you mention,
that an embarkation had already taken place, in which a large
number of negroes had been carried away. Whether this conduct is,
consonant to, or how far it may be deemed an infraction of the
treaty, is not for me to decide. I cannot, however, conceal from
you, that my private opinion is, that the measure is totally
different from the letter and spirit of the treaty. But, waving
the discussion of the point, and leaving its decision to our
respective sovereigns, I find it my duty to signify my readiness,
in conjunction with your Excellency, to enter into any agreement,
or to take any measures, which may be deemed expedient, to
prevent the future carrying away of any negroes, or other
property of the American inhabitants. I beg the favor of your
Excellency's reply, and have the honor to be, &c."[521]

In the substance of the conference between Gen. Washington and Sir Guy
Carleton, at an interview at Orangetown, 6th May, 1783, one gets a
still better idea of the attitude of Washington on this question:

"General Washington opened the Conference by observing that he
heretofore had transmitted to Sir Guy Carleton the resolutions of
Congress of the 15th ulto, that he conceived a personal
Conference would be the most speedy & satisfactory mode of
discussing and settling the Business; and that therefore he had
requested the Interview--That the resolutions of Congress
related to three distinct matters, namely, the setting at Liberty
the prisoners, the receiving possession of the posts occupied by
the British Troops, and the obtaing. the Delivery of all Negroes
& other property of the Inhabitants of these States in the
possession of the Forces or subjects of, or adherents to his
Britannic Majesty.--That with respect to the Liberation of the
prisoners, he had, as far as the Business rested with him, put it
in Train, by meetg. & conferring with the Secretary of War, &
concertg. with him the proper measures for collecting prisoners &
forwarding them to N. York, and that it was to be optional with
Sir Guy, whether the prisoners should march by land, or whether
he would send Transports to convey them by Water--and that the
Secty. of War was to communicate with Sir Guy Carleton on the
subject & obtain his Determination.

"With respect to the other two Ma