manding our troops in the said settlement, the assertion contained in his excellency's and to all others whom it may concern. By his Majesty's command, (Countersigned) HOBART. Copy of an instruction from the Right Hon. Lord Hobart, to the governors of, or officers commanding at Surinam, Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo, Martinique, St. Lucie, Tobago, Curaçao. Dated Downing-street, Oct. 17, 1802. Sir, Circumstances having occurred, which render it adviseable to delay the restitution of the of to the Republic, I am to signify to you his Majesty's commands, that you should retain possession thereof until further orders. I have the honour to be, &c. HOBART. To the Governor of Copy of an instruction from the Right Hon. Lord Hobart, to the Governors of, or Officers commanding at Surinam, Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo, Martinique, St. Lucie, Tobago, Curaçao. Dated Downing-street, Nov. 15, 1802. Sir, I have the honour to acquaint you, that, notwithstanding the orders, which, by the King's commands, I communicated to you on the 17th ult. it is his Majesty's pleasure, that you do immediately proceed to the restito the government; in conformity to the directions you have already received for that purpose. I have the honour to be, &c. HOBART. tution of the settlement of To the Governor of Papers No. 1 to 3, inclusive, presented May 24, 1803. swer. No. 1.-Dated London, May 20, 1803.My Lord, I have the honour to inclose to your Lordship an official note which I received from Monsieur de Talleyrand on the day of my departure from Paris, and my anI have the honour to be, &c. WHITWORTH. Rt. Hon. Lord Hawkesbury, &c. No. 2.-Note from M. Talleyrand to Lord Whitworth, dated Paris, 22d Floreal, An 11. -Translation.-The undersigned is charged to signify to his excellency Lord Whitworth, his Britannic Majesty's ambassador, that the First Consul having in the note of the 14th of this month made a proposal that the island of Malta should be put into the possession of either of the three guaranteeing powers, namely Russia, Austria, or Prussia, it would be insufficient to evade this proposition by pleading the refusal of his Majesty the Emperor of Russia to accept the trust, since the intentions of their Majesties the Emperor of Germany and King of Prussia in that respect remain to be ascertained. That moreover, note of the 20th of this month, as expressed in the following terms, " by the refusal of his Majesty the Emperor of Russia to listen to it," is directly contrary to the guarantee which his Imperial Majesty has formally offered on condition of making some trifling alterations that the First Consul has no difficulty to adopt, but which he knows that the English ministry have refused, with a view, without doubt, at the time, of the strange pretension of keeping Malta. That moreover this assertion is in absolute contradiction to the assurances which the First Consul has received from Petersburgh since his Britannic Majesty's message has been known there, and which have lately been renewed to him by an authentic communication w ich Count Markoff made yesterday of the intentions of his court. From whence it results, that it is impossible to reconcile the last communication made by his excellency Lord Whitworth with the fresh confirmation which has just been acquired of the dispositions of his Majesty the Emperor of Russia; and that one cannot help believing that his Britannic Majesty, when better informed, will himself hasten to give to his excellency instructions differing from those which he has received and communicated in the name of his government. The undersigned seizes this opportunity to renew to his excellency Lord Whitworth the assurance of his high consideration. CH. MAU. TALLEYRAND. à son Excellence, &c. No. 3.-Note from Lord Whitworth to M. Talleyrand, dated Paris, May 12, 1803.Translation.-The undersigned has the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the note which the minister for foreign affairs sent to him this day, and he will not fail to transmit it to his court. In the mean while, he requests the minister for foreign affairs to send him the passports which he required of him. He seizes this opportunity to renew to his excellency the assurance of his high consideration. WHITWORTH. Au Citoyen Talleyrand, &c. Papers No. 1 to 6, inclusive, respecting the continuance of the French Troops in Holland, ordered to be printed, May 25, 1803. No. 1.-Extract of a Dispatch from Mr. Liston to Lord Hawkesbury, dated the Hague, November 5th, 1802.