Chapter 3

FROM JAY'S TREATY TO THE ORDERS IN COUNCIL, 1794-1807

Arbitrary war measures of Great Britain, 1793 89

Rule of 1756 90

Peculiar relation of the United States to this Rule 92

Jay's arrival in London 93

Characteristics of his negotiations 94

Great Britain concedes direct trade with West Indies 95

Rejection of this article by the Senate, on account of accompanying conditions 96

Concession nevertheless continued by British order 97

Reasons for this tolerance 97

Conditions of trade from Jay's mission to the Peace of 1801 97

No concession of the principle of the Rule of 1756 98

Renewal of war between Great Britain and France, 1803 99

Prosperity of American commerce 100

Question raised of "direct trade" 100

Decision in British Admiralty Court adverse to United States, 1805 101

United States subjected again to colonial regulation 103

Remonstrance and negotiation of Monroe, American Minister in London 104

Death of Pitt. Change of ministry in Great Britain. Position of Charles James Fox 105

Fox's attempt at compromise 108

The blockade of May 16, 1806 108

Its lawfulness contested by the United States 110

Its importance in history 112

Retaliatory commercial action by the United States 113

Pinkney sent to England as colleague to Monroe 113

Colonial trade, and impressment of seamen from American vessels, the leading subjects mentioned in their instructions 114

Historical summary of the impressment question 114

Opening of negotiations by Monroe and Pinkney 128

Death of Fox 131

Course of the negotiations 131

Provisional treaty, signed December 31, 1806 133

Rejected by United States Government 133

Monroe and Pinkney directed to reopen negotiations 133

Change of ministry in Great Britain. Canning becomes Foreign Secretary 134

The British Government refuses further negotiation 135

Monroe leaves England, Pinkney remaining as minister 135

"Free Trade and Sailors' Rights" 135

Consistency of Jefferson's Administration on the subject of impressment 137

It neglects to prepare for war 138