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Page Number: 45

4 

BOND v. UNITED STATES 

THOMAS, J., concurring in judgment 

rights  of  passage,  . . .  stipulations  not  to  fortify  certain 
places, etc.”).

Founding-era  dictionaries  reflect  a  similar  understand-
ing.    To  be  sure,  some  early  dictionaries  briefly  defined 
“treaty” simply as a “compact of accommodation relating to
public affairs.”  See, e.g., 2 S. Johnson, A Dictionary of the 
English Language 2056 (rev. 4th ed. 1773).  More detailed 
definitions,  however,  recognized  the  particular  character 
of  treaties  as  addressing  matters  of  intercourse  between 
nations  rather  than  domestic  regulation.  See,  e.g.,  J. 
Buchanan,  A  New  English  Dictionary  (1769)  (defining 
“treaty”  as  “[a]  covenant  or  agreement  between  several
nations  for  peace,  commerce,  navigation,  &c.”);  N.  Bailey, 
An  Universal  Etymological  English  Dictionary  (26th  ed. 
1789)  (same);  J.  Montefiore,  A  Commercial  Dictionary 
(1803) (noting “treaties of alliance” for military aid; “trea-
ties  of  subsidy”  for  the  provision  of  soldiers;  treaties  of 
navigation  and  commerce;  treaties  governing  fishing  and 
timber  rights;  and  treaties  on  import  duties);  2  N.  Web-
ster, An American Dictionary of the English Language 97
(1828)  (noting  “treaties  for  regulating  commercial  inter-
course,  treaties  of  alliance,  offensive  and  defensive,  trea-
ties for hiring troops, [and] treaties of peace”).

Treaty practice under the Articles of Confederation was 
also  consistent  with  the  understanding  that  treaties  gov-
ern  matters  of  international  intercourse.    The  Articles 
provided: “The United States in Congress assembled, shall 
have the sole and exclusive right and power of . . . entering 
into treaties and alliances . . . .”  Art. IX.  The Congress of 
the Confederation exercised that power by making treaties
that fell squarely within the traditional scope of the power.
See,  e.g.,  Treaty  with  the  Cherokee,  Art. IV,  Nov.  28, 
1785,  7  Stat.  19,  2  C.  Kappler,  Indian  Affairs:  Laws  and 
Treaties 9 (1904) (territorial borders); Definitive Treaty of 
Peace,  U. S.-Gr.  Brit.,  Art. VII,  Sept.  3,  1783,  8  Stat.  83,
T. S.  No.  104  (peace);  Contract  for  the  Payment  of  Loans,