D'Abarca and Manchester on Behalf of Charles III
and George III
Treaty of Versailles (With Spain) — September 3, 1783:
Transcript - English Translation
This treaty is part of the
1783 Peace of Paris,
also called the 1783 Peace of
Versailles.
Image Above
Left: Pedro Pablo
Abarca de Bolea, oil on canvas by Ramon Bayeu, 1769, Museo de Huesca, Photo
� Fernando Alvira
Right: George Montagu,
4th Duke of Manchester, mezzotint by John Jones,
published by William Austin, 1790, � National Portrait Gallery,
London
_____________________
Definitive
Treaty of Peace and Friendship between his Britannic
Majesty, and the King of Spain. Signed at Versailles the 3rd
day of September 1783.
In the name of the most holy and
undivided trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. So be it.
Be it known to all those whom it
shall or may in any manner concern. The most serene and most
potent prince George the 3rd, by the grace of God, King of
Great Britain, France, and Ireland, duke of Brunswick and
Luneburg, arch-treasurer and elector of the Holy Roman
Empire etc. and the most serene and most potent prince
Charles the 3rd, by the grace of God, King of Spain and of
the Indies etc, being equally desirous to put an end to the
war, which for several years past afflicted their respective
dominions, accepted the offer which their Majesties, the
Emperor of the Romans, and the Empress of all the Russias,
made to them of their interposition and of their mediation;
but their Britannic and Catholic Majesties, animated with a
mutual desire of accelerating the re-establishment of peace,
communicated to each other their laudable intention; which
Heaven so far blessed, that they proceeded to lay the
foundations of peace, by signing preliminary articles at
Versailles the 20th of January, in the present year.
Their said Majesties, the King
of Great Britain and the Catholic King, thinking it
incumbent upon them to give their Imperial Majesties a
signal proof of their gratitude for the generous offer of
their mediation, invited them in concert to concur in the
completion of the great and salutary work of peace, by
taking part, as mediators, in the definitive treaty to be
concluded between their Britannic and Catholic Majesties.
Their said Imperial Majesties
having readily accepted that invitation, they have named as
their representatives; viz. his Majesty the Emperor of the
Romans, the most illustrious and most excellent lord
Florimond, count Mercy Argenteau, viscount of Loo, baron of
Crichegn�e, knight of the Golden Fleece, chamberlain, actual
privy councillor of state to his Imperial and Royal
Apostolic Majesty, and his ambassador to his most Christian
Majesty; and her Majesty the Empress of all the Russias, the
most illustrious and most excellent lord prince Iwan
Bariatinskoy, lieutenant-general of the forces of her
Imperial Majesty of all the Russias, knight of the orders of
St. Anne and of the Swedish Sword, and her minister
plenipotentiary to his most Christian Majesty, and the lord
Arcadi de Marcoff, councillor of state to her Imperial
Majesty of all the Russias, and her minister plenipotentiary
to his most Christian Majesty.
In consequence, their said
Majesties, the King of Great Britain and the most Christian
King, have named and constituted for their
plenipotentiaries, charged with the concluding and signing
of the definitive treaty of peace; viz. the King of Great
Britain, the most illustrious and most excellent lord
George, duke and earl of Manchester, viscount Mandeville,
baron of Kimbolton, lord lieutenant and custos rotulorum of
the county of Huntingdon, actual privy councillor to his
Britannic Majesty, and his ambassador extraordinary and
plenipotentiary to his most Christian Majesty; and the
Catholic King, the most illustrious and most excellent lord
Peter Paul Abarca de Bolea Ximenes d'Urrea etc. count of
Aranda and Castel Florido, marquis of Torres, of Villanan,
and Rupit, viscount of Rueda and Yock, baron of the baronies
of Gavin, Sietamo, Clamosa, Eripol Trazmos, La Mata de
Castil-Viejo, Antillou, La Almolda, Cort�s, Jorva, St. Genis,
Rabovillet, Arcau and Ste. Colome de Farn�s, lord of the
tenance and honour of Alcalat�n, the valley of Rodellar, the
castles and towns of Maella, Mesones, Tiurana, and Villa
Plana, Taradel and Viladrau, etc. rico-hombre in Arragon by
descent, grandee of Spain of the first class, knight of the
order of the Golden Fleece, and of that of the Holy Ghost,
gentleman of the King's chamber in employment,
captain-general of his forces, and his ambassador to the
most Christian King; who, after having exchanged their
respective full powers, have agreed upon the following
Articles:
Art. I. There shall be a
Christian, universal, and perpetual peace, as well by sea as
by land, and a sincere and constant friendship shall be
re-established, between their Britannic and Catholic
Majesties, and between the heirs and successors, kingdoms,
dominions, provinces, countries, subjects, and vassals, of
what quality or condition soever they be, without exception,
either of places or persons; so that the high contracting
parties shall give the greatest attention to the maintaining
between themselves and their said dominions and subjects,
this reciprocal friendship and intercourse, without
permitting hereafter, on either part, any kind of
hostilities to be committed, either by sea or by land, for
any cause or under any pretence whatsoever; and they shall
carefully avoid, for the future, every thing which might
prejudice the union happily re-established; endeavouring, on
the contrary, to procure reciprocally for each other, on
every occasion, whatever may contribute to their mutual
glory, interests, and advantage; without giving any
assistance or protection, directly or indirectly, to those
who would do any injury to either of the high contracting
parties. There shall be a general oblivion and amnesty of
every thing which may have been done or committed, before or
since the commencement of the war which is just ended.
