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CHAPTER XXIV.

NEGOTIATIONS: Complaints of the French Government against the Countenance given in Great Britain to French Emigrants, and against the Abuse poured upon the First Consul by the Newspaper Press -Reply-Lord Whitworth appointed Ambassador to the Court of Paris, and General Andreossi to the Court of London-Discussion relating to the Evacuation of Malta-Abstract of Colonel Sebastiani's Report (nole)-Lord Whitworth's Interview with the First Consul in his Cabinet-Negotiations continued-His Majesty's Message, announcing Preparations in the Ports of France and HollandLord Whitworth's Interview with the First Consul at the Levee-Correspondence between Lord Hawkesbury and General Andreossi-Project of the English Government-Ultimatum-Rejected by the French Government-Unsuccessful Issue of the Negotiations.

THE treaty of Amiens, which had not the imaginary security of the restoration of yet attained its first anniversary, was now, the relations of peace, repaired to the ports from a variety of causes, fast approaching of France, and perseveringly refused to sato its dissolution. It was evident, almost tisfy the recognised claims of British subfrom the moment of the conclusion of the jects. This conduct, at once irritating and treaty, that the external relations of peace uncalled for, did not fail to produce ungrawere unaccompanied with that spirit of cious discussions between the two governamity which can alone render peace desira- ments, almost as early as the date of the ble, or the intercourse between two coun- treaty; and in stating the nature of those tries reciprocally beneficial. After so long discussions, the objects of the respective a contest, imbittered more than ordinary governments will be developed, the justice wars by personal rancour, and conducted in of their professed desire to preserve the rea manner of which history affords no exam- lations of peace and amity ascertained, and ple, it was indeed natural that a consider- the causes of the disastrous war in which able degree of agitation should prevail, and Europe was again speedily to be involved, that there should remain some feelings of made manifest. resentment, both in the people and in their So early as the 4th of June, 1802, a vergovernors. These feelings it appeared to bal complaint was made by M. Talleyrand, be the interest and the duty of the two go-to the British minister, Mr. Merry, resident vernments gradually to allay by mild and temperate conduct, and above all, cautiously to abstain from every thing calculated to produce irritation, and excite jealousy and distrust. But unhappily for the interests of humanity, this was not the policy pursued either by Great Britain or France. In this country, the treaty of Amiens was represented as fatal to England, because it was not disgraceful to France; and the British ministry and the French government were assailed by every species of attack; even in parliament, the French government was represented as plotting the destruction of this country, and their negotiators at Amiens were designated by a noble senator, as" adepts in duplicity, regardless of principle, and unpractised in virtue;"* and this indecent language, thus authorized by the highest example, soon descended into general use, and prevaded both the senate and the press of Great Bri

tain.

The first consul of France, on the other hand, actuated by a narrow and vindictive policy, hastened to promulgate an obsolete edict against British commerce, seized a number of English vessels, which had, in

See Lord Caernarvon's Speech on the Definitive Treaty.

at Paris, relating to several circumstances which, he said, stood in the way of that perfect reconciliation and good understanding between the two governments, which it was the first consul's sincere wish to see re-established.* M. Talleyrand then proceeded to state, that it was the wish of the first consul, that his majesty's government might be disposed to remove out of the British dominions all the French princes and their adherents, together with the French bishops, and other French individuals, whose political principles and conduct must necessarily occasion great jealousy to the French government; and concluded by saying, that he thought the residence of Louis XVIII. was now the proper place for that of the rest of his family. To these intimations, it was, on the part of the British government, replied, that his ma jesty "should certainly expect, that al foreigners who may reside within his dominions, should not only hold a conduct conformable to the laws of the country, but should abstain from all acts which may be hostile to the government of any other country, with which his majesty may be at peace. As long, however, as they conduct

*See Despatch from Mr. Merry to Lord Hawkes. bury, dated Paris, June 4th, 1802.

ed themselves according to these principles, his majesty would feel it inconsistent with his dignity, with his honour, and with the common laws of hospitality, to deprive them of that protection, which individuals resident in his dominions could forfeit only by their own misconduct." This topic was again resumed by M. Talleyrand on the 16th of June, when he observed, that the first consul had solicited no more than the British government itself had, at the time, demanded of France when the pretender was in that country; and that the removal of the French princes and their adherents out of the British dominions would be in the highest degree agreeable and satisfactory to the first consul, and be considered by him as a most convincing proof of his majesty's disposition to see a cordial good understanding established between the two countries.

