On Article XI.
This is a stipulation which is not to be yielded but in the
event of its being made an indispensable condition. It
cannot be essential for the object of it, whilst the British
Government is left free to take the precautions allowable
within its own jurisdiction for preventing the clandestine
departure of its seamen or its soldiers in neutral vessels. And
it is very ineligible to the United States, inasmuch as it will
be difficult to enforce the prohibition, whether we regard
the embarkation of such persons in British ports, or their
landing on the American shores; and inasmuch as the inefficacy
of regulations for such purposes tho' made with due sincerity
and care, may become a source of secret jealousy and dissatisfaction,
if not of controversy and reproach.
The article is copied from that in the arrangement (of
which you have a copy) discussed and brought near to a conclusion
between Mr. King and the British Ministry and you
are authorized to accede to it, on the supposition, that it
may again be insisted on. It is to be recollected however
that the article was then understood to be the only price
given for relinquishing the impressment of American seamen.
The other offers now substituted will justify you in pressing
the omission of the original one.
