| PREVIOUS | NEXT | NEW SEARCH |
A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875
Journals of the Continental Congress --WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1786.
Congress assembled. Present as yesterday.
A motion was made by Mr. [Charles] Pinckney, seconded by Mr. [William] Grayson,
That after the first of July next, the Salaries of the Commissioners for settling the accounts between the United States and individual states, bedollars per Annum, and that no more than one commissioner shall be allowed in any state1
[Note 1: 1 This motion, in the writing of Charles Pinckney, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 26, folio 597.]
A motion was made by Mr. [Stephen Mix] Mitchell, seconded by Mr. [William Samuel] Johnson, to amend the motion, by inserting after "Annum" the words following, "and that the said Commissioners be elected annually:"
Page 268 | Page image
And on the question to agree to this Amendment, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. [Stephen Mix] Mitchell,
{table}
So it passed in the negative.
The blank in the motion being filled with twelve hundred and fifty, and a division called for,
On the question, Resolved, That after the first of July next, the Salaries of the commissioners for settling the accounts between the United States and individual States, be twelve hundred and fifty dollars per Annum:
Ordered, That the remainder of the motion be postponed. Congress took into consideration A treaty of Amity and Commerce between his Majesty the King of Prussia and the United States of America, and adopted and ratified the same, nine states being present, in the manner following:
Page 269 | Page image
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED
To all whom these presents shall come Greeting:
Whereas a treaty of Amity and Commerce, between his Majesty the King of Prussia, and the United States of America, was concluded and signed by the Plenipotentiaries of the said United States, and by the plenipotentiary of his said Majesty, duly and respectively authorised for that purpose, at the places of their respective residence, and at the dates expressed under their several signatures, which said treaty, written both in the American and French languages, is in the words following, to wit:
A Treaty of Amity and Commerce, between his Majesty the King of Prussia, and the United States of America.[Note 1: 1 At this point Roger Alden commences the copying.]
Dans cette vüe Sa Majesté le Roi de Prusse a nommé et eonstitué pour son plénipotentiaire le Baron Frédéric Guillaume de Thulemeier, son conseiller privé d'ambassade et Envoyé extraordinaire auprès de L. H. P. les Etats Généraux des Provinces Unies; Et les Etats Unis ont de leur côté pourvu de leurs pleinpouvoirs le Sieur John Adams, ci-devant l'un de leurs ministres plénipotentiaires pour traiter de la paix, Delegué au Congrès de la part de l'etat de Massachusetts, et chef de justice du dit etat, actuellement Ministre plénipotentiaire des Etats
and Commerce they desire to establish between their respective Countries; his Majesty and the United States have judged that the said end cannot be better obtained, than by taking the most perfect equality and reciprocity for the basis of their agreement.[Note 2: 2 At this point Benjamin Bankson takes up the copying.]
With this view, his Majesty the King of Prussia, has nominated and constituted, as his plenipotentiary, the baron Frederick William de Thulemeier, his privy Counsellor of Embassy, and Envoy Extraordinary with their High Mightinesses the States General of the United Netherlands; and the United States have, on their part, given full powers to John Adams, Esquire, late one of their Ministers plenipotentiary for negotiating a peace, heretofore a Delegate in Congress from the State of Massachusetts, and Chief Justice of the same, and now Minister plenipotentiary
Page 270 | Page image
Article 1. There shall be a firm, inviolable and universal peace and sincere friendship between his Majesty the King of Prussia, his Heirs, Successors and Subjects, on the one part, and the United States of America, and their Citizens, on the other, without exceptions of persons or places.
Article 2. Les sujets de sa Majesté de Prusse pourront fréquenter toutes les côtes et tous les pays des Etats Unis de l'Amérique, y résider et trafiquer en toutes sortes de productions, Manufactures, et marchandises, et ne payeront d'autres ni de plus forts impôts, charges ou droits, dans les dits Etats Unis, que ceux que les nations les plus favorisées sont, ou seront ob]igées de payer; et ils jouiront de tous les droits, priviléges et exemptions dans la navigation et le commerce, dont jouit ou jouira la nation la plus favorisée; se soumettant néanmoins aux loix et usages y établis, et auxquels sont soumis les Citoyens des Etats Unis et les Citoyens et sujets des nations le plus favorisées.
