Richmond Enquirer

West Indian Trade.—The British Order in Council, prohibiting the intercourse of the United States with the colonial possessions, commences its operation this day. It was suggested at the time of the promulgation of the decree, that the period of its action was so distant, that an amicable arrangement might be made between the two governments, producing the repeal of this restrictive order. Mr. Gallatin, it was supposed, received special instructions upon the subject, prior to his departure for England, and would be able to bring the subject to a favourable issue.—

Whether, as has been stated, his journey to Paris was for the purpose of conferring with Mr. Canning, or not, remains to be seen. It is not impossible that the importance of the concern may have induced him so to do, though we should hope, that under ordinary circumstances, the republican minister would not meet the British agent in any other than his own country, and least of all pursue him to a foreign capital. The next packet ship will probably bring a definitive answer upon the subject, and though not sanguine, we are not without hopes, that it may restore this branch of commerce, in which so many of our fellow-citizens have embarked their capital. We are led to believe that a definite answer will be received, inasmuch as the President's proclamation has not been issued, confiscating any British vessels which may enter our ports after the 1st Dec., (yesterday,) from any of the ports referred to by the order in council. This measure will of course be pursued, if the order is not repeated, and it is probable that pending negotiations have deferred the proclamation, though it may be, that the President waits for the consideration and advice of Congress.

I.N. Y. Times