Page images
PDF
EPUB

whether they would be allowed to pass freely. His excellency replied, that, until a treaty was made, American vessels could not pass the Bosphorus. I remarked, with some warmth, that this was a most extraordinary measure on the part of the Sublime Porte, for, by the treaty of Adrianople, the navigation to and from the Black Sea, was declared open to all nations, and that the Emperor of Russia had declared so, in his proclamation, to the world; and relying on this, the President of the United States had, in his message to Congress, announced that the Black Sea was open to our commerce, and numbers of American vessels had been fitted out for that quarter, and some were daily expected; that, since the Sublime Porte had given this construction to the subject, is now became my duty, instead of returning to America, to proceed immediately to St Petersburgh and obtain from the Emperor of Russia an explanation of this most extraordinary measure. A considerable pause ensued, during which the three high dignitaries whispered to each other. The Reis Effendi then said this is a matter of vast importance, and could not be concluded in a single day; that he wished me to take some time, and reflect. I replied that no reflection was necessary, as the dignity of my country I conceived was touched in a very delicate point, and nothing could induce me to allow that, however much it might be detrimental in procuring a friendly compact between the two nations. His excellency pressed

me to take time, and said it would be pleasing to himself if I would only give it one day's reflection. I assured him that the more I reflected upon the subject, the more firm I was convinced would be my determination; but, in return for his excellency's friendly reception, and the urbanity I had in every instance experienced from the high dignitaries of the Turkish empire, I consented to wait till to-morrow and if, unfortunately there was no change in the present aspect of affairs, I should immediately depart for Russia. I then took leave, the ministers rising from the Divan to salute me; the interview lasted four hours. I spoke in French to the drogoman of the Porte, and he used the same language in conveying to me what the Reis Effendi said; Mr Navoni taking care that everything was perfectly understood, and explaining when he conceived the drogoman did not fully or correctly convey the idea. On the 5th of April, Mr Navoni conveyed to the Reis Effendi mny determination to proceed to Russia unless an immediate arrangement was made. His excellency said that the affair should be forthwith laid before the Divan, and the Sultan's determination would be had in a few days.

I learned on the 7th the subject was laid before his Majesty, and that he had given orders to finish the treaty in the manner I required. The Reis Effendi also sent me a message that he would appoint an early day in the following week to see me, and close the business.

On the 11th, the ministers of

Russia, France, and England, delivered to the Porte the protocol respecting Greece. I could have wished that our business had been finished before this instrument reached Constantinople, as it cannot but sour the members of the Divan, and I fear the question will cause fresh troubles in Europe.

On the 12th, the Reis Effendi informed Mr Navoni that he had appointed next day for an interview, and that horses would be at the landing place to receive me in the customary style of ambassadors, expressing also a wish that publicity should be given to the circumstance, and observing that it would be announced to the drogoman that there would be no business transacted at the Porte the following day, as the American commissioner was to have a conference.

On the 13th, I repaired to the palace of the Reis Effendi, where I found the same ministers as on the third instant, together with the drogoman of the Porte. After the usual ceremony of pipes and coffee, the Reis Effendi asked me if I still continued in the same opinion as at the last conference? I assured him, that on that point I was unalterably fixed. He then said, that the Sublime Porte desirous of giving a proof of their friendly feeling towards the United States, had ordered a treaty to be drawn up in strict Conformity with the one I had submitted, and that he had now the honor of presenting it. His excellency said that he hoped this proof of good will would be duly estimated by the President of the United States of America, and that this treaty would be the

means of extending our mutual intercourse, and of perpetuating the alliance now formed. He said that he was peculiarly gratified in being the organ through whom this negotiation had been terminated, and expressed his own personal good feeling towards our country and its citizens. I replied that, on the part of my country, I reciprocated most cordially the wishes he had just expressed, and assured his excellency that the President of the United States would fully estimate this friendly act on the part of the Sublime Porte; and that, on my return to America, it would be equally my duty and my pleasure to inform the President and my fellow-citizens how much I feel indebted to his excellency, and the other dignitaries of the empire, for the kindness and urbanity I have experienced from them since the commencement of this negotiation, and for the high opinion they have invariably expressed in favor of my country.

His excellency expressed a desire that I would remain here as minister, assuring me that it would be gratifying to the Sublime Porte. I told him it would afford me personally great pleasure to remain, as I was much pleased with Constantinople and with his countrymen, but that the interests of my family required my presence elsewhere. On taking leave, they all arose from the Divan, and saluted me.

Conceiving that I would be hazarding the interests of the United States by leaving the business unfinished, I intimated to the Reis Effendi, by a special message, that I wished the treaty to be signed and

exchanged as soon as possible, and that I would exercise the plenipotentiary powers granted me by the commission, and terminate the affair at once. His excellency was pleased with the proposition, and promised to have copies of the treaty drawn up for signature and exchanged; but, notwithstanding my constant importunities, it was not until the sixth of May, when he said the instruments were ready, and he had appointed the next morning for signing and exchanging them. He intimated that I would be received in the usual style of ambassadors on concluding a treaty, and that horses would be ready for myself and attendants at the landing place in Constantinople. Accordingly, on the 7th of May, I repaired to the palace, where I found the Reis Effendi, the Secretary of State, and the drogoman of the Porte. The Reis Effendi, after a short conversation, signed and sealed the treaty in Turkish, and I did the same with the French translation; and we exchanged them. His excellency expressed nearly the same ideas

zeal, integrity, and honor, and I strongly recommend him to the consideration and protection of your excellency. His intimate knowledge of the Turkish language, the high confidence which I have perceived the dignitaries of the empire reposed in him, combined with his native talent, assure me that our country has been very fortunate in obtaining the services of so valuable an officer, and I trust its gratitude will be evinced by making his permanent appointment an honorable and respectable one.

