We are favoured with the use of an interesting letter
from New York, of the 28th February; written by a gentleman of honour and the best in- -formation, who, though now a citizen of the United States, does not forget that be was born a subject of Great Britain. After expressing himself " de- lighted with Sir Robert Peel's movement," the writer goes on to the exist- ing f relations of the two countries-
" dignified and friendly tone used towards this country in both Houses of Parliament, has given great satisfaction to all persons, save and except the miserable War clique in Washington : and they, poor creatures, are in despair.
Their only hope latterly has been that Sir Robert Peel and Lord Aberdeen would have notieed their ridiculous speeches in Congress, and commented iseverely upon them: if this had been done, they would have cried out against the (vile threats of England,' and raised a new issue to prevent an amicable settlement of the diffi- culty. But the friendly deportment of both Whigs and Tories hsicoMpletely neutralized their plot; and they cannot get up a second edition of the war-cry. The debate has become stale and unprofitable, and makes no impression whatever upon the public mind; and, if the British Government will but continuelItekieree pacific course for a short time longer, the Peace party on this side will gain the victory. You should never lose sight of one fact—that you have been contending with an American party only, and not with the American people; that Mr. Polk was elected by a pitiful majority of some ten or twenty thousand out of three millions of voters; and that the wise and the good among his own political friends are entirely opposed to a war. • • . The late refusal to arbitrate should make no change in the policy of your Government. As Mr. Polk still prefers negotiation, and as Sir Robert Peel has censured Mr. Pakenham for having so abruptly declined the offer of a compromise made last August, it now remains
for England to make a new proposition. • • • •
"When Mr. Pakenham arrived here two years ago, I called on him, and told him I wished I had the power to give him his instructions on the Oregon question. He asked me what they would be? 'Why,' said I, I would tell you, on your arri- val in Washington to call on Mr. Calhoun, (then Secretary,) and propose to him to toss up for the whole territory; and if you should lose, to thank Heaven for your good luck.' That,' said he, would certainly be a very simple way, but not very diplomatic.'
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