Article 3. Pareillement, les Citoyens des Etats Unis de l'Amérique pourront fréquenter toutes les côtes et
Article 1. Il y aura une paix ferme, inviolable, et universelle, et une Amitié sincère, entre sa Majesté le Rot de Prusse, ses héritiers, successcurs, et sujets, d'une part, et les Etats Unis d'Amérique, et leurs citoyens, d'autre part, sans exception de personnes ou de lieux.
Article 2. The Subjects of his Majesty the King of Prussia, may frequent all the Coasts and Countries of the United States of America, and reside and trade there in all sorts of produce, manufactures and merchandise; and shall pay within the said United States no other or greater duties, charges or fees whatsoever than the most favored nations are or shall be obliged to pay; and they shall enjoy all the rights, privileges and exemptions in navigation and Commerce, which the most favored Nation does or shall enjoy; submitting themselves, nevertheless, to the laws and usages there established, and to which are submitted the Citizens of the United States, and the Citizens and Subjects of the most favoured Nations.
Article 3. In like manner the Citizens of the United States of America may frequent all the Coasts and
Page 271 | Page image
Article 4. En particulier, chacune des deux nations aura le droit d'importer ses propres productions, manufactures, et marchandises, à bord de ses propres bâtimens ou de tel autre, dans toutes les parties des domaines de l'autre, où il sera permis à tous les sujets et citoyens de l'autre nation de les acheter librement; comme aussi d'y charger les productions, manufactures, et marchandises de l'autre, que tous les dits sujets ou citoyens auront la liberté de leur vendre; en payant dans l'un et l'autre cas, tets impôts, droits et charges seulement, que ceux qui sont ou seront payés par la nation la plus favorisée. Cependant, le Rot de Prusse et les etats unis de l'Amérique, et chacun d'eux en particulier, se reservent le droit, au cas que quelque nation restreigne le transport des marchandises aux vaisseaux des pays dont elles sont la production ou la manufacture, d'établir envers cette nation des réglemens reciproques. Se reservant de plus le droit de prohiber dans leurs pays respectifs l'importation ou l'exportation de toute marchandise quelconque, des que la raison d'etat l'exige.
Article 4. More especially each party shall have a right to carry their own produce, manufactures and merchandise, in their own or any other Vessels, to any parts of the dominions of the other, where it shall be lawful for all the Subjects or Citizens of that other, freely to purchase them; and thence to take the produce, manufactures and merchandise of the other, which all the said Citizens or Subjects shall, in like manner, be free to sell them, paying, in both cases, such duties, charges and fees only, as are or shall be paid by the most favoured Nation. Nevertheless the King of Prussia and the United States, and each of them, reserve to themselves the right where any nation restrains the transportation of Merchandise to the Vessels of the Country of which it is the growth or manufacture, to establish against such Nation retaliating regulations; and also the right to prohibit, in their respective Countries, the importation and exportation of all Merchandise whatsoever, when reasons of State shall require it. In this case the Subjects or Citizens of either of the
Page 272 | Page image
article 5. Les marchands, commandans de vaisseaux, et autres sujets ou citoyens de chacune des deux nations, ne seront pas forcés dans les ports ou dans la jurisdiction de l'autre, de décharger aucune sorte de marchandises dans d'autres vaisseaux, ni de les recevoir à bord de leurs propres navires, ni d'attendre leur chargement plus longtemps qu'il ne leur plaira.
Article 6. Pour eviter que les vaisseaux de l'une des deux parties contractantes ne soyent point inutilement molestés ou detenus dans les ports ou sous la jurisdiction de l'autre, il a été convenu que la visite des marchandises, ordonnée par les loix, se fera avant qu'elles ne soyent chargées sur la navire, et qu'ensuite elles ne seront plus assujetties à aucune visite. Et en généeral il ne se fera point de recherche à bord du vaisseau, à moins qu'on n'y air chargé clandestinement et illégalement des marchandises prohibées. Dans ce cas, celui par l'ordre duquel elles ont été portées à bord, ou celui qui les y a portées sans ordre, sera soumis aux loix du pays où il se trouve, sans que le reste de lé'quipage soit molesté, ni les autres marchandiscs, ou le vaisseau, saisis ou detenus par cette raison.
