508 
VOYA.GB OF THE POTOMAC. 
[Marcli, 
In this manner terminated the mission of Fjancis Baylies to the 
Argentine RepubUc. 
It appears to us, that the attempt of Mr. BayHes' negotiation to 
bring the Argentine government to a direct avowal or disavowal 
of the right of Vernet, or their own right, to seize the vessels and 
citizens of the United States, was based on sound policy. If a 
disavowal was obtained), the main object was effected ; the question 
as to the amount of indemnity was of minor consequence, for in 
the disordered state of the Argentine finances, a treaty or stipulation 
covering the whole amount would be no more than a " promise 
to pay" at some indefinite period. The principle in question 
affected interests of the first importance to the United States — 
interests existing in other places besides these regions. If the 
government of Buenos Ayres avowed the acts of Vernet, and 
claimed the right of excluding all nations from the fisheries, — then 
every maritime nation would justify the proceedings of the United 
States. Great Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, and, we believe, 
Russia and Holland, have used these fisheries freely. The United 
States, instead of incurring the odium of aiming at a monopoly, 
would have been regarded as the champions of a common right. 
Some have thought our charge too precipitate, and that he did 
not make sufficient allowance for that tendency in all nations of 
Spanish descent to procrastinate ; we think the reflection unjust, 
for one of less sagacity must have known, that delay would have 
been sought for no purposes of ultimate benefit to the United 
States, Avhose plain and obvious interest it was to have the ques- 
tion settled ; it not being of material consequence to them how it 
was settled. In one alternative, their citizens would have been 
relieved from depredations on their commerce — in the other, meas- 
those acts, the undersigned must yield to that alternative which his excellency has 
made imperative : — and as his continuance here would be useless to his country, he 
asks passports for himself and for his family. He relies on his excellency for the 
necessary and usual facilities for embarking his personal effects, and the library and 
archives of the legation. 
" In closing his correspondence, the undersigned tenders to his excellency the 
assurance of his respect and consideration. 
"Francis Baylies. 
" His Excellency D. Don Manuel de Maza, Minister of ^ ' 
Grace and Justice, charged provisionally with the } 
Department of Foreign Affairs." ^ 
