The americans here do not understand the 23d. Article of the Treaty, & I request you will as soon as may be do me the Favour to explain, whether, By the Canary Islands is meant only the Latitude of those Islands & thus on a line of Latitude, Ships may in one month be in safety in any Longitude if not to Southard of the Canaries; or whether it is meant that the Canary Islands are to be considered as a Point which must not be passed either westward or southward. You will see that the explanation of this may save a months Time, or on the other Hand prevent ships running into Danger. I request an immediate answer & am most affectionately my dear Billy ever Yours