It is further agreed, 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 American garrisons 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. ARTICLE XVIII. It is further agreed, that his Britannic Majesty shall cause to be evacuated the ports 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 three months after the signing of this treaty, or sooner if possible, excepting those posts contiguous to the water line abovementioned, which are to be evacuated on notice as specified in Article XVII. ARTICLE XIX. It is agreed that all vessels, which shall have been taken by either party from the other, after the term of twelve days within the Channel or the North Seas, or after the term of one month anywhere to the northward of the latitude of the Canaries inclusively, or after the term of two months between the latitude of the Canaries and the Equinoctial line, or after the term of five months in any other part of the world (all which said terms are to be computed from the third day of February last,) shall be restored. His said Britannic Majesty and the said United States promise to observe sincerely and _bona fide_, all the Articles contained and settled in the present treaty; and they will not suffer the same to be infringed, directly or indirectly, by their respective subjects and citizens. The solemn ratifications of the present treaty, expedited in good and due form, shall be exchanged in the city of London, or Philadelphia, between the contracting parties in the space of ---- months, or sooner if possible, to be computed from the day of the signature of the present treaty. In witness whereof, we, the underwritten, their Ministers Plenipotentiary, have signed with our hands, in their name, and in virtue of our full powers, the present definitive treaty, and have caused the seal of our arms to be put thereto. Done at ---- the ---- day of ---- 1783. RATIFICATION OF THE PROVISIONAL ARTICLES BY GREAT BRITAIN. George R. George the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, Duke of Brunswick and Lunenburg, Arch Treasurer, and Prince Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, &c.