DOCUMENTS BEARING ON TREATY OF 1783. 45 



As to disputed boundaries and other particulars, we refer you to 

 the instructions given to Mr. John Adams, dated 14th of August, 1779, 

 and 18th of October, 1780, from which you will easily perceive the 

 desires and expectations of Congress. But we think it unsafe, at this 

 distance, to tie you up by absolute and peremptory directions upon 

 any other subject than the two essential articles above mentioned. 

 You are, therefore, at liberty to secure the interest of the United 

 States in such a manner as circumstances may direct, and as the state 

 of the belligerent and the disposition of the mediating powers may 

 require. For this purpose you are to make the most candid and con- 

 fidential communications upon all subjects to the ministers of our 

 generous ally, the King of France ; to undertake nothing in the nego- 

 tiations for peace or truce without their knowledge and concurrence ; 

 and ultimately to govern yourselves by their advice and opinion, en- 

 deavouring in you whole conduct to make them sensible how much 

 we rely upon his majesty's influence for effectual aid in everything 

 that may be necessary to the peace, security, and future prosperity 

 of the United States of America. 



If a difficulty should arise in the course of the negotiations for 

 peace from the backwardness of Great Britain to acknowledge our 

 independence, you are at liberty to agree to a truce, or to make such 

 other concessions as may not affect the substance of what we contend 

 for, and provided that Great Britain be not left in possession of any 

 part of the United States. 



SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, President. 



No. 9. 1781, July 12: Resolution of United States Congress revoking 

 Mr. Adams' Commission. 



JULY 12, 1781. 



A motion was made by Mr. Madison, seconded by Mr. Mathews, 

 That the Commission and instructions for negotiating a treaty of 

 commerce between these United States and Great Britain, given to 

 the honourable John Adams on the 29th day of September, 1779, be 

 and they are hereby revoked. 



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

 by Mr. Partridge. . . ." 



So it was resolved in the affirmative. 



[1781, October 19 : British Surrender at Yorktown.] 



No. 10. 1782, January 4 : Extract from letter, Mr. Livingston to 



Mr. Jay. 



.... Our exclusion from the fishery, would only be beneficial to 

 England. The enmity it would excite, the disputes it would give 

 rise to, would, in the course of a few years, obliterate the memory 

 of the favours we have received. England, by sacrificing a part of 

 her fisheries, and protecting us in the enjoyment of them, would 

 render herself necessary to us, our friendship would be transferred 



a A vote was taken. Ayes 8. Noes 3. 



