Richmond Enquirer

THE UNITED STATES AND PORTUGAL.

From the New York Journal of Commerce.

The communications of our Washington correspondent relative to the trade with Portugal, have been attentively considered by our merchants, and have convinced them, if before they had any doubts of the mischievous policy on the part of both governments, which has caused it to dwindle to a mere point. We are in possession of information which induces us to believe that measures are on foot to restore this trade to its former footing. When the whole history of this negotiation shall be revealed, it will probably be found that the communications above mentioned, have exerted a more important influence at the court of Lisbon, than the hostile state of England and France. We have reason to know that all the early communications on this subject which appeared in our columns, have found their way to Lisbon, and produced a most favorable impression upon the mind of the Portuguese Sovereign. We are also led to believe that under the influence of those feelings, he applied, a few months since, through his Representative at Washington, for the appointment of some Agent on the part of the American Government, with instruction to conclude a Commercial Treaty at Lisbon.

To this application the President replied that he could receive no proposition from the Portuguese Government, until it should indemnify American citizens for the captures of their vessels: that he contemplated no force, but should expect it as evidence from the Portuguese Government, of a proper respect for the American flag. Don Miguel, willing to give a decisive proof of his disposition to accommodate existing differences, has accepted this contingency. He is willing to surrender all the detained American vessels, indemnify their masters or owners, and proceed immediately to the conclusion of a Commercial Treaty on the most liberal principles. Our Government, we understand, has prepared despatches to Lisbon, asking instructions to Mr. Toland, the Portuguese Minister near the Government of the United States, to open negotiations for this purpose at Washington, with the American Secretary of State. Dr. Randolph, it is presumed, will be the bearer of these despatches, and afterwards proceed as a messenger to other Courts in Europe--perhaps to Constantinople.

The agency of Mr. Livingston, the American Secretary of State, in bringing our relations with Portugal to their present desirable state, we believe to be worthy of all praise.

[Dr. Randolph left Washington on Thursday last with despatches for Portugal, as we understand.]

Nat. Int.