278 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC., PRIOR TO TREATY OF 1818 



is analogous to the indulgence which has been granted to enemy's 

 subjects engaged in fishing on the high seas, for the purpose of con- 

 veying fresh fish to market, yet they do feel that the enjoyment of 

 the liberties, formerly used by the inhabitants of the United States, 

 may be very conducive to their national and individual prosperity, 

 though they should be placed under some modifications; and this 

 feeling operates most forcibly in favor of concession. But Great 

 Britain can only offer the concession in a way which shall effectually 

 protect her own subjects from such obstructions to their lawful en- 

 terprises as they too frequently experienced immediately previous 

 to the late war, and which arc, from their very nature, calculated 

 to produce collision and disunion between the two states. 



It was not of fair competition that His Majesty's Government had 

 reason to complain, but of the preoccupation of British harbors and 

 creeks, in North America, by the fishing vessels of the United States, 

 and the forcible exclusion of British vessels from places where the 

 fishery might be most advantageously conducted. They had, likewise, 

 reason to complain of the clandestine introduction of prohibited 

 goods into the British colonies by American vessels ostensibly en- 

 gaged in the fishing trade, to the great injury of the British revenue. 



The undersigned has felt it incumbent on him thus generally to 

 notice these obstructions, in the hope that the attention of the Govern- 

 ment of the United States will be directed to the subject; and that 

 they may be induced, amicably and cordially, to co-operate with His 

 Majesty's Government in devising such regulations as shall prevent 

 the recurrence of similar inconveniences. 



His Majesty's Government are willing to enter into negotiations 

 with the Government of the United States for the modified renewal 

 of the liberties in question ; and they doubt not that an arrangement 

 may be made satisfactory to both countries, and tending to confirm 

 the amity now so happily subsisting between them. 



The undersigned avails himself of this opportunity of renewing 

 to Mr. Adams the assurances of his high consideration. 



Bathurst. 



Mr. Adams to Mr. Monroe. 



London, November 8, 1815. 



Sir: Since T had the honor of writing you last, on the 31st ultimo, 

 I have received from Lord Bathurst a note in answer to my letter to 

 him relating to the fisheries; a copy of which is herewith enclosed. I 

 hope shortly to reply to this note, and perceive nothing in it which 

 can render the rights of the United States to the participation in the 

 fisheries in any manner dubious. 



It will be for the Government of the United States to determine 

 whether the negotiation proposed by Lord Bathurst will be advisable; 

 and I pray to be honored with the President's instructions on the sub- 

 ject as soon as possible. 



I am, with great respect, sir, your very obedient, humble servant, 



John Quincy Adams. 



Hon. James Monroe, &c. 



