University of Virginia Library

Feby 25.

Mr. Rose having yesterday asked an interview was afforded

one to-day. He seemed to have in view to prevent any expectation
that he would instead of the disavowal required as to
deserters, accept the information proposed to be given of the
principles & policy of this Govt on that subject, by suggesting,
that as this course would be inconsistent with his powers,
he should not act with candor towards us in so doing. He
re-iterated his regret that his powers were so limited, and
his belief that the orders issued to discharge all British subjects
from our public ships, would make great impression on
his Govt. Little was said in reply, further than repeating the
inconveniences resulting from such an issue to his mission, and
remarking on our disappot at the tenor of his instructions,
and the length we had prevailed on ourselves to go in order to
surmount the difficulties they occasioned. It was intimated
as one of the inconvenient effects of the actual posture of the
business, that the President was sending a message to Congs
recommending an extension of precautionary measures
necessarily attended with expence &c.