We have, the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your humble and obedient servants, JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, H. CLAY, JONA RUSSELL. PROTOCOL OF CONFERENCE. August 8th, 1814. The British and American commissioners having met, their full powers were respectively produced, which were found satisfactory, and copies thereof were exchanged. The British commissioners stated the following subjects as those upon which it appeared to them that the discussions between themselves and the American commissioners, would be 1.kely to turn. 1. The forcible seizure of mariners from on board merchant ships on the high seas; and in connection with it the right of the king of Great Britain to the allegiance of all his native subjects. 2. That the peace be extended to the Indian allies of Great Britain, and that the boundary of their territory be definitively marked out, as a permanent barrier between the dominions of Great Britain and | the United States. An arrangement on this subject to be a sine qua non of a treaty of peace. 3. A revision of the boundary line between the British and American territories, with the view to prevent future uncertainty and dispute. which appeared to be immediately relevant to this negociation. The American commissioners expressed their wish to receive from the British commissioners a statement of the views and objects of Great Britain, upon all the points, and their willingness to discuss them all. They, the American commissioners were asked, whether, if those of Great Britain should enter further upon this discussion, particularly respecting the Indian boundary, the American commissioner's could expect that it would terminate by some provisional arrangement, which they could conclude, subject to the ratification of their government? They answered, that as any arrangement to which CHRISTOPHER HUGHES, jr. Draught of original protocol made by the American The British commissioners requested information At a meeting between the commissioners of his whether the American commissioners were instruct-Britannic majesty and those of the United States of ed to enter into negociation on the above points? But America, for negotiating and concluding a peace, before they desired any answer, they felt it right to held at Ghent, 8th August, 1814, the following communicate the intentions of their government as points were presented by the commissioners on the to the North American fisheries, viz. That the Bri- part of Great Britain as subjects for discussion: tish government did not intend to grant to the United States, gratuitously, the privileges formerly granted by treaty to them, of fishing within the limits of the British sovereignty and of using the shores of the British territories for purposes con. nected with the fisheries. August 9. The meeting being adjourned to the 9th of August: the commissioners met again on that day. The American commissioners at this meeting stated, that upon the first and third points proposed by the British commissioners, they were provided with instructions from their government, and that the second and fourth of these points were not prowided for in their instructions. That in relation to an Indian pacification, they knew that the government of the United States had appointed commissioners to treat of peace with the Indians, and that it was not improbable that peace had been made with them. The American commissioners presented as further subjects considered by the government of the United States as suitable for discussion. 1. A definition of blockade, and as far as may be agreed, of other neutral and belligerent rights. 2. Certain claims of indemnity to individuals for captures and seizures preceding and subsequent to the war. 1. The forcible seizure of mariners on board of merchant vessels, and the claim of allegiance of his Britannic majesty upon all the native born subjects of Great Britain. 2. The Indian allies of Great Britain to be inclu ded in the pacification, and a boundary to be settled between the dominions of the Indians and those of the United States. Both parts of this point are considered by the British government as a sine qua non to the conclusion of a treaty. 3. The revision of the boundary line between the territories of the United States and those of Great Britain, adjoining them in North Ame rica. 4. The Fisheries-Respecting which the British government will not allow the people of the United States the privilege of landing and drying fish, within the territorial jurisdiction of Great Britain, without an equavalent. The American commissioners were requested to say, whether their instructions from their government authorised them to treat upon these several points; and to state on their part such other points as they might be further instructed to propose for discussion. The meeting was adjourned on Tuesday, the 9th 3. They further stated that there were various August, on which day the commissioners met again. other points to which their instructions extended, The American commissioners at this meeting which might with propriety be objects of discus-stated, that upon the first and third points proposed sion, either in the negociation of the peace, or in by the British commissioners, they were provided that of a treaty of commerce, which in the case of with instructions from their government; and that a propitious termination of the present conferences on the second and fourth of those points, there not they were likewise authorised to conclude. That having existed heretofore any differences between for the purpose of facilitating the first and most es- the