OFFICIAL PAPERS. the armed vessels of France being permit ENGLAND: Revocation of the Orders in ted to enter therein; and the commercial Council. intercourse between Great Britain and the said United States is interdicted, the commercial intercourse between France and the said United States having been restored; his Royal Highness the Prince Regent is pleased hereby further to declare, in the name and on the behalf of his Majesty, that if the Government of the said United States shall not, as soon as may be, after this Order shall have been duly notified by his Majesty's Minister in America to the said Government, revoke, or cause to be revoked, the said Acts this present Order shall in that case, after due notice signified by his Majesty's Minister in America to the said Government, be thenceforth null and of no effcet.-It is further ordered and declared, that all American vessels, and their cargoes being American property, that shall have been captured subsequently to the 20th day of May last, for a breach of the aforesaid Orders in Council alone, and which shall not have been actually condemned before the date of this Order; and that all ships and cargoes as aforesaid, that shall henceforth be captured under the said Orders, prior to the 1st day of August next, shall not be proceeded against to condemnation till further orders, but shall, in the event of this Order not becoming null and of no effect, in the case aforesaid, be forthwith liberated and restored, subject to such reasonable expenses on the part of the captors as shall have been justly incurred. At the Court at Carlton-house, the 23d of June, 1812, Present His Royal Highness the Prince Regent in Council. Whereas his Royal Highness the Prince Regent was pleased to declare, in the name and on the behalf of his Majesty, on the 21st day of April, 1812, "That if at any time hereafter the Berlin and Milan Decrees shall, by some authentic act of the French Government, publicly promulgated, be absolutely and unconditionally repealed, then and from thenceforth the Order in Council of the 7th of January, 1807, and the Order in Council of the 26th of April, 1809, shall, without any further Order, be, and the same are hereby declared from thenceforth to be, wholly and absolutely revoked:"And whereas the Chargé des Affaires of the United States of America, resident at this Court, did, on the 20th day of May last, transmit to Lord Viscount Castlereagh, one of his Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, a Copy of a certain Instrument, then for the first time communicated to this Court, purporting to be a Decree passed by the Government of France, on the 28th day of April, 1811, by which the Decrees of Berlin and Milan are declared to be definitively no longer in force, in regard to American vessels.And whereas his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, although he cannot consider the tenor of the said Instrument as satisfying the conditions-Provided that nothing in this Order set forth in the said Order of the 21st of April last, upon which the said Orders were to cease and determine, is nevertheless disposed on his part to take such measures as may tend to re-establish the intercourse between Neutral and Belligerent Nations, upon its accustomed principles. His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, in the name and on the behalf of his Majesty, is therefore pleased, by and with the advice of his Majesty's Privy Council, to order and declare, and it is hereby ordered and declared, that the Order in Council bearing date the 7th day of January, 1807, and the Order in Council bearing date the 26th day of April, 1809, be revoked, so far as inay regard American vessels, and their cargoes being American property, from the 1st day of August next.-But whereas by certain Acts of the Government of the United States of America, all British armed vessels are excluded from the harbours and waters of the said United States, contained, respecting the revocation of the Orders herein mentioned, shall be taken to revive wholly or in part the Orders in Council of the 11th of November, 1807, or any other Order not herein mentioned, or to deprive parties of any legal remedy to which they may be entitled under the Order in Council of the 21st of April, 1812.-His Royal Highness the Prince Regent is hereby pleased further to declare, in the name and on the behalf of his Majesty, that nothing in this present Order contained shall be understood to preclude his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, if circumstances shall so require, from restoring, after reasonable notice, the Orders of the 7th of January, 1807, and 26th of April, 1809, or any part thereof, to their full effect, or from taking such other mea sures of retaliation against the enemy, as may appear to his Royal Highness to be just and necessary. And the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury, his Majesty's Princi- | timents of personal respect and esteem for pal Secretaries of State, the Lords Commis- you. Believe me, my Dear Lord, most sioners of the Admiralty, and the Judge of sincerely your's, WELLESLEY. the High Court of Admiralty, and the Earl of Liverpool. Judges of the Courts of Vice-Admiralty, are to take the necessary measures herein as to them may respectively appertain. Lord Wellesley's Reply to Lord Liverpool's From the communication received through Lord Liverpool, I understand, that His Royal Highness the Prince Regent has been graciously pleased to