Art. 2. The treaties of
Westphalia of 1648; those of Madrid of 1667, and of 1670;
those of the peace and of commerce of Utrecht of 1713; that
of Baden of 1714; of Madrid of 1715; of Seville of 1729; the
definitive treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle of 1748; the treaty of
Madrid of 1750; and the definitive treaty of Paris of 1763,
serve as a basis and foundation to the peace, and to the
present treaty; and for this purpose, they are all renewed
and confirmed, in the best form, as well as all the treaties
in general which subsisted between the high contracting
parties before the war, and particularly all those which are
specified and renewed in the aforesaid definitive treaty of
Paris, in the best form, and as if they were herein inserted
word for word; so that they are to be exactly observed for
the future in their full tenor, and religiously executed by
both parties, in all the points which shall not be derogated
from by the present treaty of peace.
Art. 3. All the prisoners taken
on either side, as well by land as by sea, and the hostages
carried away or given, during the war, and to this day,
shall be restored, without ransom, in six weeks at latest,
to be computed from the day of the exchange of the present
treaty; each crown respectively discharging the advances
which shall have been made for the subsistence and
maintenance of their prisoners, by the sovereign of the
country where they shall have been detained, according to
the receipts, attested accounts, and other authentic
vouchers, which shall be furnished on each side; and
sureties shall be reciprocally given for the payment of the
debts which the prisoners may have contracted in the
countries where they may have been detained, until their
entire release. And all ships, as well men of war as
merchant ships, which may have been taken since the
expiration of the terms agreed upon for the cessation of
hostilities by sea, shall likewise be restored, bona fide,
with all their crews and cargoes. And the execution of this
article shall be proceeded upon immediately after the
exchange of the ratifications of this treaty.
Art. 4. The King of Great
Britain cedes, in full right to his Catholic Majesty, the
island of Minorca; provided that the same stipulations
inserted in the following article shall take place in favour
of the British subjects, with regard to the abovementioned
island.
Art. 5. His Britannic Majesty
likewise cedes and guarantees, in full right, to his
Catholic Majesty, East Florida, as also West Florida. His
Catholic Majesty agrees that the British inhabitants, or
others who may have been subjects of the King of Great
Britain in the said countries, may retire in full security
and liberty, where they shall think proper, and may sell
their estates and remove their effects, as well as their
persons, without being restrained in their emigration, under
any pretence whatsoever, except on account of debts, or
criminal prosecutions; the term limited for this emigration
being fixed to the space of eighteen months, to be computed
from the day of the exchange of the ratifications of the
present treaty; but if, from the value of the possessions of
the English proprietors, they should not be able to dispose
of them within the said term, then his Catholic Majesty
shall grant them a prolongation proportioned to that end. It
is further stipulated, that his Britannic Majesty shall have
the power of removing from East Florida all the effects
which may belong to him, whether artillery or other matters.