two governments, they had not been anticipated sential object of peace, they had discarded every by the government of the United States, and were subject which was not considered as peculiarly con- therefore, not provided for in their instructions.Rected with that, and presented only those points That in relation to an Indian pacification, they know that the government of the United States had ap- British possessions and those of the United States: pointed commissioners to treat of peace with the that the United States and Great Britain should indians; and that it was not improbable that peace both be restricted from such purchases of land; but had been made with them. that the indians would not be restricted from selling The meeting was adjourned to Wednesday 10th August. True copy, C. HUGHES, Jr. The American commissioners presented as fur- to any third party. ther points (subjects) considered by the government) of the United States as suitable for discussion. 1. A definition of blockade, and, as far as may be agreed, of other neutral and belligerent rights. 2. Certain claims of indemnity to individuals for captures and seizures, preceding and subsequent to the war. 3. They further stated, that there were various SIR-Mr. Baker, secretary to the British mission, other points to which their instructions extend-called upon us to-day, at 1 o'clock, and invited us ed, which might with propriety be objects of to a conference to be held at three. This was agreed discussion, either in the negotiation of the to, and the British commissioners opened it, by saypeace or in that of a treaty of commerce, which ing that they had received their further instructions in case of a propitious termination of the pre- this morning, and had not lost a moment in requesttent conferences they were likewise authorised ing a meeting for the purpose of communicating to conclude. the decision of their government. It is proper to That for the purpose of facilitating the first and notice that lord Castlereagh had arrived last night most essential object of peace, they had discard-in this city, whence, it is said, he will depart to-nior-s ed every subject which was not considered as row on his way to Brussels and Vierna. peculiarly connected with that, and presented The British commissioners stated that their go only those points, which appeared to be imme-vernment had felt some surprize, that we were not diately relevant to this negociation. instructed respecting the indians, as it could not The American commisioners expressed their wish have been expected that they would leave their to receive from the British commissioners a state-allies, in their comparatively weak situation, exposed ment of the views and objects of Great Britain upon to our resentment. Great Britain might justly have all the points, and their willingness to discuss them supposed that the American government would have all, in order that if no arrangement could be agreed furnished us with instructions authorising us to to upon the points not in their instructions, which agree to a positive article on the subject; but, the would come within the scope of the powers com- least she could demand was that we should sign a mitted to their discretion, the government of the provisional article admitting the principle, subject United States might be put in possession of the en-to the ratification of our government; so that, if tire and precise intentions of that of Great Britain it should be ratified, the treaty should take effect; with regard to such points; and that the British and, if not, that it should be null and void; on our government might be fully informed of the objec-assent or refusal to admit such an article would tions on the part of the United States to any such depend the continuance or suspension of the negoarrangement. ciation. They, the American commissioners, were asked As we had represented that the proposition made whether, if those of Great Britain should enter fur-by them, on that subject, was not sufficiently explither upon the discussion, particularly respecting the cit, their government had directed them to give us Indian boundary, the American commissioners could every necessary explanation, and to state distinctly expect it would terminate by some provisional ar-the basis which must be considered as an indispen rangement which they could conclude, subject to sable preliminary. the ratification of their government? It was a sine qua non that the indians should be They answered, that as any arrangement to which included in the pacification, and, as incident thereto, they could agree upon the subject must be without that the boundaries of their territory should be perspecific authority from their government, it was not manently established. Peace with the indians was possible for them previous to discussion to decide a subject so simple, as to require no comment. With whether an article on the subject could be formed respect to the boundaries which was to divide their which would be mutually satisfactory, and to which territory from that of the United States, the object they should think themselves under the discretionary of the British government was, that the indians powers, justified in acceding. should remain as a permanent barrier between our The British commissioners declined entering up-western settlements, and the adjacent British proon the discussion, unless the American commission-vinces, to prevent them from being conterminous to ers would say, that they considered it within their each other: and that neither the United States, nor discretion to make a provisional arrangement on the