Contemporary manuscript copy of an "Instrument for the Quieting all Disputes between the English & French in America," three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.25 x 11.5, December 1, 1687. King James II of England appoints several officials to a commission for "quieting and determining all controversies and Disputes that have arisen or may hereafter arise between ye subjects of both Crowns in America, as also to settle and determine ye Bounds or Limits of ye Colonys, Islands, Lands, and Territories belonging to ye said Kings." In fine condition.
In 1687 the kings of France and England added to their agreements of the previous year by appointing in concert commissioners to settle all land disputes between the two powers in America. They also pledged to cease hostilities in America until further notice. This might have saved future conflict, but never happened. The commissioners named in this document were appointed but never met, and the overthrow of James II by William and Mary threw France and England back into war. On the American frontier, the French did little to dissuade Indian raids against British outposts.
