UNITED STATES—MR. M'LEOD. (Hansard, 6 April 1841)

§ Viscount Palmerston

observed that his hon. Friend the Member for Kilkenny had a notice on the paper for copies of the correspondence that had taken place between the agents of the government of the United States and her Majesty's Government respecting the destruction of the steam-boat Caroline. He had to request that his hon. Friend would not now press the question on the consideration of the House. He trusted that on the part of both Governments there was an anxious desire that the negotiations respecting this matter should be brought to an amicable and satisfactory determination. But still there were points connected with it which had excited a very strong feeling both in this country and on the other side of the Atlantic; he would therefore put it to the consideration of his hon. Friend whether it would not be advisable at present, while the question was still the subject of communication between the two Governments, to abstain from introducing any motion which must necessarily be followed by a discussion on details that would most likely have the effect of defeating the wish not only of his hon. Friend, but also the desire of the English Government and the government of the States, He hoped, therefore, his hon. Friend would agree to postpone his motion until a later period of the Session, before which time probably the negotiations now pending between 956 the two countries would have come to an issue.

§ Mr. Hume

had no objection to acquiesce as his motive for calling for these documents was one of good feeling to the two countries interested. He was against war with any country, but he was particularly opposed to a war with the United States, for such a struggle must be one of a shocking and unnatural character. His motives were for the best, but he would not press them against the wish of the noble Lord, who must act upon better information than he could possibly possess. He would therefore postpone his motion until after the recess, by which time he trusted the noble Lord would be able to communicate to the House information upon this painful subject of a conclusive and satisfactory description.