reed, that every and any British ship
or vessel found or met with on the coasts of North America, of South
America, or of the Islands adjacent, and belonging thereto, and 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 Colonies, and treated as such, as well in peace
as in war, nor shall France, Spain, or the United Colonies ever
hereafter admit British ships into any of their ports in America,
North and South, or the Islands adjacent. This article never to be
altered or dispensed with, but only by and with the consent of each of
the three contracting States.

6thly. During the present war between the United States and Great
Britain, France and Spain shall send into North America, and support
there, a fleet to defend and protect the coasts and the commerce of
the United States, in consequence of which if the possessions of
France or Spain should be attacked in America by Great Britain or her
allies, the United States will afford them all the aid and assistance
in their power.

7thly. No peace or accommodation shall be made with Great Britain to
the infringement or violation of any one of these articles.[8]

I am, with the utmost impatience to hear from you, Dear Sir, yours,
&c.

SILAS DEANE.

FOOTNOTES:

[8] 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