-The anxious apprehensions under which the Dutch government have for some time laboured, have been in some measure calmed by the accounts received to-day from different quarters. Their ambassador at Paris has transmitted a copy of a nervous and well-written memorial, presented by him to the minister of foreign affairs (in consequence of the instructions lately sent from hence); and he informs the Secretary of State, that he received the most positive assurances from M. de Talleyrand, that it was by no means the intention of the First Consul to encrease the number of French troops in the Batavian Republic, or to march back those now upon the frontiers into the interior parts of this country: that, on the contrary, it was his fixed determination to withdraw the whole as soon as the proper arrangements could be made for that purpose. No. 2.-Extract of a dispatch from Mr. Liston to Lord Hawkesbury, dated the Hague, November 12th, 1802.-Whatever may be the resolution of the First Consul, respecting the final evacuation of the Batavian Republic by the Troops of France (a subject on which this government remains in a state of doubt and uncertainty) there seems reason to suppose that a certain portion of them-the 17th and 74th Demi-Brigades of Infantry, amounting to about four thousand men,-are to be embarked at Helvoet Sluys, and transported to Louisiana, under the direction of General Victor, who has been appointed to the chief command in that new colony. No. 3.-Extract of a dispatch from Lord Whitworth to Lord Hawkesbury, Paris, 13th Dec. 1802.-The Batavian ambassador, Vos van Steinvick, has been instructed to make a representation, couched in the strongest terms, against the conduct of this government, with regard to the French troops which continue to be quartered in Holland. Your lordship well knows, how long, and how anxiously, the Batavian government has been expecting to be delivered from this burthen. tivity for the last few days; and this morning No. 4.-Dispatch from Lord Whitworth to Lord Hawkesbury, dated Paris, December 13th, 1802. My lord, your lordship will learn, by my former dispatch of this date, the step which is to be taken by the Dutch ambassador, for procuring the evacuation of the Batavian territory by the French troops. I cannot flatter myself that any direct interference on my part, would, under the present circumstances, assist in promoting this important object And I know that the Dutch ambassador entirely coincides with me in this opinion. I have however, invariably, held a language on this subject, conformable to the general instructions which I received on my departure from London. I have the honour to be, &c.jesty and to the common cause, at the time WHITWORTH. The Right Hon. Lord Hawkesbury, &c. No. 5.-Extract of a dispatch from Mr. Liston to Lord Hawkesbury, dated the Hague, 11th January, 1803.-The negociations between the secretary of state and M. de Semonville,respecting the continuance of French troops in the southern garrisons of this Republic, have been carried on with uncommon acVOL. III. when the French were in possession of the island. That, for nearly two years, toey maintained a state of constant and active hostility against the French: that several thousands of them perished in this state of hostility; and, that these efforts were made at a time when they could receive assistance from no other foreign power: that the attachment evinced by the Maltese to his Majesty, during * K His Excellency Sir John Warren, &c. the blockade, and their loyalty to him since | and in your endeavours to reconcile the Rushe has obtained possession of the island, gives sian government to the objects of them. The them a peculiar claim to his protection, and a events which have happened since the conright to expect, that, in the future arrange- clusion of the definitive treaty ; the unboundments for the island, some advantages should ed ambition which has been, and still is, mabe stipulated in their favour: that, indepen- nifested by the French government; might dent of every consideration of good faith, have justified his Majesty in bringing forward your excellency well knows that the Maltese new demands, and in even claiming the apinhabitants, if attached to their government, propriation of Malta, as some counterpoise to are equal to the defence of the island; and the acquisitions made by France since the that every motive of policy, therefore, as treaty of peace; but the moderation with well as of justice, renders it expedient to en- which his Majesty has been actuated in all his deavour to conciliate their affections. These concerns with foreign powers, and his anxicircumstances being premised, you will state, ous desire that the peace of Europe may, if that the objection which, it is conceived, has possible, be effectually consolidated, has inhad most weight with his Imperial Majesty, duced him to forego those claims which the is that stipulation in the 10th article of the increased