ille commissioned by the king to treat with him,
and the sincerity and candor of each soon led to the highest degree of
mutual confidence. "Instead of adopting the usual wary but tedious mode
of reducing every proposition to writing," says Mr. Jay's biographer,[76]
"they conducted the negotiation chiefly by conferences, in which the
parties frankly stated their several views, and suggested the way in
which the objections to these views might be obviated. It was understood
that neither party was to be committed by what passed in these
conversations, but that the propositions made in them might be recalled
or modified at pleasure. In this manner the two ministers speedily
discovered on what points they could agree, where their views were
irreconcilable, and on what principles a compromise might be effected."

While at Fort Cumberland, in October, Washington received a most
gratifying letter from Mr. Jay, accompanied by despatches from Mr.
Randolph, the secretary of state. They came by the Packet _William
Penn_. Mr. Jay's letter was dated the fifth of August. Concerning the
business of his mission he wrote as follows:--

"I am this moment returned from a long conference with Lord
Grenville. Our prospects become more and more promising as we
advance in the business. The compensation cases (as described in
the answer) and the amount of damages will, I have reason to hope,
be referred to the decision of commissioners, mutually to be
appointed by the two governments, and the money paid without delay
on their certificates, and the business closed as speedily as may
be possible. The question of admitting our vessels into the islands
under certain limitations is under consideration, and will soon be
decided. A treaty of commerce is on the carpet. All things being
agreed, the posts will be included. They contend that the article
about the _negroes_ does not extend to those who came in on their
proclamations, to whom (being vested with the property in them by
the right of war) they gave freedom, but only to those who were,
_bona fide_, the property of Americans when the war ceased. They
will, I think, insist that British debts, so far as _injured_ by
lawful impediments, should be repaired by the United States by
decision of mutual commissioners. These things have passed in
conversation, but no commitments on either side, and not to have