32 APPENDIX TO BRITISH COUNTER CASE. 



ton, seconded by Mr. Burke, to reconsider the first proposition, passed 

 the 24th June last, to the end that the description of the fishery there- 

 in may be altered so as to agree with the description in the fourth 

 proposition as passed on the 22d of this month. 



On the question, Shall the first proposition be reconsidered? the 

 yeas and nays being required by Mr. Dray ton, . . . 



So it passed in the negative. 



A motion was made by Mr. Dickinson, seconded by Mr. Drayton, 

 That it be resolved that the next preceding resolution is to be so 

 understood, that if the fisheries therein described shall be effectually 

 secured to these states by Great Britain, though not by the express 

 stipulation therein mentioned, these states will agree to a treaty of 

 commerce with that kingdom on just and reasonable terms. 



When the question was about to be put, the previous question was 

 moved by Mr. McKean, seconded by Mr. M'Lene. 



And on the question to agree to the previous question, the yeas and 

 nays being required by Mr. Drayton, . . . 6 



So it was carried in the affirmative, and the main question was set 

 aside. 



* ****** 



1779, July 29. ... The fifth proposition moved on the 19th June 

 being read - 



On the motion of Mr. Burke, seconded by Mr. Drayton, 



Resolved, That the consideration thereof be postponed. 



On motion of Mr. M'Kean, seconded by Mr. Huntington, 



Resolved, That, if after a treaty of peace with Great Britain, she shall 

 molest the citizens or inhabitants of any of the United States in taking fish on 

 the banks and places described in the resolution passed the 22d day of July, 

 instant, such molestation (being in the opinion of Congress a direct violation 

 and breach of the peace) shall be a common cause of the said states; and the 

 force of the union be exerted to obtain redress for the parties injured. 



On the question to agree to this, the yeas and nays being required 

 by Mr. Smith, . . . c 



So it was resolved in the affirmative. 

 ******* 



1779, July 31. ... The subject being again resumed, a motion was 

 made by Mr. Gerry, seconded by Mr. Marchant, to take into consid- 

 eration the third proposition, moved on the 19th June, which was 

 postponed on the 17th instant. 



And on the question to agree to this, the yeas and nays being re- 

 quired by Mr. Gerry, . . .* 



So it passed in the negative. 



Congress then proceeded to the consideration of the report of the 

 committee on the letter from Mr. Lee, and the communications of the 

 minister of France; and the preliminary article being read, viz. 

 " That previous to any treaty, or negotiation for peace, the liberty, 

 sovereignty, and independence of these United States, as well in mat- 

 ters of government as of commerce, be acknowledged on the part of 

 Great Britain," 



A vote was taken. Noes 7. Ayes 4. 



6 A vote was taken. Ayes 7. Noes 4. 



c A vote was taken. Ayes 8. Noes 4. 



* A vote was taken. Noes 8. Ayes 4. 