In compliance with the instructions of the honorable Mr Van Buren, I have despatched a special messenger for my colleagues to repair here and sign the treaty. The business, however, is already accomplished, and, I indulge a hope, to the entire satisfaction of your excellency.

With profound respect, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, CHARLES RHIND.

To ANDREW JACKSON,

President of the United States.

State Extract.

Constantinople, June 1, 1830.

he did on the conclusion of the Mr Rhind to the Secretary of negotiation; and I reciprocated his friendly wishes, expressing my personal gratitude for the manner in which I had been received and treated since my arrival in Turkey.

It would be an act of the highest injustice, were I not to express my warmest gratitude to Nicholas Navoni, Esq., our worthy and talented drogoman, whose conduct in this negotiation has been beyond all praise.

In this delicate and difficult affair, he has evinced the utmost

'I have the honor of enclosing a copy of the treaty which I negotiated with the Sublime Porte, and I trust my conduct in this most delicate and difficult negotiation, will merit the approbation of the President and yourself.

It was necessary to show the Sultan that something had been granted for the concessions he had made, and our Turkish friend suggested the private article. You will perceive that it is a per

fect nullity, in giving only the privilege of consulting with our minister about the best mode of making a contract to procure ships or ship timber; and, moreover, the Reis Effendi said that if the President was not disposed to sign the article, it would be of no consequence, and the treaty would be ratified without it; but added that it would be pleasing if the whole are accepted, in order to lay them before the Sultan at the final ratification.'

Captain Biddle and Mr Offley to

the President. Constantinople, June 8, 1830. SIR: We have the honor to transmit, herewith, a copy of a treaty signed by us in French on the part of the United States, with the Sublime Ottoman Porte, together with a separate secret article. As there exists a difference of opinion between us respecting the secret article, we shall make, as to it, separate communi

cations to the honorable the Secretary of State. We also transmit the original in Turkish, signed by the Reis Effendi on the part of the Porte.

The presents made by us will be covered by the sum authorized to be expended upon effecting a treaty. The whole expense incurred, will exceed the sum authorized. The excess, however, will be of trivial amount.

We have the honor to be, with great consideration and respect, your most obedient humble servants, JAMES BIDDle. DAVID OFFLEy.

TO ANDREW JACKSON,

President of the United States.

Mr Rhind declines signing the above. He disagrees with us as to the propriety of forwarding these documents by a public vessel of the United States, and informs Mr Offley that he intends to protest in the British chancellery against our doing so. We, therefore, forward this communication without his signature.

Correspondence relating to the Treaty between the United States and Denmark.

Extract of a letter from Mr Clay to Mr Wheaton, Chargé d'Affaires at Copenhagen, dated

May 31st, 1827.

The President having, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, appointed you Chargé d'Affaires to the King of Denmark, and you having notified the department of your acceptance of the appointment, and

that you will be ready to depart on your mission by the middle of next month, I transmit, herewith, your commission, together with a letter of credence, to be presented by you to the Danish Minister of Foreign Affaires, on your first interview with him. You will proceed to Denmark by such conveyance, at your own expense, as may be most agreeable to you.

On your arrival at your post, it will be your duty, generally, to take care of the interests of the United States, and of their citizens; in the discharge of which, you will be governed by such instructions as may now or hereafter be given to you; and where these are silent, by the public law applicable to the particular case calling for your interposition.

The extent and importance of the relations which exist between the United States and Denmark, perhaps required, at an earlier period, that we should have a representative at the court of his Danish Majesty; but considerations of economy had heretofore delayed the appointment. The treaty recently concluded at Washington between the United States and Denmark, and the great value of the commercial intercourse between the two countries, which it is hoped that treaty may serve still further to strengthen and increase, did not appear to the President to admit of longer delay in instituting a permanent mission to Denmark. You will accompany these explanations with an assurance, to the Danish Government, of his wish to see the amicable relations between the two countries long preserved and invigorated.

Among other means of effecting that desirable object, a satisfactory arrangement of the claims of American citizens for injuries committed on their commerce during the late European war, would have the happiest tendency. These aggressions were inflicted during the years 1808, '9, '10, and '11, on various pretexts.

The amount of property of which American citizens were unjustly deprived, was very great, and the interruptions to our lawful trade in the Baltic, were very numerous and highly vexatious.

Early in the year 1811, the President of the United States determined on a special mission to Denmark, to arrest the progress of capture and condemnation of our vessels, then threatening the total destruction of our trade in the Baltic and adjacent seas, and to demand indemnity for the past. Mr G. W. Erving was selected for the service, and proceeded to Copenhagen.

His mission was attended with only partial success. He was able to prevail on the Danish Government to repress some irregularities, and to check the condemnation of most of our vessels whose cases were then pending, or which were captured and brought into port after his arrival; but he was not able to procure satisfaction in case of erroneous or unjust condemnation by the Danish tribunals. At the close of his mission, he was, however, assured by Mr De Rosenkrantz, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the King of Denmark, in an official note under date the 8th day of May, 1812, that if his Majesty could be persuaded, that, in particular cases, it should happen that appearances might have prevailed in the examination of some causes, to the detriment of some American citizens who might not have been able to demonstrate, sufficiently, that their enterprises of commerce were legitimate, he would assuredly be led to redress

« ՆախորդըՇարունակել »