Great Britain, should ever hereafter have the right subject, conformable to the view of it prescribed by the British government, and proposed to adjourn the conferences for the purpose of consulting their own government on this state of things. to purchase, or acquire any part of the territory thus recognized, as belonging to the indians. With regard to the extent of the indian territory, and the boundary line, the British government would propose the lines of the Greenville treaty, as a proper basis, subject, however, to discussion and modifiacations. We stated that the indian territory, according to these lines, would comprehend a great number of American citizens; not less, perhaps, than a hun The British commissioners were asked, whether it was understood as an effect of the proposed boun dary for the indians, that the United States would be precluded from the right of purchasing territory from the in.lians within that boundary by amicable treaty with the indians themselves without the con sent of Great Britain? And whether it was underred thousand and asked, what was the intention stood to operate as a restriction upon the indians from settling by such amicable treaties, lands to the United States, as has been hitherto practised? They answered, that it was understood, that the indian territories should be a barrier between the of the British government resperting them, and under whose government they would fall? It was answered that those settlements would be taken into consideration, when the line became a subject of discussion; but that such of the inhabitants, as would ultimately be included within the indian territory, must make their own arrangements and provide for themselves. of the commissioners said, as Northamptonshire,) The British commissioners here said that, considering the importance of the question we had to decide, (that of agreeing to a provisional article) their government had thought it right, that we should also be fully informed of its views, with respect to the proposed revision of the boundary line, between the dominions of Great Britain and the United States. 1st. Experience red proved that the joint possession of the lakes, and a right common to both nations to keep up a naval force on them, necessarily produced collisions, and rendered peace insecure. We then stated that, considering the nature and Great Britain could not be supposed to expect to make conquests in that quarter, and as that province importance of the communication made this day, we was essentially weaker than the United States, and wished the British commissioners to reduce their exposed to invasion, it was necessary, for its secu-proposals to writing, before we gave them an answer; rity, that Great Britain should require that the this they agreed to and promised to send us an offiUnited States should hereafter keep no armed na-cial note without delay. val force on the Western Lakes, from Lake Ontario As swer as to another. We need hardly say that the demands of Great to Lake Superior, both inclusive; that they should Britain will receivefrom us an unanimous and decided not erect any fortified or military post or establish- negative. We do not deem it necessary to detain the ment on the shores of those lakes; and that they John Adams for the purpose of transmitting to you should not maintain those which were already ex- the official notes which may pass on the subject and isting. This must, they said, be considered as a close the negotiation. And we have felt it our duty moderate demand, since Great Britain, if she had immediately to apprize you, by this hasty, but cornot disclaimed the intention of any increase of ter- rect sketch of our last conference, that there is not ritory, might with propriety have asked a cession of at present, any hope of peace. the adjacent American shores. The commercial navigation and intercourse would be left on the same footing as heretofore. It was expressly stated, (in answer to a question we asked,) that Great Britain was to retain the right of having an armed naval force on those lakes, and of holding military posts and establishments on their shores. We have the honor to be, sir, with perfect respect, your obedient servants, JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, JONA. RUSSELL, Note of the British commissioners. Received after the above letter was written. 2. The boundary line west of lake Superior, and thence to the Mississippi, to be revised and the treaThe undersigned, plenipotentiaries of his Britanty right of Great Britain to the navigation of the Mississippi, to be continued. When asked, whether nic majesty, do themselves the honor of acquainting they did not mean the line from the lake of the Woods to the Mississippi, the British commissioners repeated that they meant the line from lake Superior, to that river. the Plenipotentiaries of the United States, that they have communicated to their court the result of the conference which they had the honor of holding with them upon the 9th instant, in which they stated, 3. A direct communication from Halifax and thepro- that they were unprovided with any specific instruc. vince of New-Brunswick to Quebec, to be secured to tions, as to comprehending the Indian nations in a Great Britain. In answer to our question, in what treaty of peace to be made with Great Britain, and manner this was to be effected, we were told that it as to defining a boundary to the Indian territory. The undersigned are instructed to acquaint the must be done by a cession to Great Britain of that portion of the district of Maine (in the state of Mas-plenipotentiaries of the United