Art. 6. The intention of the two
high contracting parties being to prevent, as much as
possible, all the causes of complaint and misunderstanding
heretofore occasioned by the cutting of wood for dying, or
logwood; and several English settlements having been formed
and extended, under that pretence, upon the Spanish
continent; it is expressly agreed, that his Britannic
Majesty's subjects shall have the right of cutting, loading,
and carrying away logwood, in the districts lying between
the rivers Wallis or Bellize, and Rio Hondo, taking the
course of the said two rivers for unalterable boundaries, so
as that the navigation of them be common to both nations; to
wit, by the river Wallis or Bellize, from the sea, ascending
as far as opposite to a lake or inlet which runs into the
land, and forms an isthmus, or neck, with another similar
inlet, which comes from the side of Rio Nuevo or New River;
so that the line of separation shall pass straight across
the said isthmus, and meet another lake formed by the water
of Rio Nuevo, or New River, at its current. The said line
shall continue with the course of Rio Nuevo, descending as
far as opposite to a river, the source of which is marked in
the map, between Rio Nuevo and Rio Hondo, and which empties
itself into Rio Hondo; which river shall also serve as a
common boundary as far as its junction with Rio Hondo to the
sea, as the whole is marked on the map which the
plenipotentiaries of the two crowns have thought proper to
make use of, for ascertaining the points agreed upon, to the
end that a good correspondence my reign between the two
nations, and that the English workmen, cutters, and
labourers, may not trespass from an uncertainty of the
boundaries. The respective commissaries shall fix upon
convenient places, in the territory above marked out, in
order that his Britannic Majesty's subjects, employed in the
felling of logwood, may, without interruption, build therein
houses and magazines necessary for themselves, their
families, and their effects; and his Catholic Majesty
assures to them the enjoyment of all that is expressed in
the present article; provided that these stipulations hall
not be considered as derogating in any wise from his rights
of sovereignty. Therefore all the English, who may be
dispersed in any other parts, whether on the Spanish
continent, or in any of the islands whatsoever, dependent on
the aforesaid Spanish continent, and for whatever reason it
might be, without exception, shall retire within the
district which has been above described, in the space of
eighteen months, to be computed from the exchange of the
ratifications; and for this purpose orders shall be issued
on the part of his Britannic Majesty; and on that of his
Catholic Majesty, his governors shall be ordered to grant to
the English dispersed every convenience possible for their
removing to the settlement agreed upon by the present
article, or for their retiring wherever they shall think
proper. It is likewise stipulated, that if any
fortifications should actually have been heretofore erected
within the limits marked out, his Britannic Majesty shall
cause them all to be demolished; and he will order his
subjects not to build any new ones. The English inhabitants,
who shall settle there for the cutting of logwood, shall be
permitted to enjoy a free fishery for their subsistence, on
the coasts of the districts above agreed on, or of the
islands situated opposite thereto, without being in any wise
disturbed on that account; provided they do not establish
themselves, in any manner, on the said islands.
Art. 7. His Catholic Majesty
shall restore to Great Britain the islands of Providence and
the Bahamas, without exception, in the same condition they
were in when they were conquered by the arms of the king of
Spain. The same stipulations inserted in the fifth article
of this treaty shall take place in favour of the Spanish
subjects, with regard to the islands mentioned in the
present article.
Art. 8. All the countries and
territories, which may have been or which may be conquered
in any part of the world whatsoever, by the arms of his
Britannic Majesty, as well as by those of his Catholic
Majesty, which are not included in the present treaty,
neither under the head of cessions, nor under the head of
restitutions, shall be restored without difficulty, and
without requiring any compensation.
Art. 9. Immediately after the
exchange of the ratification, the two high contracting
parties shall name commissaries to treat concerning new
arrangements of commerce between the two nations, on the
basis of reciprocity and mutual convenience; which
arrangements shall be settled and concluded within the space
of two years, to be computed from the 1st of January, 1784.
Art. 10. As it is necessary to
appoint a certain period for the restitutions and
evacuations to be made, by each of the high contracting
parties, it is agreed, that the King of Great Britain shall
cause East Florida to be evacuated three months after the
ratification of the present treaty, or sooner, if it can be
done. The King of Great Britain shall, in like manner, enter
again into possession of the islands of Providence and the
Bahamas, without exception, in the space of three months
after the ratification of the present treaty, or sooner, if
it can be done. In consequence whereof, the necessary orders
shall be sent by each of the high contracting parties, with
reciprocal passports for the ships which shall carry them,
immediately after the ratification of the present treaty.
Art. 11. Their Britannic and
Catholic Majesties promise to observe sincerely, and bona
fide, all the articles contained and established in the
present treaty; and they will not suffer the same to be
infringed, directly or indirectly, by their respective
subjects; and the said high contracting parties guarantee to
each other, generally and reciprocally, all the stipulations
of the present treaty.
