The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 05
History
The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. 05
United States -- Foreign relations -- 1775-1783; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources
It is said, that in conformity to the resolutions taken by their High
Mightinesses the 25th of last month, the Count de Welderen has
presented a Memorial to Lord Stormont, who after having run it over
answered, "that he would lay it before his Majesty, and request his
orders upon the subject; although beforehand he could assure him, that
the King highly approved the conduct held by Mr Fielding, as well as
the manner in which he had executed his orders," adding, "that at
London we think that Mr Fielding conducted himself according to the
tenor of treaties, and that it was the Count de Byland that violated
them."
This answer having given rise to an animated conversation between the
Count de Welderen and Lord Stormont, the latter employed all possible
arguments to prove, that it was the Count de Byland who had been the
aggressor, while, on the contrary, the Minister of their High
Mightinesses had asserted, and incontestably proved, "that their High
Mightinesses had never consented, that any ship found under the convoy
of one of their vessels of war should be visited; and that,
consequently, Commodore Fielding, who ought not to have been ignorant
of the treaties, and who, nevertheless, had so manifestly infringed
them, had been truly the aggressor, in sending out his armed boat."
That as to the last point of the said Memorial, relative to the
liberation, without any form of process, of the vessels seized sailing
under convoy of the Count de Byland, Lord Stormont answered, "the way
of appeal lay open to the parties interested, but that it was not in
the power of his Majesty to transgress the ordinary forms, by making
any alteration in the decrees pronounced upon this occasion."
Ireland, although her Parliament has discovered symptoms of timidity
or diffidence in postponing the great question to September, has not
yet finished her roll upon the stage. It should be remembered, first,
that she has postponed, not determined, the controversy. Secondly,
that all parties in the House united in declaring their sentiments,
that Ireland was not subject to any foreign legislation. In this, even
Mr Foster, who is reputed the Ministerial agent in the House of
Commons, and the Attorney General himself, concurred. Thirdly, that it
is still in contemplation to pass a mutiny act through the Irish
Parliament, which must be grounded upon the supposition, that the
English mutiny act is not binding; and whether such a bill shall pass
or not, many magistrates will not execute the English act. Fourthly,
the volunteers of the liberty of Dublin have resolved unanimously, on
the 26th of April, that it is inexpedient to remain any longer under
the command of his Grace the Duke of Leinster. Fifthly, the body of
lawyers, on the 30th of April, admitted Mr Grattan as an honorary
member of their society, and unanimously voted an address to him,
which, with his answer, Congress will see.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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