In Congress, February 2d, 1780.
The Committee report, that in a second conference with the honorable the Minister Plenipotentiary of France he communicated to them;
That his Most Christian Majesty, being uninformed of the appointment of a Minister Plenipotentiary to treat of an alliance between the United States and his Catholic Majesty, has signified to his Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States, that he wishes most earnestly for such an alliance; and in order to make the way thereto more easy, has commanded him to communicate to the Congress certain articles, which his Catholic Majesty deems of great importance to the interests of his Crown, and on which it is highly necessary that the United States explain themselves with precision, and with such moderation as may consist with their essential rights.
That the articles are,
1st. A precise and invariable western boundary to the United States.
2dly. The exclusive navigation of the river Mississippi.
3dly. The possession of the Floridas; and
4thly. The lands on the left or eastern side of the river Mississippi.
That on the first article, it is the idea of the cabinet of Madrid, that the United States extend to the westward no farther than settlements were permitted by the royal proclamation bearing date the —— day of —— 1763.
On the second, that the United States do not consider themselves as having any right to navigate the river Mississippi, no territory belonging to them being situated thereon.