Art. 12. The solemn
ratifications of the present treaty, prepared in good and
due form, shall be exchanged in this city of Versailles,
between the high contracting parties, in the space of one
month, or sooner if possible, to be computed from the day of
the signature of the present treaty. In witness whereof, we,
the underwritten ambassadors extraordinary, and ministers
plenipotentiary, have signed with our hands, in their names,
and by virtue of our respective full powers, the present
definitive treaty, and have cause the seals of our arms to
be affixed thereto.
Done at Versailles the 3rd day
of September, 1783
Manchester
Le Comte d'Aranda
Separate Articles
I. Some of the titles made use
of by the contracting parties, whether in the full powers
and other instruments, during the course of the negotiation,
or in the preamble of the present treaty, not being
generally acknowledged, it has been agreed that no prejudice
shall ever result therefrom to either of the said
contracting parties; and that the titles taken or omitted,
on either side, upon occasion of the said negotiation, and
of the present treaty, shall not be cited, or quoted as a
precedent.
II. It has been agreed and
determined, that the French language, made use of in all the
copies of the present treaty, shall not form an example
which may be alledged or quoted as a precedent, or in any
manner prejudice either of the contracting powers; and that
they shall conform, for the future, to what has been
observed, and ought to be observed, with regard to and on
the part of powers, who are in the practice and possession
of giving and receiving copies of like treaties in a
different language from the French; the present treaty
having, nevertheless, the same force and virtue, as if the
aforesaid practice had been therein observed.
In witness whereof, we the underwritten ambassador
extraordinary, and ministers plenipotentiary of their
Britannic and Catholic Majesties, have signed the
present separate articles, and have caused the seals of our
arms to be affixed thereto.
Done at Versailles, the 3rd of
September 1783.
Le Comte d'Aranda
Manchester
Source: The Parliamentary
History of England from the earliest period to the year 1803
Vol. XXIII, Hansard, London, 1814
ait� d�finitif de paix et
d'amiti� entre S. M. Britannique et le Roi d'Espagne. Sign�
� Versailles, le 3. Septembre 1783.
Au Nom de la Tr�s-Sainte et
Indivisible Trinit�, P�re, Fils et Saint-Esprit. Ainsi
soit-it.
Soit notoire � tous ceux qu'il
appartiendra, ou peut appartenir, en mani�re quelconque. Le
S�r�niffime & Tr�s-Puissant Prince George Trois, par la
Gr�ce de Dieu, Roi de la Grande-Bretagne, de France &
d'Irlande, Duc de Brunsvic & de Lunebourg, Archi-Tr�forier &
Electeur du Saint Empire Romain; & le S�r�nissime &
Tr�s-Puissant Prince Charles Trois, par la Gr�ce de Dieu,
Roi d'Espagne & des Indes, etc. d�sirant �galement de faire
cesser la guerre qui affligeoit depuis plusieurs ann�es
leurs Etats respectifs, avoient agr�� l'offre que Leurs
Majest�s l'Empereur des Romains, et l'Imp�ratrice de toutes
les Russies, leur avoient faite de leur entremise & de leur
m�diation: mais Leurs Majest�s Britannique & Catholique,
anim�es d'un d�sir mutuel d'acc�l�rer le r�tablissement de
la paix, se sont communiqu� leur louable intention, & le
Ciel' l'a tellement b�nie, qu'elles font parvenues � poser
les fondemens de la paix, en signant des Articles
pr�liminaires � Versailles, le vingt Janvier de la pr�sente
ann�e.
Leurs dites Majest�s le Roi de
la Grande-Bretagne, & le Roi Catholique, se faisant un
devoir de donner � Leurs Majest�s Imp�riales une marque
�clatante de leur reconnoissance de l'offre g�n�reuse de
leur m�diation, les ont invit�s de concert � concourir � la
consommation du grand & salutaire ouvrage de la paix, en
prenant part, comme m�diateurs, au Trait� d�finitif �
conclure entre Leurs dites Majest�s Britannique & Catholique.
Leurs dites Majest�s Imp�riales ayant bien voulu agr�er
cette invitation, elles ont nomm� pour les r�pr�senter ;
s�avoir, Sa Majest� l'Empereur des Romains, le tr�s-illustre
& tr�s-excellent Seigneur Florimond Comte de Mercy-Argentean,
Vicomte de Loo, Baron de Crichegn�e, Chevalier de la Toison
d'Or, Chambellan, Conseiller d'Etat intime actuel de Sa Maj.