States, that his masachusetts) which intervenes between New-Bruns-jesty's government having at the outset of the nego wick and Quebec, and prevents that direct commu- ciation, with a view to the speedy restoration of peace, reduced as far as possible the number of Reverting to the proposed provisional article, res-points to be discussed, and having professed thempecting the Indian pacification and boundary, the selves willing to forego on some important topics any British commissioners concluded by stating to us, stipulation to the advantage of Great Britain, cannot that if the conferences should be suspended by our but feel some surprize that the government of the refusal to agree to such an article, without having United States should not have furnished their pleniobtained further instructions from our government, potentiaries with instructions upon those points Great Britain would not consider herself bound to which could hardly fail to come under discussion. Under the inability of the American plenipotentiaabide by the terms which she now offered, but would be at liberty to vary and regulate her demands ac-ries, to conclude any article upon the subject of Incording to subsequent events, and in such manner as dian pacification and Indian boundary, which shall the state of the war, at the time of renewing the ne- bind the government of the United States, his ma jesty's government conceive that they cannot give a gotiations, might warrant. cation, We asked whether the statement made, respecting better proof of their sincere desire for the restorathe proposed revision of the boundary line between tion of peace, than by professing their willingness to the United States and the dominions of Great Britain, accept a provisional article upon those heads, in the embraced all the objects she meant to bring forward event of the American plenipotentiaries considering for discussion, and what were, particularly, her views themselves authorised to accede to the general prinwith respect to Moose island, and such other islands ciples, upon which such an article ought to be foundin the bay of Passamaquoddy, as had been in our pos-ed. With a view to enable the American pleniposession till the present war, but had been lately cap-t-ntiaries to decide, how far the conclusion of such tured? We were answered, that those islands, be- an article is within the limit of their general discrelonging of right to Great Britain, (as much so, one tion, the undersigned are directed to state, fully and qua non of States, to renew to the plenipotentiariesof the United distinctly, the bases upon which alone Great Britain above stated. Should they feel it necessary to refer sees any prospect of advantage in the continuance of to the government of the United States for further the negociations at the present time. The undersigned have already had the honor of them to acquaint the American plenipotentiaries, instructions, the undersigned feel it incumbent upon stating to the American plenipotentiaries, that in that the government cannot be precluded by any considering the points above referred to, as a sine thing that has passed from varying the terms at preany treaty of peace, the view of the British sent proposed, in such a manner, as the state of war, government is the permanent tranquility and secu-at the time of resuming the conferences, may, in their rity of the Indian nations, and the prevention of those judgment render advisable. jealousies and irritations, to which the frequent alteration of the Indian limits has heretofore given rise. For this purpose it is indispensably necessary, that the Indian nations who have been during the war in alliance with Great Britain should, at the termination of the war, be included in the pacification. It is equally necessary, that a definite boundary Ghent, 19th August, 1814. should be assigned to the Indians, and that the contracting parties should guarantee the integrity of their territory, by a mutual stipulation, not to acquire by purchase, or otherwise, any territory within the specified limits. The British government are willing to take, as the basis of an article on this subject,those stipulations of the treaty of Grenville, subject to modifications, which relate to a boundary line. GAMBIER, HENRY GOULBURN, The Budget. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF WAYS AND MEANS. The committee of ways and means, to whom was referred so much of the message of the president of the United States as relates to the finances-REPORT, That taxes, loans, and treasury notes, appear to be the resources on which we must rely for carrying on the war. The product of the first, cannot be commanded in time to meet the immediate de As the undersigned are desirous of stating every mands on the treasury-a reliance on loans, in the present situation point in connection with the subject, which may rea-of this country, would be uncertain, and the terns on which they sonably influence the decision of the American ple- would be obtained not such as to induce a resort to them at the nipotentiaries in the exercise of their discretion, tion more extended than the one heretofore adopted, will, it is bepresent moment-treasury notes, combined with a system of taxa-they avail themselves of this opportunity to repeat ved, in the present state of bank credit, be found to be a much what they have already stated, that Great Britain de- firm and solid basis, may unite public confidence, and have a genebetter resource. The want of some medium, which, resting on a sires the revision of the frontier between her North ral, instead of a local cireniation, is now