DOCUMENTS BEARING ON TEEATY OF 1783. 129 



and from a clause in the proclamation restraining governors from 

 making grants in the Indian country, &c. 



He inquired what we demanded as to the fisheries. We answered 

 that we insisted on enjoying a right in common to them with Great 

 Britain. He intimated that our views should not extend further than 

 a coast fishery, and insinuated that pains had lately been taken in the 

 Eastern States to excite their apprehensions and increase their de- 

 mands on that head. We told him that such a right was essential to 

 us, and that our people would not be content to make peace without 

 it; and Dr. Franklfn explained very fully their great importance to 

 the Eastern States in particular. He then softened his manner and 

 observed that it was natural for France to wish better to us than to 

 England; but as the fisheries were a great nursery for seamen, we 

 might suppose that England would be disinclined to admit others to 

 share in it, and that for his part he wished there might be as few 

 obstacles to a peace as possible. 



No. 84. 1782, October 24 ' Extract from letter, Mr. Oswald to Lord 



Shelburne. 



.'. . . About the drying of fish, it would appear I have made a 

 great mistake in thinking it of less importance that it really is, and 

 therefore forbore insisting on the exceptions to it, for the reasons as 

 mentioned in my letters. But I hope it may be rectified; and pos- 

 sibly a better accommodation obtained in the other articles, in which 

 my care and best offices shall not be wanting 



No. 85. 1782, October 29: Extract from letter, Mr. Oswald to Lord 



Shelbume. 



PARIS 29th Octr. 1782 



MY LORD Mr. Strachey arrived here yesterday at noon, and de- 

 livered me the letter your Lordship did me the honour to write me 

 of the 23rd, for which I am much obliged to your Lordship. The 

 objects therein mentioned are of great importance; and the alterna- 

 tives proposed in your Lordship's note to Mr. Strachey are certainly 

 very proper. Both he and I will do all we can to make the most of 

 them. Last night we were employed on the maps and charters. This 

 forenoon I introduced Mr. Strachey to Mr. Jay, when we ran over 

 the several exceptions to their plan of treaty, and were joined by Mr. 

 Adams, who is come from Holland to take up his place in this 

 Commission. 



We then went out to Dr. Franklin when the same subjects, in the 

 way of conversation, underwent another discussion. I cannot say 

 with what success. Only that I think there is an appearance as that 

 some things may be gained. To-morrow at eleven o'clock the three 

 Commissioners have agreed to meet at my quarters, to examine maps 

 and papers; and thereafter all to dine together at Mr. Jay's. We 



Adams reached Paris on 26th October, 1782. 



