252 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC., PRIOR TO TREATY OF 1818 



The British to the American plenipotentiaries. 



Ghent, November 26, 1811^. 



The undersigned have had the honor to receive the note and 

 pro jet of a treaty of peace presented by the American plenipoten- 

 tiaries on the 10th instant. 



The undersigned are of opinion that the most convenient course for 

 them to adopt will be to return this projet with their marginal altera- 

 tions and suggestions on the several articles of which it is composed. 

 The existing differences between the two Governments will thus be 

 brought more immediately in view, and it is hoped that by confin- 

 ing the discussions to one projet, the negotiations may sooner be 

 brought to a favorable conclusion. * * * 



The undersigned think proper to add that, with respect to the 

 particular alterations suggested by them in various articles of the 

 projet, they are ready to enter into such explanations as may be re- 

 quired of them, with the sincere desire of endeavoring to reconcile 

 the pretensions brought forward on the part of their respective Gov- 

 ernments. 



The undersigned have forborne to insist upon the basis of uti 

 possidetis, to the advantage of which they consider their country 

 fully entitled. But should" this negotiation terminate in a way con- 

 trary to their hopes and just expectations, they must protest against 

 any claim or demand being urged by the American Government in 

 any future negotiation, in consequence of the facilities which His 

 Majesty's Government have now shown themselves willing to afford 

 to the speedy restoration of peace. 



The undersigned avail themselves of the present opportunity to 

 renew to the plenipotentiaries of the United States the assurances of 

 their high consideration. 



Gambier, 



Henry Goulburn. 



William Adams. 



The American to the British plenipotentiaries. 



Ghent, November 30, 1811^.. 



The undersigned have had the honor to receive the note of the Brit- 

 ish plenipotentiaries of the 26th instant, together with their marginal 

 alterations and suggestions on the several articles of the projet of a 

 treaty of peace proposed by the undersigned. 



******* 



Sincerely participating in the desire expressed by the British pleni 

 potentiaries of endeavoring to reconcile the pretensions of both Gov- 

 ernments, on the few subjects remaining for discussion, the under- 

 signed have also assented to most of the alterations proposed by the 

 British plenipotentiaries to those parts of the projet which they have 

 not entirelv rejected. To some of these alterations the undersigned 

 are compelled, by their duty, to object. They have already stated, 

 and now repeat, that, whilst requiring of Great Britain no sacrifice 

 whatever, the Government of the United States has not authorized 

 the undersigned to agree to any stipulation involving any cession of 



