TO WILLIAM PINKNEY.
D. OF S. MSS. INSTR.
Department of State, Dec. 23, 1807.
Sir,
Mr. Erskine having been so good as to let me know
that the Mail of this evening will carry his dispatches for
a British packet, which will sail from New York immediately
on their arrival there, and other conveyances now failing, I
avail myself of the opportunity to inclose you a copy of a
message from the President to Congress, and their Act in
pursuance of it, laying an immediate embargo on war vessels
and exports. The policy and the causes of the measure are
explained in the message itself. But it may be proper to
authorize you to assure the British Government, as has just
been expressed to its Minister here, that the Act is a measure
of precaution only called for by the occasion; that it is to be
considered as neither hostile in its character, nor as justifying
or inviting or leading to hostility with any Nation whatever;
and particularly as opposing no obstacle whatever to amicable
negotiations and satisfactory adjustments with Great Britain,
on the subjects of difference between the two Countries.
Mr. Monroe arrived at Norfolk on the 12th inst, and at this
place last night. Mr. Rose has not been heard of, since his
reported departure from England on the 9th of Nov.
The suddenness of the present opportunity does not allow
me time to add more than a newspaper containing a part ot the
proceedings of Congress in relation to the Embargo, and
assurances of the Esteem & Consideration with which
END OF VOL. VII
