James Monroe to John Adams, February 15, 1813
[ February 15, 1813 ]
I have the pleasure to inclose to you a report of < a > the com: < of the. [. . .] 7th. > on < our > for: relations < with govts. > in which the communications < wh took place > between the Ex: of the US. & the Br. govt., are review’d, & < the > a project of an act of congress, relative to seamen submitted to < [. . .] >considerations—The object of the report seems to be < and > as it undoubtdly is, to place the controversy between the two nations on a just footing, to support the < steps taken by > measure of the Ex: by a corresponding < measure > act of the Congress, and by taking from G.B. < the support > all motive for the war, < & from the opponents to the govt the ground of opposition, > either < procur peace & > terminate it< the war > by an honourable peace, or unite the country in a vigorous prosecution of the war. The < [. . .] > the bill with certain amendments has passed the H. of R.—but has not yet been taken up in the Senate.
I had the pleasure to receive from you sometime since a letter which excited much my feelings. The proof which it afforded < me > of your confidence & esteem was < highly > very gratifying to me. Having highly respected in my life, the great abilities & the virtuous firmness which you displayed in our revolutionary struggle; having always entertaind < the highest > the utmost < ardor for > confidence in your < perfect > independance of foreign influence, in your integrity, patriotism, and attachment to our happy union, I could never be indifferent either to what concern’d your welfare, < the > or to your sentiments & disposition toward me. In acknowledging that communication permit me to assure you that your opinion< s > on the subject to which it related had much weight with me. My sincere wish is that, no innocent person shod. < at one point confidence and to suffer > fail to obtain redress, and I am persuaded whatever may have < weaken the union, merits attention, and so far as > been the character of the original transaction, that < pray be the possible prevention > many innocent persons have sufferd. I am aware that this calamity affecting one portion of the union only produces an injurious effect & think that consideration in itself ought to < be > have much weight. < I hope you > My hope is that this cause of inquietude & complaint may be < ad > settled on just principles, & to the satisfaction of all parties. Your favorable opinion of their claim lends much to promote that result.
From your son we have recd. no letters of a late date. The Baltic being frozen up, & the comn. by land cut off, by the war between France & Russia, have prevented it. His view of the present state of affrs. between those powers, & in the north generally, will be very interesting & is looked for with anxiety by the President. < At a time however so critical in theUStates, his absence has been regretted. > o.
with great respect & esteem