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Indiana University Studies 
minister found himself still unable to obtain a definite answer 
to the propositions he had submitted for an arrangement of 
the colonial trade. He, therefore, decided to ask for such 
an answer thru a formal written communication.^® In this 
note he sketched briefly the grounds upon which the American 
Government based its belief that it was not unreasonable to 
suppose that the negotiation might be advantageously re- 
sumed, that Great Britain might be induced to rescind her 
order in council, and that a satisfactory arrangement might 
immediately be made by the reciprocal acts of the two govern- 
ments. Thereupon he reviewed the proposition which the 
American Government thought expedient to offer. In conclu- 
sion, he emphasized two points: first, that delay in reaching 
an agreement could only tend to increase the difficulties on 
both sides to any future adjustment; and secondly, that it 
would be difficult for the United States to reconcile the marked 
and invidious relation in which it was then placed with its 
idea of justice, or with the amicable professions of the British 
Government.^® 
Aside from a short note of acknowledgment in which the 
American minister was informed that no time would be lost 
in bringing the American propositions under the consideration 
of the British Government, no formal step was taken on either 
side during the next three months.^^ 
Undoubtedly one of the chief reasons for the inaction of 
the British Government, in view of the conciliatory proposi- 
tions submitted by the American minister, was the dilemma 
in which it found itself placed. McLane had intimated that 
a refusal to reopen the colonial trade, after the concessions 
and explanations made by the American Government, would 
be considered as inconsistent with the amicable professions of 
the British Government. No great amount of insight was 
needed on the part of the latter to perceive that, once the 
United States realized that it had again been rebuffed, further 
and more serious measures of retaliation might be expected 
against British commercial interests. On the other hand, the 
reopening of the colonial trade to American vessels could be 
accomplished only in the face of the most energetic opposition 
from the British North American provinces. 
Senate Docs., 22 Cong., 1 Sess., Ill, No. 118, pp. 3, 4. 
20 /bid., 21 Cong., 2 Sess., I, No. 20, pp. 16, 17. 
21 /bid., 18. 
