Page:American Historical Review, Volume 12.djvu/599

 Edmund Randolpli on the Britisli T7-eaty 589 together in the garden at Oeller's hotel, about a quarter before two, he informed me, that he should send me the next day some act of the French government, relative to commerce. I deemed it improper to ask any explanations ; as the development was to follow so soon. But I heard nothing from Mr. Adet on the next day which was Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday. On Sunday, the -2ist of June, I received a packet from Mr. Adet, inclosing copies of the commissions of the con- sul-general, and three consuls, and requesting exequaturs. On Monday the 22d of June I visited Mr. Adet again ; and in conversation I referred to some late letters, which I had sent him. He said, that he would answer such as required answers soon. I told to him [.yjc], that I had at first supposed the packet, which I had received the day before, was what he had expressed on the i6th of June his intention of sending to me the next day. He said that it was copying, and gave me reason to suppose, that he should forward it on that day, the 22d of June. Noth- ing was forwarded to me on that day by him. On Tuesday the 23d of June I accompanied Mr. Adet to the President's room; when a fair occasion offered, in speaking of the Senate, to inform him, that the Senate would rise on the next day, the 24th of June. I told Mr. Swann the same thing on the same day in the President's room. But I have not at this moment received from Mr. Adet any other communication of business, than what is stated above. The Senate rose about 12 o'clock yesterday. Edm. Randolph. June 27, 1795. MEMORANDUM.' I. Silence — 2. positive declaration — 3. qualified declaration. 1. Silence throws a doubt on Pt's [President's] intentions; the effect incidental to an unsettled state of things. From silence, assent argued — Why not express. P. must express to B. Govt., else delay — Why not now? Qu: If form settled satisfactorily. Is article necessary to be propounded? !May it not defeat immediate adjustment? 2. Positive. Message. The resolution of the Senate, by which " they do consent to, and advise the Pt. of the U. S. to ratify the treaty of amity, commerce and navigation, lately concluded between his B. M. and the U. S. of America," on the condition therein expressed, was yesterday notified to me. It is expedient, that I should inform you, in what sense I under- stand that resolution. It is, that, as soon as the condition shall be ful- filled, in conformity with the instructions and approbation of the Presi- dent, his ratification is to take effect, and he may cause the ratification to be exchanged. |I shall therefore proceed upon this idea, unless the con- ' Original in Letters to Washington. Miscellaneous, 117, PP- 276, 277.