964 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC., PRIOR TO TREATY OF ISIS 



right is deemed to rest by Ibis Government, relying on your thorough 

 knowledge of the subject to illustrate and support it in tho. most 

 suitable manner. 



It can scarcely be presumed that the British Government, after 

 the result of the late experiment, in the present state of Europe, and 

 under its other engagements, can seriously contemplate a renewal 

 of hostilities. But it often happens with nations, as well as with 

 individuals, that a just estimate of its interest and duties is not an 

 infallible criterion of its conduct. We ought to be prepared at every 

 point to guard against such an event. You will be attentive to circum- 

 stances, and give us timely notice of any danger which may be 

 menaced. 



* * * * 4c * * 



Mr. Baker to Mr. Monroe. 



Philadelphia, August 31, 1815. 



Sib: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 

 the 18th ultimo, together with its enclosure, relating to the warning 

 off, to the distance of sixty miles from the coast of Nova Scotia, of 

 some American fishing vessels by His Majesty's brig Jaseur. 



This measure was, as you have justly presumed in your note, totally 

 unauthorized by His Majesty's Government; and I have the satisfac- 

 tion to acquaint you that orders have been given by the naval com- 

 manders-in-chief on the Halifax and Newfoundland stations, which 

 will effectually prevent the recurrence of any similar interruption to 

 the vessels belonging to the United States engaged in fishing on the 

 high seas. 



I have the honor to be, with the greatest consideration and respect, 

 sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 



Anthony St. J. Baker. 



Hon. James Monroe. &c. 



Mr. Adams to Mr. Monroe. 



London, September 19, 1815. 



The transactions to which your instructions of 21st July have 

 reference, were of a character to excite, in the highest degree, the 

 attention of the Government of the United States. So many simul- 

 taneous acts of British officers, at various stations and upon both 

 elements, indicating a marked spirit of hostility, were calculated to 

 inspire serious doubts with regard to the pacific, not to say the 

 amicable dispositions of the British Government; and the latter part 

 of your despatch made it incumbent upon me, under certain con- 

 tingencies, to take measures, of which nothing that had occurred here 

 had induced me even to think, as precautions which the course of 

 events might render expedient. The commercial convention had 

 shown how excessively difficult it was for British and American pleni- 

 potentiaries to agree upon any one point in which the mutual in- 

 terests of the two countries were involved. It had shown how very 



