more importance to us than all the sums in question. It may also be remarked, that American and British creditors are placed on an equal footing.

Remarks on Articles 5th and 6th, respecting Refugees.

These Articles were among the first discussed, and the last agreed to. And had not the conclusion of this business, at the time of its date, been particularly important to the British administration, the respect, which both in London and Versailles, is supposed to be due to the honor, dignity and interest of royalty, would probably have forever prevented our bringing this Article so near to the views of Congress and the sovereign rights of the States as it now stands. When it is considered, that it was utterly impossible to render this Article perfectly consistent, both with American and British ideas of honor, we presume that the middle line adopted by this Article, is as little unfavorable to the former as any that could in reason be expected.

As to the Separate Article, we beg leave to observe, that it was our policy to render the navigation of the river Mississippi so important to Britain, as that their views might correspond with ours on that subject. Their possessing the country on the river, north of the line from the Lake of the Woods, affords a foundation for their claiming such navigation. And as the importance of West Florida to Britain was for the same reason rather to be strengthened than otherwise, we thought it advisable to allow them the extent contained in the Separate Article, especially as before the

and would operate as an additional inducement to their joining with us in agreeing, that the navigation of the river should forever remain open to both. The map used in the course of our negotiations was Mitchell's.

As we had reason to imagine that the Articles respecting the boundaries, the refugees, and fisheries, did not correspond with the policy of this Court, we did not communicate the preliminaries to the Minister until after they were signed; and not even then the Separate Article. We hope that these considerations will excuse our having so far deviated from the spirit of our instructions: The Count de Vergennes, on perusing the Articles, appeared surprised, but not displeased, at their being so favorable to us.

We We beg leave to add our advice, that copies be sent us of the accounts directed to be taken by the different States, of the unnecessary devastations and sufferings sustained by them from the enemy in the course of the war. Should they arrive before the signature of the definitive treaty they might possibly answer very good

purposes.

With great respect we have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servants,

JOHN ADAMS,

B. FRANKLIN,
JOHN JAY,

HENRY LAURENS.

RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS RESPECTING COMMERCIAL

STIPULATIONS.

In Congress, December 31st, 1782.

On the report of the committee to whom was referred a letter of the 14th of October last, from the Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Versailles,

Resolved, That the Ministers Plenipotentiary for negotiating peace, be instructed, in any commercial stipulations with Great Britain, which may be comprehended in a treaty of peace, to endeavor to obtain for the citizens and inhabitants of the United States, a direct commerce to all parts of the British dominions and possessions, in like manner as all parts of the United States may be opened to a direct commerce of British subjects; or, at least, that such direct commerce be extended to all parts of the British dominions and possessions in Europe and the West Indies. And the said Ministers are informed that stipulations are particularly expected by Congress, in case the citizens and subjects of each party are to be admitted to an equality in matters of commerce with the natives of the other party.

ENGLISH COMMISSIONERS' DECLARATION OF THE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES.

Paris, January 20th, 1783.

DECLARATION.

Whereas the Preliminary Articles agreed to, and signed

this day, between his Majesty, the King of Great Britain,

and his Most Christian Majesty, on the one part, and also between his said Britannic Majesty and his Catholic Majesty, on the other part, stipulate a cessation of hostilities between those three powers, which is to commence upon the exchange of the ratifications of the said Preliminary Articles; and whereas by the provisional treaty signed on the thirtieth of November last, between his Britannic Majesty and the United States of North America, it was stipulated, that the said treaty should have its effect as soon as peace between the said Crowns should be established; the underwritten Minister Plenipotentiary of his Britannic Majesty declares, in the name and by the express order of the King, his master, that the said United States of North America, their subjects and their possessions, shall be comprised in the suspension of arms above mentioned, and that they shall, consequently, enjoy the benefit of the cessation of hostilities, at the same periods and in the same manner as the three Crowns aforesaid, and their subjects and possessions, respectively; on condition, however, that' on the part, and in the name, of the said United States of North America, there shall be delivered a similar declaration, expressing their assent to the present suspension of arms, and containing an assurance of the most perfect reciprocity on their part.

In faith whereof, we, the Minister Plenipotentiary of his Britannic Majesty, have signed this present declaration, and have thereto caused the seal of our arms to be affixed, at Versailles, this twentieth day of January, one thousand seven hundred and eightythree.

Signature of the above Declaration by the American Commissioners.

We, the underwritten, Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of North America, having received from Mr Fitzherbert, Minister Plenipotentiary of his Britannic Majesty, a declaration relative to a suspension of arms to be established between his said Majesty and the said States, of which the following is a copy, viz; [See the preceding Declaration.]

We have, in the name of the said United States of North America, and in virtue of the powers we are vested with, received the above declaration, and do accept the same by these presents, and we do reciprocally declare, that said States cause to cease all hostilities against his Britannic Majesty, his subjects and possessions, at the terms or periods agreed to between his said Majesty the King of Great Britain, his Majesty the King of France, and his Majesty the King of Spain, in the same manner as stipulated between those three Crowns, and to have the same effect.

In faith whereof, we, Ministers Plenipotentiary from the United States of America, have signed the present declaration, and have hereunto affixed the seals of our arms, at Versailles, the twentieth of January, one thousand seven hundred and eightythree.

JOHN ADAMS,

B. FRANKLIN.