2dly. That an equal and free participation of the different carrying places, and the navigation of all the lakes and rivers of that country, through which the water line of division passes between Canada and the United States, shall be enjoyed fully and uninterruptedly by both parties.
3dly. That in any such places, within the boundaries assigned generally to the American States, as are adjoining to the water line of division, and which are not specifically under the dominion of any one State, all persons at present resident, or having possessions or occupations as merchants, or otherwise, may remain in peaceable enjoyment of all civil rights, and in pursuit of their respective occupations.
4thly. That in any such places adjoining to the water line of division, as may be under the specific dominion of any particular State, all persons at present resident, or having possessions or occupations as merchants, or otherwise, may remain in the peaceable enjoyment of all civil rights, and in pursuit of their occupations, until they shall receive notice of removal from the State to which any such place may appertain; and, upon any such notice of removal, a term of three years shall be allowed for selling, or withdrawing their valuable effects, and for settling their affairs.
5thly. That his Britannic Majesty's forces, not exceeding —— in number, may continue in the posts now occupied by them contiguous to the water line, for the term of three years, for the purpose of securing the lives, property, and peace of any persons settled in that country, against the invasion or ravages of the neighboring Indian nations, who may be suspected of retaining resentments, in consequence of the late war.
6thly. That no tax or impost whatsoever, shall be laid on any articles of commerce passing or repassing through the country, but that the trade may be left entirely open, for the benefit of all parties interested therein.
THE COMMISSIONERS' ANSWERS TO MR HARTLEY'S SIX PROPOSITIONS.
To the 1st. This matter has been already regulated in the 5th and 6th Articles of the Provisional Treaty, to the utmost extent of our powers. The rest must be left to the several States.
2dly. All the lakes, rivers, and waters, divided by the boundary line, or lines, between the United States and his Britannic Majesty's territories, shall be freely used and navigated by both parties, during the whole extent of such divisions. Regulations concerning roads, carrying places, and any land communications between said waters, whether within the line of the United States or that of his Majesty, together with the navigation of all waters and rivers in America, belonging to either party, may be made in a negotiation of a treaty of commerce.
3dly. That in all places belonging to the United States, in the country adjoining to the water line of division, and which, during the war, were in his Majesty's possession, all persons at present resident, or having possessions or occupations as merchants, or otherwise, may remain in the peaceable enjoyment of all civil rights, and in pursuit of their occupations, until they shall receive notice of removal from Congress, or the State to which any such place may appertain; and that upon any such notice of removal, a term of two years shall be allowed for selling, or withdrawing their effects, and for settling their affairs.
4thly. That his Britannic Majesty's forces, not exceeding —— in number, may continue in the posts now occupied by them contiguous to the water line, until Congress shall give them notice to evacuate the said posts, and garrisons of their own shall arrive at said posts, for the purpose of securing the lives, property, and peace of any persons settled in that country, against the invasion or ravages of the neighboring Indian nations, who may be suspected of retaining resentments, in consequence of the late war.