To depress a proud and hated rival was so eagerly desired by the house of Bourbon, that France and Spain might be disposed to continue hostilities for the attainment of objects in which America could feel no common interest.

This circumstance, of itself, furnished motives for prolonging the war, after the causes in which it originated were removed; and additional delays were produced by the discordant views which were entertained in regard to those claims which were the subject of negotiation.

These were, the boundaries which should be assigned to the United States, and the participation which should be allowed them in the fisheries.

On both these points, the wishes of France and Spain were opposed to those of America; and the cabinets both of Versailles and Madrid, seemed disposed to intrigue with that of London, to prevent such ample concessions respecting them, as the British minister might be inclined to make.
[Sidenote: Preliminary and eventual articles agreed upon between the United States and Great Britain.] {Nov.

30.} After an intricate negotiation, in which the penetration, judgment, and firmness, of the American commissioners were eminently displayed, eventual and preliminary articles were signed on the 30th of November.
By this treaty every reasonable wish of America, especially on the questions of boundary and of the fisheries, was gratified.
The liberality of the articles on these points attests the success which attended the endeavours of the plenipotentiaries of the United States, to prove that the real interests of England required that America should become independent in fact, as well as name; and that every cause of future discord between the two nations should be removed.
{1783} The effect of this treaty was suspended until peace should be concluded between France and Great Britain.