OBSERVATIONS ON THE AMERICAN TREATY, IN ELEVEN LETTERS. FIRST PUBLISHED IN "THE SUN," UNDER THE SIGNATURE OF DECIUS.
London: Sold by J. Budd... 1808. [4], 2, 75, [1] pp. With the half title, on which is inscribed, "With Mr. T. Courtenay's Compliments." Disbound [spine remnant present], some dusting, Good+.
The Treaty, though signed by the authorized American and British ministers, was never ratified. Having rejected it, President Jefferson never submitted it to the Senate. James Monroe and William Pinkney negotiated for the United States, Lords Holland and Auckland for England. The failure probably contributed to the War of 1812.
Extracts are printed, with Courtenay's withering criticism of the "concessions... made to America," and the British ministers' "lofty assertions which they countenanced of their own superior skill." The American goal was to end the British practices of impressment and "vexatious seizure" of American vessels; and for unhindered trade with the West Indies and other British colonies. The British sought to end "the interference of America in our Enemy's Colonial Trade," and to ratify their aggressive maritime policies of boarding and searching American vessels and seizing alleged English deserters.
Kress B.5327. Sabin 17183. Item #33137
Price: $375.00