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1836 2 mo The message spoken of in page 162 was left to a Committee to report at a future time. It is generally believed that the difficulty will be settled without a War with France but the French do not pay what they have agreed to & as long as the subject remains in this state of uncertaintly, we have right to fear that a War will take place. The Insurances refuse to insure on a war risque, even at any premium on whaling ships.

The grand difficulty in this country is a strong party that wants gladly to have a war with France for the sake of plunder, regardless of the havock & distress that it would bring on the Inhabitants generally. By the last mail which was about the 10th 2 mo quite encouraging news was received from Congress respecting our affairs with France. A Brig some time past had arrived in Norfolk from England, supposed to have brought terms of mediation between our government and France, which by the [ATHORITIES?] from Washington proves correct and that our Government accepted the proposal & have dispatched the same vessel announcing the acceptance of the proposed terms, and also sent a Government vessel with a confirmation of the fact. Which if it proves correct will undoubtedly put an end to all apprehension of a war.