Article 7. Chacune des deux parties contractantes tâchera, par tous les moyens qui seront en son pouvoir, de protéger et de défendre tous les vaisseanx et autres effets appartenans aux
Article 5. The Merchants, Commanders of Vessels, or other Subjects or Citizens of either party, shall not, within the ports or jurisdiction of the other, be forced to unload any sort of Merchandise into any other Vessels, nor to receive them into their own, nor to wait for their being loaded longer than they please.
Article 6. That the Vessels of either party loading within the ports or Jurisdiction of the other, may not be uselessly harassed or detained, it is agreed that all examinations of goods required by the laws, shall be made before they are laden on board the Vessel, and that there shall be no examination after; nor shall the Vessel be searched at any time, unless Articles shall have been laden therein clandestinely and illegally, in which case the person by whose order they were carried on board, or who carried them without order, shall be liable to the laws of the land in which he is, but no other person shall be molested, nor shall any other goods, nor the Vessel, be seized or detained for that cause.
Article 7. 1
Each party shall endeavor, by all the means in their power, to protect and defend all Vessels and other effects belonging to the Citizens or Subjects of the other, which shall be[Note 1: 1 At this point Benjamin Bankson takes up the copying.]
Page 273 | Page image
Article 8. Les Vaisseaux des Sujets ou Citoyens d'une des deux parties contractantes, arrivant sur une Côte appartemante à l'autre, mais n'ayant pas dessein d'entrer au port, ou y étant entrés, ne désirant pas de decharger leurs Cargaisons, ou de rompre leur charge, auront la liberté de repartir et de poursuivre leur route sans empêchement, et sans être obligés de rendre compte de leur Cargaison, ni de payer aucuns impôts, charges et droits quelconques, excepté ceux établis sur les Vaisseaux une fois entrés dans le port, et destinés à l'entretien du port même, ou à d'autres établissemens, qui ont pour but la Sûreté et la commodité des Navigateurs; les quels droits, charges, et impôts, seront les mêmes et se payeront sur le même pied qu'ils sont aequittés par les Sujets ou Citoyens de l'Etat où ils sont établis.[Note 1: 1 At this point Roger Alden resumes the copying.]
Article 9. Au cas que quelque Vaisseau appartenant à l'une des deux parties contractantes auroit fait naufrage, échoué, ou souffert quelque autre dommage sur les côtes ou sous la domination de l'autre, les Sujets ou Citoyens respectifs reeevront, tant pour eux que pour leurs Vaisseaux et effets, la même assistance qui auroit été fournie aux habitans du pays où l'accident arrive; et ils payeront seulement les mêmes charges et droits, auxquels les dits habitans auroient été assujettis en pareil cas; Et si la réparation du Vais
Article 8. The Vessels of the subjects or Citizens of either party, coming on any Coast belonging to 2
the other, but not willing to enter into port, or being entered into port, and not willing to unload their Cargoes or break bulk, shall have liberty to depart and to pursue their Voyage without molestation and without being obliged to render account of their Cargo, or to pay any duties, charges or fees whatsoever, except those established for Vessels entered into port, and appropriated to the maintenance of the port itself, or of other establishments for the safety and convenience of Navigators, which duties, charges and fees shall be the same, and shall be paid on the same footing as in the case of Subjects or Citizens of the Country where they are established.[Note 2: 2 At this point Benjamin Bankson takes up the copying.]
