11 



that because it contained a recognition of American 

 independence, it could not be abrogated by a subsequent 

 war between the parties. To a position of this novel 

 nature, Great Britain cannot accede. She knows of 

 no exception to the rule, that all treaties are put an 

 end to, by a subsequent war between the same parties ; 

 she cannot, therefore, consent to give her diplomatic 

 relations with one state, a different degree of perma 

 nency, from that on which her connection with all 

 other states depends. Nor can she consider any one 

 state at liberty, to assign to a treaty made with her, 

 such a peculiarity of character, as shall make it, as to 

 duration, an exception to all other treaties, in order to 

 found, on a peculiarity thus assumed, an irrevocable 

 title to all indulgencies, which have all the features of 

 temporary concessions. &quot; 



He then asks what necessary connection there could 

 be, between a right to independence, and a liberty to 

 fish. &quot;Liberties within British limits, are as capable 

 of being exercised by a dependent, as by an indepen 

 dent state, and cannot therefore be the necessary conse 

 quence of independence.&quot; That the right of America 

 to independence, could not be affected, by considering 

 the treaty of 1783, as abrogated by the war, the right 

 was not granted by the treaty, but only acknowledged ; 

 were it not so, Great Britain had renewed her ac 

 knowledgment of independence, by her declaration of 

 war, in 1812. 



After controverting the doctrine of Mr- Adams, that 

 the right existed previous to the treaty of 1783, he 

 says, &quot; that though Great Britain could never admit the 

 claim of the United States to enjoy those liberties, with 

 respect to the fisheries, as matter of right, she was by 

 no means insensible to some of the considerations in 

 the letter of the American minister. And although he 

 could not consider the American claim analogous to the 

 indulgence granted to enemies subjects, to fish on the 

 high seas, for the purpose of conveying fresh fish to 

 market : Yet, says he, (speaking of the British nation) 

 &quot; They do feel that the enjoyment of the liberties, for- 