signify his desire of strengthening his Administration upon its present basis, by associating me with it, as one of those persons who agree most nearly and generally in the principles upon which public affairs have been conducted. -From the same communication I also derive the gratifying intelligence, that all Lord Liverpool's colleagues have authorized him to express a disposition to act with me, under an arrangement, consistent with their own honour and duty, and honourI receive able and satisfactory to me.. this notification of the Prince Regent's commands with every sentiment of duty and affection, while it affords me matter of Lord Liverpool to Mr. Canning. May just satisfaction, that, to the distinguished 17, 1812. My dear Canning,-I think, upon reflection, it is due to Lord Castlereagh to state, in writing, what I mentioned to you verbally, that from motives of delicacy, he absented himself from the Cabinet, on the occasions on which the subject in your Memorandum was determined.—I did not, however, make the communication to you, without having reason to know that he would be no obstacle in the way of an arrangement, founded on the principles stated in the Memorandum.—I will beg of you to communicate this letter to any persons to whom you may communicate the Memorandum. LIVERPOOL. Copy of a Letter from the Marquis Wellesley to the Earl of Liverpool, transmitting Lord W.'s Reply to Lord Liverpool's Proposal. May 18, 1812, half-past three p. m. My Dear Lord,-I enclose a paper, containing my reply to the communication which you were so kind as to make to me yesterday. Although I find myself compelled to decline the proposal which you conveyed, I request you to accept my grateful thanks for the amicable and satisfactory manner in which you communicated with me; and to be assured, that I shall always entertain the most sincere and cordial sen honour of such condescending notice from His Royal Highness, is added so high a testimony of the confidence and esteem of all the respectable persons composing his present Administration.- -With all hu mility towards the exalted authority from which this proposition proceeds, and with the most sincere regard for those through whom it is conveyed, I must, however, declare, that I should have declined it at the first instant of its approach, if motives of deference and submissive attachment had not imposed upon me the obligation of receiving it with respectful consideration. The proposition necessarily rests upon a supposition, that I entertain no such difference of public sentiment with the present Administration as should preclude ine from acting with them, under an arrangement, compatible with our mutual and respective honour and duty.But it ap pears from Lord Liverpool's candid and explicit statement, that, upon the important question, which regards the laws affecting the Roman Catholics, Lord Liverpool's opinions remain unchanged; nor is he aware that the sentiments of his colleagues, on that subject, have undergone any change.I must therefore conclude, that the policy which has been pursued respecting the Roman Catholics, during the present Session of Parliament, is to be continued without abatement; the general con stituent parts of the present Cabinet are to | Allies to continue the present inadequate remain unchanged; the highest and most scheme. From Lord Liverpool's stateefficient offices in the State, therefore, are ment upon this point, it is evident, that to be filled by persons, who still conceive since my resignation, it has been found themselves to be bound by duty, honour, practicable to make some extension of the and conscience, not only to resist any miti- system in the Peninsula; but it is still ingation of the present condition of the Ro-timated, that my views are more extensive man Catholics, but even to prevent the than the resources of the country can enable consideration of the laws which affect that the Government to reduce to practice. I, large portion of the population of the em- however, still entertain the same views and pire. I cannot concur in the principle, opinions, without diminution or alteration; on which the present Administration has and I am convinced, that a considerable conducted this important branch of public extension of the scale of our operations in affairs; on this point, I have recently ex- the Peninsula, and also an effectual corpressed the strongest difference of opinion rection of many branches of our system in with the present Administration.The that quarter, are objects of indispensable declaration of Lord Liverpool precludes the necessity, and of easy attainment. -With hope of any such change in the policy of such a decided difference of opinion, in rethe present Administration towards the lation to the conduct and management of Roman Catholics as could satisfy my judg- the war, my return into a Cabinet comment. This difference is of the utmost im- posed as the present is, would offer to me portance: without any other obstacle, no better prospect than the renewal of distherefore, this alone compels me to decline cussions, which have hitherto proved unthe proposition which Lord Liverpool has availing.I learn from Lord Liverpool, conveyed to me.I entertain a confident that he has received no authority, in formexpectation, that when the Prince Regent ing the intended Administration, to make shall have considered the nature of this any proposal to any of those persons, now difficulty, he will extend his indulgence to designated by the