Article 9. When any vessel of either party shall be wrecked, foundered, or otherwise damaged on the Coasts, or within the dominion of the other, their respective Subjects or Citizens, shall receive, as well for themselves as for their vessels and effects, the same assistance which would be due to the Inhabitants of the Country where the damage happens, and shall pay the same charges and dues only as the said inhabitants would be subject to pay in a like case; and if the operations of repair shall require that the whole or
Page 274 | Page image
Article 10. Les citoyens ou sujets de l'une des deux parties contractantes, auront dans les États de l'autre, la liberté de disposer de leurs biens personnels, soit par testament, donation ou autrement, et leurs héritiers étant Sujets ou Citoyens de l'autre partie contractante, succéderont à leurs biens, soit en vertu d'un Testament, ou ab intestat, et ils pourront en prendre possession, soit en personne, soit par d'autres agissant en leur place, et en disposeront à leur volonté, en ne payant d'autres droits que ceux aux-quels les habitants du pays où la succession est devenue vacante, sont assujettis en pareille occurrence. Et en cas d'absence des Héritiers, on prendra aussi longtemps, des biens qui leur sont échus, les mêmes soins qu'on auroit pris en pareille occasion des biens des natifs du pays, jusqu'à ce que le propriétaire légitime air agrée des arrangemens pour recueillir l'héritage. S'il s'éeve des Contestations entre différens pretendans ayant droit à la succession, elles seront décidées en dernier ressort selon les loix et par les juges du pays où la Succession est Vacante. Et si par la mort de quelque personne possédant des biens-fonds sur le territoire de l'une des parties contractantes, ces biens-fonds venoient à passer, selon les loix du pays, à un Citoyen ou Sujet de l'autre partie, si celui-ci, par sa qualité d'éranger il est inhabile de les posséder, obtiendra un delai convenable pour les
Article 10. The Citizens or Subjects of each party shall have power to dispose of their personal goods within the jurisdiction of the other, by testament, donation or otherwise; and their representatives, being Subjects or Citizens of the other party, shall succeed to their said personal goods,1
whether by testament or ab intestato, and may take possession thereof, either by themselves or by others acting for them, and dispose of the same at their will, paying such dues only as the Inhabitants of the country wherein the said goods are, shall be subject to pay in like cases; and in case of the absence of the representative, such care shall be taken of the said goods, and for so long a time as would be taken of the goods of a native in like case, until the lawful owner may take measures for receiving them. And if question shall arise among several claimants, to which of them the said goods belong, the same shall be decided finally by the laws and Judges of the land wherein the said goods are. And where, on the death of any person holding real estate within the territories of the one party, such real estate would by the laws of the land descend on a Citizen or subject of the other, were he not disqualified by alienage, such subject shall be allowed a reasonable time to sell the same, and to withdraw the proceeds without molestation, and exempt from all rights of detraction on the part of the government of the respective States. But[Note 1: 1 At this point Roger Alden takes up the copying.]
Page 275 | Page image
Article 11. Il sera accordé la plus parfaite Liberté de conscience et de culte aux Citoyens et Sujets de chaque partie contractante dans le Etats de l'autre, et personne ne sera molesté à cet égard pour quelque cause qué ce soit, si ce n'est pour insulte faite à la religion de l'autre. De plus, si des Sujets et Citoyens de l'une des parties Contractantes venoient à mourir dans la jurisdiction de l'autre, leurs Corps seront enterrés dans les endroits où l'on a coutume de faire les enterremens, ou dans tel autre lieu décent et convenable, et ils seront protegés contre toute Violence et trouble.
Article 12. Si l'une des parties contractantes étoit en guerre avec une autre Puissance, la libre correspondance et le Commerce des Citoyens ou Sujets de la partie qui demeure neutre envers les puissances belligérantes, ne seront point interrompus. Au contraire, et dans ce cas, comme en pleine paix, les Vaisseaux de la partie neutre, pourront naviguer en toute Sûreté dans les ports et sur les Côtes des Puissances belligérantes, les Vaisseaux libres rendant les marchandises libres, en tant qu'on regardera comme libre tout ce que sera bord d'un navire appartenante à la partie Neutre, quand même ces effets appartiendroient à l'ennemi de l'autre. La même liberté Sétendra aux Personnes qui se trouveront à bord d'un Vaisseaux libre, quand mêmes elles seroient ennemis de l'autre partie, excepté que ce fussent des gens de guerre, actuellement au service de l'ennemi.
