Virginia Argus

NATIONAL FRIENDSHIP.

On Saturday last, a very elegant dinner was given at the London tavern, by the British merchants, trading to North America, to Mr. Monroe, the minister from the United States of America.

The company was very numerous and highly respectable--among the visitors were--Mr. Pinckney, (who it is understood is to succeed Mr. Monroe) the chancellor of the exchequer, lords Mulgrave, Castlereagh and Erskine--Sir Wm. Scott, Mr. Canning, Mr. Rose, &c.

Philip Sansom, esq. the chairman of the committee of the American merchants, who presided on the occasion, filled the chair with great ability, and to the highest gratification of the company.--The day was passed with the utmost harmony and good humor, and at the same time with a degree of order which has seldom been witnessed on such occasions.

The toasts were

The King.
The Queen. The Prince of Wales, &c.

And the following from the chairman were received with bursts of applause, as particularly appropriate to the object of the meeting:--

The President of the United States of America

Perpetual friendship between Great Britain and the United States of America.

Mr. Monroe--Mr. Pinckney

The honorable Mr. Erskine, the British Minister to the United States of America

Upon the health of Mr. Monroe being given, that gentleman addressed the company in a feeling energetic speech, expressive of the high sense he had of the compliment paid to him, and of the pleasure he felt at the unanimity that prevailed.

Mr. Pinckney also, upon his health being drank, addressed the company in an eloquent speech, expressing similar sentiments.

Before the visitors withdrew, Mr. Canning, the secretary of foreign affairs, gave the following toast:--

May the British and Americans never meet on terms less friendly than they have done this day

Which was drank with the utmost satisfaction.