Richmond Enquirer

THE FLORIDAS.

An extract of a letter, written at Washington, mentions, that it was reported that Mr. Bagot, the British minister, has been commanded by his government to enter a protest against our occupation of the Floridas. This is surmised—But we give full credit to the report. As late as October, 1813, we were informed, in Spain, by a member of the Cortez from South America, that Sir Henry Wellesley, the British minister, was, at that period (which was a few months after the successful battle of Vittoria) endeavoring to obtain a transfer of the Floridas, which, he proved by documents, brought the Spanish government in debt 500,000 annually. He, however, did not succeed in persuading the regents to accede to his proposition; but it was renewed after Ferdinand the 7th entered Spain, and under more favorable circumstances; and we have never entertained a doubt but that a secret treaty existed in relation to the occupancy of the Floridas, and the use of them which was made by the British during our late war will serve to confirm this belief.

It may depend on circumstances, whether Great Britain will deem it a judicious policy to persist in the claim in the present state of our relations; but the entering a protest, if such a measure has been adopted, may be considered a matter of form. We have no doubt but the measures we shall pursue will be regulated by sound discretion, and will not impair the pacific state of our affairs, nor yield any important right.

[Nat. Adv.