Article 11. The most perfect freedom of conscience and of worship, is granted to the citizens or Subjects of either party, within the Jurisdiction of the other, without being liable to molestation in that respect, for any cause other than an insult on the religion of others. Moreover when the Subjects or Citizens of the one party, shall die within the Jurisdiction of the other, their bodies shall be buried in the usual burying grounds, or other decent and suitable places, and shall be protected from v violation or disturbance.
Article 12. If one of the contracting parties should be engaged in war with any other power, the free intercourse and commerce of the Subjects or citizens of the party remaining neuter with the belligerent powers, shall not be interrupted. On the contrary, in that case as in full peace, the vessels of the neutral party may navigate freely to and from the ports and on the coasts of the belligerent parties, free vessels making free goods, insomuch that all things shall be adjudged free which shall be on board any vessel belonging to the neutral party, although such things belong to an enemy of the other; and the same freedom shall be extended to persons who shall be on board a free vessel, although they should be enemies to the other party, unless they be soldiers in actual service of such enemy.
Page 276 | Page image
Article 14. Dans le cas où l'une des deux parties contractantes se trouveroit engagée dans une guerre avec une autre Puissance, et afin que les Vaisseaux de la partie neutre soyent promptement et sûrement reconnus, on est convenu qu'ils devront être taunts de
Article 14. And in the same case where one of the parties is engaged in war with another power, that the Vessels of the neutral party may be readily and certainly known, it is agreed, that they shall be provided with sea letters, or passports, which shall express the
Page 277 | Page image
Article 15. Pour pevenir entièrement tout désorde et toute violence en pareil cas, il a éré stipulé que lorsque des navires, de la partie neutre, navigans sans convoi, rencontreront quelque Vaisseau de guerre public ou particulier de l'autre partie, le Vaisseau de guerre n'approchera le navire neutre qu'au delà de la portée du Canon, et n'enverra pas plus de deux ou trois heroines dans sa chaloupe à bord, pour examiner les Lettres de ruer our passeports. Et toutes les personnes appartenantes quelque Vaisseau de guerre public ou particulier, qui molesteront ou insulteront en quelque manière que ce soit l'équipage, les Vaisseau ou effets de l'autre partie, seront responsables en leurs personnes et en leurs biens, de tous dommages et intérêts; pour lesquels il sera donné caution suffisante par tous les commandans de Vaisseaux armés en course, avant qu'ils reçoivent leurs Commissions.
Article 16. Il a été convenu que les Sujets ou Citoyens de l'une des parties contractantes, leurs Vaisseaux ni effets,
Article 15. And to prevent entirely all disorder and violence in such cases, it is stipulated, that when the vessels of the neutral party, sailing without convoy, shall be met by any vessel of war, public or private, of the other party, such vessel of war shall not approach within cannon shot of the said neutral vessel, nor send more than two or three men in their boat on board the same, to examine her sea letters or passports. And all persons belonging to any vessel of war, public or private, who shall molest or injure, in any manner whatever, the people, vessels or effects of the other party, shall be responsible in their persons and property for damages and interest, sufficient security for which shall be given by all commanders of private armed vessels before they are commissioned.
Article 16. It is agreed that the Subjects or citizens of each of the contracting parties, their vessels and effects,
Page 278 | Page image
Article 17. S'il arrivoit que les Bâtimens ou effets de la puissance neutre fussent pris par l'ennemi de l'autre, ou par un pirate, et ensuite repris par la puissance en guerre, ils seront conduits dans un port de l'une des deux parties contractantes et remis à la garde des Officiers du port, afin d'étre restitués en entier au propriétaire légitime, des qu'il aura duement constaté son droit de propriété.
Article 18. Lorsque les Citoyens ou Sujets de l'une des deux parties Contractantes seront forcés par des tempêtes, par la poursuite des Corsaires ou Vaisseaux ennemis, ou par qualqu'autre accident, à se réfugier avec leurs Vaisseaux ou effets dans les havres, ou dans la jurisdiction de l'autre, ils seront reçus, protégés et traités avec humanité et honnêteté. Il leur sera permis de se pourvoir à un prix raisonable de refranchissemens, de provisions et de toutes choses nécessaires pour leur subsistance, santé et commodité, et pour la reparation de leurs Vaisseaux.
