Note 8 — THE CORRESPONDENCE OF SILAS DEANE. (continued 2)
Reading edition
From the manner in which Mr Deane introduces these articles, it does not appear in what source they originated. From the following sketch, which was prepared some time before this letter was written to Mr Jay, it is evident that the project was first proposed by Mr Deane himself.
"Outline of a Treaty between France and Spain and the United States, drawn up by Silas Deane, and presented to the Count Vergennes in his private capacity, Nov 23, 1776.
"1. Independence to be recognized.
"2. The United States to guaranty and confirm to France and Spain all their possessions in North America and the West India Islands.
"3. Should France or Spain gain possession of any of the West India Islands, (as an indemnity for the injuries sustained by them in the last war, in consequence of its being commenced on the part of Great Britain, in violation of the laws of nations,) the United States to assist the said powers in gaining satisfaction, and in retaining possession of such acquisitions.
"4. The fisheries on the Banks of Newfoundland to be enjoyed equally between the three contracting powers, to the exclusion of all other nations.
"5. The regulations of commerce to be reciprocal.
"6. Any British vessel found or met with on the coast of North or South America, or the Islands adjacent or belonging thereto, within a certain degree or distance to be agreed on, shall be forever hereafter considered as lawful prize to any of the subjects of France, Spain, or the United States, and treated as such as well in peace as in war,—nor shall France, Spain, or the United States ever hereafter admit British ships into any of their ports in America, North or South, or the Islands adjacent, nor shall this article ever be altered or dispensed with, but only by and with the consent of each of the three contracting States.
"7. During the present war, France and Spain to send fleets into the seas of the United States to defend them from the British, and should the possessions o£ France or Spain in America be attacked, the United States to lend such aids as they can for their defence.
"8. No peace to be made with Great Britain, by either of the contracting parties, to the infringement or violation of any one of these articles."