Description:

(JAMES MONROE AND THE ABORTED ANGLO-AMERICAN TREATY OF 1806)
JOHN LANGDON SULLIVAN (1777-1865) Merchant and engineer who worked extensively with canals and steamboats, son of Gov. James Sullivan of Massachusetts. Later in life became a noted physician in New York. Fine content A.L.S. "Jno" 3pp. 4to. with integral address leaf, London, July 14, 1806 to his father in Boston reporting on James Madison's negotiations in England and other political affairs. In part: "...Perhaps no subject from this side of the Atlantic can be more interesting to you as a Patriot, than the state of national affairs with the governments in Europe. It has been very unlucky that Mr. Fox was taken ill at a moment when the pending negotiations were advancing towards such a conclusion as we should desire. He is now however said to be on the recovery...When the first intelligence of the outrageous conduct of Capt. Whitby reached Mr. Munro [sic], he had a conversation with Mr. [Charles James] Fox [The Foreign Secretary] on the subject, who assured him of his proper attention to... they still wonder how America without a fleet can dare oppose the will of omnipotent Britain.-- And it is probable Mr Fox will loose some of his popularity by the concessions we demand. But he is of a character too independent and clear sighted to be swayed by such a consideration - Mr Munro thinks him the most candid, liberal & enlightened statesman he has ever known. Indeed his conduct toward all foreign nations since he came into his important office has been uniformly moderate, delicate & firm- The news papers have no longer teemed with personal abuse of Bonaparte, as formerly...and I may add as a well founded opinion, that no other man could make so good a peace for this Country with France as Mr Fox would. The French consider him with more respect than anyone else, and would rely on his honor. The present negation will probably end in peace - for all hope of reducing the power of France is at an end. It would be a kind of armed peace -- and not an essential relief to the nation. In regard to the position of our national affair with France & Spain. Mr. Munro thinks they are in good train. Should these difficulties be happily surmounted, it may make the Federalist fret. But will confirm the confidence of the nation in its present rulers.-- It is to be regretted that their good opinion depends so much on success, where success depends on such a variety of uncontrollable cir[cumstances]..." James Monroe, then serving as United States to Great Britain, was in the midst of negotiating a new treaty to replace Jay's treaty of 1794. However, Monroe was ultimately unable to win British concessions over the impressments of American sailors and Jefferson rejected the document. The hopes for peace between Britain and France expressed by Sullivan proved elusive -- the powers would continue in conflict for nearly another decade. Marginal loss from seal tear affects one word, usual folds, light soiling, else very good.

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May 13, 2009 10:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

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