Article 19. Les Vaisseaux de Guerre publics et particuliers des deux parties contractantes, pourront conduire en toute Liberté, par tout où il leur plaira, les Vaisseaux et effets qu'ils auront pris sur leurs ennemis, sans être obligés de payer aucuns impôts, charges ou droits aux Officiers de l'Amirauté, des
Article 17. If any vessel or effects of the neutral power be taken by an enemy of the other, or by a pirate, and retaken by that other, they shall be brought into some port of one of the parties, and delivered into the custody of the officers of that port, in order to be restored entire to the true proprietor, as soon as due proof shall be made concerning the property thereof.
Article 18. If the Citizens or subjects of either party, in danger from tempests, pirates, enemies or other ac accident, shall take refuge with their vessels or effects, within the harbours or jurisdiction of the other, they shall be received, protected and treated with humanity and kindness, and shall be permitted to furnish themselves, at reasonable prices, with all refreshments, provisions and other things necessary for their sustenance, health and accommodation, and for the repair of their vessels.
Article 19. The Vessels of war, public and private, of both parties, shall carry freely wheresoever they please, the vessels and effects taken from their enemies, without being obliged to pay any duties, charges or fees to officers of admiralty, of the customs or any others, nor shall such
Page 279 | Page image
Article 20. Aucun Citoyen ou Sujet de l'une des deux parties contractantes n'acceptera d'une puissance avec laquelle l'autre pourroit être en guerre, ni Commission, ni Lettre de Marque, pour armer en course contre cette derniere sous peine d'être puni comme pirate. Et ni l'un ni l'autre des deux Etats ne louera, prêtera ou donnera une partie de ses forces navales ou militaires à l'ennémi de l'autre, pour l'aider à gir offensivement ou défénsivement contre l'etat qui est en guerre.
Article 21. S'il arrivoit que les deux parties contractantes fussent en même temps en guerre contre un ennemi commun, on observera de part et d'autre les points suivants:
1. Si les Bâtimens de l'une des deux Nations repris par les Armateurs de l'autre, n'ont pas été au pouvoir de l'ennemi au de là de 24 heures, ils seront restitués au premier propriétaire moyennant le payement du tiers de la valeur du Bâtiment et de la Cargaison: si au contraire le Vaisseau repris a été plus de vingt-quatre heures au pouvoir de l'ennemi, il appartiendra en entier à
Article 20. No Citizen or Subject of either of the contracting parties shall take from any power with which the other may be at war, any commission or letter of Marque for arming any vessel to act as a privateer against the other, on pain of being punished as a pirate; nor shall either party hire, lend, or give any part of their naval or military force to the enemy of the other, to aid them offensively or defensively against that other.
Article 21. If the two contracting parties should be engaged in war against a common enemy, the following points shall be observed between them:
1st. If a Vessel of one of the parties, retaken by a privateer of the other, shall not have been in possession of the enemy more than twenty-four hours, she shall be restored to the first owner for one third of the value of the vessel and cargo; but if she shall have been more than twenty four hours in possession of the enemy, she shall belong wholly to the recaptor. 2d. If in the
Page 280 | Page image
Article 22. Lorsque les parties contractantes seront engagées en guerre contre un ennemi commun, ou qu' elles seront neutres toutes deux, les Vaisseaux de guerre de l'une prendront en toute occasion, sous leur protection, les navires de l'autre, qui sont avec eux la même route, et ils les defendront, aussi long-temps qu'ils feront voile ensemble, contre toute force et violence et de la même manière qu'ils protégeroient et défendroient les navires de leur propre Nation.
Article 22. Where the parties shall have a common enemy, or shall both be neutral, the vessels of war of each shall upon all occasions take under their protection the vessels of the other going the same course, and shall defend such vessels as long as they hold the same course, against all force and violence, in the same manner as they ought to protect and defend vessels belonging to the party of which they are.
