PERTAINING TO NEGOTIATION OF TREATY OF 1818. 289 



In consequence of instructions to Mr. Bagot, I have had several 

 communications with him, relative to the naval force to be retained 

 on the Lakes by each Power, and also respecting the right of curing 

 and drying Fish, on the Shores of the British Provinces, Northward 

 of the United States, without having concluded a definitive arrange- 

 ment, on either Subject. 



******* 



On the other subject, Mr. Bagot offered to secure to us the right 

 in question, on the Labrador shore, between Mount Joli and the Bay 

 of Esquimaux, near the entrance of the Strait of Belle Isle. It was 

 necessary for me to seek detailed information of the value of this 

 accommodation, from those possessing it at Marblehead and else- 

 where, which I did, the result of which was, that it would be more 

 for our advantage, to commence at the last mentioned point, and to 

 extend the right, Eastward, thro' the Strait of Belle Isle, as far along 

 the Labrador Coast as possible. To this he objected, offering then, 

 an alternative, on the shore of the Island of Newfoundland, to com- 

 mence at Cape Ray, and extend East to the Eamea Islands. Of the 

 value of this coast, I am likewise ignorant. The negotiation must 

 therefore be again suspended, until I obtain the information requisite 

 to enable me to act in it. 



It is probable that the arrangement of these two interests, will 

 again rest with you. The advantage of it, as you are already author- 

 ized to treat on other important subjects, is obvious. 



At the commencement of our conferences, Mr. Bagot informed me 

 of an order which had been issued by Adm: Griffith, to the British 

 ( Jruizers, to remove our fishing vessels from the coasts of those Prov- 

 inces, which he would endeavor to have revoked, pending the nego- 

 tiation. His attempt succeeded. I shall endeavour to have this 

 revocation extended, so as to afford the accommodation desired, until 

 the negotiation is concluded. All the information which has been 

 or may be obtained on this subject, shall be transmitted to you. 

 I have the honor to be, &c, 



James Monroe. 



Mr. Bagot to Mr. Monroe. 



Washington, November #7, 1816. 



Snt: Tn the conversation which I had with you a few days ago, 

 upon the ubjecl of the aegotiation into which the British Govern- 

 ment La willing to enter, tor the purpose of affording to the cit izens of 

 the Dnited States such accommodation for their fishery, within the 

 British jurisdiction, as may be consistent with the proper administra- 

 tion of Hi- M : i j ■ ty' dominions, yon appeared i«» apprehend thai 

 neither of the propositions which I had had the honor to make to 

 you upon this sub] eel would be considered as affording in a suffi- 

 cient degree the advantages which were deemed requisite. 



In order that I may not fail to make the exact nature of these prop- 

 ositions clearly understood, and that I may fully explain the consid 

 orations by which they have hern suggested, it may perhaps be de- 



° Fisheries. 



