Mr. D. Foster laid the following resolutions upon the table, viz:
"Whereas the French Republic, regardless of those principles of good faith which ought to ensure a due observance of treaties, have, in various instances, violated the express stipulations of the treaties heretofore made and subsisting between the United States and the French nation, in a manner highly injurious to the interest and honor of the United States; by reason whereof the United States are released from all obligation on their part to respect the said treaties, or to consider themselves as holden or bound thereby.
"Resolved, That it is expedient to make a Legislative declaration notifying the citizens of the United States, and all others concerned, that the said treaties are no longer obligatory upon the United States.
"Resolved, That provision ought to be made by law, authorizing the President of the United States to grant letters of marque and reprisal against all ships and other vessels, with their cargoes, found on the high seas, sailing under the authority of the French Republic, or belonging to the said Republic, or any of the citizens thereof, or its dependencies; to continue and be in force until the French Government shall revoke and annul the orders and decrees authorizing the capture and detention of the vessels and property of the citizens of the United States, contrary to the laws of nations.
"Resolved, That provision ought to be made by law granting a bounty, in proportion to the size and number of guns, on all armed vessels (which shall be taken and brought into any of the ports of the United States) belonging to the Republic of France, or to any of the citizens thereof, or of its dependencies, or to others sailing under the authority, or pretence of authority, from the said Republic."
They were ordered to lie upon the table.
Friday, June 8.
Letters of Marque, &c.
Mr. D. Foster then called up his resolutions relative to granting general reprisals, letters of marque, &c., which, being read, he moved to refer to the Committee for the Protection of Commerce and the Defence of the Country, with power to report by bill or otherwise.
Mr. Davis hoped these resolutions would not be referred. It appeared very strange to him that gentlemen should be desirous of taking this step at present. He had heard much in this House about French parties, and of gentlemen being attached to France, but he thought the House had witnessed, not many minutes ago, something of another party, (referring to the negative which had been put upon the resolution calling upon the President for information respecting British depredations.) And yet, when we have lately received information from France that peace is probably yet within our grasp, a motion is brought forward which, if adopted, would effectually shut out all hopes of a favorable termination of our dispute. In the conclusion of the late despatches, he read as follows: