ANNALS 



OF 



COMMERCE, 



A. D. 1783. 



HE firfl event demanding our attention in the year 1783 was a 

 moft aufpicious and important one, the conclufion of the prelimin- 

 ary articles of peace, which was accomphfhed on the 20"" day of 

 January at Paris by Mr. Fitzherbert with the comte de Vergennes for 

 France, and with the conde de Aranda for Spain. The Dutch, as they 

 were the laft in getting into the war, were now as backward in getting 

 out of it: they demanded advantages which could not be granted, and 

 even fet up a claim of indemnification for the lofTes they had fuftained. 

 In confequence of fuch inadmiffible pretenfions, no preliminary treaty 

 was concluded with them : but they were comprehended in the agree- 

 ment for an immediate general ceflation of hollilities : fo that they were 

 in fadl at peace, though they feemed unwilling to acknowlege it. 



It was ftipulated in the preliminary treaty, that all prizes, which 

 flaould be taken in the Channel or the North fea within twelve days, 

 in the Mediterranean or in the Ocean as far as the Canary illands 

 within one month, beyond the Canaries as far as the Equinodial line 

 in two months, and in all more remote parts of the world in five 

 months, fliould be freely reftored. 



Though the adjuflment of the jarring and intricate interefts of fo many 

 powers, as were engaged in this war, protradled the negotiations for the 

 peace till the month of September, yet, as the ground-work of it was 

 now concerted, and as all the partie , henceforth a6ted in all refpedls as 

 if the peace were definitively fettled, I think it will fcarcely be confider- 



Vol. IV. A 