Imp�riale & Royale Apostolique, & son Ambassadeur aupr�s de
Sa Maj. Tr�s-Chr�tienne; & Sa Maj. l'Imp�ratrice de toutes
les Russies, le Tr�s-Illustre & Tr�s-Excellent Seigneur
Prince Iwan Bariatinskoy, Lieutenant-G�n�ral des arm�es de
Sa Majest� Imp�riale de toutes les Russies, Chevalier des
Ordres de Ste. Anne & de l'Ep�e de Su�de, & son Miniftre
Pl�nipotentiaire pr�s Sa Maj. Tr�s-Chr�tienne, &. le
Seigneur Arcadi de Marcoff, Conseiller d'Etat de Sa Maj.
Imp�riale de toutes les Russies, & son Ministre
Pl�nipotentiaire pr�s Sa Maj. Tr�s-Chr�tienne.
En cons�quence Leurs dites
Majest�s de la Grande-Br�tagne & le Roi Catholique ont nomm�
& constitu� pour leurs Pl�nipotentiaires, charg�s de
conclure & signer le Trait� de Paix d�finitif; s�avoir, le
Roi de la Grande-Bretagne, le Tr�s- Illustre & Tr�s-Excellent
Seigneur George Duc & Comte de Manchester, Vicomte de
Mandeville, Baron de Kimbolton, Lord Lieutenant & Custos
Rotulorum de la Comt� de Huntingdon, Conseiller Priv� actuel
de Sa Maj. Britannique, & son Ambassadeur Extraordinaire &
Pl�nipotentiaire pr�s Sa Maj. Tr�s-Chr�tienne; & le Roi
Catholique, le Tr�s-Illustre & Tr�s-Excellent Seigneur
Pierre Paul Abarca de Bolea Ximenez d'Urrea, etc. Comte
d'Aranda & Castel Florido Marquis de Torres, de Villanan &
Rupit, Vicomte de Rueda & Yoch, Baron des Baronnies de Gravin,
Sietamo, Clamosa, Eripol, Trazmoz, la Mata de Castil-Viejo,
Antilion, la Almolda, Cort�s, Jorva, St. Genis, Rabovillet,
Arcau, & St. Colome de Farn�s, Seigneur de la Tenance &
Honneur d'Alcalatem, Vall�e de Rodellar, Ch�teaux & Bourgs
de Maella, Mesones, Tiurana, & Villa Pana, Taradel &
Viladrau, etc. Riche-Homme par Naissance en
Aragon, Grand d'Espagne de la Premi�re Classe, Chevalier de
l'Ordre de la Toison d'Or, & de celui du Saint Esprit,
Gentilhomme de la Chambre du Roi en Exercice,
Capitaine-G�n�ral de ses arm�es, & son Ambassadeur aupr�s du
Roi Tr�s-Chr�tien: lesquels, apr�s avoir �chang� leurs
pleins-pouvoirs respectifs, sont convenus des Articles
suivans.
ART. I.
Il y aura une paix chr�tienne,
universelle & perp�tuelle, tant par mer que par terre, & une
amiti� sinc�re & constante sera r�tablie, entre Leurs
Majeft�s Britannique & Catholique, & entre Leurs H�ritiers &
Successeurs, Royaumes, Etats, Provinces, Pays, Sujets &
Vassaux, de quelque qualit� & condition qu'ils soyent sans
exception de lieux ni de personnes; en sorte que les Hautes
Parties Contractantes apporteront la plus grande attention �
maintenir entre-elles, & leurs dits Etats & sujets, cette
amiti� & correspondance r�ciproque, sans permettre
dor�navant que, de part ni d'autre, on commette aucunes
sortes d'hostilit�s, par mer ou par terre, pour quelque
cause ou sous quelque pr�texte que ce puisse �tre; & on
�vitera soigneusement tout ce qui pourroit alt�rer � l'avenir,
l'union heureusement r�tablie, s 'attachant, au contraire, �
se procurer r�ciproquement, en toute occasion, tout
ce qui pourroit contribuer � leur gloire, int�r�ts &
avantages mutuels, sans donner aucun secours ou protection,
directement ou indirectement, � ceux qui voudroient porter
quelque pr�judice � l'une ou � l'autre des dites Hautes
Parties Contractantes. Il y aura un oubli & amnestie
g�n�rale de tout ce qui a pu �tre fait ou commis, avant ou
depuis le commencement de la guerre qui vient de finir.