Another cause of complaint was speedily brought forward by M. Otto: in a letter from that minister, addressed to Lord Hawkesbury, on the 25th of July, he complained of the reiterated insults conveyed through the medium of the press, by a small number of foreigners, assembled in London: adding, "It is not to Peltier alone, but to the editor of the Courier François de Londres, to Cobbett, and to other writers who resemble them, that I have to direct the attention of his majesty's government. The perfidious and malevolent publications of these men, are in open contradiction to peace." To which, Lord Hawkesbury replied: "That it was impossible that his majesty's government could peruse the publication of Peltier without the greatest displeasure, and without an anxious desire that the person who published it should suffer the punishment he so justly deserved; and that although, under a constitution like that of Great Britain, it was impossible to prevent the abuse often unavoidably attendant on the greatest of all political benefits (the liberty of the press), yet in the present case he had thought it his duty to refer the article in Peltier's journal to his majesty's attorney-general."* These explanations, satisfactory as they will appear to the mind of every Englishman, failed to produce that effect upon the head of the French government; and in a note to Lord Hawkesbury, under date of the 17th of August, the subjects under discussion were formed into a regular series, and M. Otto was, as he stated, ordered to solicit :

1st. "That his majesty's government will adopt the most effectual measures to put a stop to the unbecoming and seditious publications, with which

*See Book II. Chap. XXIII. p. 416.

the newspapers and writings printed in England are filled.

2d. "That the individuals mentioned in the un

dersigned minister's letter of the 23d of July last, shall be sent out of the island of Jersey.

3d. "That the former Bishops of Arras and St. Pol de Leon, and all those who like them, under the pretext of religion, seek to raise disturbances in the interior of France, shall likewise be sent

away.

4th. "That Georges and his adherents shall be transported to Canada, according to the intention which the undersigned has been directed to transmit to his government by Lord Hawkesbury. posed of every pretext for disturbing the good un5th. "That, in order to deprive the evil dis derstanding between the two governments, it shall be recommended to the princes of the house of Bourbon, at present in Great Britain, to repair to Warsaw, the residence of the head of their family.

6th. That such of the French emigrants as still think proper to wear the orders and decora tions belonging to the ancient government of France, shall be requested to quit the territory of the British empire."

To which propositions, M. Otto added: "These demands are founded upon the treaty of Amiens, and upon the verbal assurances which the French minister had had the satisfaction to receive, in the course of the negotiations, with regard to the mutual agreement for maintaining tranquillity and good order in the two countries."

Lord Hawkesbury, in his reply, says: "It is impossible not to feel considerable surprise at the circumstances under which it has been thought proper to present the above note; at the style in which it is drawn up; and at the complaints it contains. It has hence become of the utmost importance that a frank explanation should be made of the line of conduct which his majesty has determined to adopt, on reasons of the nature of those to which this note refers, and of the motives on which it is founded."

"The propositions," adds his lordship, "in M. Otto's official note are six in number; but may, in fact, be divided into two heads: the first, that which relates to libels of all descriptions which are alleged to be published against the French government: the last comprehending the five complaints which relate to the emigrants resident in this country. As to the first, his majesty cannot, and never will, in consequence of any representation, or any menace, from a foreign power, make any concession which can be in the smallest degree dangerous to the liberty of the press, as secured by the constitution of this country. This liberty is justly dear to every British subject. The constitution admits of no previous restraints upon publications of any description; but there exist judicatures wholly independent of the executive government,

capable of taking cognizance of such publications as the law deems to be criminal, and which are bound to inflict the punishments the delinquents may deserve; these judicatures may take cognizance, not only of libels against the government and the magistracy of this kingdom, but, as has been repeatedly experienced, of publications defamatory to those in whose hands the administration of foreign governments is placed."

With respect to the complaints under the second head, the French government are informed,

“First, that the emigrants in Jersey, many of whom have remained there solely on account of the cheapness of subsistence, have actually removed, or were removing, previous to the representation contained in M. Otto's note, and that, before this explanation can take place, there will probably not be an emigrant in the island.

