10.

M^r Pakenham, and myself agree, that to

open any negotiation in London, or transfer,

to that City for conclusion anything that

maybe [sic] commenced here, would be very bad

policy, as it might, and probably would pro-

crastinate the negotiation almost ad-infinitum [sic]

particularly if this Govm^t desired to prolong

the Question; and any changes in the Govm^t

or even in the ministry, would require a ren-

ovation of powers-and, on any point, on

which their Agent might not be fully in-

structed, he might, merely to gain time, wait

for further orders, and thus the matter be

kept open until you should be tired of

waiting for any result. The Mediation

M^r P. is very well and advantageous

here, and it is here, or at N. Orleans where

the matter should be begun & finished-

commence and fix upon a basis here;

and, let their Commissioner proceed to N.O.

to fix any of the details and exchange

Ratifications. This is decidedly the best

course, in my opinion, should I succeed

in getting them to enter upon any arrange-

ment. All this may be quite prema-

ture, as we may never reach this point.

But should we, you here have my opin-

ion concurred in by M^r Pakenham.