Maine; or, if that could not be obtained, the province of Sagadahock, or, at the very least, Penobscot. "It is understood," so his instructions concluded, "that if nothing of this can be obtained after the fairest and most strenuous trials, it may be left to the Commissioners to settle, and the American propositions be accepted, leaving out the right of drying fish on the island of Newfoundland, and confining them to what hitherto they have used, a drift fishery; and expunging all the last article except what regards the Mississippi, Administration having no power as to the Act of Navigation.
"It must appear authentically, that every instance has been used, in favour both of the refugees and of the debts prior and subsequent to 1775, and more favourable terms must be obtained, if possible, in the way of absolute and positive engagement; if not, in the way of recognition.
"The refugees are of great importance; but, if the province of Maine be left to Nova Scotia, and the Americans can be brought to join us in regard to West Florida, there are resources which may satisfy them; but the debts require the most serious attention,—that honest debts may be honestly paid in honest money,—no Congress money."[1]
"I trust and hope," Shelburne wrote to Oswald, announcing the departure of Strachey, "you are well founded in your judgment of the American Commissioners now at Paris. I am disposed to expect everything from Dr. Franklin's comprehensive understanding and character; and as I know nothing to the contrary, I am open to every good impression you give us of Mr. Jay. But as you desire to be assisted by my advice, I should act with great insincerity, if I did not convey to you that I find it difficult if not impossible to enter into the policy of all that you recommend upon the subject both of the fishery and the boundaries, and of the principle which you seem to have adopted of going before the Commissioners in
- ↑ Instructions to Strachey, October 20th. Townshend to Oswald, October 20th. Shelburne to Oswald, October 20th, 1782.
