Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. II.djvu/265

 JAMES BUCHANAN 209 to Russia. He embarked from New York in a sailing-vessel on April 8, 1832, and arrived at St. Petersburg about the middle of June. The chief objects of his mission were the negotiation of a commercial treaty that should promote an increase of the commerce between Russia and the United States by regulating the duties to be levied on the merchandise of each country by the other so far as to prevent undue discrimination in favor of the products of other countries ; to provide for the resi dence and functions of consuls, etc.; and also the negotiation of a treaty respecting the maritime rights of neutral nations on the principle that &quot;free ships make free goods.&quot; The Russian minister for foreign affairs at this time was Count Nesselrode. He favored the treaty of commerce, and, though there was much opposition to it from some mem bers of the Russian ministry, it was finally con cluded on December 18, 1832. The negotiation concerning a treaty on maritime rights was not suc cessful, because, as Mr. Buchanan wrote, &quot;Russia is endeavoring to manage England at present, and this is an unpropitious moment to urge her to adopt principles of public law which would give offence to that nation, and which would in any way abridge her own belligerent rights.&quot; His attractive man ners and evident sincerity of character produced their effect on the Russians, especially the emperor and empress; and he wrote home: &quot;I flatter myself