We are also instructed to represent to you, that many of the British debtors in America have, in the course of the war, sustained such considerable and heavy losses by the operations of the British arms in that country, that a great number of them have been rendered incapable of immediately satisfying those debts; we refer it to the justice and equity of Great Britain, so far to amend the Article on that subject, as that no execution shall be issued on a judgment to be obtained in any such case, but after the expiration of three years from the date of the definitive treaty of peace. Congress also think it reasonable, that such part of the interest, which may have accrued on such debts during the war, shall not be payable, because all intercourse between the two countries had, during that period, become impracticable, as well as improper. It does not appear just, that individuals in America should pay for delays in payment, which were occasioned by the civil and military measures of Great Britain. In our opinion, the interest of the creditors as well as the debtors, requires that some tenderness be shown to the latter, and that they should be allowed a little time to acquire the means of discharging debts, which, in many instances, exceed the whole amount of their property. As it is necessary to ascertain an epocha for the restitutions and evacuations to be made, we propose, that it be agreed, that his Britannic Majesty shall cause to be evacuated the posts of New York, Penobscot, and their dependencies with all other posts and places in possession of his Majesty's arms within the United States, in the space of three months after the signature of the definitive treaty, or sooner, if possible, excepting those posts contiguous to the water line, mentioned in the 4th proposition, and those shall be evacuated when Congress shall give the notice therein mentioned. We do ourselves the honor of making these communications to you, Sir, that you may transmit them, and the papers accompanying them, to your Court, and inform us of their answer. We have the honor to be, &c. &c. JOHN ADAMS, B. FRANKLIN, JOHN JAY. * * * * * TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON. Passy, July 18th, 1783. Sir, We have had the honor of receiving by Captain Barney your two letters of the 25th of March and 21st of April, with the papers referred to in them.