ART. II.
Les Trait�s de Westphalie de
1648; ceux de Madrid de 1667 & de 1670; ceux de paix & de
commerce d'Utrecht de 1713; celui de Bade de 1714; de Madrid
de 1715; de S�ville de 1729; le Trait� d�finitif
d'Aix-la-Chapelle de 1748; le Trait� de Madrid de 1750; & le
Trait� d�finitif de Paris de 1763, servent de base & de
fondement � la paix, & au pr�sent Trait�; & pour cet effet,
ils sont tous renouvelles & confirm�s dans la meilleure
forme, ainsi que tous les Trait�s en g�n�ral qui
subsistoient entre les Hautes Parties Contractantes avant la
guerre, & nomm�ment tous ceux qui sont sp�cifi�s &
renouvelles dans le susdit Trait� d�finitif de Paris, dans
la meilleure forme, & comme s'ils �toient ins�r�s ici mot a
mot, en sorte qu'ils devront �tre observ�s exactement �
l'avenir, dans toute leur teneur, & religieusement ex�cut�s,
de part & d'autre, dans tous les points aux quels il n'est
pas d�rog� par le pr�sent Trait� de paix.
ART. III.
Tous les prisonniers faits de part & d'autre,
tant par terre que par mer, & les otages enlev�s ou
donn�s, pendant la guerre, & jusqu'� ce jour, seront
restitu�s, sans ran�on, dans six semaines, au plus tard,
� compter du jour de l'�change d� la ratification du pr�fent Trait�; chaque Couronne
soldant respectivement les avances qui auront �t� faites, pour la
subsistance &
l'entretien de ses prisonniers, par le Souverain du pays
o� ils auront �t� d�tenus, conform�ment aux re�us &
�tats constat�s, & autres titres authentiques, qui seront
fournis de part & d'autre: & il sera donn� r�ciproquement
des suret�s pour le payement des dettes, que les
parisonniers, auroient pu contracter dans les Etats o�
ils auroient �t� d�tenus, jusqu'� leur enti�re libert�.
Et tous les vaisseaux, tant de guerre que marchands,
qui auroient �t� pris depuis l'expiration des termes convenus pour la
cessation des hostilit�s par mer, seseront pareillement rendus, de bonne foi, avec tous
leurs �quipages & cargaisons. Et on proc�dera �
l'ex�cution de cet Article imm�diatement apr�s l'�change
des ratifications de ce Trait�.
ART. IV.
Le Roi de la Grande-Bretagne c�de, en toute
propri�t�, � Sa Majest� Catholique, l'isle de Minorque. Bien entendu que
les memes stipulations ins�r�es dans
l'Article suivant auroient lieu en faveur des sujets Britanniques, � l'�gard de la
susdite isle.
ART. V.
Sa Majeft� Britannique c�de en outre, & garantit,
en toute propri�t�, � Sa Majeft� Catholique, la Floride
Orientale, ainsi que la Floride Occidentale. Sa Majeft� Catholique convient que les habitans Britannique
ou autres qui auroient �t� sujets du Roi de la Grande-Bretagne dans lesdits pays, pourront
se retirer, en toute
suret� & libert�, ou bon leur semblera, & pourront
vendre leurs biens, & transporter leurs effets, ainsi
que leurs personnes, sans �tre g�n�s dans leur �migration, sous quelque pr�texte que ce puisse �tre, hors celui de dettes, ou de proc�s-criminels; le terme limit� pour cette �migration �tant fix� � l'espace de dix
huit mois, � compter du jour de l'�change des Ratifications du pr�sent Trait�: mais il, par la valeur des
possessions des propri�taires Anglois, ils ne pussent pas
s'en d�faire dans ledit terme alors Sa Maj. Catholique
leur accordera des d�lais proportionn�s � cette fin. Il
est de plus stipul�, que Sa Maj. Britannique aura la facult� de faire transporter de la Floride Orientale tous
les effets qui peuvent lui appartenir, soit artillerie
ou autres.
ART. VI.
