THE FEDERAL RELATIONS
OF OREGON
183
the convention of 1827, accompanied their decision with conTherefore the British government diciliatory sentiments.
minister in Washington to propose to the American government terms which had been drawn up in the form of a rected
its
treaty which accompanied the instructions. The relative concessions involved in the proposal were reviewed and compared
by Lord Aberdeen, but, said he, "I am not disposed to weigh minutely the precise amount of compensation or equivalent which may be received by either party but am con.
tent to
leave such estimiate to be
.
made by
.
reference to a
higher consideration than the mere balance of territorial loss or gain. We have sought peace in the spirit of peace." 23
Even more
conciliatory
was the
letter of private instructions
which accompanied the document intended to be shown the American Secretary of State. 24 Pakenham was told to conclude a treaty on the terms outlined, if possible, "since the present constitution of the Senate appears to offer a greater chance of acquiescence than might be present at any .
1
.
.
'
future period. However, if the President declined to accept the proposal, and made a counter-proposition, "you will express regret that you possess no power to admit any such modification, and, without absolutely rejecting whatever proposal may be submitted on the part of the United States, you
whole matter to your government."
will refer the
there
was
This time
to be no opportunity for a slip on the part of the
minister.
Before information reached America of the steps taken by the British government, men of the conciliation party felt that it was for the United States to show by some sign a disposition to settle the controversy and preserve peace, for, not being altogether in the confidence of the President they had not his conviction that an offer would be made from the other side.
Senator McDuffie thought that a renewal of the offer of 49 Richard Rush, who had accompany the notice.
should 23
3d Ss. 24
Aberden
to
Ibid., 228-9.
Pakenham, 18 May, S. Ex. Doc.,
I,
pt.
6,
226-8,
42d Cong.