and increasing power of France treaty of Amiens, which, at the time that it might have justified him in advancing; and establishes a Maltese langue, requires no as every stipulation in the treaty of Amiens proof of nobility for admission into that has been in a course of execution on his langue that such a stipulation is considered part, with the exception of the tenth article, as leading to the establishment of a plebean he is desirous of shewing his disposition to langue, totally inconsistent with the spirit of concur in an arrangement which may be the institution of the Order. His Majesty conformable to the spirit of the article; is extremely desirous of devising means by if such an arrangement can be rendered conwhich this objection shall be obviated, and sistent with the honour of his crown; and if the interests of the Maltese adequately con- it effectually provides for the object of the sulted. The proofs of nobility, which have tenth article: the independence of the Island been required for other priories, have been of Malta. I am, with great truth and respect, various; and the power of the Pope to grant &c. HAWKESBURY. dispensations, has been admitted to exist: if, therefore, actual nobility was made the indispensable condition of admission into the Maltese langue or priory, the objection, which is at present made to this part of the arrangement, would, in a great degree, if not wholly, be removed. As, however, the number of persons who would be capable of admission into the Order, in consequence of such a regulation, would be very limited, it appears reasonable, that some further stipulations should be made in favour of the inhabitants of Malta; and it may be proposed to revive, under such regulations and modifications as may be judged expedient, the national council which formerly existed in that island, which should form no part of the Order, but which should have a share in the government of the island, and a deliberative voice in all its internal concerns. A body of this description could not be considered as in any respect derogatory to the ancient institution of the Order, and would be conformable to what existed within the island till within a very very few years. It is for the purpose of obtaining information on these points, that instructions will be sent to Sir Alexander Ball; it being impossible, after all that has passed, to bring the negotiation to an issue, without some communication with the principal inhabitants of Malta. His Majesty relies on your zeal in giving effect to these instructions, No. 2.-Copy of a Note from Lord Hawkesbury to the Vice-Chancellor Count A. Worozoff, dated Downing-street, Jan. 29, 1803.-The undersigned, his Majesty's principal secretary of state for foreign affairs, has laid before the King, the note of the chancellor of his Imperial Majesty of all the Russias, together with the projet of the articles inclosed in it, which was delivered to his excellency Sir John Borlase Warren, in consequence of the invitation made by his excellency and the French minister, in the name of his Majesty and the First Consul of the French Republic, to his Imperial Majesty to accede, as a guaranteeing power, to the 10th article of the definitive treaty of peace, signed at Amiens on the 27th day of March last. It has been his Majesty's sincere and constant desire, that the stipulations of this article, as well as every other part of the definitive treaty of peace, should be carried into complete effect; and as circumstances have arisen, since the conclusion of the treaty, which render it impracticable to execute the tenth article according to the terms of it, and which have made fresh stipulations necessary, that means should be found, by amicable negotiation, of accomplishing an arrangement, which may be deemed conformable to the spirit of the treaty, and to the intentions of the contracting parties at the time of concluding it. His that, with a view to the execution of the provisions of the treaty of Amiens, measures have already been taken for raising a Maltese force of 2000 men, which, together with the 2000 at present in the island, will form an adequate garrison for its defence. His Ma peror of Russia, in the necessity of providing adequate funds for the support of this garrison; and, as the property of the Spanish priories has been sequestered since the conclusion of the definitive treaty, to which treaty his Catholic Majesty was a party, he thinks it indispensible, that the property of those priories should be restored to them; especially as the Portuguese government have lately de Majesty attaches the greatest importance to the accession of the Emperor of Russia to the 10th article of the definitive treaty; not only on account of the security which