DOCUMENTS BEARING ON TKEATT OF 1783. 35 



A motion was then made by Mr. [Thomas] M'Kean, seconded by Mr. [Gou- 

 verneur] Morris, 



That, if contrary to the humane wishes of the United States, Great Britain 

 should obstinately persist in the prosecution of the present unjust war, the min- 

 ister plenipotentiary of these United States be instructed and empowered to 

 consult on, prepare and conclude, with the Ministers of his most Christian and 

 of his catholick majesty, a treaty or treaties, offensive and defensive ; in which 

 offensive treaty, nevertheless, he shall insert, on the part of these states, a 

 proper article or articles for obtaining Canada, Nova Scotia, and the islands 

 of Bermuda ; and an equal share in, and full acknowledgment of the equal com- 

 mon right of these states to the fisheries. 



A motion was made by Mr. [John] Mathews, seconded by Mr. 

 [Thomas] Burke, after the word "Bermuda," to insert " the Flori- 

 das." 



On the question to agree to this amendment, the yeas and nays 

 being required by Mr. [John] Mathews . . . 



So it was resolved in the affirmative. 



A motion was made by Mr. [Meriwether] Smith, seconded by Mr. 

 [Thomas] Burke, to insert after " Floridas," the words " the free 

 navigation of the river Mississippi." 



On the question to agree to this amendment, the yeas and nays 

 being required by Mr. [Meriwether] Smith . . . 6 



So it was resolved in the affirmative. 



******* 



1779, August 7. ... Congress proceeded to the consideration of 

 the report of the committee on the letters from A. Lee, Esq. and the 

 communications of the Minister Plenipotentiary of France, and some 

 time being spent thereon, 



Congress resumed the consideration of the proposition under de- 

 bate on the 5th; and the same, as amended, being set aside by the 

 previous question, a motion was made by Mr. [Gouverneur] Morris, 

 seconded by Mr. [Thomas] Burke, 



That, if contrary to the humane wishes of the United States. Great 

 Britain should obstinately persist in the prosecution of the present 

 .unjust war, the Minister of these United States be empowered and 

 directed to solicit a subsidy from his Catholick Majesty, arid to 

 consult with the Ministers of the said King, and of his most Christian 

 Majesty, and with them prepare such article or articles of treaty, as 

 the situation and conjuncture of affairs may render necessary; and 

 transmit the same to Congress for their consideration. 



After debate, a motion was made by Mr. [Thomas] Burke, sec- 

 onded by Mr. [Gouveneur] Morris, to strike out the words " and of 

 his most Christian majesty, and with them prepare such article or 

 articles as the situation and conjuncture of affairs may render nec- 

 essary," and in lieu thereof to insert, " on the consideration which he 

 may be willing to receive from the United States in return for such 

 subsidy." And on the question, Shall the words moved to be struck 

 out, stand, the vote passed in the negative. 



On the question, Shall the words moved, be inserted, the yeas and 

 nays being required by Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry . . . c 



So it was resolved in the affirmative. 



A vote was taken. Ayes 8. Noes 2. 

 6 A vote was taken. Ayes 7. Noes 3. 

 A vote was taken. Ayes 9. Noes 3, 



