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Subject Area: Political Theory

GALLATIN TO MONROE. - Albert Gallatin, The Writings of Albert Gallatin, vol. 1 [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 MONROE.

St. Petersburg, 28th August, 1813.

Dear Sir,—

On our arrival at Gottenburg I wrote to Mr. Baring that we were thus far on our way to St. Petersburg, having been appointed with full powers to treat of peace with Great Britain under the mediation of Russia; and after informing him that we had a credit on him for the expenses of our mission, and asking information respecting the most eligible mode of drawing for them, I requested that the fact of our arrival might be made known to the British government. I had no other object than to prevent delays, and if that government was only waiting to know the determination of ours on the mediation, to enable them, if they were so disposed, to appoint immediately ministers on their part. This, however, has given rise to an important communication on the part of Mr. Baring, a copy of which, as well as of my answer, I now enclose. You will easily distinguish in his letter what belongs to him and what in fact is an indirect communication through him of the views and dispositions of his government. And this will assist you both in forming a correct opinion of the probable result of our mission and of the prospect of peace in any way, and in deciding whether any new powers or instructions are wanted and proper or not. The question which I think you will have to decide in case Great Britain should persist in her refusal of the mediation, and either through this government or otherwise a positive invitation should be made to open a direct negotiation, is whether this should be acceded to. I will not at this time add any conjectures or opinions of my own, not only because they might not be very useful, but also because having no cipher here but one which has been used for several years in England and elsewhere, it is highly probable that it is known; and I can communicate nothing but what may meet the eye of the enemy. I insure, indeed, greater safety to this communication by putting nothing in it but what the British government wishes you to see, and in point of fact I would have little to say which you might not infer from this and our joint despatch.

I need hardly add that neither Mr. Baring’s nor my letter are intended for publication or even communication to Congress.

I remain, &c.

Private P.S.

15th October, 1813.

Dear Sir,—

From the date of the above letter, no intimation such as was suggested by Mr. Baring has reached us. Why, if there was no such intention, he was directed to give us that information, or why, if his government was sincere, the proposition has not been made, I cannot conjecture. Considering the distance and the ordinary course of the mail, an answer to the renewed offer of mediation through Count Lieven cannot be expected here before the 1st of November; and it may be delayed longer if the object of the British government be to gain time. If the mediation be either accepted or absolutely refused, our course will be plain. But if the answer be of the nature suggested by Mr. Baring, you will recollect that even if we were of opinion that a direct negotiation would succeed, in conformity with the views of the President, still, our powers are limited to treating under the mediation of Russia. It is for the President to decide what should be done in that case; and I will only observe that if from any consideration whatever he shall think proper to give contingent powers and instructions with a view to that state of things, they may reach us provided they be transmitted immediately. In all probability we will be detained here by the season till February, and if no further instructions shall reach us, and the mediation shall have been rejected, will sail in March from Gottenburg.

With great respect and regard.