"To the second complaint, which relates to the Bishops of Arras and St. Pol de Leon, and others, his majesty can only reply, that if the fact alleged against them can be substantiated; if it can be proved that they have distributed papers on the coast of France, with a view of disturbing the government, and of inducing the people to resist the new church establishment, his majesty would think himself justified in taking all measures within his power to oblige them to leave the country.

"On the third complaint which respects the removal of Georges, and those persons supposed to be his adherents, measures are in contemplation, and will be taken, for the purpose of removing them out of his majesty's European dominions.

"On the fourth complaint, respecting the princes of the house of Bourbon, his majesty has no desire that they should continue to reside in this country, if they are disposed, or can be induced to quit it; but he feels it to be inconsistent with his honour, and his sense of justice, to withdraw from them the rites of hospitality, so long as they conduct themselves peaceably and quietly; and unless some charge can be substantiated of their attempting to disturb the peace which subsists between the two governments.

agent from the British government, was ordered to repair to Constance, in order to ascertain the disposition of the people of Switzerland regarding the act of mediation proposed by Bonaparte; but on receiving information, immediately on his arrival, of the submission of the diet of Switzerland, assembled at Schwitz, to the French arms, he left that country, conformably to his instructions, and repaired again to England. On the second point, a despatch from Mr. Liston to Lord Hawkesbury, dated from the Hague on the 29th of October, announces that a French corps of between ten and eleven thousand men, who were to have been withdrawn from Holland on the conclusion of the definitive treaty with Great Britain, still remain in that country, and that it is the intention of the Dutch government to make application to the principal powers of Europe to entreat their intervention and good offices with a view to the maintenance of the independence of the republic. From a series of despatches which relate to the guarantee of the island of Malta, Austria, it appeared, immediately transmitted an act of guarantee and accession to that part of the treaty of Amiens; Prussia professed to take a very slight interest in the fate of that island; and Russia consented to become one of the guarantees on certain conditions, meant the more effectually to secure the independence and neutrality of the island, both in time of war and during the period of peace.

In the mean time, Lord Whitworth had repaired to Paris, in the capacity of British minister at the court of the Tuileries, and M. Otto was at the same time superseded by General Andreossi at the court of St. James's. The first published despatch from Lord Hawkesbury to Lord Whit"With respect to the fifth complaint, which re- worth, dated November 30, relates to a lates to the French emigrants wearing, in this complaint made against England of delay. country, the orders of their ancient government; there are few, if any, persons of that descriptioning the fulfilment of one of the conditions in this country. It might be more proper if they of the treaty of Amiens, which provides abstained from it; but the French government for the evacuation of Egypt; on this subcould not persist in expecting, that, even if it were consistent with law, his majesty should be induced to commit so harsh an act of authority, as to send them out of the country on such an account."

From this period, to the end of the month of October, the official correspondence relates principally to the interference of France in the affairs of the Helvetic republic, to the continuance of French troops in Holland, and to the applications made to the courts of St. Petersburg, Vienna, and Berlin to guarantee the independence of Malta, conformably to the tenth article of the treaty of Amiens. From the first portion of this part of the correspondence, it appears, that Mr. Moore, an accredited

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ject, his lordship is instructed to state, that although General Stuart had signified to Colonel Sebastiani his inability to evacuate Egypt until he should receive specific orders for that purpose, yet that this delay has arisen entirely from a misunderstanding on the part of the general; and that, to obviate all further difficulties, instructions have been sent to General Stuart, directing_him to remove the king's troops from Egypt with as little delay as possible.

The next despatch in the series laid before parliament, is from Lord Whitworth to Lord Hawkesbury, dated Paris, the 27th of January, 1803. This communication

