Page:Memoir, correspondence, and miscellanies, from the papers of Thomas Jefferson - Volume 1.djvu/64

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That one hundred and fifty lawyers should do business together, ought not to be expected. But to return again to our subject.

Those who thought seven states competent to the ratification, being very restless under the loss of their motion, I proposed, on the third of January, to meet them on middle ground, and there fore moved a resolution, which premised, that there were but seven states present, who were unanimous for the ratification, but that they differed in opinion on the question of competency ; that those however in the negative, were unwilling, that any powers which it might be supposed they possessed, should remain unexercised for the restoration of peace, provided it could be done, saving their good faith, and without importing any opinion of Congress, that seven states were competent, and resolving that the treaty be rati fied so far as they had power ; that it should be transmitted to our ministers, with instructions to keep it uncommunicated ; to endea vor to obtain three months longer for exchange of ratifications ; that they should be informed, that so soon as nine states shall be present, a ratification by nine shall be sent them : if this should get to them before the ultimate point of time for exchange, they were to use it, and not the other ; if not, they were to offer the act of the seven states in exchange, informing them the treaty had come to hand while Congress was not in session, that but seven states were as yet assembled, and these had unanimously concurred in the ratification. This was debated on the third and fourth ; and on the fifth, a vessel being to sail for England, from this port, (An napolis) the House directed the President to write to our ministers accordingly.

January 14. Delegates from Connecticut having attended yes terday, and another from South Carolina coming in this day, the treaty was ratified without a dissenting voice ; and three instruments of ratification were ordered to be made out, one of which was sent by Colonel Harmer, another by Colonel Franks, and the third transmitted to the Agent of Marine, to be forwarded by any good opportunity.

Congress soon took up the consideration of their foreign rela tions. They deemed it necessary to get their commerce placed with every nation, on a footing as favorable as that of other nations ; and for this purpose, to propose to each a distinct treaty of com merce. This act too would amount to an acknowledgement, by each, of our independence, and of our reception into the fraternity of nations ; which, although as possessing our station of right, and in fact, we would not condescend to ask, we were not unwilling to furnish opportunities for receiving their friendly salutations and wel come. With France, the United Netherlands, and Sweden, we