name of "The Oppomy humble representation, and will re"sition.". My inquiry on this point lieve me from the pressure of commands, originated in a sincere conviction, (founded which I could not obey, without sacrificing upon an attentive observation of the general a public principle of the highest obligation. state of public opinion, and of the condition These observations compose a suffi- of the empire), that no Administration, eient reply to the communication received which shall not comprise some of those through Lord Liverpool. But I deem it to persons, can prove advantageous to the be a duty towards the Prince Regent to Prince Regent, conciliatory towards Iredeclare, that the considerations which in- land, and equal to the conduct of the war duced me, on the 19th of February, to re- on a scale of sufficient extent.It has sign the station which I had the honour to been stated erroneously, that the first act hold in His Royal Highness's service, have of the Prince Regent upon his approach to acquired additional force since that time, unrestricted authority, was to establish Mr. and would constitute an insuperable ob- Perceval's Administration; but the fact is, stacle to my acceptance of any station in that His Royal Highness's first act at that the present Administration.I originally crisis was to dissolve Mr. Perceval's Adexpressed my desire to withdraw from Mr. ministration; and to endeavour to form a Perceval's Administration, because my ge- Cabinet upon a more extended and liberal neral opinions, for a long time past, on basis. This endeavour was frustrated at various important questions, had not suffi- that moment; and the formation of such a cient weight in that Cabinet, to justify me Cabinet was represented to His Royal towards the public, or towards my own Highness to be impracticable. It has, character, in continuing in office.My however, since appeared evident to me, objections to remaining in that Cabinet, from the discussions and deliberations which arose, in a great degree, from the imper-I have witnessed in Parliament, that His fect scale on which the efforts in the Peninsula were conducted. It was always stated to me, that it was impracticable to enlarge that system. I thought that it was perfectly practicable to extend the plan in the Peninsula, and that it was neither safe nor honest towards this country or the Royal Highness's benevolent intentions on that subject are now perfectly practicable; and that their accomplishment would tend to promote internal peace and tranquillity, and to invigorate the whole system of our external operations.Impressed with this sentiment, I should be untrue to His No. 2. Lord Liverpool's Letter to Mr. Canning, May 23d. Fife-house, May 23d, 1812. Royal Highness's interests and honour, as offices, it was stated that nothing of any well as to the prosperity of the empire, if sort was decided, or stipulated: but that I concurred in any arrangement of an Ad-every thing would be open to be arranged ministration which did not include a fair to the honour and satisfaction of all parties. and full consideration of this most important point. After such a dispassionate consideration, my opinion is, that a Cabinet might be formed on an intermediary principle respecting the Roman Catholic claims, equally exempt from the dangers of instant, unqualified concession, and from those of inconsiderate, peremptory exclusion; the entire resources of the empire might be applied to the great objects of the war with general consent, upon a full understanding of the real exigency of the pre-after what has recently passed, to decline sent crisis; and concord and union at home might secure ultimate and permanent success abroad. WELLESLEY. Authentic Correspondence and Documents, cated to my colleagues the memorandum My dear Canning, I have communiwhich I received from you this afternoon. -They do not think it necessary to enter into any discussion of the principles stated in that memorandum, because they all feel themselves bound, particularly the proposal of becoming members of an No. 3. Lord Melville's Letter to Mr. Dear Canning,-You will probably have received to-night from Lord Liverpool, the answer to the proposal which you left with him and communicated to me this afternoon. Having stated to you my strong repugnance, or rather my decided objection, under present circumstances, to join an Administration of which Lord Wellesfor me to refer to Lord Liverpool's Reply, ley was to be the head, it might be sufficient into any detailed reasoning on a question more especially as I do not wish to enter The Prince Regent having laid his commands on Lord Wellesley to form a plan of an administration, to be submitted for His Royal Highness's approbation, Mr. Canning was requested by Lord Wellesley, (as the channel of communication thought likely to be most agreeable to Lord Liverpool, to inquire of Lord Liverpool whe-relating to a matter of personal feeling. I ther there would be a disposition on the part of Lord Liverpool, and of his colleagues, or of any of them, to entertain any proposal which should be made to them for forming part of such administration. The principles upon which the Administration was intended to be formed, were stated to be, 1st. The taking into the early and serious consideration of the executive government the state of the laws affecting the Roman Catholics, with a sincere and earnest desire to bring that important question to a final and satisfactory settlement. it due, however, to you, as well as to myself, to state distinctly, that I have formed on the two principles mentioned in no objection to act with an Administration your memorandum; though I think it improbable that any consideration, which the government can give to the subject of the enable it to propose such a system as will restrictions on the Roman Catholics, will wholly satisfy their claims, and at the the Protestant Establishment, which is gesame time afford that degree of security to nerally felt to be necessary. I remain, &c. MELVILLE. No. 4. -2dly. The prosecution of the war in the Peninsula, with the best means of the country.