universally acknowledg d. American dominions and those of the United States, middle states, has embarrassed greatly the operations of the treaThe stoppage of specie payments by the principal banks of the no with any view to an acquisition of territory, as sucy, and try contining the circulation of notes to the limits of the such, but for the purpose of securing her possessions, states within which they are issued, has deprived the government and preventing future disputes. of all the facilities, in the remittance of money, which was affordThe British government, consider the lakes from The notes of New York and Philadelphia will not be received in ed while public confidence gave to bank notes a general circulation. Jake Ontario to lake Superior, both inclusive, to be Bston; the notes of Baltimore, or of the District of Columbia, the natural military frontier of the British posses-dification, treasury notes could be made to answer the purposes of will not answer for payments in Philadelphia. If, by any new mosions in North America. As the weaker power on a circulating medium, between the different states, they would the North American continent, the least capable of greatly facilitate the operations of government, and free from emacting offensively, and the most exposed to sudden culation, it would be necessary, 1st, To issue the notes in sums invasion, Great Britain considers the military occu-sufficiently small for the ordinary purposes of society. 2d, To alpation of these lakes as necessary to the security of low the individual who holds them, to fund them at pleasure at au y her dominions. A boundary line equally dividing thes waters, with a right to each nation to arm, both upon the lakes and upon their shores, is calculated to create a contest for naval ascendancy in peace as well as in war. The power which occupies these Lakes should, as a necessary result, have the military Occupation of both shores. barrassment the transactions of individuals. To secure their cir of the loan officers, and to receive their amount in stock of the United States, bearing an interest of 8 per cent. 3d, To make them payable to bearer, and transferable by delivery. 4th, To 5th, To pledge, for the payment of the interest on the amount is‐ make them receivable in all payments for public lands and taxes.sued, so much of the internal duties as shall be necessary. To pre retain the power, on giving six months notice, of redeeming them vent an accumulation of circulating medium, the United States to with specie, or exchauging for them stock, bearing an interest of 8 per cent. If these provisions are adopted, and taxes imposed, which shall manifest clearly the ability of the goverument to meet restored, and the capital, hoarded by avarice, or locked up from timidity, will be again restored to the accustomed channels of been taken to select such as will bear equally on every portion of circulation. In presenting additional objects of taxation, care bas the community. In Europe, the price of agricultural products is is there consumed within the country, in peace and in war. The not materially affected by a state of war; the produce of the earth situation of the United States is totally different-with an extensive and fertile country, and a small population, compared to the extent foreign markets, over and above what is necessary for consumption. of our territory, we have annually a large surplus to export to On the export of this surplus, whieh is cut off by war, depends, in a great degree, the ability of the farmer to meet taxes. While, howrious manufactures; by destroying all foreign competition, the war ever, war depresses the agricultural interest, it gives vigor to va has brought many of these manufactures to a state of perfection, In furtherance of this object the British govern-its engagements, our present difficulties will vanish, confidence be ment is prepared to propose boundary. But as this might be misconstrued as an intention to extend their possessions to the southward of the lakes, which is by no means the object they have in view, they are disposed to leave the territorial limits undisturbed, and as incident to them, the free commercial navigation of the lakes, provided that the American government will stipulate not to maintain or construct, any fortifications upon, or within a limited distance of the shores, or maintain or construct any armed vessel upon the lakes in question, or in the rivers which empty themselves into the same. If this can be adjusted, there will then remain for discussion the arrangement of the north western boundary between lake Superior and the Mississippi,ents, under the fostering hand of the government, have grown the free navigation of that river, and such a vacation of the line of frontier as may secure a direct communication between Quebec and Halifax. The undersigned trust, that the full statement which they have made of the views and objects of the British government in requiring the pacification of the Indian nations, and a permanent limit to their territories, will enable the American plenipotentia,ries to conclude a provisional article upon the basis which will secure their successful prosecution even alter peace to the patriotism of every class of our citizens. These establish shall be restored. In times of difficulty and danger, we must appeal interests, their portion of the taxes necessary to maintain, uaimto maturity, and will not hesitate to bear, with the agricultural paired, that character for punctuality and good faith, for which the American government has heretofore been distinguished. Several taxation; and it is proposed to unite with the taxes, a pledge of of these manufactures have been selected as proper subjects of the pubiie faith for the continuance of the double duties, until the tax shall be repealed. view of the expenditures for the next year, reserving a report on The committee deem it unn cessary, at present, to present any Confining, therefore, this report to the additional taxes, necessary for that subject, until the estimates from the treasury shall be forwarded. the support of the public credit, they submit the following resolutions? 