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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. 108.

London, 21st August, 1827.

Sir,—

I have the honor to enclose the copy of a note to Lord Dudley on the subject of the colonial intercourse, which, though dated the 17th, was only transmitted to-day.1

As soon as it was fully ascertained that this Administration was to be to all intents and purposes a continuation of that of Mr. Canning, with no other change but the addition of a single person (Mr. Herries or perhaps Mr. Grant), there was no motive for delaying the inquiry. Should the Ministry wait for Mr. Huskisson’s return, he may not arrive till November. Should they answer without consulting him, it affords the only, though extremely slender, chance of a change of policy. It is, however, much more probable that, imbued with the spirit of Mr. Canning’s Administration, they will, without waiting for Mr. Huskisson, answer in the negative. It is only in case they should hesitate that they will consult him. I have, at the same time I sent the note, asked an interview from Lord Dudley. I will also try to see Lord Goderich and Marquis Lansdowne, and use all the arguments which the occasion suggests to make an impression on them. Unfortunately, no inconvenience has yet been felt from the measures that have been adopted. You are better informed than I am of the manner in which the British West Indies have been supplied; but no remonstrance has yet been made from that quarter. The shipping interest, erroneously in my opinion, believes that it will be benefited by an adherence to the system. It is, therefore, supported at this time by the universal public opinion. There is not any motive at present to depart from it but the fear of displeasing us; and this is not sufficiently strong, with a Cabinet that has just lost its chief and contains no man very remarkable for decision to induce an immediate change of the policy bequeathed to it.

Mr. Canning, perfectly open, and even familiar, on every other subject, on that one was always rather repulsive and short, and always repelled any supposition that the intercourse would be restored. He always spoke as if the two declarations in his note of 11th September, 1826, were intended and must be understood as foreclosing the subject. Seeing him in that temper, I avoided pressing him prematurely, hoping that time might soften him and render him less positive, and knowing that, if they could produce any effect at all, my arguments had better be reserved for the time when it should become necessary to speak. Notwithstanding that unfavorable disposition, I had much rather have had to deal with him at this moment than with the present Cabinet, not only on account of my personal footing with him and of the reliance he would have placed in my representations so far as American facts were concerned, but because with his sagacity, quickness, self-confidence, and decision there was the chance that, if convinced and no longer under feelings of irritation, he would dare to act. Though influenced by Mr. Huskisson in all that related to commerce and commercial relations, he was the only man that could control him even on those subjects, and he had the exclusive lead when they became clearly affected by political considerations.

I enclose a London Gazette, containing an order of council of 16th July last, issued in conformity with the Act of Parliament of last session. You will see what nations have complied with the conditions of the Act of 5th July, 1825, and to which of those that had not complied (France and Russia) the privileges of trade and intercourse with the British colonies have nevertheless been extended. This invidious distinction, as contrasted with our exclusion, is one of the topics on which I intend to dwell.

I have the honor, &c.

[1 ]See American State Papers, vi. 977.