34 The Fishery Qiccstion. 



should take place, and that Congress should 

 ^recommend to the several States an amnesty 

 and general restitution. The last words on 

 the Fisheries were between Adams and 

 Oswald. It was resolved to allow the Ameri- 

 cans riehts co-extensive with those of Ene- 

 lish subjects, except the local restrictions 

 on drying the catch. Strachey and Fitz- 

 Herbert wished to refer the articles, in their 

 present form, to the English Government. 

 This would have necessitated submitting them 

 to Parliament. Franklin, anticipating the 

 danger, replied that then the question of the 

 Enorlish creditors ouQrht to come ao^ain into 

 discussion. This was Strachey's advantage. 

 Rather than imperil it, he withdrew his objec- 

 tions to an immediate signing. Fitz-Herbert, 

 knowing that the conclusion of peace with 

 the United States would force terms upon 

 France and Spain, also gave his consent. 

 Oswald's power permitted him to sign with 

 the concurrence of his colleagues. The pro- 

 visional treaty was accordingly signed on 

 the 30th of November, 1782. Its definitive 

 character had been fixed in the preamble." 

 Adams alone of the commissioners escaped 

 the imputation of lukewarmness toward the 