L'intention des deux Hautes Parties Contractantes
�tant de pr�venir, autant qu'il est possible, tous les
sujets de plainte & de m�sintelligence, aux quels a
pr�c�demment donn� lieu la coupe de bois de teinture,
ou de Camp�che, & plusieurs �tablissemens Anglois
s'�tant form�s & r�pandus, sous ce pr�texte, dans le
continent Espagnol, il est express�ment convenu, que le
sujets de Sa Maj. Britannique auront la facult� de
couper, charger & transporter le bois de teinture, dans
le district qui se trouve compris entre les rivi�res Wallis, ou Bellize, & Rio Hondo, en prenant
le cours
desdites deux rivi�res pour des limites ineffa�able; de
fa�on que leur navigation soit commune aux deux nations, a s�avoir, par la rivi�re
Wallis, ou Bellize, depuis la mer, en remontant jusque vis-�-vis d'un lac, ou bras mort, qui s'introduit dans
les terres, & forme un isthme, ou gorge, avec un autre pareil bras, qui
vient du c�t� Rio-Nuevo, ou New-River; de fa�on que la ligne divisoire traversera en droiture le dit isthme,
& aboutira � un autre lac produit par les eaux de Rio-Nuevo, ou New-River, jusqu'�
son courant. La dite
ligne continuera par le cours de Rio-Nuevo, en descendant jusque vis-�-vis d'un ruisseau, dont la
carte
marque la source, entre Rio-Nuevo, & Rio-Hondo,
& va se d�charger dans le Rio-Hondo, lequel ruisseau
servira de limite aussi commune jusqu'� sa jonction
avec Rio-Hondo, & del� en d�scendant Rio-Hondo
jusqu'� la mer, ainsi que le tout est marqu� sur la
carte, dont les Pl�nipotentiaires des deux Couronnes
ont jug� convenable de faire usage pour fixer les points
concert�s, afin qu'il r�gne une bonne correspondance
entre les deux nations, & que les ouvriers, coupeurs,
& travailleurs Anglois ne puissent outre-passer, par
l'incertitude des limites; des Commissaires respectifs d�termineront
les endroits convenables dans le territoire
ci-dessus d�sign�, pour que les sujets de Sa Maj. Britannique, occup�s a l'exploitation du bois, puissent y
b�tir, sans emp�chement, les maisons, & les magasins,
qui seront n�cessaires pour eux, pour leurs familles, &
pour leurs effets; & Sa Maj. Catholique leur assure
la jouissance de tout ce qui est port� par le pr�sent
Article; bien entendu que ces stipulations ne seront
cens�es d�roger en rien aux droits de sa Souverainet�.
Par cons�quent, tous les Anglois
qui pourroient se trouver dispers�s partout ailleurs, soit sur
le continent
�spagnol, soit sur les isles quelconques, d�pendantes
du susdit continent Espagnol, & par telle raison que ce f�t,
sans exception, se r�uniront dans le canton qui vient d'�tre circonscrit, dans
le terme de dix huit
mois, � compter de l'�change des ratifications; & pour
cet effet, il leur sera exp�di� des ordres de la part de
Sa Maj. Britannique; & de celle de Sa Maj. Catholique il
sera ordonn� � ses Gouverneurs d'accorder, aux
dits Anglois dispers�s, toutes les facilit�s possible, pour
qu'ils puissent se transf�rer � l'�tablissement convenu par le pr�sent Article, ou
se r�tirer partout o� bon
leur semblera. Il est aussi stipul�, que si actuellement
il y avoit dans la partie d�sign�e des fortifications �rig�es pr�c�demment, Sa Majeft� Britannique les
sera
toutes d�molir; & elle ordonnera � ses sujets de ne
point en former de nouvelles. Il sera permis aux habitans Anglois, qui s'�tabliront pour la coupe du bois,
d'exercer librement la p�che pour leur subsistance, sur
les c�tes, du district convenu ci-dessus, ou des isles
qui se trouveront vis-�-vis du dit canton, sans �tre
en aucune fa�on inqui�t�s pour cela; pourvu qu'ils ne
s'�tablissent en aucune mani�re sur les dites isles.
ART. VII.
Sa Majest� Catholique restituera
� la Grande-Br�tagne les isles de Providence, & des Bahamas,
sans exception, dans le m�me �tat o� elles �toient quand
elles ont �t� conquises par les armes du Roi d'Espagne. Les
m�mes stipulations ins�r�es dans l'Art. V. de ce Trait�
auront lieu en faveur des sujets Espagnols, � l'�gard des
isles d�nomm�es dans le pr�sent Article.
ART. VIII.