consisted of a report of a conversation basis not merely proposed by his majesty, which had taken place, on the Tuesday but specially agreed to in an official note preceding, between Lord Whitworth and by the French government, viz. that his M. Talleyrand; and related to two points, majesty should keep a compensation out of both, as the latter observed, equally import- his conquests for the important acquisitions ant to the maintenance of good harmony of territory made by France upon the conbetween the two countries: the first con- tinent; and if the interference of the French cerned the English newspapers, against government in the general affairs of Europe which the French minister pronounced a since that period; if their interposition with most bitter philippic, and assured Lord respect to Switzerland and Holland, whose Whitworth that the first consul was ex- independence was guaranteed by them at tremely hurt to find that his endeavours to the time of the conclusion of the treaty of conciliate had hitherto produced no other peace; if the annexations which had been effect than to increase the abuse with made to France in various quarters, but which those papers continually loaded particularly those in Italy, have extended him; and at this he was the more highly the territory and increased the power of incensed, as the abuse came from a coun- the French government; his majesty would try of whose good opinion the chief con- be warranted, consistently with the spirit sul was so very ambitious. To which, of the treaty of peace, in claiming equivahis lordship replied, that whatever was lents for these acquisitions, as a countersaid in the English papers might be con- poise to the augmentation of the power of sidered but as a retaliation for what was France. His majesty, however, anxious published in the French papers-secondly, to prevent all grounds of misunderstanding, that what was officially published in France, and desirous of consolidating the general was by no means so in England; and peace of Europe as far as might be his thirdly, that although the government pos- power, was willing to have waived the presessed a control over the press in France, tentions he might have a right to advance of the English government neither had, nor this nature, if the attention of his majesty's could have, unless they purchased it at government had not been attracted by the the same price, any whatever in England. very extraordinary publication of the report M. Talleyrand persisted in his opinion, of Colonel Sebastiani to the first consul. that his majesty's ministers might keep *COLONEL SEBASTIANI'S REPORT. certain papers in order, as Lord Whitworth The report of Colonel Sebastiani, submitted to did in assuring him, that until the first the chief consul, and inserted in the Moniteur of consul could so far master his feelings as the 30th of January, 1803, consists of observations to be indifferent to the scurrility of the made in discharge of a mission, undertaken by English prints, as the English govern- cities of Egypt and Syria. The remarks of Coloorder of the French government, to the principal ment was to that which daily appeared nel Sebastiani are more military than commercial, in the French, this state of irritation was and his report abounds with compliments paid in irremediable. On the second point, the every stage of his journey to the first consul evacuation of Malta, the French minister "The Egyptian astrologers," says this republican was directed to inquire, what were his ma- courtier, "make predictions every day, on what jesty's intentions regarding it? He said merchants, people, all like to talk of the first conconcerns the first consul." "In Egypt, chiefs, that another grand-master would now be sul-all offer up prayers for his happiness. All very soon elected; that all the powers of the news which concerns him spreads from AlexEurope, invited so to do, with the exception andria or Damietta to the pyramids and the Grand of Russia, whose difficulties it was easy to Cataracts with astonishing rapidity." Even D'jezzar, the Pacha of Acre, was found to have conceiv remove, and without whom the guarantee ed a high esteem for the French, and in speaking would be equally complete, were ready to of Bonaparte, is represented by Colonel Sebas come forward; and that, consequently, the tiani to have said, "In stature, Bonaparte is small time would very soon arrive when Great but he is nevertheless the greatest of mankind. I Britain could have no pretext for keeping they wish to see him again!" On the 16th of Ocknow that he is deeply regretted at Cairo, where longer possession. To which, Lord Whit-tober, 1802, Colonel Sebastiani arrived at Alexworth replied, that he would report this conversation to the English secretary of state for foreign affairs, and would communicate the answer to the French minister as soon as it was received.

andria, and on the same day he waited upon General Stuart, commandant of the English forces by sea and land: "I communicated to him," says the report, “the order of the minister for foreign af fairs, which enjoined me to proceed to Alexandria, and if the English still occupied that place, to de mand a speedy evacuation, and the execution of the treaty of Amiens. General Stuart then told me, that the evacuation of the place would shortly be effected; but seeing that I insisted, and that ] desired an answer less vague, he declared to me See Lord Hawkesbury's despatch to Lord that he had no orders from his court to quit AlexWhitworth, dated February 9th, 1803.

On the subject of Malta, the British minister was directed to reply, "That the late treaty of peace was negotiated on a

andria, and that he even believed he should pass

This report contained the most unjustifiable insinuations and charges against the officer who commanded his majesty's forces in Egypt, and against the British army in that quarter. His majesty could not therefore regard the conduct of the French government, on various occasions, since the conclusion of the definitive treaty, the insinuations and charges contained in the report of Colonel Sebastiani, and the views which that report disclosed, without feel ing it necessary for him distinctly to declare, that it would be impossible for him to enter into any further discussion relative to Malta, unless he received satisfactory explanation on the subject of this communication."

