302 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC., PRIOR TO TREATY OP 1818 



conceive of his conversation is either that, being himself of the State 

 of Massachusetts, the only State which is deeply interested in the 

 question, he is anxious to hold a very high tone upon the subject; or 

 that it is the policy of the Government not to let the matter be 

 brought to any arrangement but to reserve it as a grievance, to be 

 used as it may hereafter be wanted. Whatever may have been the 

 motive -which prompted Mr. Adams expressions, they are, as coining 

 from him, somewhat extraordinary, and it is certainly my duty to 

 report them to your lordship. 



I have the honour to be, &c. Charles Bagot. 



Mr. Adams to Mr. Rush. 



[Extract] 



Department of State, May 21, 1818. 



It is important that the commercial part of the community, both 

 here and in Great Britain, should have timely notice of the state in 

 which the relations between the two countries are to stand after the 

 termination of that convention [of 1815]. And, as there are other 

 objects of moment to be adjusted, the President desires you to pro- 

 pose an immediate general negotiation of a commercial treaty, to 



embrace the continuance, for a further term of years, of the 



convention ; and, also, the other subjects in discussion between the 

 two Governments, namely — the question concerning the slaves, that 

 relating to the fisheries, the boundary line from the Lake of the 

 Woods, and the Columbia Eiver settlement. The President prefers 

 taking this course to that of submitting to commissioners, at least, 

 immediately, questions upon which he thinks it probable the two 

 Governments may thus, by a shorter process, come to a mutual under- 

 standing between themselves. 



If, upon making this proposal, the British Government agree to 

 this negotiation, the President proposes that Mr. Gallatin and you 

 should be authorized, jointly, as plenipotentiaries, to conclude the 

 treaty, which it is very desirable may be concluded in season to 

 arrive here by the commencement of the next session of Congress, 

 which is to be on the third Monday in November. Instructions will 

 be transmitted immediately to Mr. Gallatin, to hold himself in readi- 

 ness to repair to London, upon receiving notice from you, should 

 plenipotentiaries be appointed to treat with you; and, besides the 

 instructions which formed the basis of the existing convention, and 

 others already in your possession, further documents will be for- 

 warded to you as soon as possible, which may assist you in the man- 

 agement of the negotiation. 



Mr. Adams to Mr. Gallatin. 

 Department or State, Washington, May 22, 1818. 



[Extract.] 



The present state of the relations between the United States and 

 Great Britain has suggested to the President the expediency of pro- 



