr. Fox would have left it and gone to the house of commons. Mr. Monroe will be happy to

wait on Mr. Fox at any other time which may be convenient to him.

Mr. Monroe expects Mr. Pinkney in town to-night. As soon as he arrives, he will have the pleasure to inform Mr. Fox of it, and to request the appointment of an hour when he may have the honour of presenting him to Mr. Fox.

To Mr. Fox.

LOW LAYTON, JUNE 25, 1806. MR. MONROE presents his compliments to Mr. Fox, and has the honour to inform him of the arrival of Mr. Pinkney in the character of a joint commissioner extraordinary and plenipotentiary from the United States to his Britannic majesty. Mr. Monroe requests that Mr. Fox will be so good as to appoint a time when he may have the honour of presenting Mr.Pinkney to him. He will avail himself of the same opportunity to deliver to Mr. Fox a copy of their joint letters of credence.

DEAR SIR,

From Sir Francis Vincent.

STABLE YARD, JUNE 27, 1806.

MR. Fox has been, and indeed still continues so unwell with severe rheumatism, that it is not in his power as yet to fix a day to have the honour of seeing you and Mr. Pink- . ney, which I assure you he is very anxious and impatient to do; but as soon as he is able I shall have the honour of informing you. In the mean time Mr Fox hopes you will have the goodness to excuse this unavoidable delay.

Mr. Fox requests that you will offer Mr. Pinkney his best compliments on his safe arrival. May I request that you would do me the honour to offer mine also?

Believe me, dear sir, your very faithful humble servant, (Signed) F. VINCENT.

DEAR SIR,

To Sir Francis Vincent.

LOW LAYTON, JUNE 27, 1806.

IT is with extreme regret that I heard yesterday of the

indisposition of Mr. Fox, and I beg you to be assured, that I would on no consideration whatever hasten our interview at the expense of his quiet. I shall explain the cause of the delay to Mr. Pinkney, who will, I am satisfied, unite with me in this sentiment. I sincerely hope that his recovery will be rapid, and that I shall soon have the pleasure of seeing him in good health. Accept my acknowledgment for the very obliging expressions contained in your favour of this date, and believe me to be, with great consideration and esteem, very truly, your most obedient servant, (Signed) JAMES MONROE.

From Mr. Fox.

STABLE YARD, JULY 15.

MR. Fox presents his compliments to Mr. Monroe, and begs to have the honour of seeing him here with Mr. Pinkney, at 3 o'clock to-day.

From Sir Francis Vincent.

ARLINGTON STREET, TUESDAY EVENING, JULY 15.

MY DEAR SIR,

THE king does not come to town till Monday, on which day you and Mr. Pinkney may certainly be presented to his majesty. Yours ever, and most sincerely,

LORD HOWICK, whom I have seen, will be very happy to be of any use to you, but is not the person who can officially present you, on producing your credentials. If you wish to settle the business through him, he will be ready to receive you any time before 12, at the admiralty. Since I saw him, I have written to lord Spencer, who is the regular person on such an occasion to supply my uncle's place, and though my letter went late this night, I hope his an