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. 5thly. The consideration of this proposition may be left to the treaty of commerce. * * * * * TO DAVID HARTLEY. Passy, July 17th, 1783. Sir, We have the honor to inform you, that we have just received from Congress, their ratification in due form, of the Provisional Articles of the 30th of November, 1782, and we are ready to exchange ratifications with his Britannic Majesty's Ministers as soon as may be. By the same Articles it is stipulated, that his Britannic Majesty shall, with all convenient speed, and without causing any destruction, or carrying away any negroes, or other property of the American inhabitants, withdraw all his armies, garrisons, and fleets from the United States, and from every port, place, and harbor within the same. But, by intelligence lately received from America, and by the enclosed copies of letters and conferences between General Washington and Sir Guy Carleton, it appears that a considerable number of negroes, belonging to the citizens of the United States, have been carried off from New York, contrary to the express stipulation contained in the said Article. We have received from Congress their instructions to represent this matter to you, and to request that speedy and effectual measures be taken to render that justice to the parties interested, which the true intent and meaning of the Article in question plainly dictates.