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Subject Area: Political Theory

GALLATIN TO HENRY CLAY. - Albert Gallatin, The Writings of Albert Gallatin, vol. 2 [1879]

Edition used:

The Writings of Albert Gallatin, ed. Henry Adams (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott, 1879). 3 vols.

Part of: The Writings of Albert Gallatin, 3 vols.

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GALLATIN TO HENRY CLAY.

No. 63.

London, 29th March, 1827.

* * * * * * * * * *

Although I have received an indirect intimation that Mr. Canning intended, as soon as the Ministerial arrangements were completed, to confer with me on that topic, there is but a slender expectation that anything can at this time be done in that respect. His opinions formerly were, those of the Chancellor and other influential characters continue to be, hostile to the just rights of the United States. Still, on a question which if not arranged in time of peace it will cost another war to settle, it is important to know at least what are, at this time, the views of this government.

You will [see] by the newspapers that Mr. Canning has communicated to Parliament his correspondence with me on the colonial intercourse. He was reported to have said, in answer to a question of Mr. Hume, that he considered the correspondence as final, since he had the last word. The same day this appeared in the morning papers he addressed me a private note in the following words: “March 27, 1827. My dear Sir,—The newspapers (at least those which I happened to see) do not report quite correctly what I said in answer to the question, ‘whether the correspondence which I laid yesterday on the table of the House of Commons was final.’ What I did say was that it was my interest to hope so, as at present I had the last word.” I do not believe this to have been written in order to raise an expectation that he was disposed to negotiate on that subject, but only to intimate that he had not treated it with unbecoming levity. In point of fact the answer was instantaneous, and intended to evade giving a direct one to what was the obvious object of the question put by Mr. Hume.

I have the honor, &c.