Page 281 | Page image
Article 24. Afin d'adoucir le sort des prisonniers de guerre, et ne les point exposer à étre envoyés dans des climats
and benefit of Mankind, shall be allowed to continue their respective employments, and shall not be molested in their persons, nor shall their houses or goods be burnt, or otherwise destroyed, nor their fields wasted by the armed force of the enemy, into whose power, by the events of war, they may happen to fall; but if any thing is necessary to be taken from them for the use of such armed force, the same shall be paid for at a reasonable price. And all merchant and trading vessels employed in exchanging the products of different places, and thereby rendering the necessaries, conveniences and comforts of human life more easy to be obtained, and more general, shall be allowed to pass free and unmolested, and neither of the contracting powers shall grant or issue any commission to any private armed vessels empowering them to take or destroy such trading vessels, or interrupt such commerce.[Note 1: 1 At this point Charles Thomson takes up the copying.]
Article 24. And to prevent the destruction of prisoners of war, by sending them into distant and inclement
Page 282 | Page image
Page 283 | Page image
Article 25. Les deux parties contractantes se sont accordé mutuellement la faculté de tenir dans leurs ports respectifs, des Consuls, Vice-Consuls, Agens et Commissaires de leur choix et dont les fonctions seront determinées par un arrangement particulier, lorsque l'une des deux puissances aura nommé à ces postes. Mais dans le cas que tel, ou autre de ces Consuls, veuille faire le
Article 25. The two contracting parties grant to each other the liberty of having each in the ports of the other, consuls, vice-consuls, agents and commissaries of their own appointment, whose functions shall be regulated by particular agreement whenever either party shall choose to make such appointment; but if any such Consuls shall exercise commerce, they shall be
Page 284 | Page image
Article 26. Lorsque l'une des deux parties contractantes accordera dans la suite quelque faveur particulière en fait de Navigation ou de Commerce à d'autres Nations, elle deviendra aussitôt commune à l'autre partie contractante, et celle-ci jouira de cette faveur, gratuitement, si la concession est gratuite, ou en accordant la même compensation si la concession est conditionelle.
Article 27. Sa Majesté le Roi de Prusse et les Etats Unis de l'Amérique sont convenus que le présent traité aura son plein effet pendant l'espace de dix ans à compter du jour de I'échange des ratifications, et que si l'expiration de ce terme arrivoit dans le cours d'une guerre entre eux, les Articles ci-dessus stipulés pour régler leur conduite en temps de guerre, conserveront toute leur force, jusqu'à la conclusion du traité qui retablira la paix. Le présent traité sera ratifié de part et d'autre, et les ratifications seront échangées, dans l'espace d'une année, à compter du jour de la signature.
En foi de quoi, les plénipotentiares sus nommés ont signé le présent traité et y ont apposé le Cachet de leurs Armes, aux lieux de leur domicile respectif, ainsi qu'il sera exprimé cidessus
Article 26. If either party shall hereafter grant to any other nation, any particular favour in navigation or commerce, it shall immediately becommon to the other party, freely, where it is freely granted, to such other nation, or on yielding the compensation where such nation does the same.
Article 27. His Majesty the King of Prussia and the United States of America, agree that this treaty shall be in force during the term of 10 years from the exchange of ratifications, and if the expiration of that term should happen during the course of a war between them, then the articles before provided for the regulation of their conduct during such a war, shall continue in force until the conclusion of the treaty which shall re-establish peace; and that this treaty shall be ratified on both sides, and the ratifications exchanged within one year from the day of its signature.
In testimony whereof, the plenipotentiaries before mentioned, have hereto subscribed their names and affixed their seals, at the places of their respective residence, and at the dates expressed under their several Signatures.
F. G. de Thulemeier, a la Haye le 10 September, 1785.
(L. S.)
(L. S.)
Th. Jefferson
Paris, July 28, 1785
(L. S.)
B. Franklin
Passy, July 9th., 1785
(L. S.)
John Adams
London, August 5, 1785.
1NOW KNOW YE, That we the said United States in Congress assembled, having considered and approved, do hereby ratify and
[Note 1: 1 Thomson here resumes the entries in the Journal.]
