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3d. They further stated, that there were various other points to which their instructions extend, which might with propriety be the subjects of discussion, either in the negotiation of the peace or in that of a treaty of commerce; which, in case of a propitious termination of the conferences, they were likewise authorised to conclude. That for the purpose of facilitating the first and most essential object of peace, they had discarded every subject which was not considered so peculiarly connected with that, and presented only those points which appeared to be immediately relevant to the negotiation.

At a subsequent meeting held on the 10th, the British commissioners endeavored to impress the American ministers with the propriety of giving up certain places ceded to the United States by the memorable treaty of 1783, for the purpose of rendering the limits of Canada more precise and secure; but upon this point the Americans were immovable.

The most important, as well as the most difficult subjects in dispute between the two countries, were undoubtedly those relating to the impressment of seamen from American ships, and the limits of blockade. The peace in Europe had, however, reduced these questions to mere abstract principles, regarding the future rather than the present; and both parties, aware of the difficulty, agreed to wave discussions upon whtch it seemed impossible to arrive at any amicable conclusion. The other subjects of importance were the admission of the Indians to the treaty and the establishment of a new Canadian frontier. On the former of these points, it was agreed that the Indian allies of both parties should be left in the same situation in which they were found in 1812; and on the latter, that any ambiguity regarding the territorial limits between Canada and the United

States should be removed by commissioners appointed on both sides for that purpose; but that the line of demarkation, as drawn by the treaty of 1783, should form the standard of their decisions*.

The foregoing formed the basis of an amicable arrangement of the differences between the two countries, and was concluded by the signature of a treaty of peace to that effect, at Ghent, on the 24th December, 1814.

*For the foregoing summary, see Baines' Wars of the French Revolution.

APPENDIX.

An Act declaring War between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the Dependencies thereof, and the United States of America, and their Territotories.

Be it enacted, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, that war be, and the same is hereby declared to exist, between the united kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the dependencies thereof, and the United States of America and their territories; and that the president of the United States be, and is hereby authorised, to use the whole land and naval force of the United States, to carry the same into effect; and to issue to private armed vessels of the United States, commissions or letters of marque and general reprisal, in such form as he shall think proper, and under the seal of the United States, against the vessels, goods and effects of the government of the said united kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the subjects thereof. JAMES MADISON.

June 18, 1812.-Approved.

Déclaration of War against America-at the Court of Carlton-house, October 13, 1812-present, His Royal Highness the Prince Regent in Council.

Whereas, in consequence of information having been received of a declaration of war by the United States gogovernment against His Majesty, and of the issue of letters of marque and reprisal by the said government, against His Majesty and his subjects, an order in council, bearing date the 31st of July last, was issued, directing that American ships and goods should be brought in and detained till further orders; and whereas His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, acting in the name and on the behalf of His Majesty, forbore at that time to direct letters of marque and reprisal to be issued against the ships, goods, and citizens of the said United States of America, under the expectation that the said government would, upon the notification of the order in council of the 23d of June last, forthwith recall and annul the said declaration of war against His Majesty, and also annul the said letters of marque and reprisal.

And whereas the said government of the United States of America, upon due notification to them of the said order in council of the 23d of June last, did not think fit to recall the said declaration of war and letters of marque and reprisal, but have proceeded to condemn, and persisted in condemning the ships and property of His Majesty's subjects as prize of war, and have refused to ratify a suspension of arms agreed upon between Lieutenant General Sir George Prevost, His Majesty's governor-general of Canada, and General Dearborn, commanding the American forces in the northern provinces of the United States, and have directed hostilities to be recommenced in that quarter.

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