the guarantee of his Imperial Majesty would give to the independence of the Island of Malta, but likewise from a desire to obtain his Im-jesty, however, entirely agrees with the Emperial Majesty's sanction and concurrence, with respect to the arrangements stipulated in that article. His Majesty has invariably manifested the same disposition. As soon as he learnt the proceeding, which had been adopted at St. Petersburgh, in consequence of the proclamation of the Emperor of Russia for the election of a Grand Master, he proposed to the French government to join with him in declaring, that, as con-clared their intention of sequestrating the protracting parties to the treaty of Amiens, they were ready to acknowledge that election to be valid, and to recognize the person who might be named by the Pope out of those who were chosen by the priories in Russia, and whose names appeared in the list that was then published, to be Grand Master of the Order of St. John. In conformity to the principles which governed his Majesty's conduct on that occasion, he is perfectly ready to adopt the suggestion of his Imperial Majesty, for the conclusion of a supplementary convention to the 10th article of the treaty of Amiens; and he has no difficulty in declaring his entire acquiescence in the second, thir, fifth, and sixth articles, contained in the jet delivered to Sir John Warren; his Majesty entirely concurs likewise in that part of the first article, which relates to the acknowledgement of the sovereignty of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem over the Island of Malta and its dependencies. With respect to the other part of the article, which refers to the advantages stipulated in favour of the Maltese; his Majesty is extremely anxious that means may be devised of reconciling the views of the Emperor of Russia, relative to the Order of St. John, with the attention, which a regard for the honour of his crown renders due to the interests and wishes of the Maltese inhabitants, and with the indispensable object of the 10th article of the treaty of peace, that of providing effectually for the independence of the island; and he trusts that such an arrangement may be found not inconsistent with the spirit of the original institution of the Order. His Majesty will lose no time in giving instructions to Sir Alexander Ball, to take measures for obtaining the information which may be necessary for enabling his Majesty to form his determination on this subject. His Majesty trusts that that part of the fourth article, which relates to the number of Neapolitan troops, will be judged unnecessary, when it is understood pro perty of the Portuguese priory, as forming a part of the Spanish langue, unless the priories of Spain are reinstated in their former possessions. As those sequestrations have been carried into effect since t e conclusion of the treaty of peace, and as it is highly important to secure, under any circumstances which n ay happen, a revenue adequate to the maintenance of the civil and military government, and of the independence of the island, his Majesty adopts, from a conviction of its necessity, the suggestion of the Emperor of Russia, that whatever sum may be requisite for that purpose beyond the ordinary revenue, shall be provided by an equal contribution on the part of his Majesty and of the French government; and in default of payment by either of the parties, it shall be at the option of the other party to contribute the whole. His Majesty has thus stated, without reserve, to his Imperial Majesty, his sentiments on every part of this important subject, and his readiness to agree in such modifications of the 10th article of the treaty of Amiens, as may be found not inconsistent with the spirit of it; as inay be compatible with the interests of all the parties concerned, and which, his Majesty trusts, will therefore prove satisfactory to the Emperor of Russia. HAWKESBURY. Papers No. 1 to 8 inclusive, respecting Commercial Commissioners from France : Ordered to be printed June 1, 1803. No. 1.-Translation of a Letter from Mr. Otto to Lord Hawkesbury, dated Portmansquare, May 25, 1802.