The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
| II. |
TO EDMUND RANDOLPH. |
 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO EDMUND RANDOLPH.
My Dear Sir,—Our Ministers in Europe have
made some amends for ye long silence by voluminous
despatches brought down to 27th. July. They
were recd. yesterday by Congress. No definitive
treaty had then been signed by any of the parties,
though all had been ready except Holland & America.
The former is said to have settled her difficulties.
The American Ministers have been endeavouring to
incorporate some important commercial stipulations,
but in vain; and in case of emergency must come forward
with the provisional articles to be signed as ye,
definitive Treaty. The conduct of G. B. in the negociation
with America has shewn great unsteadiness if
not insidiousness on the subject of commerce; and
the inclosed proclamation of the 2d. of July is a proof
that some experiment is intended on the wisdom firmness
a Treaty in derogation of her Navigation Act. Congress
will probably recom̃end some defensive plan to
the States. If it sd. meet with the fate of former
recommendations, it will not probably be owing to
Rhode Island whose staple interest more than that of
any others lies in carrying between the U. S. & the
West Indies. If it fails at all it will prove such an
inefficacy in the Union as will extinguish all respect
for it & reliance on it. My situation here for writing
is so incommodious that you must excuse my brevity.
| The writings of James Madison, | |