Tous les pays & territoires qui
pourroient avoir �t� conquis, ou qui pourroient l'�tre, dans
quelque partie du monde que ce soit, par les armes de Sa
Maj. Britannique, ainsi que par celles de Sa Maj. Catholique,
qui ne sont pas compris dans le pr�sent Trait�, ni � titre
de cessions, ni � titre de restitutions, seront rendus sans
difficult�, & sans exiger de compensation.
ART. IX.
Aussit�t apr�s l'�change des
ratifications, les deux Hautes Parties Contractantes
nommeront des Commissaires, pour travailler � de nouveaux
arrangemens de commerce, entre les deux nations, sur le
fondement de la r�ciprocit�, & la convenance mutuelle;
lesquels arrangemens devront �tre termin�s & conclus dans
l'espace de deux ans, � compter du premier Janvier, mil sept
cent quatre vingt quatre.
ART. X.
Comme il est n�cessaire
d'assigner une �poque fixe pour les restitutions &
�vacuations � faire par chacune des Hautes Parties
Contractantes, il est convenu que le Roi de la Grande-Br�tagne
sera �vacuer la Floride Orientale, trois mois apr�s la
ratification du pr�sent Trait�, ou plut�t, si faire se peut.
Le Roi de la Grande-Br�tagne rentrera �galement en
possession des isles de Providence & des Bahamas, sans
exception dans l'espace de trois mois apr�s la ratification
du pr�sent Trait�, ou plut�t, si faire se peut. En
cons�quence de quoi, les ordres n�cessaires seront envoy�s
par chacune des Hautes Parties Contractantes, avec les
passeports r�ciproques pour les vaisseaux qui les porteront,
imm�diatement apr�s la ratification du pr�sent Trait�.
ART. XI.
Les ratifications solemnelles du
pr�sent Trait�, exp�di�es en bonne & due forme, seront
�chang�es en cette ville de Versailles, entre les Hautes
Parties Contractantes, dans l'espace d'un mois, ou plut�t,
s'il est possible, � compter du jour de la signature du
pr�sent Trait�. En foi de quoi nous soussign�s, leurs
Ambassadeurs Extraordinaires & Ministres Plenipotentiaires,
avons sign� de notre main, en leur nom, & en vertu de nos
pleins-pouvoirs, le pr�sent Trait� d�finitif, & y avons fait
apposer le cachet de nos armes.
Fait � Versailles, le trois
septembre, mil sept cent quatre vingt trois.
Le Comte d'Aranda
Manchester
Article S�par�
I.
Quelques uns des titres employ�s
par les Puissances Contractantes, soit dans le
pleins-pouvoirs & autres actes, pendant le cours de la
n�gociation, soit dans le pr�ambule du pr�sent Trait�,
n'�tant pas g�n�ralement reconnus, il a �t� convenu, qu'il
ne pourroit, jamais en resulter aucun pr�judice pour l'une
ni l'autre des dites Parties Contractantes; & que les titres
pris ou omis de part & d'autre, � l'occasion de la dite
n�gociation, & du pr�sent Trait�, ne pourront �tre cit�s, ni
tirer � cons�quence.
Article S�par�
II.
Il a �t� convenu & arr�t�, que la langue Fran�oise,
employ�e dans tous les exemplaires du pr�sent Trait�,
ne formera point un exemple qui puisse �tre all�gu�,
ni tirer � cons�quence, ni porter pr�judice, en aucune
mani�re, � l'une ni � l'autre des Puissances Contractantes;
& que l'on se conformera � l'avenir � ce qui a
�t� observ�, & doit �tre observ�, � l'�gard de la part
des Puissances, qui sont en usage & en possession de
donner & de recevoir des exemplaires de semblables
Trait�s en une autre langue que la Fran�oise; le pr�sent Trait� ne laissant pas d'avoir la m�me force &
vertu que si le susdit usage y avoit �t� observ�. En
foi de quoi, nous soussign�s, Ambassadeurs Extraordinaires &
Ministres Pl�nipotentiaires de Leurs Majest�s
les Rois Britannique & Catholique, avons sign� les
pr�sens Articles s�par�s, & y avons fait apposer le cachet de nos armes.
Fait � Versailles, le trois Septembre, mil
sept
cent quatre vingt trois.
Le Comte d'Aranda
Manchester
_____________________
Source: Recueil des Principaux Traites
d'Alliance, de Paix, de Treve, de Neutralite,
de Commerce,
de Limites d'Echange etc.
Conclus par les Puissances de l'Europe,
Vol. II (1779-1786),
Gottingen, J.C. Dietrich, 1791
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