Sir F. Bruce to Mr. Hunter
Sir: You will doubtless recollect that in November last formal notice was given to her Majesty’s government by the American minister in London, that at the expiration of six months the government of the United States would deem themselves at liberty to increase, if they saw fit, their naval armament on the lakes.
In March, however, Mr. Adams, in compliance with instructions, dated March 8th, informed her Majesty’s government that the government of the United States were quite willing that the agreement of 1817, in regard to armament on the lakes, should remain practically in force; that the United States had not constructed any additional war-vessels on the lakes, and that no such vessel would be built or armed by them in that quarter; and that they hoped the same course would be pursued by the British government.
[Page 175]It may admit of a doubt whether the notice of the abrogation of the agreement has been rendered inoperative by the communication thus made through the American minister, and, as it is essential that no misapprehension should exist on so important a point, I am instructed to ascertain whether the despatch to Mr. Adams of the 8th of March was intended as a formal withdrawal of the notice given by the American minister to Earl Russell on November the 23d, or whether, as the period of six months from the date of that notice has now elapsed, the agreement of 1817 is virtually at an end, and the abstinence of either party from increasing its force on the lakes, without further notice, rests merely on the good pleasure of each, unfettered by any diplomatic engagement.
Her Majesty’s government consider that, in the latter case, a very inconvenient state of things would exist; and I am directed to add, that it appears to her Majesty’s government that the best course would be, that the notice of November 23d should be formally withdrawn, whereby the agreement of 1817 would remain unimpaired, and would continue binding on both parties until six months after fresh notice by either of them of its abrogation.
I have the honor to be, with high consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William Hunter, &c., &c., &c.