To these representations, M. Talleyrand replied, that the jealousy felt by England on the score of Egypt, with a view to her possessions in India, was natural; but he could not admit that any thing had appeared in the conduct of the French government in justification of the alarm expressed

by Lord Whitworth. After repeating what he had said in a former conversation on the subject of Sebastiani's mission, which he asserted to be strictly commercial, he expatiated at great length on the sincere desire of the first consul to maintain inviolable the peace which had been so lately concluded; adding, that were not this desire of peace in the first consul an effect of system, it would be imperiously dictated to him by the state of his finances; and concluded by desiring to know what was the nature and degree of satisfaction which his majesty would require? On this Lord Whitworth replied, that he could not pretend to say by what means those apprehensions, which the conduct of the French government had raised in England, were to be allayed; but he could assure him, that, in the discussion of them, the British government would be animated solely by a sincere desire to be convinced of the truth of his assertions, since on that depended the peace and happiness of Europe.

ence with the British minister, the particulars of which, as reported by the latter, claim, from their importance and singularity, to be given entire in the annals of the

times.

Despatch from Lord Whitworth to Lord Hawkes

bury, dated Paris, Feb. 21st, 1803.

The negotiations had now assumed a the winter there. General Stuart," continues the most portentous aspect, when the chief concolonel, “is a man of mediocre talents; he has for sul, departing from the usual course of diplohis aide-de-camp a French emigrant, called thematic communication, requested a conferChevalier de Sades, a man of talents, and an enemy to France, who has much influence over the general." "The English army in Egypt," says Colonel Sebastiani, towards the close of his report, "consists of 4430 men. They wholly and exclusively occupy Alexandria and the neighbouring forts, and the Turks who formed the garrison of some of these forts have been removed. The Pacha of Cairo furnishes to the English army, corn, rice, wood, and provisions, without any pay- "My despatch, in which I gave your lordship ment. The consumption is treble what it should an account of my conference with M. de Talleybe: they commit great waste. A great mis- rand, was scarcely gone, when I received a note understanding reigns between General Stuart and from him, informing me that the first consul wishthe Pacha. The Turkish army amounts to about ed to converse with me, and desired that I would 16,000 men. The Pacha of Alexandria is, as one come to him at the Tuileries, at nine o'clock. He may say, a prisoner with the English. The Turk-received me in his cabinet with tolerable cordialish soldiers are without discipline, and their of ficers are destitute of the first principles of the military art. Six thousand French would at present be enough to conquer Egypt." "D'jezzar's army at present consists of from 13,000 to 14,000 men, of which 9000 are employed in the siege of Jaffa. The weakest part of the fort of Acre is towards the sea, and particularly the point which defends the entrance to the port. The English wished to interfere as mediators between the Emir and D'jezzar, but the latter refused their mediation." On announcing to the Captain Bey, commander of the forces of the Ottoman Porte at Alexandria, that the agents of French commerce would assemble in Egypt: "This communication," says Colonel Sebastiani, "gave them the greatest pleasure, and they did not conceal that they saw with grief the slav of the English in their country. D'jezzar too said, that he should himself be the French commissary at Acre, and should take care that their cour trymen were well received; he desired that the commissary sent by the first consul should reside at Seide, as that was the most commercial part of his dominions." Such are the materials that form the memorable report of Colonel Sebastianimemorable as one of the ostensible causes of that war by which Europe was soon again to be desofated.

ity, and after talking on different subjects for a few minutes, he desired me to sit down, as he himself did on the other side of the table. He began the conversation with saying, that he felt it necessary, after what had passed between me and M. Talleyrand, that he should, in the most clear and authentic manner, make known his sentiments to me, in order to their being communicated to his majesty; and he conceived this would be more effectually done by himself than through any medium whatever. He said, that it was a matter of infinite disappointment to him, that the treaty of Amiens, instead of being followed by conciliation and friendship, the natural effects of peace, had been productive only of continual and increasing jealousy and distrust; and that this mistrust was now avowed in such a manner as must bring the point to an issue.

"He now enumerated the several provocations which he pretended to have received from England. He placed in the first line our not evacuating Malta and Alexandria, as we were bound to do by treaty. In this he said that no consideration on earth should make him acquiesce; and of the two, he had rather see us in possession of the Fauxbourg St. Antoine than Malta. He then adverted to the abuse thrown out against him in the English public prints; but this he said he did not

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