Econlib

The Library

Other Sites

Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow TO GOUVERNEUR MORRIS. - The Writings of George Washington, vol. XI (1785-1790)

Return to Title Page for The Writings of George Washington, vol. XI (1785-1790)

Search this Title:

Also in the Library:

Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

TO GOUVERNEUR MORRIS. - George Washington, The Writings of George Washington, vol. XI (1785-1790) [1891]

Edition used:

The Writings of George Washington, collected and edited by Worthington Chauncey Ford (New York and London: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1890). Vol. XI (1785-1790).

Part of: The Writings of George Washington, 14 vols.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


TO GOUVERNEUR MORRIS.

Sir,

My letter to you, herewith enclosed, will give you the credence necessary to enable you to do the business, which it commits to your management, and which I am persuaded you will readily undertake.

Your inquiries will commence by observing, that, as the present constitution of government, and of the courts established in pursuance of it, removes the objections heretofore made to putting the United States in possession of their frontier posts, it is natural to expect from the assurances of his Majesty and the national good faith, that no unnecessary delays will take place. Proceed then to press a speedy performance of the treaty respecting that object.

Remind them of the article by which it was agreed, that negroes belonging to our citizens should not be carried away, and of the reasonableness of making compensation for them. Learn with precision, if possible, what they mean to do on this head.

The commerce between the two countries you well understand. You are apprized of the sentiments and feelings of the United States on the present state of it; and you doubtless have heard, that, in the late session of Congress, a very respectable number of both houses were inclined to a discrimination of duties unfavorable to Britain, and that it would have taken place but for conciliatory considerations, and the probability that the late change in our government and circumstances would lead to more satisfactory arrangements.

Request to be informed, therefore, whether they contemplate a treaty of commerce with the United States, and on what principles or terms in general. In treating this subject, let it be strongly impressed on your mind, that the privilege of carrying our productions in our vessels to their Islands, and of bringing in return the productions of those Islands to our own ports and markets, is regarded here as of the highest importance; and you will be careful not to countenance any idea of our dispensing with it in a treaty. Ascertain, if possible, their views on this point; for it would not be expedient to commence negotiations without previously having good reasons to expect a satisfactory termination of them.

It may also be well for you to take a proper occasion of remarking, that their omitting to send a minister here, when the United States sent one to London, did not make an agreeable impression on this country; and request to know what would be their future conduct on similar occasions.

It is in my opinion very important, that we avoid errors in our system of policy respecting Great Britain; and this can only be done by forming a right judgment of their disposition and views. Hence you will perceive how interesting it is, that you obtain the information in question, and that the business be so managed, as that it may receive every advantage, which abilities, address, and delicacy can promise and afford. I am, Sir, yours, &c.1

[1 ]Morris in his first interview with the Duke of Leeds, on March 29th, outlined the wishes of the President as given in this letter, and was well received; but by September, when Morris returned to France, nothing definite had been concluded upon any of the subjects in dispute. In June following Colonel William S. Smith arrived in America, bearing reports of some conversations he had held with British officials, but they were no more conclusive than Morris’.—Sparks’ Washington, x., 168; Madison’s Writings, i., 537.

As there was now a recess of Congress, which had been adjourned from the 29th of September to the 1st of January, the President resolved to embrace this opportunity to make a tour through the Eastern States. He left New York, accompanied by his secretaries, Mr. Lear and Mr. Jackson, on the 15th of October. Travelling in his own carriage by the way of New Haven, Hartford, Worcester, Boston, Salem, and Newburyport, he reached Portsmouth in New Hampshire on the 31st, having been attended nearly the whole distance by military escorts, which were prepared to receive him at different points on the route. In all the principal towns, also, he was greeted with public addresses, the ringing of bells, entertainments, and every demonstration of joy from the whole body of the people. He returned through the country from Portsmouth to Hartford by a different road from the one he had before taken, and arrived in New York on the 13th of November.—Sparks. His diary of this journey has been printed under the editorship of Benson J. Lossing.