- It was stated that there would be the strongest wish to comprehend in the arrangement, without any individual or party exclusion whatever, as many as possible of such persons as might Lord Wellesley stated, that he had rebe able to agree in giving their public ser-ceived the commands of His Royal Highvice to the country on these two principles. ness the Prince Regent, to lay before His -With respect to the distribution of Royal Highness the plan of such an admi your Lordship, would have my most cordial wishes. Allow me to say, that this is not to convey any implication of engagement to accept office. This is not mentioned from the remotest regard to the pos nistration as he (Lord Wellesley) might deem adapted to the present crisis of affairs. That he had apprized His Royal Highness of the necessity of ascertaining the views and dispositions of all parties with regard to certain general principles pre-sible distribution of situations; nor does it viously to the formation of any such plan. involve objections to any individual, as -That he considered himself merely as there is nothing I should so much deprethe instrument of executing His Royal cate in the present state of public affairs, Highness's commands on this occasion, and as a spirit of exclusion. Indeed, the canthat he neither claimed nor desired for dour and delicacy manifested by your himself any station in the administration Lordship in these communications, are a which it was in His Royal Highness's con- perfect pledge that the details of arrangetemplation to form.--- Under these cir- ments could not but be entirely satisfactory. cumstances, he requested to know whether I have the honour, my Lord, to be any obstacle existed to the concurrence of Lords Grey and Grenville, or their friends in the following general principles, as the basis upon which an administration might be formed:First, That the state of the laws affecting the Roman Catholics, and the claims of that body of His Majesty's subjects, should be taken into immediate consideration, with a view to a conciliatory adjustment of those claims.-Secondly, That the war in the Peninsula should be prosecuted on a scale of adequate vigour. Lord Wellesley stated, that, as Mr. Canning and he agreed in these principles, he had requested Mr. Canning to communicate them to Lord Liverpool.Lord Wellesley has reduced the substance of this communication to writing, and now submits it to Lord Grey and Lord Grenville. WELLESLEY. No. 5. Lord Moira's Letter to Lord Wellesley, dated 23d May, relative to No. 4. St. James's Place, May 23d, 1812. My Lord, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of the Minutes of the conversation which your Lordships held with Lords Grey and Grenville; and I feel much indebted for the communication accompanying them.The proposed consideration of the Catholic Claims, and the adoption of a system of support to the Spaniards, such as may be really capable of producing a decisive result, are the two points of policy which I have long thought the most urgent for the benefit of the country. The question relative to the Orders in Council may be deemed as in effect settled by the evidence adduced before the two Houses: and the active correction of internal abuses must be confidently assumed as the object of such a Ministry as is likely to be formed through your instrumentality. A plan of government, therefore, on the basis proposed by with high esteem, your Lordship's very obedient and humble servant. MOIRA. No. 6. Lord Lansdowne's Letter to Lord My Lord, I am exceedingly sorry not to have been at home when your Lordship this morning, and am much obliged by the did me the honour of calling at my house trouble you have taken in sending for my consideration, a copy of the minute of the communication made by your Lordship to Lord Grey and Lord Grenville.--As Lord Grey and Lord Grenville thought proper to acquaint me confidentially with' that communication, as well as the minute of the answer they proposed to return to it; and as I generally coucur in the sentiments they have there stated, I shall take the liberty of referring your Lordship to that' paper, and shall only add, there is no part of it in which I more cordially coincide with them, than in the expression of the gratification they have derived from your powerful exertions in support of the claims of the Roman Catholics, and from the manner in which that subject is adverted to in your minute.--I have the honour to remain, with great respect, your Lordship's very faithful, and most obedient servant. LANSDOWNE. No. 7. Lord Holland's Leller to Lord My Lord, I had the honour of receiving your note and enclosure, and beg leave to return my sincere thanks for your attention in sending me so interesting and so early a communication.--Lord Grenville and Lord Grey have been so good as to talk the matter over with me confidentially, |