We now know that the offer was despatched a week after he had ordered Missiessy to ravage the British West Indies.[12] And, doubtless, his object was attained when George III.

replied in the speech from the throne (January 15th) that he could not entertain the proposal without reference to the Powers with whom he was then engaged in confidential intercourse, and especially the Emperor of Russia.

Yet the British Government discussed with the Czar the basis for a future pacification of Europe; and the mission of Novossiltzoff at midsummer to Berlin, on his way to Paris, was the answer, albeit a belated one, to Napoleon's New Year's pacific appeal.

We shall now see why this delay occurred, and what acts of the French Emperor finally dispelled all hopes of peace.
The delay was due to differences between Russia and England respecting Malta and our maritime code.

The Czar insisted on our relinquishing Malta and relaxing the rigours of the right of search for deserters from our navy.