Page 285 | Page image
confirm the said treaty, and every article and clause therein contained. In testimony whereof, we have caused our Seal to be hereunto affixed. Witness the honorable Nathaniel Gorham, our chairman, in the absence of his Excellency John Hancock, our president, this seventeenth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty six, and of our Independence and Sovereignty the tenth.1
[Note 1: 1 The text of the treaty and this ratification are also entered in Secret Journal, Foreign, No. 5, by Benjamin Bankson, in both languages.]
On the question to agree to this ratification, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. [Rufus] King,
{table}
So it was unanimously resolved in the affirmative.
Resolved That Congress are not authorised by their Constitution to suspend or check the Operation of any laws of any of the States in cases where the same are consistant
Page 286 | Page image
with the confederation and with treaties made under it. That therefore Congress however desirous to attend to the wishes of their High Mightinesses cannot interpose to prevent the seizures in question in any of the States whose laws authorise the same.1
[Note 1: 1 Thomson has entered under this day practically the entire report of the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, on this matter, which was read in Congress March 1, 1786, and is there printed.]
The Committee consisting of [Mr. James Monroe, Mr. William Samuel Johnson, Mr. Rufus King, Mr. John Kean and Mr. Charles Pinckney] to whom were referr'd the treaties with the western and southern Indians and the dispatches accompanying them beg leave to report in part:
Whereas the objects of the commisions which the U. S. in Congress assembled issued on [the seventeenth day of May and on the twenty second day of September in ther. of our Lord 1785] are [in part] accomplish'd the treaties of peace concluded with the Six Nations at fort Stanwix Schuyler on [22 Oct. 1784 With the Wyandot, Delaware, Chippawa and Ottawa Indians at fort McIntosh on the 21 Jany. 1785. With the Shawnese at the Mouth of the Great Miami 31 Jany. 1786] and with the Cherokees at [Hopewell on the Keowee on the 28 Novr. 1785] with Choctaws at [Hopewell on the Keowee with the Chickasaws at [Hopewell on the Keewee on the 10th. Jany. 1786] and
Whereas it is unnecessary to continue the commissions longer in force, granted for the purpose of treating with the Indians in Northern Middle and Southern departments as the future connection and intercourse with the several Indian nations may, at a less expence, be maintain'd by a proper organization of the Indian department therefore,
resolved, That the several commissions of the 17th May and 22 Sept., 1785 (granted for the purpose of treating with the Indians in
Page 287 | Page image
the Northern, Middle and Southern Departments) be and they are hereby revoked.1
[Note 1: 1 This report, in the writing of James Monroe, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 30, folio 297. According to indorsement it was read May 17 and on June I "Postponed till Tuesday next passed July 12, 1786." The words in brackets were inserted by Charles Thomson and those in parenthesis were written at the botton of the report by Rufus King and also by Charles Thomson in the report itself and afterwards crossed out.
Also, according to indorsement, was read a letter from the Secretary for Foreign Affairs forwarding two letters from John Adams, dated November 24, 1785, and a letter from Lafayette dated February 11, 1786. Jay's letter is in No. 80, II, folio 341.]
Office For Foreign Affairs,
16th. May, 1786.
The Secretary of the United States for the Department of foreign Affairs to whom was referred the Representation made by the Spanish Encargado de Negocios of the Case of Captain Pedro Ermano and the crew of the spanish Sloop "the Virgin of Carmen (otherwise called the King of Prussia"), Reports:
That as the Facts stated in this Paper impeach the Justice of South Carolina, he thinks the first Step proper for Congress to take would be to send a Copy of it to the Governor of that State, and to desire him to enquire and inform Congress whether or how far they are well founded.
Your Secretary is also of Opinion that Mr. Gardoqui should be acquainted with this, and assured that on the Arrival of the Governor's Answer, such further Measures shall be immediately taken as Circumstances may point out, and Justice require.
All which is submitted to the Wisdom of Congress.
John Jay.2
[Note 2: 2 This report is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 81, II, folio 111. According to indorsement it was read May 17. See post, May 19.]
PREVIOUS SECTION .. NEXT SECTION .. NAVIGATOR
| PREVIOUS | NEXT | NEW SEARCH |