Сочинения. Том 3 - [228]

The departure of the French army from Hanover in October 1805 produced a total removal of the blockade, upon which the trade began to resume its former vigour, and was progressively increasing to a great and beneficial extent, notwithstanding the efforts of the French government to prevent it, when the unjust assumption of the sovereignty of Hanover on the part of Prussia, and the subsequent proclamation of that power prohibiting the introduction of British goods produced a recent order from this government for resuming once more the blockade of the Elbe.

It is here to be observed that the order of the Prussian government simply states

that the ports of the North Sea, as well as the rivers

emptying themselves therein, shall be shut against

British commerce the same as when occupied by the

French troops.

In order therefore to ascertain the true import of this edict, it becomes necessary to inquire, what were the nature and extent of the obstructions offered by the French during the period they occupied Hanover?

It will be found that no instance occured, when the French government attempted to seize, examine or interrupt any vessel passing up the Elbe, altho’ it is certainly true, that within that period three ships were seized by the French soldiery at Cuxhaven, and condemned en militaire: but this outrage had not the sanction of the French government, although it afterwards (when the spoil was divided among the soldiers, and could not be recovered) shamefully connived at what had been done.

It is further to be observed, that as the Prussian government profess to follow only the system, which was practiced by France, that in conformity to the conduct of that power they will not presume to disturb neutral vessels passing and repassing upon the Elbe to, and from Hamburgh, in as much as it was never done by the model, which Prussia professes to follow, and therefore it can scarcely admit a doubt, that such neutrals will be permitted to navigate to, and from Hamburgh without molestation; neither is it to be supposed that the edict of Prussia will be carried into execution, in the manner it imports, as it has been extorted from that power by France, and has been unwillingly acceded to: and still less is it to be excepted, that any rigid regulations will be established with respect to the transit of British goods through the dominions of Prussia, in as much as that country requires regular supplies of colonial, and East India goods and British manufactures, which have become indispensibly necessary for the comfort and convenience of the people.

But admitting that a system equally rigid should prevail, as that, which France established, still as British goods then found their way through the exertions of the Hamburgh merchants into the interior of Europe, it follows of course, that nothing that Prussia can do, will prevent it, provided they pass through the same chain of connections. Besides as the Prussian edict refers only to the rule established by France, and as that rule extended only to the territory (namely Hanover) then in their possession, it can not be fairly construed, as applying to any of the other countries under the government of Prussia. If however it should be found even to extend to the whole of the Prussian dominions, it will not be effectual, if the mode of conveyance remains with the Hamburgh merchants.

This however cannot he effected, unless the blockade of the Elbe is withdrawn. This river is claimed by no belligerent or even neutral power. It is completely free, and Hamburgh being also a free city, is a neutral state in amity with Great Britain.

During the period when the French occupied Hanover, no attempt was made to disturb the commerce, or the commercial proceedings of the city of Hamburgh. Its neutrality in all instances was respected, and as the strongest assurances have been recently given by the French government, that no attempts will be made or suffered, whereby its liberties or independence shall be disturbed, it is expected that it will remain in statu quo, and that its freedom of trade will be preserved.

Admitting this to be the case, it should seem for the reasons already assigned, to be of the greatest importance, that the trade with Hamburgh should not be interrupted. With Holland although an enemies country, an intercourse by neutral vessels has been courted by the policy of Great Britain, and it has always been accounted a wise policy. The same principle applies to Hamburgh in a tenfold degree, because of the great additional vent, which through this medium will be afforded for British manufactures, colonial produce and East India goods. Besides Hamburgh is not an enemies country, and the goods landed there, are not subject to the capricious interferences and seizures, which have so often disturbed the commerce of Holland through the medium of French influence, producing outrage and injustice.

But even admitting that a hazard existed, it is by no means proposed or expected, that the risk is to be incurred by British subjects, either in the other belligerent powers, to whose countries British goods are constantly would be the purchasers for their correspondents all over Europe. The goods as well as the ships would be