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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. 117.

London, 21st September, 1827.

Sir,—

After a very arduous negotiation, we have at last agreed on the terms of the intended convention for regulating the proceedings of the reference to a friendly sovereign or state of the North-Eastern boundary, in conformity with the 5th Article of the Treaty of Ghent. Some points of minor importance in the general map, agreed on in lieu of the two conflicting that had been rejected by the commission, remain alone to be adjusted. This map is only a skeleton, containing the water-courses and connecting together the partial surveys filed with the commissioners. The contending lines are traced on it in reference to the water-courses; but none of the highlands are delineated on it, this being, in fact, the main question at issue, and on which we could not, of course, agree.

I was in hopes to have sent by the packet of the 24th the protocols and an informal copy of the convention; but they are not yet prepared. The convention itself will probably be signed in time to be transmitted with the accompanying documents (the general map excepted) by the packet of the 1st of October. I will now only say that we preserve all the evidence laid before the commissioners, and dispense with all the rest of their proceedings, including reports and arguments; that for these, statements, to be drawn by each party, are to be substituted, with power to each to make a reply; that provision is made for the adducing new evidence within nine months after the exchange of the ratifications; and also power reserved to the arbiter to call for additional evidence and elucidations, and to order new surveys if he shall think it necessary.

The British plenipotentiaries will not entertain any proposition respecting the navigation of the St. Lawrence founded on the right claimed by the United States to navigate that river to the sea. Although it may prove hereafter expedient to make a temporary agreement without reference to the right (which I am not authorized to do), I am satisfied that, for the present at least and whilst the intercourse with the British West Indies remains interdicted, it is best to leave that by land or inland navigation with the North American British provinces to be regulated by the laws of each country respectively. The British government will not, whilst the present state of things continues, throw any impediment in the way of that intercourse if the United States will permit it to continue. I have not received the answer of this government to the inquiry respecting the colonial intercourse, nor that of the British plenipotentiaries on the Nine Articles. These are the only subjects remaining unfinished.

I have the honor, &c.