On this ground, also, the two nations are
on a footing.
As it has never been conceived that either would detain their ships of
war in our ports when they were in a condition for action, we have never
conceived it necessary to prescribe any limits to the time of their
stay. Nor can it be viewed as an injury to either party, to let their
enemies lie still in our ports from year's end to year's end, if they
choose it. Thus, then, the public ships of war of both nations enjoy
a perfect equality in our ports; first, in cases of urgent necessity;
secondly, in cases of comfort or convenience; and thirdly, in the time
they choose to continue; and all a friendly power can ask from another
is, to extend to her the same indulgences which she extends to other
friendly powers. And though the admission of the prizes and privateers
of France is exclusive, yet it is the effect of treaty made long
ago, for valuable considerations, not with a view to the present
circumstances, nor against any nation in particular, but all in general,
and may, therefore, be faithfully observed without offence to any; and
we mean faithfully to observe it. The same exclusive article has been
stipulated, as was before observed, by Great Britain in her treaty with
France, and indeed is to be found in the treaties between most nations.
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