University of Virginia Library

3015. FISHERIES, Preservation of.—

As to the fisheries, England was urgent to
retain them exclusively, France neutral, and
I believe, that had they been ultimately made
a sine quâ non, our commissioners (Mr.
Adams excepted) would have relinquished
them, rather than have broken off the treaty.
[Of peace with Great Britain.] To Mr.
Adams's perseverance alone, on that point, I
have always understood we were indebted for
their reservation.—
To Robert Walsh. Washington ed. vii, 108. Ford ed., x, 117.
(M. 1818)