1. Resolved, That it is expedient to continue the direct tax, and increase the same fifty per cent. 2. Resolved. That it is expedient to increase the duty on spirits distilled, by an additional duty of 12 1-2 cents on the gallon. 3. Resolved, That it is expedient to add one hundred per cent. to the present duty on sales at auctions. 4. Resolved, That it is expedient to add fifty per cent. to the present duty on the conveyance of papers and letters. Congress of the United States. SENATE. Monday, October 3. Mr. Lacock submitted the following motion for consideration; Resolved, That a committee be appointed to en5. Resolved, That it is expedient to impose a duty on the following articles, viz. manufactured tobacco and snuff, in the hands of quire and report to the senate the extent of the inthe manufacturer; candles, of tallow and spermacetti; hats, cut- jury done the capitol and other public buildings of ton yarn, spun by the aid of machinery, worked by steam or water; the United States by the enemy, the best means of leather; pig iron; castings; bar, rolled and slit iron; and on naits made by the aid of machinery; on furniture, above a cer-preserving from further damage by the weather the tain value, except beds, bedding, and articles of domestic manu remains of these edifices, and the expediency of an facture, in the hands of the owner; beer, ale and porter, in the appropriation for repairing the same. hands of the manufacturer; boots and shoes above a certain price, in the hands of the manufacturer; on plated harness, in the hands of the owner; on vats for the manufacture of paper; on saddles and bridles, above a certain price, in the hands of the owner; on gold and silver watches, in the hands of the owner; on pleasure horses, kept exclusively for the saddle or carriage; on playing eards, and on lotteries. Dolls. 1,500,000 Estimate of the amount of the proposed increase, and of the new duties. 100 per cent. on the present auction duties, 50 per cent. on postage, Manufactured tobacco and snuff, 10,000,000 of lbs. ave Candles of tallow 6,000,000 lbs. at 2 cents, Cotton yarn, spun by the aid of machinery, worked by Iron, 300,000 tons of pig, at 1 dollar, Bamilies exempt.as possessing less than 206 Collars worth Possessing between 200 and 400 dalls. 40 and 600 do. 600 and 1000 do. 100 and 15:0 do. 150 and 2000 do. 2000 and 3000 do. 2000 and 4000 do. 4000 and 6000 do. 6000 and 9000 do 9000 do. 300,000 at 1 doll. Boots, white top and full dress military boots, 109,000 pair. 5,000 at 75 Above 1,000 at 100 FOREIGN RELATIONS. The following message was received from the president of the United States by Mr. Coles his seCretary: To the senate of the United States. I transmit to the senate a report from the de3,000,000 partment of state complying with their resolution 150,000 of the 26th ultimo. JAMES MADISON. 250,000 40,000 October 3d 1814, 400.000 The undersigned, acting as secretary of state, 300,000 That the relations of the United States and the 60.000 continental powers of Europe, continue to be those 150,000 of peace and amity; nor is there, so far as is known 100,000 to this department, reason to believe that an unfa60,000 vorable change is likely to take place. Measures have been taken to continue our diplomatic relations with France under the existing government, and to renew those with Spain, which have been for a time interrupted by the peculiar circumstances of that country. Diplomatic relations are also renewed with the united provinces of the low countries. The new government has sent an envoy 809,000 extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to the United States, who has been received. 75,000 125,000 125,000 100,000 All which is respectfully submitted. JAMES MONROE. Department of state, October 1, 1814. [The above is the only matter of importance in the procedings of either house—the usual brief detail shall be inserted as customary.] HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, September 9, The Speaker laid before the house the copy of a resolution, transmitted nn100,000 der cover to him from Philadelphia, passed by the select and common council of that city, offering to the congress and government, the use of buildings in that city, for their accommodation, provided it shall be deemed expedient in consequence of incon200,000 venience experienced from the destruction of the capitol, &c. to remove from Washington. 30,000 100,000 On motion of Mr. Fisk of N. Y. this resolve was referred to the committee already raised on that sub 100,000 ject. Friday, Sept. 30.—Mr. Jackson's proposition to al15,000 ter the constitution so that "congress shall have 500.000 power to establish a national bank," was taken up in 250,000 committee of the whole. After some interesting 50,000 remarks from Mr. Johnson and Mr. M'Kee, the aommittee refused to agree to the proposition. 100,000 11,635,000 10,800,000 dolls. 22.435,000 The question, in the house, on concurring with the committee in their disagreement to the proposi tion, was then decided as follows. YEAS-Messrs. Alexander. Akton, Avery, Barnett, Baylies of |