-My Lord, his Bri. tannic Majesty's government having often manifested to me a desire to concert some particular arrangements for the establishment or the maintenance of several relations of commerce between the two nations: I have the satisfaction to inform your excellency, that the First Consul, penetrated with the same sentiments, and having a particular do sire to consolidate the relations of friendship | French merchants, captains, masters, owners, so happily re-established between the two and seamen, as well as all other Frenchmen nations, has determined to send without de- residing within the said district, to acknowlay to London, Citizen Coquebert Montbret, lege Citizen Coquebert Montbret in the post who has lately resided at Amsterdam with the conferred upon him in the name of the French character of commissary general of com- people, and to give him an account of the merce. He has received orders to repair to navigation, and destination of their vessels, London, as soon as possible, to co-operate and of every thing which may relate to the with me on every thing relative to this im- service in which he is employed. For which portant negociation; and I am particularly purpose they are to exhibit their license, directed to assure the British government, that clearances, passports, and are punctually to the First Consul desires to conduct it prompt- conform themselves to all the regulations he ly to a termination mutually advantageous. may require. The First Consul moreover I have the honour to be, &c. enjoins the minister plenipotentiary of the French Republic at London, to apprize the government of Great Britain, of the appointment of Citizen Coquebert Montbret, and to require their approbation thereof, as commissary general aforesaid, in order that he may freely exercise his functions, without any lett or hindrance whatever; offering perfect reciprocity towards all those who shall be in like manner recommended to him.Given at Paris, at the national palace of the Consuls, under the seal of the French Republic, the 30th Floréal, year 10. Отто. Right Hon. Lord Hawkesbury, &c. No. 2.-Copy of a letter from Lord Hawkesbury to M. Otto, dated Downing-street, May 24, 1802.-Sir, I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday, and to inform you, that his Majesty's government have learnt, with peculiar satisfaction, the disposition of the First Consul to conclude some arrangement with respect to the commercial intercourse between this country and France. Whenever Mr. Coquebert Montbret shall arrive, I shall be happy to enter into an immediate negociation on this important object, in concert with you and that gentleman; and I trust that, by our conjoint exertions, we shall be enabled to bring it speedily to a conclusion reciprocally beneficial to both countries. I have the honour to be, &c. M. Otto, &c. HAWKESBURY. No. 3.-Translation of a letter from M. Otto to Lord Hawkesbury, dated London, June 24, 1802.-My Lord, I have the honour herewith to transmit to you the original commission appointing Citizen Coquebert Montbret commissary general of the commercial relations of the French Republic at London. I request you to give to this act the accustomed formalities, in order to enable Citizen Coquebert freely to fulfil his duties, on the condition of perfect reciprocity towards the person whom his Majesty may think fit to send to France with the same character. I have the honour to be, &c. Отто. The First Consul of the Republic, By order of the First Consul, Ch. Mau. Talleyrand. No. 4.-Translation of a letter from M. Otto to Lord Hawkesbury, dated Portmansquare, Sept. 15, 1802.-My Lord, I have the honour of transmitting to your excellency, the original commission appointing Citizen Chépy vice-commissary of commercial relations in the islands of Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney. I beg you will have the goodness to annex the exequatur in the usual form to it, and to return it to me. I have the honour to be, &c. Отто. His Excellency Lord Hawkesbury, &c. Inclosure referred to in No. 4.-Translation of the conmission of Citizen Peter Chepy, as Vice-Commissary of commercial_relations at Jersey, &c.-In the name of the French Repub lic. The First Consul of the Republic havHis Excellency Lord Hawkesbury, &c. ing appointed Citizen Peter Chépy to the post Inclosure referred to in No. 3.-Transla- of vice-commissary of commercial relations tion of M. Coqrebert Montbret's commission as of the French Republic in the islands of JerCommissary General for commercial relations sey, Guernsey, and Alderney, orders him to at Iondon. In the name of the French people. repair wit: out delay to his destination, there -The First Consul of the Republic having to exercise, in conformity to the laws, the appointed Citizen Charles Stephen Coquebert functions with which he is entrusted;-enMontbret, to the post of commissary general joins all merchants, captains, masters, owners, of the commercial relations of the French and seamen, as well as every other FrenchRepublic at London; orders him to repair, man residing within the said district, to acwithout delay, to his destination, there to ex- knowledge Citizen Chépy in the post conercise, conformably to the laws, the func-ferred upon him, in the name of the French tions with which he is intrusted;-enjoins all | people, and to give him an account of the |